Leaving your pet behind while the family enjoys a much-needed vacation may feel as though you are leaving onebrfamily member out of the fun. While it’s not uncommonbrfor travelers to pack up their pooch or kitty for a road trip,brpet owners are increasingly boarding their furry friends on an airplane.brBe prepared to be a jetsetter with your pet when choosing a vacationbrdestination that’s for the birds ... or cats or dogs or turtles.br
Beach Vacationbr
From what we know about dogs and their love of water, bringing Fidobrwith you on a beach vacation seems like the perfect fit. Located offbrthe Gulf of Mexico, Key West, Florida, is the southernmost city in thebrcontinental United States. It boasts miles of white, sandy beaches andbrbeautiful blue water along the coast. Relaxing by the ocean or takingbrpart in a variety of water activities such as snorkeling is what vacationbrdreams are made of. And if you are worried about leaving your poochbrbehind at the hotel when you want to partake in these water sports, LazybrDog Kayaking has you covered. Whether you choose to go with a guidedbrkayak tour or venture out on your own, bring along your dog to share inbryour exploration of Key West’s remote backcountry regions.br
After a long day of kayaking or paddling with your pup, it’s nicebrto relax at a hotel that welcomes furry friends. The Hyatt Key WestbrResort & Spa is an ocean-side retreat and spa that features 118 guestbrrooms, each with private balconies. Waterfront dining is available atbrthe Shor American Seafood Grill or the Blue Mojito Pool Bar and Grill.brAnd although dogs may not be allowed at the Jala Spa, the hotel is pet-brfriendly. KeyWest.Hyatt.com, LazyDog.com
br br brCity Vacation
First off, when vacationing in Chicago, you need to have a place tobrrest your head, and equally
important, a room that comes with a dogbrbed. The Kimpton Hotel Monaco overlooks the Chicago River and hasbrplenty of patience for your pet. And while they may not always be ablebrto roam among the 119 hotel rooms and suites, all pets are welcome atbrthe Monaco—with no fee. Just in case you do have to leave your four-brlegged pal behind (there’s only so much window shopping you canbrdo), the Monaco provides plenty of activities for your pet. Massage andbracupuncture services are not just reserved for bipeds only; those withbrfour paws can enjoy the pampering as well. Oliver, a spunky LhasabrApso, is the Director of Pet Relations and loves to play chase in thebrlobby.br
The Windy City has its fair share of pet-friendly hotels, and whilebryour dog can remain your constant companion on strolls throughoutbrthe city’s concrete jungle, a girl has to eat, right? The Benchmark Bar,brpart of the Four Corners Tavern Group, is as dog-friendly as they come.brEnjoy dinner and drinks, or join your friends on the patio for weekendbrbrunch. Monaco-Chicago.com, BenchmarkChicago.combr
Resort Vacationbr
Does all-inclusive to you mean bringing the family favorite alongbrfor the ride? If the answer is a resounding “yes,” then you’ll want tobrvisit FireSky Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. This destination isbrtruly unique in that it welcomes almost any animal you are willingbrto call your pet. Hamsters, lizards and cats unite! Finally, a place forbrall creatures—not just those who offer puppy love. According to thebrresort, “if your pet fits through the door, we’ll welcome them in.” And,brthere’s no extra charge.br
brAlso part of the Kimpton family of hotels, FireSky is consideredbrto be a tropical hideaway complete with a beach. There are 204 hotelbrrooms and suites each with a private terrace or balcony, many of whichbroverlook the private courtyard. While at the resort, enjoy FireSky’sbronsite restaurant, Taggia, which serves Italian cuisine. Or explore one of the many nearby trails or world-class golf courses.
br br brTwo hotel pools (one includes a sandy beach), the Jurliquebrspa and a 24-hour fitness facility are resort amenities reserved forbrhumans. But hotel amenities and extras for the feline and caninebrbreeds include plush pet-bed loaners in guest rooms, food, waterbrbowls and mats. The concierge is always prepared with a list of pet-brfriendly restaurants, parks and groomers in the area. And it wouldn’tbrbe fair not to include your pet at the nightly wine reception, so bringbrFido or Polly along with you to mingle with guests. KimptonHotels.com
Winery Vacation
And finally, of all the pet-friendly vacation destinations, a trip tobrexplore the wineries of the Sonoma Valley in California mightbrseem far-fetched. However, there are many wineries in this areabrthat do, in fact, welcome your pup. A few of these include LarsonbrFamily Winery, Anaba Winery and Meadowcroft Winery (pictured).brThe staff of Meadowcroft not only make sure your tasting roombrexperience is the best, but they offer dog treats and tummy rubs tobryour furry travel companion. If this doesn’t convince you they arebrpet-friendly, how about this: Each year the winery hosts a benefitbrcalled Days of Wine and Wags which promotes advocacy for localbrshelters and rescue groups. MeadowcroftWines.com