Travelling can often weigh heavily on your pocket, and carrying your furry companion along can escalate this expenditure. However, the thought of leaving your beloved pet behind may feel unbearable. So here are some cost-effective ways to explore the globe with your pet, without wreaking havoc on your expenses.
TRUSTED HOUSESITTERS
One of my personal favorites as a dedicated pet sitter with Trusted Housesitters. This platform pairs pet owners who require a sitter during their absence with people keen to care for their pets and homes, in return for free accommodation. Saving on accommodation expenses can be a real boon for the travelling budget!
Although we do not own pets to accompany us on our journeys, this facility is available for those who do. If you’re planning a trip and wish to take your pet along, this may be an ideal solution.
Just input the desired travel dates or location (or even the region, if the dates aren’t fixed yet) into their user-friendly platform. Then, every few weeks, look for available sittings matching your bucket list locales or optimal travel dates. Once you find the perfect match, apply with hope for a favorable response.
To send an application, you’d need to share:
1. The number of people accompanying you.
2. Detail any pets you’d be bringing.
3. Share your qualifications for the task.
4. The reason you wish to sit for them.
The pet owners will then sift through the applications before selecting a sitter. If you get chosen, celebrate! You’ve just secured free accommodation for you and your pet! If not, don’t lose hope. Keep looking till you find the right opportunity.
AIRBNB
Airbnb provides another excellent avenue to travel with your pet. Available in almost every country, the platform offers an unending array of possibilities. The hosts clearly mention whether pets are permitted and the types allowed. You could also directly access pet-friendly listings using the Airbnb Pet-Friendly link.
To explore options, just enter:
1. Check-in date
2. Check-out date
3. Number of adults
4. Number of children
You can choose to narrow down the location, restricting it to a specific region rather than ‘Anywhere’. The hardest part would be deciding from the myriad of excellent choices available for you and your pet.
DRIVING
Opting to drive instead of flying can lead to major savings. Of course, this isn’t feasible for every location. However, if driveable, this would always be my go-to option. The journey can be enriched by the multitude of sights to explore along the road. Summer road trips, punctuated by rest stops, provide a fun-filled opportunity to discover new things along the way.
BUDGET HOTELS
Most hotels levy an additional fee for pet accommodation. Fortunately, certain pet-friendly hotels exist that allow your pets to stay for free, such as:
1. Aloft Hotels: They permit pets under 40 pounds and provide bowls, blankets and toys, free of cost.
2. Graduate Hotels: Pets are treated to a free BarkBox upon arrival.
3. Kimpton Hotels: They offer an assortment of facilities such as beds, bowls, blankets, treats, and even pet massages, without any pet fees.
4. Motel 6: Allows up to two service dogs or well-behaved pets and children to stay for free.
5. Red Roof Inn: Offers free stay for one pet under 80 pounds, per guest room.
In summary, affordable ways to travel with your pets include using platforms like Trusted Housesitters, Airbnb, choosing to drive rather than fly, and selecting budget hotels that don’t charge extra for pets. Hope these tips make your pet-accompanied holiday expedition enjoyable and budget-friendly.
Do share any other cost-effective ways you have discovered to travel with your pet.
