Humans and dogs have been companions for seemingly forever. But pet ownership has accelerated in recent years. Between the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and mid-2021, 1 in 5 U.S. households acquired a dog or cat, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. That’s roughly 23 million homes with a new furry friend. And it’s translated to more four-legged travelers, experts say.
“You do see a lot of people wanting to make sure their animal is involved in the vacation,” says Brandi Hunter Munden, vice president of public relations and communications at the American Kennel Club.
The good news: “Almost everywhere has really opened up to dogs, whether it’s outdoor dining or more hotels that accommodate dogs,” Hunter Munden says.
With that in mind, here are some pet-friendly places, activities and properties to consider for your next getaway.
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1. Visit Carmel Valley Ranch in Carmel, California
Dogs can explore the extensive grounds of Carmel Valley Ranch. (Photo courtesy of Hyatt)
Why we chose it: High-end pet amenities
Located about 15 to 20 minutes inland from California’s Pacific coast, humans may be drawn to the resort’s views, golf courses, tennis courts and horses — not to mention the fact that it’s bookable with World of Hyatt points.
But Carmel Valley Ranch is something of a destination for dogs, too. The steep $175 pet fee comes with an array of amenities, including a dog bed and bowls for food and water. And dogs have (leashed) access to the property’s hundreds of acres, with miles of hiking trails. There’s even a canine room service menu featuring beef bone marrow, a “secret salmon bowl” and a “butcher box.”
2. Stay at Kimpton Marlowe Hotel in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Why we chose it: Practical touches for pets
Located in the Boston suburb of Cambridge, this property upholds Kimpton’s reputation of being particularly pet-friendly. There are no pet fees and no weight or size restrictions — and water bowls are delivered to your room.
The Marlowe Hotel’s concierge is available to recommend and set up grooming, pet-sitting and walking services. Plus, guests get access to dog-walking app Wag’s premium service during their stay, which provides a 10% discount, waived booking fees and the ability to chat with a vet.
But you may prefer to walk the dog yourself. The hotel is located near the Charles River’s walking path, featuring scenic views of the Boston skyline.
3. Check out Aloft Asheville Downtown in Asheville, North Carolina
Why we chose it: A chance to find your forever friend while traveling
While the Aloft in Asheville, North Carolina, is pet-friendly for guests bringing dogs, the property also helps those looking to adopt a new furry friend. The hotel partners with a local animal rescue on a pet adoption program. Guests can meet and bond with the hotel’s featured pup, which spends time in an enclosure just off the main lobby.
Meanwhile, the property is walking distance from many of Asheville’s famous breweries and restaurants — some of which have outdoor seating so you can bring your dog along.
4. Visit a national park and promote your dog to ‘BARK Ranger’
Why we chose it: A self-guided outdoor adventure
There are hundreds of national parks across the country, and many of them are dog-friendly. If your dog is physically up to a hike or long walk, exploring together is a great option.
“Dogs love being outdoors,” Hunter Munden says. “It’s one of the best places to bring your dog.”
But check the rules of the park before you go. Some areas may be off-limits to dogs.
Look for parks that encourage pet visits with photo opportunities or mementos for dogs to become an official “BARK Ranger.” At Acadia National Park in Maine, for example, dogs that complete a set of activities and follow the program’s principles (which make up the BARK acronym) can be formally sworn in, and they’ll be eligible for a collar tag designating them as a BARK Ranger.
Another option is to visit some of the less wild places run by the National Park Service, like the monuments on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Take your dog to destinations where they can spend time outdoors.
5. Spend a day at Dog Beach in San Diego
Why we chose it: A leash-free trip to the beach
Dog Beach, just outside San Diego, is one of the first official leash-free dog beaches in the U.S., and it makes for an exciting excursion for pups. This destination could be a way to give your furry friend some fun and attention, plus room to roam. You might even see a few dogs surfing there.
Just remember to monitor your pup’s paws in the hot sand and bring fresh drinking water, Hunter Munden says.
6. Bring dogs along for a vineyard trip
Why we chose it: A relaxing environment for dogs and humans
There are plenty of winery-rich regions across the country, including California, Oregon, Washington, Virginia and Texas. Because wineries often have expansive outdoor space, they can be a great place to enjoy a stroll and a picnic with your pooch, assuming the winery allows pets.
Leashed dogs are allowed in outdoor spaces at Stinson Vineyards outside Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Sean Cudahy)
Ultimately, Hunter Munden says a truly dog-friendly getaway is about more than simply bringing the dog along.
“You don’t really want to leave your dog holed up in a hotel or Airbnb. That’s no fun for them, and that can lead to destructive behavior,” she says. “You want to make sure if you bring them, you’re incorporating them.”
Here’s why some Airbnb rentals are so expensive—and tips to save on your next trip
Here’s why some Airbnb rentals are so expensive—and tips to save on your next trip
Now that summer’s officially started, many people are looking forward to much-needed vacations. However, with travel costs on the rise, finding an affordable Airbnb has become both a puzzle and an art. To help you in your search for cost-saving summer rentals, MoneyGeek analyzed data for over 200,000 Airbnb listings across 19 U.S. vacation hotspots and explored how location, party size, amenities and room type impact costs.
Key findings
- Among the 19 U.S. travel destinations analyzed, the median price of an Airbnb is $154 per night. Hawaii listings have the highest median nightly cost ($294), while Portland, Oregon, offers the most affordable accommodations ($100).
- By choosing a private room, instead of a full home or apartment, you could cut your costs in half. A little extra privacy will cost you an additional $70 in a one-bedroom rental.
- While higher-capacity rooms tend to be more expensive, larger groups may experience more savings overall. When pitching in to rent a unit with a group of four, expect to save around 17% per person compared to a group of two.
- Access to fitness equipment or a pool will increase the cost of your stay by nearly 50%. In cities like New York, you could even pay double for rentals that offer these amenities.
How Airbnb prices vary across top tourist destinations
The research found that the median cost of an Airbnb across 19 popular U.S. travel destinations is $154 per night. However, where you travel significantly impacts the cost of your vacation accommodations. The price of a room on the sun-soaked shores of Hawaii is the highest among the locations the study analyzed at $294. Nashville was home to the second-most expensive rentals, with a median nightly cost of $198, followed by San Diego ($186).
The analysis also found that the way prices fluctuate based on the total capacity of rentals differs depending on your location. For example, while Nashville took the second spot for the highest overall Airbnb costs, San Francisco and New Orleans tied for the second-most expensive accommodations for 1-2 travelers; in New Orleans and San Francisco, renting a smaller-sized Airbnb will typically set you back $110 per night, while it costs just $90 in Nashville.
Across the U.S., Airbnbs that accommodate 3-4 people are typically 66% more expensive than those that accommodate 1-2 guests. This price increase is highest in Las Vegas’ Clark County, where travelers pay twice as much for these larger accommodations.
The table compares Airbnb prices across 19 major U.S. tourist destinations by median nightly cost overall and for different unit capacities.
Most expensive Airbnb neighborhoods in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago
The study also broke down nightly median accommodation costs for the three most populated cities in the country: New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.
The premium for personal space is $70: How less privacy can lead to more savings on Airbnb
Imagine having an entire Airbnb to yourself — a private retreat where you can spread out, enjoy uninterrupted relaxation and experience the luxury of complete solitude. While the appeal is undeniable, this level of personal space comes with a premium price tag, often leading guests to pay more for the privilege of privacy.
For more personal space in a one-bedroom Airbnb rental, visitors can expect to pay roughly $70 more. The study calculated this expense by comparing the median prices of entire homes or apartments ($145 per night) and private rooms ($75 per night). By giving up a little privacy, you could see savings of nearly 50%. If you’re seeking even cheaper alternatives, rentals with shared bathrooms are available at just $60 a night.
Planning to swim or work out? Expect to pay nearly 50% more
Airbnb pricing doesn’t just hinge on location — amenities like beach, pool and gym access also wield considerable influence.
Our analysis compared median prices of rentals with specific amenities to those without and found that listings with beach access are 61% more expensive.
Pool availability is the second-most expensive amenity, costing vacationers 48% more. But this cost increase isn’t the same everywhere: for instance, the cost of rentals with pool access skyrockets to more than twice the usual rate (125%) in New York City.
Fitness enthusiasts looking for gym access can expect around a 47% increase in booking costs. In Portland, Oregon, the price tag on rentals with gym access goes up by 84%.
You’ll also likely pay a premium if there’s a dishwasher in your rental unit; Airbnbs with dishwashers typically cost 21% more than those without them.
Tips to save on your Airbnb bookings
It’s no secret that traveling today is expensive. The researchers recommend following these cost-saving tips when looking for Airbnb accommodations to enjoy the vacation you want without breaking the bank.
1. Boost your party size.
A group of four can anticipate 17% savings per person compared to pairs. On average, a 2-person unit charges $105 per night, while accommodating four nudges the price up by 65% to $173 — letting you entertain twice as many folks for less.
2. Opt for private rooms or units with shared bathrooms.
The cost of renting a full home averages $185 per night, while a private room or a shared-bathroom unit only costs $79 or $60 per night, respectively.
3. Embrace washing dishes by hand.
Dishwasher-equipped units demand a 21% premium. In Hawaii, you may even find yourself paying 85% more for rentals with dishwashers. Opting for accommodations without a dishwasher could lead to significant savings.
4. Utilize credit cards.
Familiarize yourself with the benefits of travel credit cards and reward credit cards to make your money work for you. Between welcome offers, cash back rewards and opportunities to accumulate points and miles, there are many ways you can utilize credit cards to make your vacation cost-effective.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from Inside Airbnb to provide insights on Airbnb costs in 19 U.S. tourist destinations and offer tips for maximizing savings on Airbnb bookings.
The study examined several data points, such as price, location, unit capacity, available amenities and room type. Then, the study calculated median rates across these variables to demonstrate how prices vary by location.
The study also applied a linear regression model to the data and used Shap feature importance to identify the amenities with the highest impact on price. To calculate the percentage impact of amenities on price, the study compared the median prices of listings with a specific amenity to those without it.
This story was produced by MoneyGeek and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.
The article 6 Dog-Friendly Vacation Ideas for Your Next Getaway originally appeared on NerdWallet.
