Traveling with your dog often involves more than packing extra luggage for them -it can also inflate your travel budget with costs like pet-friendly accommodations, food and activities. Yet, despite these expenses, bringing your pup along can often be a more budget-friendly and satisfying choice compared to boarding fees or hiring a pet sitter. By implementing a few budget-saving hacks, you can enjoy your trip together without breaking the bank.
Remember, taking your dog on your travels isn’t just about saving on boarding costs; it’s about the unparalleled joy and companionship that comes with having your pet by your side. Dogs are great at encouraging more physical activity and can turn a simple walk on the beach or a hike in the forest into an adventure. They also serve as ice breakers and can help you meet new people who share your love for animals.
Moreover, for those who struggle with anxiety or require emotional support, having your dog with you can provide significant emotional comfort and make travel more accessible and enjoyable.
In this post, we’ll let you in on 17 budget hacks we use when traveling with our dog to ensure that both you and your pup can enjoy traveling together without straining your wallet.
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17 Smart Hacks for Traveling with Dogs
1. Start Planning Early
Starting your vacation planning early opens up a wealth of budget-friendly options, especially when traveling with a pet. Whether you’re considering camping or staying in a pet-friendly vacation rental, the best and cheapest spots tend to get snapped up quickly.
Many dog-friendly hotels offer only a limited number of rooms for pet owners, so delaying your booking could mean missing out on your preferred location. Similarly, if you’re planning to fly or take a train, keep in mind that these services often limit the number of pets per trip.
How early should you begin planning?
I typically start searching for dog-friendly destinations about seven months before my intended travel date. Once my plans are set, I aim to book our accommodations five to six months in advance. While I’ve sometimes booked later, I’ve found that securing places earlier often leads to the best deals and less stress.
However, booking early comes with its risks, as plans can change unexpectedly. It’s crucial to carefully review the cancellation policies before making a reservation. While some places may allow cancellations a few days before your trip, others might not permit them at all.
Budget Saving Hacks For Pet-Friendly Hotel Stays
2. Look for Hotels with Low or No Pet Fees
When booking your stay, it’s crucial to check the pet fees, as most hotels charge them but the amounts and billing methods vary. Some hotels opt for a flat fee per stay, while others charge a daily rate per pet. Typically, more upscale hotels charge higher pet fees and have more restrictions.
However, the following five hotels do not charge any pet fees*:
- Red Roof Inn: With over 600 locations across 36 states.
- Motel 6: Voted the Best Budget Hotel Brand in the US by USA Today readers in 2022.
- Kimpton Hotels: Known for having one of the best pet policies among the hotels listed.
- Aloft by Marriott: Aloft Hotels are widespread throughout the U.S.
- Virgin Hotels: Locations include New York City, Nashville, Dallas, Chicago, and others.
*Make sure to verify before booking as policies can change without our notice.
3. Be aware of lodging taxes
Pet fees aren’t the only extra charges you might face when booking a hotel room. Most states impose some form of tax on hotel stays, but some states have particularly high lodging taxes with some exceeding 10%.
4. Stay In One Location
While road trips can be fun, frequently switching hotels may lead to increased pet fees, especially if you stay at hotels that charge a flat pet fee regardless of the duration. Staying in one place can help you save on these costs.
If your trip involves touring and staying only one or two nights at each location before moving on, opt for hotels that either have no pet fees or charge a lower daily pet fee. This approach can help keep costs down.
5. Embrace the Shoulder Seasons
Traveling during off-peak times is an effective way to enjoy a budget-friendly dog vacation. Millions of families are bound by school schedules to travel during certain months. If you’re not restricted by these schedules, consider planning your dog-friendly vacation during the shoulder season—the weeks just before and after peak season.
This strategy can significantly lower hotel costs. Additionally, the weather is usually still pleasant during these times, and you’ll encounter fewer crowds.
6. Travel Off Cycle
Planning your trip around the busiest days of the week can also yield financial benefits. For instance, hotels that cater primarily to business travelers during weekdays often offer reduced rates over the weekends. Conversely, accommodations that typically fill up on weekends are likely to have lower rates during the mid-week. This strategic timing allows you to enjoy substantial savings.
7. Embrace a Rewards Program
Take advantage of rewards programs by consistently staying within the same hotel family. Many loyalty programs are free to join. Once enrolled, you can start earning points for each paid stay at participating properties. Over time, these points can accumulate to earn you free hotel nights.
Budget Saving Hacks For Vacation Rentals
8. Book During the Shoulder Seasons
As with hotels, booking a vacation rental during the shoulder season can save you money and might even land you a nicer accommodation. Some fancy vacation rentals are only available in the off-season when the owners aren’t using them.
For instance, we once rented a dog-friendly beachfront home in early June on Cape Cod for the same price that a non-beachfront home would have cost in July. The weather was better too.
9. Share with Friends or Family
Another cost-effective strategy is to rent a larger home and split the cost with friends or family. Typically, larger homes are less expensive per square foot compared to smaller ones. In most cases, each family will end up paying less for their share of the house than they would if they rented a smaller home independently.
Alternative Places to Stay on a Budget
10. Camping
Camping is often regarded as one of the most affordable ways to travel. For instance, you can secure a dog-friendly campsite near the water at Carolina Beach State Park for as low as $23 a night—a price that’s hard to beat. However, it’s worth noting that fees at most campsites tend to be higher but well below most hotels.
If you’re new to camping, you should also consider the initial costs of camping gear, which can add up for first-timers.
11. Glamping
Glamping offers a luxurious twist on traditional camping, blending outdoor adventure with glamorous amenities. The range of features varies by location, but at a minimum, you can expect a pre-set tent complete with a bed. Most glamping sites also offer some form of toilet facilities and a fire ring.
For those looking for more comfort, some glamping spots include additional luxuries such as a full bath, partial kitchen, and heating. While these enhancements do raise the price, it’s generally more affordable than a standard vacation rental—unless you opt for a high-end glamping experience, where both amenities and costs can soar.
For instance, near the dog-friendly Lake George Village in New York State, the Trappeur+ tent by Huttopia provides an upscale glamping experience. This two-bedroom tent is equipped with comfy beds, electricity, a kitchenette, and a small bathroom. Towels and linens are also included, adding extra convenience to your stay.
12. Park Cabins
Another option is to rent a pet-friendly cabin in one of the state or national parks. Options range from rustic to more modern amenities.
Rustic cabins often feature basic setups like bunk beds without running water, while others come equipped with lighting, running water, and possibly a small bathroom. The level of rusticity will determine the additional camping supplies you need to bring.
For example, near the dog-friendly Shenandoah National Park, the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club offers both primitive and modern dog-friendly cabins. Prices start at just $35 for a weeknight in a primitive cabin and go up from there. Note that membership may be required for some rentals.
Be sure to explore the available dog-friendly accommodations in and around Shenandoah National Park for more options.
Budget Saving Hacks to Save on Food Costs
13. Bring Your Dog’s Food
Pet supplies, including dog food, often come with a higher price tag at vacation destinations due to their tourist-oriented pricing and smaller quantities. By bringing your dog’s regular food from home, you can avoid the extra cost associated with purchasing meals on the go.
Not only does this approach save you money, but it also ensures that your pet sticks to a familiar diet, which can help prevent any digestive issues that might arise from switching foods suddenly.
14. Save Money with Complimentary Hotel Breakfasts
Choosing a hotel that includes breakfast can lead to significant savings during your vacation. Many hotels offer complimentary hot breakfasts, which can save you between $10 to $20 per person each day. This not only reduces your food expenses but also adds convenience to your morning routine since finding dog-friendly restaurants can be difficult.
15. Book an Extended Stay Hotel
Opting for a hotel room equipped with a kitchenette and a full-sized refrigerator can significantly reduce your travel expenses. Even if you don’t intend to cook full meals, having the ability to store and prepare simple items for breakfast and lunch can be a game changer.
This setup allows you to buy groceries in bulk and store leftovers, which can be much cheaper than eating out for every meal. Additionally, having access to a kitchenette provides the convenience of a dining table and kitchen utensils, making mealtime more comfortable and practical with your dog by your side.
Budget Saving Hacks to Save on Activities
16. Skip the National Parks
Exploring national forests instead of national parks can be a wise choice for budget-conscious travelers, particularly those with dogs. Often, national forests either have no entry fees or charge less than the more popular national parks, making them a cost-effective alternative. Additionally, unlike many national parks which have strict pet restrictions, national forests are generally more dog-friendly, offering more freedom for your furry friend to explore alongside you.
For those interested in finding dog-friendly, cost-effective outdoor experiences, consider these options:
- Pisgah National Forest near Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Located in North Carolina, Pisgah offers expansive trails and breathtaking views without the entrance fees of its more famous neighbor.
- Inyo National Forest adjacent to Yosemite National Park – Located in California, Inyo offers stunning landscapes similar to those in Yosemite but with greater accessibility for dogs. While there is an entrance fee, it is lower than Yosemite’s, making it a more budget-friendly option for those traveling with pets.
17. Look for Free Local Outdoor Events
Outdoor town events like “Music in the Park” or “Movie Nights” are excellent options for enjoying dog-friendly activities that are often free.
Many vacation communities host these events during warmer months, providing a perfect setting to unwind outdoors with your pet. These gatherings are usually open to the public and offer a relaxed, festive atmosphere where pets are welcome, as long as they are well-behaved and on a leash.
To find such events, check the events calendar on the local town or city’s official website, or follow local community boards and social media pages. These platforms typically announce upcoming events, including details about pet policies, so you can plan a fun and stress-free outing with your dog.
First time traveling with your dog?
If you have never traveled with a dog before, you might not know where to start or what to bring. To help you we have put together a couple of posts with our best tips for traveling with a dog and also tips on hotel stays with a dog.
Safe travels and happy trails to you and your four-legged companion!
We hope these tips help you master the art of budget-friendly traveling with your dog. By planning ahead, choosing the right accommodations, and utilizing these budget hacks for pet-friendly vacations, you can make every trip with your furry friend as enjoyable as it is affordable.
If you found these tips useful, please don’t forget to share this post with fellow pet owners looking to explore the world without straining their wallets. Let’s spread the joy of affordable pet-friendly travel together!
If you are looking for more ideas on pet friendly vacations, please check out our other posts:
- Discover Provincetown and the Outer Cape: A Dog Lovers Guide
- Adventure Awaits: Dog-Friendly Explorations in Upper Cape Cod
- An Insider’s Look: Traveling to Block Island with a Dog
- Newport, RI: Dog Friendly Things to Do and Places to Stay
- Unleash the Fun: 7 Dog-Friendly Florida Vacation Ideas
- All Our Dog-Friendly Travel Posts