3 vacations you can take with your dog

We're dog-owners, ourselves, so we know how difficult (and expensive) it can be to find a dogsitter, especially around the holidays. Not to mention that's it's heartbreaking to leave your best friends at home. We love to travel, but we don't love feeling guilty that our pups will miss us while we're gone. Fortunately, there are lots of vacations where your dogs can come along with you and enjoy the fun!

1. Take a cruise.

I can practically hear you now. "What? Are you kidding me? You can't take a dog on a cruise?!?"

Actually, you can. On Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2, which makes transatlantic crossings with great regularity, it's possible to bring your dog with you on the boat! The only catch is that Fido will have to stay in the ship's on-board kennel on deck 12--affectionately known as the "poop deck"-- and can't occupy your stateroom with you. Dogs (and cats) are only permitted on Transatlantic sailings between New York and London (Southampton) or Hamburg, and there are some restrictions for certain breeds and extremely large dogs.

And you'll need paperwork, as well, for your dog to travel internationally. The requirements are different depending on which direction your pooch is traveling. If going to Southampton to New York, your pet will also need to be microchipped.

But your dog will be traveling in style. Just last year, the kennel got a £90 million renovation, and there's now a play area, as well as an owners' lounge for doggie parents to hang out with their pooches. Cunard treats your four-legged friends well, of course, with premium food, fleece blankets, and other amenities. Want to take your dog on a luxury cruise? Cunard is one of our preferred cruise lines, and we're certified at the top tier of Cunard's travel agent program. Let us know when you'd like to sail!

2. Go to Walt Disney World.

When planning a Disney vacation, nothing beats the convenience of staying at one of the Disney owned and operated properties that are on-site. But until just last week, it was impossible to bring your pet along with you to experience the magic.

Breaking news! That policy has changed at certain Disney resorts! For an additional per-night charge, guests can bring a maximum of two dogs per guestroom at the following resorts:

• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort 
• Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort 
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort 
• Cabins at Disney’s Ft. Wilderness Resort 

Each guestroom has easy access to outdoor pet walkways for exercise and green spaces with pet relief areas. Plus that, there are plenty of Disney amenities and special touches for your four-legged friends.  For example, at check-in, Pluto’s Welcome Kit includes mat, bowls, a pet ID tag, courtesy plastic disposable bags, puppy pads and dog walking maps. Also included: a Pluto “Do Not Disturb” door hanger indicating to hotel staff that a pet is in the room.  Additionally, Disney enjoys a partnership with Best Friends Pet Care, an on-property full-service facility that can provide assistance with pet daycare and other pet services (fees apply).

Since we're certified as Disney experts by the Disney Vacations "College of Knowledge," we can help you navigate the ins and outs of having your pet come with you to a Disney resort. Plus, Disney Vacations is one of our preferred travel providers. Ready to plan that magical trip with your dog? Let us know!

3. Broadway Barks

Each summer, the Broadway community comes together in legendary Shubert Alley, for Broadway Barks, an annual pet adoption event, originally founded by Bernadette Peters and Mary Tyler Moore.  The event features loads of adoptable pets from dozens of shelters and rescue organizations, and to promote pet adoption, many Broadway stars come out to sign autographs and to encourage Broadway fans to give some adoptable cat or dog a loving "forever home." So, if you want to introduce your canine kids to a Broadway star, or if you're thinking of adopting, why not rub elbows with celebrities while you look for your new best friend?

If you're thinking of coming to Broadway Barks next year, you might want to stay at The Muse, a hotel just off of Times Square, which is widely regarded as one of the most pet-friendly hotels you'll find anywhere. Animal guests are welcome with no extra charge, with any number accepted without size or weight restrictions. Ginger, a teacup Pomeranian who is the official "Director of Pet Relations," hangs out on a leopard-print bed near the concierge to welcome guests The Muse has special packages and amenities for pet owners, as well. Want to get a manicure in your room with your dog? They'll arrange that, actually.

We know New York City and Broadway like the backs of our hands. We live here, after all. If you'd like to plan a trip to Broadway Barks next year, we can make it happen for you!