6 Affordable Pet Vacation Ideas

You want to travel with your pet but your bank balance seems bleak. We get it! And we have some ideas for affordable pet-friendly vacations.

Suggestions for affordable vacations with pets are intentionally vague about the destination. This is the kind of trip you can take anywhere in the country, with a little creativity and a little planning.

It’s important to remember that having a pet-friendly vacation doesn’t have to be complicated. Making it simple can bring many benefits! Maybe there’s something on this list that you’ve never tried before. Make this a trip where you and your pet experience new things together.

6 affordable vacations with pets

Go camping

Camping in a car or tent is one of the most economical ways to go on vacation and a great way to spend a few days with your furry companion!

If you’ve never camped with your dog before, you might want to practice in your living room or backyard before hitting the road to the woods. Set up a tent and sleep again!

READ MORE A Beginner’s Guide to Pet Camping

Most pet-friendly campsite, as long as you fasten your cat or dog. And fEderal campsites tend to be less expensive than privately owned or state-run campsites. But keep in mind that they may also have less amenities.

If you are relying on electrical outlets and shower equipment, do some careful research before choosing your site. Some campsites only provide drinking water and composting toilets – and some don’t even. These are the types of places we love because they are less crowded and offer first-come, first-served campsites before other campsites can be booked months in advance.

Another great option is camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Depending on where you choose, these spots are cheap or free, making for super affordable stays with your pet! BLM sites are often undeveloped so there are no amenities and stays are usually limited to 14 days.

Sightseeing by bike

Consider joining a cycling holiday with your dog! This idea sounds daunting at first, but remember – you set the pace and decide how far to go. Cycling is fun and moving slower will allow you to see things you would otherwise miss.

If you don’t have equipment like panniers or your dog sled, ask around if you can borrow them from friends or rent them from your local bike shop.

READ MORE The Complete Guide to Cycling with Your Dog

Before heading out, give your dog some time to get used to riding in a sled, the same way you taught him to use a kennel for the first time. Once she gets used to the trailer in the house, switch to short trips around the block, gradually increasing the distance over several weeks.

Start with a weekend tour from your front door. Many cities have bike paths that lead to known cycling routes or quiet country roads outside of town. Check your local tourist board’s website for ideas or follow the routes used by local bike races. (Bonus: race markers are often left along the way, so you won’t have to check your map as often!).

Another option is to check Wikilocwhere there are thousands of bike routes around the world.

Plan a road trip

Air travel is expensive and can be stressful, and larger dogs are not allowed on trains like the Amtrak. That makes tripping a natural choice for your pet’s budget-friendly vacations!

If you combine it with camping in a tent or a car, you really have yourself on a budget vacation!

READ MORE Pet-friendly road trip in the US

The beauty of taking road trips with your pet is that you get to discover destinations and attractions that both of you will enjoy.

Like to go hiking? Apps like AllTrails can help you locate local favorites. Love shopping? Want to lie on the beach? Or sample what’s brewing at coffee shops or breweries in a new city? Pet-friendly trip planner can give you many nice options.

Rent an RV or van

If you want to take your home with you everywhere you go, try renting an RV or Campervan. Have some pet-friendly RV rental companyand some only charge pets if RVs require additional cleaning. So clean up on your own and you’re good to go!

READ MORE Tips for RVing with Pets

While the cost of renting an RV or van may seem high at first, you’ll save on hotel and food costs. Find a BLM campsite and prepare your own meals in the onboard kitchen, and this will turn out to be a great alternative for budget stays!

Schedule a vacation

When you’re planning affordable pet-friendly vacations, dDon’t overlook your own backyard! Visit your local tourist office and pick up some brochures about nearby attractions to check out.

You can also find a new trail, visit the local botanical garden, or try canoeing with your dog on a nearby lake.

Even if you’ve lived in the same place for years, it’s great to be a tourist in your hometown.

READ MORE 12 Pet Friendly Stay Ideas Better Than Traveling

Find hotels that don’t charge pets

With more and more people traveling with their pets, hotels are becoming more and more pet-friendly. However, some take advantage and charge exorbitant pet fees.

Private accommodations, like AirBnb and vacation rentals, sometimes do the same – so double-check the pet policy before booking.

READ MORE Hotel chain where pets stay for free

Fortunately, there are many great hotel options that allow pets to stay for free, like Kimpton Hotels, Red Roof Inn, and a few locations in La Quinta. These chains are located all over the US, so you should have no problem tracking one in your ideal destination.

We hope these tips help you plan an affordable vacation with your best friend. If you have other ideas to save money on a pet-friendly trip, feel free to leave a comment below!

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