Where to go on vacation with your dog? What is the best time of year to make the most of it? Find the best destinations to go on vacation with your dog according to the season for a successful vacation.

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Going on vacation is always an exciting time and even more so when your dog is along. We wait for the holidays all year round! Is not it ? For a successful vacation, the weather is an essential element! A week of rain and your vacation turns into a nightmare! Your dog will spend his week smelling like a wet dog and coming home soaked and spitting every time he goes out. A heatwave and it's over, all holiday activities are canceled. Your dog will not tolerate the heat; just like you. A snowy episode and your chilly dog ​​will no longer want to put a paw outside or the one who suffers from osteoarthritis will find himself completely numb and will no longer want to get out of his basket...

You must therefore choose your destination carefully and aim for the right season to make the most of your vacation. Otherwise beware of hassle… 

Here are some suggestions for destinations to discover with your dog. Each time, I have indicated to you the best seasons to enjoy them. 

Head to Spain with your dog

Spain offers an ideal setting for a holiday with your dog, with its vast beaches, natural parks and renowned cities. You will find something to satisfy all your desires for adventure with your dog. You still need to know where and when to go in Spain to make the most of it! To escape the sweltering summer heat and tourist crowds, the months of spring, April-May, and autumn, September-October, are ideal. 

On the blog Where-and-when.net you will find lots of practical information to know where and when to go on a trip and have the best possible experience at the destination: not too many people, great weather, affordable prices... A wealth of very practical information!

Set sail to destinations such as the Costa Brava or Costa del Sol, where peaceful walks on the sand await you and your dog. In these quiet corners, the mild temperatures and uncrowded beaches promise you a relaxing stay with your dog.

Spain is considered a dog-friendly destination where dogs are welcomed in many places. Beaches like Llevant Beach in Barcelona or Cala Bon Caponet beach in Tarragona are particularly accessible to doggies. To go further, do not hesitate to consult the Beach holiday guide: Catalonia with a dog which brings together all the beaches that accept dogs. Many parks and natural spaces also welcome dogs.

In town, many cafes and restaurants allow dogs on their outdoor terraces. However, rules and policies can vary from facility to facility, so it's always good to check before you go anywhere with your dog.

Overall, Spain offers a wealth of opportunities for a memorable holiday with your dog, whether on the beach, surrounded by nature or discovering the historic treasures of the cities. Just be sure to follow local pet rules and ensure your dog is well behaved and under control during your stay. And as always, collect each of your dog's stinky memories... 

I invite you to discover the roadtrip in Spain with a dog by Sophie and Ottary in Spain, a great source of inspiration, if this destination tempts you!

The Côte d'Azur: the Mediterranean with your dog

The Côte d'Azur is renowned for its sunny climate and magnificent landscapes. To avoid the summer heat and crowds, plan your trip for the fall period in September-November or the winter period in December-February. You can leisurely explore destinations such as Nice, Cannes or Saint-Tropez, where you can enjoy relaxing walks by the sea or in the cobbled streets of coastal towns without being disturbed by the crowds of tourists. Additionally, during the winter months, you can enjoy local cultural events and festivals without being bothered by high temperatures.

Nice for example, certainly the most dog-friendly city in France, has several parks such as the Vinegar Park and gardens where dogs are allowed on leads, as well as specific sections on certain beaches where dogs are allowed during certain times of the year. Cannes and Saint-Tropez also have beaches where dogs are tolerated, although rules may vary depending on the beach and the season.

For last Christmas holidays, I went to spend a few days in Cassis with my family and my dog, wow! We had a blast! We had really pleasant weather and we were able to enjoy the activities planned for the holidays. I was pleasantly surprised! And since it's winter and there are fewer people, people are more tolerant of dogs, I find. We were able to take beautiful hikes in the coves without being crushed by the heat and enjoy beautiful coves without being crowded together as must surely be the case in the middle of summer!

blackcurrant with a dog

Scandinavia with your dog

If you're looking for a unique winter experience with your dog, Scandinavia is the perfect destination. Explore Norway, Sweden or Finland during the winter months, from December to March, to enjoy breathtaking snowy landscapes. Give your dog the opportunity to run in the fresh snow and explore activities such as snowshoeing. You can enjoy the magical atmosphere of the snowy landscapes.

Be careful, these destinations require specific equipment! Your warm down jacket will not be enough! And if your dog is not used to harsh and cold climates, he will also need to be well equipped to avoid dying of cold! Going on a trip to cold countries requires preparation, but once equipped, the magic will be there, that's for sure. I had the chance to go to Lapland a few years ago. I hadn't yet adopted Musher at that time. We had to equip ourselves from head to toe and I should have also planned something to equip Musher with.

In Norway, dogs are welcome in many places. Norway is full of national parks and hiking trails where dogs are allowed on a leash. Places like Jotunheimen National Park, Rondane National Park and Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park offer spectacular scenery and routes suitable for walking with your dog. Some beaches like Krokstrand Beach in Oslo and coastal areas in Norway allow dogs, although it is always recommended to check local rules.

The Alps: a lovely hiking destination for your dog

To escape the heat while still enjoying the beauty of the mountains, head to the French Alps during the summer months between June and August. Explore Chamonix, Annecy and Megève, where you can enjoy hiking, cycling and other outdoor activities with your dog. 

Cooler temperatures at altitude provide a welcome respite during the hottest months of the year, especially now that heatwaves are becoming more frequent and affecting almost all of France. 

Additionally, you can enjoy spectacular mountain views and clean Alpine air.

If summer is a great time of year to hike the mountains with your dog, know that hiking with your dog, it cannot be improvised. You need to prepare your outings and check that you have all the necessary equipment and, above all, that the route you have chosen is dog-friendly! Better to check and be sure you know where to hike with your dog. Many massifs, nature parks or nature reserves have restrictions regarding dogs. Check carefully before you leave.

Portugal: to discover with your dog

Portugal is a welcoming destination for travelers with dogs. With its unspoiled beaches, historic towns and delicious cuisine, Portugal is a Wow! To avoid the summer heat, opt for a trip during the fall months of September to November or spring months of March to May. Discover places like the Algarve, Porto or Lisbon, where you can enjoy walks along the coast and cultural visits without being overwhelmed by the heat. The temperatures are mild and the destinations less crowded, which will allow you to fully enjoy your stay with your dog in complete peace of mind.

Portugal is a beautiful sun destination for the gray and cold winter! Enough to stock up on vitamin C with your dog.

here are some suggestions for activities to do with your dog in Portugal.

 

You will have understood, for a successful vacation, you need to know where and when to go! When planning your next vacation with your dog, be sure to check the temperatures and occupancy rate of the destination. Be sure to check local pet regulations to avoid unpleasant surprises. With a little planning and preparation, you and your faithful companion are ready for unforgettable adventures around the world.