As increasing numbers of holidaymakers look for dog friendly destinations where pooch can come too, we find out what makes a good petcation.
If the thought of going away without a certain important member of the family has left you pondering the question 'Can I take my dog on holiday?' The answer is YES.
For many people, a holiday is a chance to relax, spend time with the family, and get out and enjoy the fresh air. Funnily enough, the reasons for deciding to welcome a dog into your home could be very similar.
So when thinking about holidays, it's not surprising that research carried out by Direct Line Pet Insurance revealed that 65pc of pet owners claim to have taken their dog on a UK-based 'petcation'.
Dog friendly holidays are a great option for many, and with around 30pc of holiday home owners at Tingdene holiday parks owning a dog, it's something that group sales and marketing manager Benjamin Race has seen become more popular.
'We understand the importance of bringing the dog on holiday and empathise with our holidaying guests and holiday home owners, as dogs really
are seen as a member of the family,' says Ben.
'We take the health and wellbeing of guests' and owners' dogs very seriously, which is why we installed dog water stations at all our parks last year. It was also an opportunity for a little fun with the 'Have a short break on us' signs.'
Dogs are a big part of the family, and investing in a holiday home that you can escape to as often as you want with your four-legged friend is far simpler than planning a holiday abroad. The to-do list is big enough already, without the added stress of sorting out what to do with your beloved pet while you're away - chances are, you'll only worry about them when you're supposed to be relaxing anyway.
So once you've made the decision to include your dog in this important family vacation, the next question is where is the best place to take a dog on holiday?
Imagine the whole family, furry ones included, jumping in the car and, after a short journey, arriving at your holiday home. Location, of course, is the key, and Tingdene's four Norfolk and Suffolk holiday parks vary from countryside, to riverside to the coast.
'It's somewhere to do the things you thought you didn't have time to do, like simply strolling on a beach, or wandering country lanes,' says Ben. 'Somewhere to walk the dog by the water or strike out for some more determined exploring.
'Our owners have often said that it benefits their health as well as the dogs'. A long walk on the beach or exploring an area of outstanding natural beauty with the family and the pup gives downtime, too, for all involved.'
If you were wondering how much it costs to take a dog on holiday, it could be much less than you think if you stick to the UK, especially when compared to the ever-increasing daily fees for kennels. You can book a pet unit for just £30 a week extra, or £19.80 for a short break through Holidays for Allseasons, where you can book breaks at several Tingdene Lifestyle locations.
This is also a big plus for holiday home owners who decide to let their property out when they're not using it. According to Holidays for Allseasons, pet-friendly accommodation is the second most popular searched for criteria when holidaymakers look to book a UK holiday.
'Due to the high cost of kennels, the complicated pet passports required to take your dog abroad, and the general hassle of finding accommodation in the UK that accepts pets, we are an ideal choice for families who want to bring their dog on holiday too,' says Ben.
'They say happiness starts with a wet nose and a furry tail, and we have to agree!'
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