As a travel enthusiast, your first passion would undoubtedly be to explore new places. But the pain of staying away from your pets can discourage you to book those dreamy trips. However, there’s a way to keep your pets close as you enjoy the picturesque view of the mountains or have a fun day out at the beach. Wondering how? Well, you can book a trip to one of the most pet-friendly tourist destinations listed below. Earlier, travelling with pets was a huge challenge, but today, vacationing with your fur balls has become much more feasible and easy, all thanks to pet-friendly destinations and hotels.

A list of five pet-friendly destinations where you can travel with your pets this year. Take a look!

Finland

You can visit Finland’s vibrant capital Helsinki with your pet along with Finnish Lakeland and Kvarken Archipelago for the best travel experience. You can step out for a camping adventure or visit a lighthouse on an isolated island to enjoy the picturesque view of the sea.

Berlin

Germany has plenty of pet-friendly hotels, shops, restaurants and parks. While vacationing in the region, you must visit one of the many dog-friendly beaches on the Baltic coast and walk along the Upper Palatinate and Bavarian Forest on the Goldsteig Trail.

St Croix, US Virgin Islands, Caribbean

If you are longing for turquoise water and pristine beaches, consider taking a cruise on The Queen Mary 2 to US Virgin Islands. You will find comfortable accommodation for both yourself and your fur baby in this luxury liner. You can stop at St. Croix and look for establishments that happily welcome leashed dogs. Enjoy a sunset walk along the pristine beaches with your pet and make unforgettable memories that you can cherish for life.

Auckland

Auckland is a paradise for pets and pet parents. This place in New Zealand offers amazing pet-friendly accommodations along with hiking trails, dog-friendly beaches and tons of off-leash dog parks to choose from.

Tasmania

Tasmania has miles and miles of hiking trails, both on and off the beaten path, which you can explore with your pet. Many who visit this place say that its pet-friendly atmosphere can tempt any pet parent to stay there permanently. This place is often called the best vacation spot for an energetic dog.

Feel like you haven’t had a proper summer holiday, but Christmas has left you strapped for cash?

Don’t despair – it’s not too late to squeeze in a break. And there are some incredible close-to-home options that won’t break the bank.

From wallet-friendly island escapes to road trip destinations with a wealth of free attractions and activities, here are five cheap and cheerful summer getaway ideas.

Quarantine Island/Kamau Taurua

Anywhere else in the world, you’d pay hundreds – even thousands – a night to stay on a private island. But you can spend the night on Quarantine Island/Kamau Taurua in Otago Harbour for $20.

As the name suggests, the 15-hectare island was previously used as a quarantine station, but these days it’s a public recreation reserve where visitors are welcome.

St Martin Lodge is the only accommodation on the island, and can sleep up to 30 people, in a combination of bunk and small bedrooms. It costs $20 per adult, or $50 for a family of two adults and two children.

Port to Port Cruises offers boat transfers from Port Chalmers. The 25-minute trip costs $30 return per adult.

New Plymouth

New Plymouth is perfect North Island summer road trip destination. There are so many amazing things to do and see in this sunny city that won’t cost you a cent.

Time your trip around the TSB Festival of Lights, which this year runs until January 22. This free event sees Pukekura Park transformed into an after-dark wonderland of light installations.

Take the time to stroll along the Coastal Walkway, a 13km path which hugs the sea, while families will love the free Brooklands Zoo, home to everything from farmyard animals to cotton-top tamarins and squirrel monkeys.

Rotoroa Island

Many are familiar with the wonders of Waiheke Island, but right beside it is a lesser-known island escape – Rotoroa Island, an 80-hectare sanctuary home to kiwi, takahē, and many more endangered native species.

There’s plenty to keep humans occupied, too. Follow a walking track or take a guided nature walk ($20 per person). You can also visit the museum to find out more about the island’s fascinating history (it was previously home to New Zealand’s first and longest-running addiction treatment centre). Or take your pick of four beautiful beaches, safe for swimming and snorkelling.

The 75-minute ferry ride will cost you $60 return. You can visit for the day, or stay overnight – there are a handful of holiday homes, including the communal Superintendent’s House, where you can stay for $50 per person. The island is blissfully undeveloped, so you’ll need to bring in your own provisions.

Vanished World Trail, Waitaki

For a South Island road trip, the Waitaki District is hard to beat.

Here you’ll find the Vanished World Trail – a self-guided drive that takes you to many spectacular locations, including a site where you can see ancient Māori rock art, the iconic Elephant Rocks, and the Valley of Whales – where bones that are tens of millions of years old have been found.

Pick up a map from the Vanished World Centre in Duntroon. The centre itself boasts an impressive selection of fossils, including a shark-toothed dolphin and the skull of a four-legged whale.

You can even head to the extraction room to hunt for your own fossils – the experience costs $10 for adults, and is free for kids.

Mātiu/Somes Island

Despite being smack-bang in the middle of Wellington Harbour, Mātiu/Somes Island feels a world away from the buzzing capital.

The 25-hectare island is run by the Department of Conservation as a pest-free scientific and historic reserve, home to kākāriki, tuatara, giant wētā and little blue penguins.

You can visit the historic lighthouse, or climb up to the anti-aircraft gun emplacements from World War II, enjoying the spectacular views over Wellington, Lower Hutt and the Eastern Bays. If you’ve struck a good day, you can even go for a swim at the main beach near the ferry wharf.

Until January 31, the ferry is half-price ($12.50 return for an adult). You can visit for the day or stay overnight, either camping ($15 per night for adults) or in one of two houses which can be booked by groups – either the Education House, which sleeps up to 12 from $220 per night, or the Caretakers Cottage, which sleeps up to nine from $200 per night.

While it may be hard to avoid all instances of motion sickness, the tips inside can help you avoid or minimise the severity of motion sickness.

Motion sickness, commonly known as sea sickness or car sickness, is a frequent inner ear disturbance caused by constant movement. Motion sickness can affect everybody, however people’s susceptibility varies. While it may be hard to avoid all instances of motion sickness, the tips below can help you avoid or minimise the severity of motion sickness.

What causes motion sickness?

When travelling, some people get motion sickness, which occurs when the neurological system is confused by frequent motions, such as going up or down. When compared to what the ear understands, the eye sends distinct signals to the brain. This uncertainty might make you feel ill and cause you to vomit.

Try these things mentioned below next time you travel:

Watch what you eat or drink before travelling

Keep a watch on your food, drink, and alcohol consumption both before and during your vacation. Excessive drinking should be avoided, as should meals or beverages that ‘do not agree with you’ or make you feel particularly full.

Try acupressure technique

When faced with an emergency, acupressure can be quite beneficial. Identify a raised or rough area right below your wrist and press your middle and index fingers against it for up to 30 seconds. This cure works like a charm and may help you get rid of any illness. This point is known as the “sixth point on the Pericardium route” in traditional medicine because it reduces nausea.

Carry your favourite aroma for rescue

Travelling with your favourite aroma or essential oils is usually a good idea. They not only smell good, but they also stimulate your senses and keep you diverted from the action. As a result, smelling on them is a simple treatment in times of distress. Consider smells such as peppermint, lavender, cardamom, and even fennel.

Opt for healthy drinks

Caffeine overdose can occasionally cause anxiety and stomach problems. Herbal drinks and mixes might help to calm an upset stomach. Another alternative is to drink something fresh, such as apple juice. If you have motion nausea frequently, you can drink this before your next trip. It can help you avoid vomiting up.

Choose least motion seat

If you are travelling via aeroplane chose a seat wisely, where you can move when required. The calmest section of an aeroplane is over the wing at the centre.

You may also experiment with changing your travel habits. Sitting in the front or centre seat while keeping your eyesight straight, obtaining fresh air in between lengthy journeys, or just stretching every now and then can all help to lessen the odds of being car sick. If you are prone to motion sickness, try to limit your screen time and save the reading list for the hotel room.

Tis the season to be smiling…

Traffic jams, airport delays and tired toddlers – travelling at Christmas, especially with children, can be, how shall we put it, interesting.

‘Tis the season to jolly, but research also shows that over a quarter of us feel the strain and admit to feeling stressed around Christmas. Even if you’re flying off to an exotic destination travelling can put pressure on you – as it could no doubt mean meltdowns, squabbles and tired tots.

However, there is some prep you can do before you get in the car, or make your way to the airport, we speak to Leah Davis, founder of RyRy Compact who shares a few tips with us – allowing you to start of your festive holidays with a smile on your face.

Give Santa a heads up

You’ll be stressing about the turkey and making sure all the presents are wrapped, but Leah says that the most important worry for kids is: How will Father Christmas know where we are? ‘This is a problem that’s easily solved, get your children to let him know in their Christmas letter.

‘If you’re a fan of Elf on the Shelf, get your kids to tell your Elf what your travel plans are and where you’ll be on Christmas Day – just don’t forget to make sure that Elf comes with you!’ Sorted!

Pack their favourites

Although a holiday is a great way to ‘vacate’ your lives for a few days, the kids will want some of their home comforts with them: ‘A few of your kid’s favourite Christmas toys could make all the difference,’ explains Leah.

‘They will help to make your holiday accommodation or hotel room feel more festive – even if it’s just a favourite Christmas stocking or festive pyjamas. Also remember that the festive spirit can come in reciting a favourite Christmas poem or story, which will also help pass the time for those long car journeys with kids.’

Plan, plan, plan

Have you made a list and checked it twice? Planning ahead is they key to less stress over the Christmas period, especially if you’re travelling, says Leah: ‘Include your kids in the planning – they might actually turn out to be helpful and enjoy the sense of responsibility.’

This also includes where you’re going and how you’ll be getting there: ‘Talk them through the travel plans and build a sense of excitement for each stage of your journey, I find this also helps to remove any anxiety they might have around travelling during the festive season.’
Take your own car seat

We know you’re going abroad, and you don’t want the stress of carrying too much stuff. But, have you ever tried to hire a car seat with your rental car? ‘It’s a somewhat disappointing experience,’ says Leah. ‘They are invariably a health hazard waiting to happen. Anti-bacterial wipes aren’t even going to solve this one for you. Save yourself this level of hassle by taking one with you.’

Gift ahead

Thinking ahead, aka present buying and sending them direct will mean more room for the kids and their toys in the car: ‘This will save on time, space and stress as you can rest assured that the perfect gift for mother-in-law is already sitting in Manchester wrapped and ready to go,’ says Leah.

‘But, it’s always worth packing an extra roll of wrapping paper and sticky tape just in case you pick up any last-minute gifts along the way.’