Carmen
Travel editor at Reisedrop · 2026-07-17
For plenty of people, the best kind of holiday is obvious: the dog comes too. And really, to stop that pre-trip excitement tipping into stress, you only need three things: the right hotel, the right journey and a little preparation. That’s it.
The right hotel: more than merely «allowed»
«Dogs allowed» and genuinely dog-friendly are not always the same thing. So check the small print. Are there green spaces close by? Is the hotel somewhere quiet? Rooms on the ground floor, or with a terrace, make the whole walkies routine far easier. Many hotels charge €10–20 per night for your four-legged friend, so ask beforehand what’s actually included.
Getting there: the car wins
Travelling by car is usually the most comfortable option for your dog: their own blanket, familiar smells, breaks whenever needed (every 2–3 hours). Flying is different. Only small dogs up to about 8 kg can travel with you in the cabin; bigger ones have to go in the hold, which is pure stress for most animals. If your destination has to involve a flight, pick direct flights and steer clear of the hot months.
Beach & swimming: check the rules first
At many Mediterranean beaches, dogs aren’t allowed during high season. Nearby, though, there are often designated dog beaches. Out of season (October to April), the rules are looser in almost every case. One more good reason to travel outside the school holidays.
The packing list for your dog
EU pet passport with a valid rabies vaccination, food for the first few days, familiar blanket, lead plus spare lead, foldable bowl, poo bags, tick protection and the phone number of a vet at your destination. In summer as well: never head out without water and a shady spot.
Settling in at your destination
When you arrive, give your dog a bit of time. A calm walk around the hotel to get the bearings, food at the usual time, then a proper sleeping spot set up with their own blanket. After 24 hours, most dogs barely mind the change of scenery anymore, and the holiday together can properly start.
Find dog-friendly hotels