One of the things little J is most looking forward to when restrictions lessen is going on a school trip. It's been well over 18 months now since he last hopped on a coach and headed out for the day with his class mates. Big J is always telling him stories about the time he went to Wales, France and his favourite a skiing holiday with his school friends. First-hand experiences for children are one of the best ways for them to learn, which is why school trips are so important. They can form some of a child’s fondest memories and generally just give youngsters a well-deserved break from a traditional classroom environment. I have teamed up with a private school in Hertfordshire to discuss the benefits of school trips in further detail.
Improves Academic Performance
There’s a unique sense of excitement that comes with bringing a subject to life outside of a classroom. This interactive learning helps students develop a deeper understanding of the topic at hand. It often easier to remember information when it is attached to a fond memory, so students might find it easier to recall facts and figures that they have learnt on a trip, as opposed to from a textbook. As a result, students who attend school trips are likely to have improved academic performance. This is especially true for kinaesthetic learners who are better at absorbing information when they are moving around and engaging their senses.
Classroom learning is obviously crucial, but without a break from time to time, students can find it tedious and lose their momentum. School trips are great for re-capturing a child’s attention and interest in a particular topic and may even inspire new passions and pursuits at home.
Builds Relationships
School trips provide an opportunity for students to bond with their peers and teachers. They are often asked to work in pairs or groups during their trips, helping with their interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team. In addition, they will be able to see their teacher in a different light – someone who can have fun too. As a result, students are more likely to feel a sense of belonging within the school community, helping them with their confidence and feeling of security. What’s more, they may be more comfortable engaging in group discussions and collaborative tasks back in the classroom, again contributing to better progression in lessons.
A New Challenge
For students who are a little shy and don’t feel comfortable stepping out of their comfort zone, a school trip can force them to face new challenges. They might have to ask for directions or order food without their parents there to help them, which will ultimately help them with their self-assurance. It’s even important for adults to challenge themselves from time to time and try something new.
I am guessing little J's first trip after restrictions may just be a short visit to the park, farm or cinema but he cannot wait.
We have been visiting Alton Towers for as long as I can remember. In the past 15 years we have visited Alton Towers at least 3 times per year and have watched as it has grown in to the resort it is today. Originally Alton Towers was a day trip which you could enjoy with your family or friends but now it is more than that. It's a UK holiday resort with a theme park, a waterpark, mini golf and a wide range of accommodation to choose from and there are lots of reasons to stay over at the Alton Towers Resort. We have been lucky to stay in most of the resorts accommodation over the years and can tell you which hotel to stay in at the Alton towers Resort to suit your needs.
The Alton Towers Hotel
The Alton Towers Hotel is the original hotel and usually our first choice when booking a stay. The hotel is themed around the explorer Sir Algenon who landed at Alton Towers and made this hotel his home. The hotel is beautifully decorated inside and has gorgeous gardens and features on the outside.
The hotel main entrance is on level two and consists of the reception area, a small shop selling gifts and snacks and a small Costa Coffee. Here you will be able to check in and out, book your restaurant reservations, find out information regarding opening times and predicted weather for the duration of your stay. You will find the entertainment board providing you with a schedule of the entertainment available that evening.
Rooms and Suites are located on every floor of the hotel. You can choose to take the lift or enjoy the views from the stunning staircase.
Level 1 has the arcade and toilets. The arcade at the Alton Towers Hotel is only small however there is a larger arcade in the adjacent hotel Splash Landing
On the ground floor you have the Dragons Bar, The Secret Restaurant and Atrium which provides evening entertainment for all the family.
While at the resort you can also enjoy a visit to the Spa which is located in the Alton Towers Hotel.
The Rooms
There are a wide variety of rooms and suites to meet your needs and budget with each room type having a different theme.
The Explorer Room - This is your standard room at the Alton Towers hotel. It consists of a double bed and usually a set of bunkbeds. The theme is based on Sir Algenon's travels and are decorated with maps, compasses and flying boats.
We have stayed in the Explorer Room many times and it has everything you need for an overnight stay for up to a family of four.
The Moon Voyage Room - This room is themed around Sir Algenon's visit to the moon and is space themed. The room is very similar to the Explorer Room except the children have their own area to sleep, watch tv or play XBOX.
We have also stayed in a Moon Voyage Room and the children's separate area was a hit with the boys especially as it is equipped with a TV and XBOX. These rooms are great for families who need a little extra space and entertainment in the room.
The Artic Explorer Room - This is usually our first choice when it comes to booking a room at the hotel. The Artic Explorer room is based on Sir Algenon's travels to the artic and has a snow themed decor.
We have found that there is more floor space in these rooms and they are usually located on a the main entrance floor. The room has a double bed, a single bed and a truckle bed which is pulled out from under the single. We prefer this room setup than those with bunk beds.
These are the main three room types within the hotel however you can choose to book a suite especially if it is a special occasion. There are a number of suites available all with a different theme including The Chocolate Room, The Smiler Room and The Coca Cola Room.
Suites - We have only stayed in the Coca Cola Suite so can't comment on the others however we absolutely loved the room and it was the perfect way to celebrate a birthday.
The Coca Cola room is themed around the brand and features a double bed, a set of bunk beds and a pull out double sofa bed so can comfortably sleep six. As the room is a suite you can expect lots of floor space and special features such as a fridge full of complimentary Coca Cola and a game console in the room. You will also be treated with celebration balloons and chocolates on arrival.
The room and extras are a lovely treat to head back to after a day in the theme park however the rooms are costly an we would probably only stay in a suite for a very special occasion as you don't really get much time in your room as you are so busy enjoying the resort.
Why Stay At The Alton Towers Hotel?
The Alton Towers Hotel is the perfect base for you to explore the resort. It's the original hotel and unlike other accommodation around the resort this hotel actually feels like a hotel with its gorgeous decor, beautiful features and ambience.
The Secret Garden restaurant is the ideal place to enjoy an evening meal or breakfast with some tables having views over the beautiful gardens towards the back.
There are more room choices within the hotel to suit all needs and budgets. We also find the rooms to be bigger than Splash Landings Hotel.
If you do want to explore what Splash Landing hotel has to offer you can always take the indoor walkway which connects the two hotels.
Splash Landing Hotel
The Splash Landing hotel is themed around the Caribbean. Everything about the hotel from the fixtures, furnishing, restaurant and rooms have a calypso feel and is ideal for those who would like a hotel stay to remember.
As soon as you enter the hotel on level two you feel like you have just stepped on to a Caribbean island. As well as the reception, small shop selling snacks and gifts on this level you will find Ma Garrita's Bar. Ma Garrita's serves delicious cocktails as well as beers and soft drinks with a tropical themed terrace or windows overlooking the waterpark. It is also home to the Calypso Crew kids club who provide entertainment throughout the day and evening for the kids staying at any of the resort accommodation.
On level one you will find toilets, a large arcade and Flambo's restaurant. Here you will enjoy your breakfast or if you are staying for an evening meal they serve grills, burgers, salads and a kids menu all in a tropical surrounding with some tables overlooking the waterpark below.
On the ground level you will find The Waterpark. The Waterpark is an indoors Waterpark with an outside area too. It boasts a Master Blaster Coaster and Lazy River and has a Bubbly Wubbly pool and flumes outside. Make a splash in Lagoona Bay, head to the interactive Wacky Waterworks or little ones can paddle and play in Little Leak.
The Rooms
Splash Landings Hotel offers the choice of three rooms to suit your requirements and budget.
Beachcomber Room - This room is a standard room that lives up to your Caribbean expectations. Brightly coloured bedding, pineapple shaped lamp and sand and water patterned carpet.
Rooms sleep up to 4 and consist of a double bed and a set of bunk beds. Cots are available on request.
When staying at Splash Landings this is the hotel room we choose every time. It's comfortable and always clean.
Pirate Room - Inspired by Mutiny Bay, the pirate room is a must for little adventurers. You will be staying in the Captains Quarters filled with Pirate themed decor and hidden treasures. Can you crack the code to unlock them?
The Pirate Room is spacious offering room for up to 6 people. The children can enjoy the XBOX console that is available in the room and also a mini fridge filled with complimentary water.
Ice Age Room - Despite Ice Age being removed from the theme park years ago Splash Landings hotel still offers an Ice Age Themed room for fans of the movies.
Designed and themed around the Ice Age you can cosy up under fur blankets in your own artic den with ice berg walls.
Each room sleeps up to 6 people with an XBOX console and Ice Age Game and a mini fridge filled with complimentary water.
Why Stay At The Splash Landing Hotel?
Splash Landing is perfect for guests who want to be submerged in to the Caribbean theme and feel like they are actually on a tropical island once inside. The temperature is always warmer in this hotel so you usually find guests walking round in shorts and flip flops even during the colder months.
The entertainment has always been more child friendly at Splash Landing with games and fun throughout the evening shows. We also prefer the larger arcade in this hotel too.
Although all guests can access The Waterpark, it is just down a few steps once you have finished breakfast or before checking in.
It is also closer to the Monorail which takes you to the theme park.
CBeebies Land Hotel
Even though we are regulars to the resort and staying over throughout the year we have never stayed at the CBeebies Land Hotel. It's aimed at littler ones and the boys were too old when it opened. We have however visited inside and looked around and it would be the perfect choice for CBeebies fans.
When the hotel was designed and built they definitely had children in mind so you can expect bright colours, CBeebies theme running throughout the whole hotel, interactive features and entertainment exclusive to hotel guests.
The Windmill Restaurant has lots of yummy food for the kids to enjoy including fish fingers, pasta dishes and burgers.
There is a gift shop inside selling lots of CBeebies merchandise.
Keeping the kids entertained is a priority at the hotel and the team provide non stop entertainment throughout the day. Join in with the Ubercorn disco to burn off some energy and dance away to some of Ubercorns favourite music. Meet some of your favourite characters with Meet and Greets. Join the Spot Bots on screen as the CBeebies Land Hotel team help you with some of the Spot Bot puzzles. Just before bedtime enjoy some stargazing on a comfy beanbag.
The Rooms
There is a huge range of rooms and suites in the CBeebies Land Hotel to suit family size, requirements and budget.
Bugbies Room - Although this is your standard room choice it will not feel like it once inside. The room is decorated and themed around CBeebies Bugbies characters. It's brightly coloured and features and double bed and bunk beds.
The children have their own sleeping area which features an interactive play wall.
The room can sleep up to a family of 5.
Themed Rooms - Similar layout and features of a Bugbies room the themed rooms are deluxe and are themed around some of your favourite characters. Choose from Octonauts, Postman Pat, Swashbuckle, In The Night Garden and Something Special.
Suites - As I mentioned earlier the suites available at the Alton Towers Hotels are perfect for larger families, those who would like a little more floor space or if celebrating a special occasion.
The suites at The CBeebies Land Hotel sleep up to 7 people and there are a variety of themes to choose from, Postman Pat, In The Night Garden, Swashbuckle or Something Special.
Why Stay At The CBeebies Land Hotel?
The hotel has children in mind so its bright, fun, interactive and themed around CBeebies and the CBeebies characters. Entertainment and Meet and Greets are scheduled throughout the day to keep little ones busy when they are not at the theme park.
Toddler friendly features available including cots, baby baths, children's toilet seats and steps for the bathroom sink.
Entertainment is exclusive to CBeebies Land Hotel guests and Early Ride Access at CBeebies Land is included.
The Enchanted Village
The Enchanted Village is like a fairytale with woodland lodges and luxury treehouses amongst winding pathways with twinkling lights. The Enchanted Village is set back behind the hotels and is furthest from the theme park.
The Enchanted Village has its own reception for check in to the Woodland Lodges. There is a small gift shop within the village, children's play areas and small arcade machines.
The Crooked Spoon Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed atmosphere.
Woodland Lodges
Woodland Lodges offer you the privacy of your own log cabin within the Enchanted Village. Each cabin sleeps up to 5 people with a double bed and a separate sleeping area for children featuring bunk beds and a truckle bed.
Each Woodland Lodge offers free wifi, TV and an outdoor decking area to relax at after a long day at the park.
Luxury Treehouses
There are five luxury treehouses within the Alton Towers Resort. Each treehouse offers luxury accommodation for up to 8 people.
The Treehouses have their own private decking with a hot tub overlooking the Enchanted Village. You can access exclusive in-resort takeaway service or make use of the kitchenette with crockery and glasses for up to 8 people.
The treehouse will be equipped with a 50" Plasma TV, PS4 and family friendly games.
You will be given VIP parking, an earlier check in time of 2pm with a Costa waiting for you on arrival.
Stargazing Pods
The stargazing pods are the newest addition to the resort offering budget accommodation. Each pod consists of a double bed and two single beds. The pod does come equipped with lighting and heaters however it is similar to a camping experience where you access to communal toilets, showers, baby change facilities located in another area of the camp.
These are perfect for families who want to enjoy a stay over at the resort without the great expense.
Why Stay In The Enchanted Village?
The Enchanted Village offers a unique experience and is perfect for those who enjoy the idea of having their own personal lodge, cabin or pod.
In the evening it looks magical with the twinkling lights guiding you through the dark pathways. The Crooked Spoon restaurant is at the heart of the village and is within walking distance from the lodges.
Anything Else?
Most short breaks at Alton Towers are based on Bed and Breakfast. You need to add on theme park tickets to your booking to gain access to the theme park unless you are a merlin pass holder.
A complimentary pass to use at the Extraordinary Golf is included in overnight stays.
Check in is 3pm (unless otherwise stated based on your accommodation) and check out is 10am.
Car Parking is free and some accommodation offer VIP parking.
Tickets to the Waterpark can be purchased at the time of booking.
Early access to the theme park is included however this does not include special events such as Scarefest.
Restaurant bookings can be made prior to your arrival using the email link in your booking.
Free WIFI is included throughout the resort.
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Disclosure - This is a paid collaboration with The Little Big Tent Festival
The clocks have sprung forward so the nights are getting lighter and for us that means more time in our garden. We spent so much time in our garden last year due to being in lockdown and staying at home. The weather was kind to us and we had lots of fun playing garden games, playing in the pool and also making tents and camping outside.
While we were safe at home last year we were introduced to the Big Little Tent Festival. The Caravan Club created the idea of Big Little Tent Festival during lockdown. It was an idea that meant we could still enjoy all the fun of the great outdoors but from our own home.
Big Little Tent Festival is back again this year and is taking place over the Easter weekend which falls on the 3rd and 4th April. Restrictions in the UK are still in place so this is the perfect way to get outdoors, pitch a tent, and enjoy nature all from your own garden.
There are lots of festival fun and activities to join in with across the weekend including a Zoom party to meet The Mermaid Princess and The Friendly Neighbourhood Hero for games, superhero training, and a campfire song! You can take part in their facebook love children's quiz, enjoy bushcraft and so much more.
To get you in the festival and camping mood the Caravan Club have created a free downloadable pack which contains everything your and your family will need for a home camping festival experience.
Create your own festival wristbands. Use the wristband templates in the pack to make them as colourful as you like.
Decorate your garden or home with The Big Little Tent festival colour your own bunting.
Create a To Do list. Everything you need to make the festival fun.
Whether you're camping indoors or outside there is a packing list perfect for you.
Lots of fun activities for the kids to enjoy, word search, garden bingo, spot the difference and much more,
When you download the pack you will be entered in to a draw for a chance to win with Raleigh. Raleigh are offering the chance to win one of two amazing bikes.
Raleigh's Pop and Molli children's bikes are worth up to £350 each. Perfect for exploring the great outdoors and getting some exercise too.
Make sure you join in with The Big Little Tent Festival Twitter party on Wednesday 31st March between 7-8pm to find out lots more about the Caravan Club and The Big Little Tent Festival. There will be chances to win prizes too. Make sure you follow @BigLittleTent and use the hashtag #BLTF21 in your tweets.
Not matter whether you have a tent or have to improvise, camp indoors or out, the Little Big Tent Festival is fun for all and the perfect way to spend an Easter Weekend
I first published this post last year during the first lockdown and I remember writing it with lots of hope that in 2021 our travel diaries would be jam packed full of days out, weekends away and at least one trip to a Disney park booked. Unfortunately our travel plans are exactly the same as last year - zero.
As it's just the beginning of the year we would have only normally visited local parks and beaches anyway but it's the short breaks, days out and holidays planned we are really missing out on and struggling with.
Whilst it's rubbish that we haven't been able to travel we are safe and healthy at home and the extra time at home has been great for saving for holidays and break aways when it is safe to do so. I'm not sure what travel will look like this year but I really do hope we manage to tick off at least a few from our post lockdown travel bucket list.
Southport Pier
I'm thinking we may be a little nervous travelling outside our local area for the first time so I know we will want to stay close. Some of our favourite memories as a couple, a family of three then a family of four are at Southport Pier. A nice stroll along the pier, a visit to the penny arcade and fish and chips overlooking the beach might be just what we need.
Alton Towers
As a theme park loving family this is what we are missing the most, a visit to Alton Towers or any of the Merlin theme parks . In between lockdowns and tiered systems in 2020 we did manage to squeeze a trip to Alton Towers Gardens and Alton Towers. Knowing what to expect when visiting Alton Towers after lockdown will really help us perpare for our next visit as is it very different.
Disneyland Paris
We are all in need of a walk down Main Street at Disneyland Paris. Seeing the castle is my favourite thing and I just cannot wait till the day we can visit again. I absolutely love Disney but after watching all the Marvel movies in chronological order in 2019 we headed to Disneyland for the Marvel event, Season of the Superheroes and we were blown away. It added a little bit extra to the trip and meeting Captain America was a highlight for us all. We have just started watching the movies again so I have everything crossed the Marvel event will go ahead in May and June and we get to visit.
The Lake District
A visit to The Lakes will definitely be a must if it's safe to visit during the Summer months. We have visited many areas of the lakes over the years but our favourite is definitely Bowness on Windermere with a nice boat trip over to Ambleside. We head up to the lake district a few times a year including a big family trip each Summer staying in a cottageit's such a beautiful place.
Disneyland
At the beginning of the year we got talking about visiting Disneyland in California. We have visited Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in Paris so it was only natural to think about Disneyland in California. John wasn't too keen on the idea mainly due to the flight time but now I think if we ever get to travel to the USA again I think it will definitely be on our travel plans.
Unfortunately at this moment we have no idea what travel will look like in the future but we can still plan and dream that one day the world will go back to normal.
Disclosure In collaboration with Hotels.com, but all views and photographs are our own.
Although we haven't done a lot of travelling this year we have had some very nice days out and overnight stays and I think that has helped us get through this very strange year. One of our favourite places is The Lake District and whilst following local guidance it's been perfect to visit as there is plenty of open space to enjoy and no matter what the weather it's a beautiful place to explore. Here are our top five things to do and see when visiting The Lake District.
Enjoy A Boat Trip On Windermere
Taking a boat trip on Windermere never gets old and we have been enjoying it for as long as I can remember. You can enjoy the stunning views of Windermere from a cruise that departs from either Bowness. Ambleside or Lakeside.
Red Cruise
Sail from Bowness to Ambleside or vice versa, and enjoy this 70-75 minutes round trip cruise.
Blue Cruise
A 45 minute circular cruise from Bowness, enjoy contrasting scenery of mountains, wooded shorelines and lovely tranquil bays.
Yellow Cruise
This cruise sails from Bowness to Lakeside or vice versa. The round trip takes 90 minutes.
Due to Covid-19 all cruises now have allocated seating and you can book up to between 7-10 days in advance. A face covering must be worn on board all cruises and it's advised to check the website before you travel for any updated information.
Visit To Grizedale Forest
The Grizedale Visitor centre is a great base if you are planning one of the walking trails as it has plenty of parking, facilities including toilets and washing area, picnic tables to enjoy lunch or snack before you set off.
The centre also has a fantastic childrens play area, and a cafe area with outside and inside seating (although inside isn't available at the moment) serving food, drinks and ice creams throughout the day. There is also a Go Ape centre here with climbing options in the forest and Segway routes if you would prefer this to a walk.
Take A Steam Train Ride
You can enjoy the scenic views of the Lakes from the comfort of a Steam Train on the heritage railway. You can combine the yellow river cruise from Bowness and enjoy a 2 hour round trip.
Your boat cruise will take you to Lakeside where you will then board the steam train to Haverthwaite Station.
Once at Haverthwaite you can enjoy a take away snack from the tea room, browse the gift shop, take a woodland walk and the children can enjoy the large playground area.
Due to Covid-19 all visitors on board must wear a face covering and as always make sure you check out the website for up to date information regarding your visit.
Walk Through Fell Foot Park
Fell Foot Park is a huge open space where you can enjoy walks around the parkland, meadow and lake. There is cafe open inside the park and they are working hard to not only provide takeaway snacks and drinks but to offer indoor seating too.
There is a downloadable activity sheet available from the Fell Foot Park website including a tree trail and bird spotter challenge.
The car park is open however parking spaces are limited and at the moment there are just two toilets open.
Please do continue to check the website before your visit.
Hill Top - A Visit Beatrix Potter's Home
A visit to Hill Top is a must for Beatrix Potter fans. Although the house is currently closed due to Covid-19 the gardens, shop and cafe are open.
The gardens are beautiful all year round but in Autumn they are busting with vegetables, fruit and pretty colours.
If you want to explore the area you can enjoy the Beatrix Potter Moss Eccles Tarn Walk. This is a gentle walk taking from Hill Top to Moss Eccles Tarn, one of Beatrix Potters favourite places to paint while her husband fished.
Please do continue to check the website before your visit.
The Lake District is a beautiful place to visit with so many attractions and things to see and do and we never get tired of visiting and exploring.
For the past few years every Summer we have come together as a family and booked a trip away for a few days. We have visited Simgill Cottage in The Lake District in the past which was a great base to explore the Lakes but this year we decided to head west and visit North Wales. Finding a property that can accommodate 14 can be tough but we managed to find Snowdonia View.
Snowdonia View is a large cottage farmhouse situated in Bryn y Maen with Conwy, Betwys-y-Coed and Llandudno being a short distance away.
On arrival Snowdonia View can comfortably park 4 cars at the side of the property and 1 at the front.
When you enter you will be greeted by a large hall/main entrance. This leads on to an open plan dining room with seating suitable for up to 16 people. The kitchen is to the right of the dining room and has everything you need for a self catering holiday. Just at the side of the kitchen are two utility rooms with washing machine and also another full size fridge. The door from the utility leads on to the back garden.
Back to the main entrance if you turn left you will enter the living room which is a decent size and was more than comfortable for us all. The living room has a step up towards the back of the room leading to a pool table area and then a door into the conservatory. The living room comes equipped with tv and DVD player and a wide range of DVD's to choose from. There is also a selection of games and books too.
There is a bedroom downstairs just to the left of the dining area. It is a double bedroom with a fireplace, wardrobe, dressing table and looks out on to the back garden. We actually popped a single bed in the room too as there was plenty of space.
There is also a small toilet room downstairs with sink.
Upstairs consists of a master bedroom with double bedroom and ensuite, a double room which can also include a single bed on request, two bedrooms with two single beds in each and another room with two single beds and a third on request. There is one master bathroom with toilet, sink, bath and walk in shower.
At the back of the property you could see horses on the field which the children really enjoyed.
We all arrived at different times during our first evening but the property was ready and waiting for us. The owners do not live far from the property and the key was waiting for us on arrival.
Check out time was 10am and within minutes of the check out time a van arrived which I think may have been cleaners so there is no hanging around.
Snowdonia View accommodated our needs perfectly. Some of the decor and furnishing was a little dated and could do with a freshen up but we definitely would return in future. The property and gardens are very spacious and with 4 children travelling they had plenty of space to explore and play both inside and outside.
For us Snowdonia View was the perfect base for us to explore North Wales including Greenwood Forest Park, Llandudno and The Welsh Mountain Zoo which were all a short drive away.
Your next holiday may be weeks or even months away, but it’s never too soon to start planning the logistics. Between finding accommodations, securing transportation, saving discretionary funds and planning itineraries, many considerations go into planning any trip away from home.
It’s difficult enough to plan for a major holiday when it’s just people involved, but those who bring their pets along have a world of other factors to consider. From how to handle travel to planning for the actual holiday stay, you’ll need to make a variety of additional plans.
To assist with this process, here are the tips and information you need to know when taking your dog on holiday.
Confirm Any Travel Requirements
It’s logistically challenging to travel to and from your holiday destination with any dog, especially larger ones. As such, you’ll need to confirm any travel requirements with one or more entities. These include the hire car company (if applicable) and your hotel or similar accommodations. If you are travelling to Europe, verify what procedures are required for your dog to board the ferry or train. This ensures you do not have a last-minute surprise that prevents you or your dog from going on holiday.
Evaluate Your Insurance Options
Whether you’re embarking on a short holiday excursion or travelling halfway around the world, your dog’s health should be a top priority. The last thing you want is for your dog to fall ill while on holiday in an unfamiliar place – but if it happens, being prepared is better than being unprepared. Dog insurance policies may provide some assistance with covering any unexpected healthcare costs for your dog in situations such as these but check what the policy covers, so you are prepared before you set off. Insurance providers such as Everypaw offer access to pet insurance for dogs through a variety of quotes and policy descriptions. A variety of different dog insurance coverage levels and options are available, including cover while abroad on holiday in countries that are a part of the Pet Travel Scheme.
Visit the Vet
Before travelling, you might decide to see a doctor to make sure you are well enough to travel and are up-to-date on any immunisations. Making similar considerations for your dog is only fair. Especially if you are travelling to countries where diseases such as rabies are still prevalent, it’s just sensible to see a vet to verify whether your pet needs any additional protection. Likewise, some countries require proof of immunisation before they will allow any pets to enter. Make sure you are aware of any immunisation laws if your holiday crosses international lines to avoid any unexpected refusal of entry for your dog. If you are travelling to Europe, you’ll need a valid pet passport for your dog.
Determine Vital Dog Items
Before you leave – or even enter the final stages of planning for your trip – it is imperative that you create a list of vital dog items that will be needed during the course of your holiday. Obvious considerations include food and water, along with food bowls. However, what else should you be considering for such a trip?
Any medicines that your dog needs should be filled ahead of your holiday if needed. Make sure the dog’s collar is with you upon departure. If your dog has a bed at home in which to sleep, bringing it along on holiday (assuming it’s feasible) may assist your dog to feel more at home. Additionally, any favourite dog toys, cleaning supplies (such as poo bags) and even photos of your dog in the event he or she gets lost while on holiday are worthwhile considerations.
If your dog is microchipped, it is recommended to add the address you’re staying at to the database, just in case your pet goes missing while you are on holiday. Incorporate Pet Routine Into Itinerary
Dogs generally do well under reliable routines and can be less well behaved when those routines are broken. While everybody’s routine will by definition be disrupted during any holiday experience, keeping as much of your dog’s feeding, bathroom and sleep/walking schedules on a similar schedule compared to home may be preferable for your canine friend.
Remember that throughout your holiday, you may be visiting various locales, eating at restaurants and engaging in other activities where your dog is not allowed (click here to learn about the most dog-friendly countries in Europe). In these circumstances, it is important to plan around these events and ensure you will be able to feed and water your puppy, as well as provide daily exercise and restroom trips. The last thing you want is a dog in your hotel room starving and with nowhere to go poo!
If you incorporate your pet’s itinerary into your own, bring vital items, ensure your pet’s health is up to par and handle any travel concerns beforehand, both you and your pet can have an enjoyable holiday experience. These five sets of concerns can further complicate the planning of any holiday but is a small price to pay when compared to having your four-legged friend along for the journey.
