The rise in pet travel: discover the world's finest pet-friendly hideaways

Fancy treating your favourite furry friend to a relaxing getaway? You’d be right on trend! Heading off on holiday with your pets in tow is becoming more and more common, so much so that our average monthly bookings for pet travel have increased by 90% since 2022. Coming top of the list for pet travel hotspots is London, with Los Angeles and Paris bagging the other two podium spots.

“Why this sudden flurry of furry travellers?” We hear you ask. This trend is down to an array of factors: since COVID-19, the total global pet ownership has increased, with more people succumbing to the charms of feline and canine companionship. Furthermore, ‘pet humanisation’ is on the rise, with increasing numbers of owners viewing their pets as part of the family. Accordingly, owners are searching for holidays that the whole family can enjoy, including the four-legged members.

Planning a trip with your animal sidekick? Here’s our insider guide to ten hideaways just purrr-fect for pets, as well as a few pet-friendly travel tips and some cute animal anecdotes from our team.

What do you need to consider when travelling with your pets?

Travelling with your pets in tow can feel daunting at times. From puppy passports to packing the right gear, here are our top tips for effortless pet-friendly travel.

• Plan ahead - travelling with animals is all about planning. From visiting your vet to familiarising your pet with their travel carrier, the sooner you start preparing for the trip, the smoother everything will go.
• Travel restrictions - each location has different rules, so make sure you research whether your pet needs any documentation, visas, passports and vaccines well in advance.
• Pet travel insurance - invest in a comprehensive pet travel insurance policy and enjoy absolute peace of mind, knowing that if something happened during the trip, your adored animal companion would have access to the best care.
• Packing list - just like any other member of the family, you'll need to pack a travel bag for your furry friend, too. A dedicated bag with all your pet's gear is really useful, as it makes it much more efficient to find things when in transit.
• Connect with pet-sitters - research local pet-sitters and dog-walkers who can take your four-legged friends out for the day or even babysit them in the evening, leaving you free to enjoy a romantic meal or visit to a place that doesn't allow pets. The Guest Experience team at onefinestay can help arrange professional pet care during your stay.
• Local pet laws - make sure you brush up on local pet laws before you go, as each country has different rules and regulations. In France, for example, it is obligatory for dogs to wear muzzles if they are travelling on the trains.