A Traveling Dog, The Travel Blog

For the traveler who rolls their eyes at the idea of staying in a hotel, and even bunking up in a hostel elicits a yawn, CouchSurfing.com is the answer to their prayers. CouchSurfing.com is a worldwide network linking travelers with the communities they’re visiting. Since 2004, member have been using the site to find places to stay in over 230 different countries. The site prides itself on serving as a bridge between people who would otherwise never meet. Hosts have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world without leaving their home and travelers have the opportunity to meet people and stay in another country for free.

Check it out and see if it’s for you!

If you have a dog or a cat, chances are you have the same discussion before every vacation — should we board them or take them? Of course, sometimes it’s not a question of should, it’s a question of can.

Unfortunately for pet owners, not all hotels are pet friendly, and some of the ones that are accommodating to pets come fees or carry certain restrictions (e.g., they only except pets under 20 pounds). If you’re interested in traveling with your pet, you might have to call several hotels before you find one that suits your needs.

But no matter how limited your options turn out to be, one thing is crucial: don’t lie! If you think it’s annoying or expensive to keep your pet in your hotel room through the regular channels, just imagine the fees you might have to endure if a hotel catches you breaking the rules.

If you can’t find a suitable hotel arrangement, remember that you can always board your pet at home. Many owners are reluctant to leave their pets under someone else’s watch, but a good kennel might even feel like a treat to your cat or dog, allowing them to interact with other animals they might not normally see.