By Sally Writes
Around four in every 10 adults in the U.S. are planning to take a family vacation before the year ends, and for those with a new baby and a furry best friend, things are no different. What makes a first vacation with a mixed doggy-baby family different is arguably the way you travel. With pets and babes alike, frequent stops, flexibility and destination choice become key considerations, and for many, the solution is a road trip.
Choosing A Destination
Holidays with the whole family to natural spots are ideal, because they simplify the process of enjoyment and relaxation. Thus, an area with a lake or beach is ideal, as you can bring a little parasol or tent to wherever you are, and have your baby and pets outdoors while enjoying peaceful shade. Moreover, lake and seaside destinations often have a wide array of camping and RV sites, so you can easily find a spot to park in. They also have green areas in which your pooch can enjoy a good run and indulge in free play, indulging in games like ‘fetch’ or frisbee with you while baby is enjoying a nap.
Keeping It Safe
If you are opting for a water-focused destination in the summer and you plan on doing some swimming, make sure you bring a certified, recommended lifejacket for both your baby and your dog. Choose small, shallow areas of water, and ensure there is one person assigned to the baby and another to your dog when swimming. Ensure the area is safe and approved for families. Be careful about immersing yourselves or your dog in large bodies of water that may potentially have currents. Nothing really beats the seashore, where baby and pup alike can wet their toes, pick up shells (or roll in the sand in Fido’s case), and delight as the foamy waves break on the beach.
Opting For The Right Vehicle
If you own or are confident about renting an RV, a road trip in one of these spacious vehicles is ideal when traveling with pets or kids. You can stop just about anywhere to change a nappy, brush your dog or apply its anti-flea-and-tick treatment. Motorhomes also provide you with plenty of space. When traveling with dogs and children, you need to bring crucial equipment that can take up plenty of space. Just a few items to bring along include a baby carriage, dog bed, dog and baby toys, dog travel safety carriages, life vests and feeding bowls. Taking all this aboard a plane or public form of transport can seem a little much, but with an RV, it feels a little like traveling from spot to spot within the comfort of your own home.
Choosing Pet-Friendly Accommodation
Road trips are by nature ad hoc. What seems like an ideal stop may be a little too crowded (or even too boring) for your taste, so you may decide to head somewhere else on a whim. Before leaving home, make a list of pet-friendly hotels and resorts located within your general destination. After all, you don’t need to sleep every day in your motorhome just because you’re traveling in one.
It is important for everyone on a road trip – pets, babies and adults included – to have a good time. Opting for a road trip in an RV or spacious vehicle is one way to accommodate both baby’s and Fido’s needs – but don’t forget your own. If it sounds appealing, book a night or two at a resort with a spa, book a pampering treatment, and take turns baby and pooch sitting for just a couple of delicious hours during your family getaway.
