Traveling with a dog: valuable tips and the best hotels

For Simone Jegge, founder of the Swiss tour operator "Waureisen", which specializes in travel with dogs, it's clear: travelling around the world is only really fun with her Maltipoo lady Charlie. Her customers appreciate the practical experience of the travel expert, who lists 15,000 accommodations on her website. "When traveling with one or more dogs, you have to think about a lot of things," says Jegge. "The vacation actually starts with the planning and not just when you arrive. You can only really switch off if your dog is doing well." Falstaff Travel asked the expert for her top travel tips for a vacation with a dog.

Ten DOs and DON'Ts when traveling with a dog

• Vacations suit dogs - and vice versa:
  Before booking, it's worth doing an honest check: is the vacation suitable for your four-legged friend? A wellness hotel sounds heavenly - but not if your dog doesn't like to be left alone. Perhaps a room with a private spa is the solution: relaxation for everyone, without stress.

• Check surroundings:
  Dog beach, hiking trail or dog-friendly café nearby? Clarifying this in advance saves nerves - and you can enjoy your vacation right from the start.

• Vet within reach:
  Check in advance where the nearest practice or clinic is. Worth its weight in gold in an emergency - and gives you a good feeling beforehand.

• Do not forget the food:
  It's better to take enough of your usual food with you - supplies are not available everywhere. This keeps the dog's stomach relaxed and the mood great.

• Plan travel breaks:
  Long drive? Dog-friendly rest areas with exercise zones are a real relief - for people and animals.

• Travel safely:
  Check the transport box in good time - it must be comfortable and safe and comply with the regulations. Especially important for flights!

• Observe entry regulations:
  Vaccinations, breed lists, entry requirements - every country has its own rules. Early information saves trouble at the border.

• Know the dangers:
  Whether it's poisonous plants or dangerous animals - if you do your research beforehand, you can protect your dog and enjoy your trip without any worries.

• Water & cooling:
  Always carry enough water with you in the sun! Folding bowls and cooling mats make the heat more bearable.

• Pack your favorite treats:
  Familiar snacks give dogs a sense of security and make traveling twice as enjoyable.

But where is the best place for dog owners to go for a relaxing vacation? "Whether it's the beach, mountains or a city break - the perfect destination depends entirely on what you want to experience together," says Jegge. "Every type of vacation has its own appeal; these favorite destinations are real highlights for dogs and humans!" Nevertheless, the expert has some tips for the most beautiful destinations with dogs.

Tyrol and Vorarlberg - perfect for hiking

Those who enjoy walking will find fantastic, dog-friendly hiking trails and accommodation here. The nature is breathtaking and there are many opportunities to involve the dog.

Southern France and the Costa Brava - ideal for beach lovers

For those who want to enjoy a vacation by the sea, these regions are simply beautiful. The combination of sun, beach and dog-friendly offers makes the trip relaxing and varied.

Norway - pure nature and road trip adventures

If you enjoy traveling by car and love untouched nature, you should put Norway on your list. The vastness, the fjords and the many outdoor opportunities make Norway a very special destination for dogs and their owners.

Netherlands - Sea without the heat

The Netherlands is a great choice for anyone who likes the sea but prefers it a little cooler. Wide beaches, dog-friendly cafés and a relaxed atmosphere invite you to enjoy them together.

An absolute no-go destination for dog owners?

For me personally, a country where dogs are on the menu is out of the question. That is simply not an option for me.

- Simone Jegge, founder of "Waureisen"

If you want to spend your vacation with your four-legged friend, you will certainly often choose accommodation such as villas and bungalows. Nevertheless, many hotels - especially in the Alps - are considered to be particularly "dog-friendly". "The word dog-friendly means something different for everyone," says Jegge, "Some dog owners want a lively dog hotel with lots of other four-legged friends to play with, others simply want to be able to take their dog with them without any complications, and still others want their dog to be welcome in the restaurant too."

These are the best dog hotels in Europe

The travel portal hundehotel.info regularly determines the most dog-friendly accommodation in Europe - and this year is no exception. Of the top 50, 18 accommodations come from Germany. Almost half of the most dog-friendly accommodations are located in Austria, five in South Tyrol and two in Switzerland. The most dog-friendly hotel in Europe is located in Bavaria.

Landhotel Haus Waldeck in Phillippsreut, Bavaria

1st place goes to the Koch family business. It was founded in 1979 and has continued to develop ever since. Over the years numerous facilities have been created for dogs, such as a dog park, a dog bathing pond and a dog hall. The concept not only focuses on the dog's activity, but also on the well-being and relaxation of the guest during their stay in the Bavarian Forest.

Natural forest house in Preitenegg, Carinthia

The Preitenegg Nature Forest House was opened in August 2020. The Winter family welcomes people and animals to their Bed & Breakfast. Four-legged friends can look forward to a dog swimming pond, the fenced-in dog sniffer forest and a 15,000 m² play and fun area. There is a small spa area, relaxation zones and Swiss stone pine rooms for masters and mistresses to relax in.

Almfrieden Hotel & Romantikchalet, Ramsau am Dachstein (Styria)

Third place goes to the traditional Almfrieden Hotel & Romantikchalet. There are homemade dog menus, an agility play park, a dog pool and even a dedicated dog spa with Reiki treatments. So if you are looking for a destination where people and animals feel equally at home, you will find real oases of well-being in these hotels.

The hotels of the luxury resort brand "Six Senses" are particularly kind to dogs. At selected resorts in Europe and Asia, four-legged friends enjoy tailor-made spa treatments, music therapy and gourmet menus - always with the aim of harmonizing the body and mind of humans and animals.

Special spa offers