Pet-Inclusive Honeymoons Are All the Rage

Leaving your dog or cat behind while you jet off for your honeymoon? That's so 2023. This year, we're all about including pets in milestones in a bold way. As dedicated (borderline obsessive?) pet parents, the thought of saying bye to your companion while you and your sweetheart celebrate newlywed life doesn't just feel wrong—it feels incomplete. Reverse FOMO, if you will.

Pet-friendly honeymoons are gaining momentum for a reason, and it's not about viewing them as mere travel accessories. It's about toasting to your soulful sidekick’s role in your love story.

It's the ultimate expression of hardcore devotion—ensuring your pet shares in significant moments, even the most intimate. So, let's dig into some tips of the travel trade and explore a few of the greatest travel destinations that welcome pets with open arms!

Why bring your pet on your honeymoon? Seriously, why not?

Ok, so maybe you're not necessarily pet-obsessed. Why might you consider bringing your pet along on one of the most arguably intimate vacations of your life? Whether you’re looking to keep your pup close, save some cash, or simply ensure everyone's comfort (including your reactive pooch), there are plenty of smart, practical reasons to opt for a pet-friendly honeymoon. Here’s the scoop on why including your curious copilot might just be the best wedding gift you give yourselves:

• No more "missing you" blues: For dogs with separation anxiety, especially post-pandemic, saying goodbye can be ruff. Why stress over your dog’s loneliness when you can bring them along for the adventure? A pet-friendly honeymoon means no sad puppy eyes in your rearview mirror.

• Sitter costs? No thanks!: Let’s talk dollars and sense. Hiring a pet sitter or checking Fido into a boarding facility can seriously inflate your wedding budget. A pet-friendly getaway can help save some extra coins and keep your best friend right by your side—where they belong.

• For the spirited pup: Got a reactive dog who doesn’t play well with others? Traditional boarding can be a no-go. Pet-friendly destinations ensure your honeymoon remains peaceful, not a test of your pup's patience with other fur-covered guests.

Choosing a pet-friendly honeymoon destination is about embracing the joy your dog brings into your life every day. You can create memories together and avoid the logistical headaches and heartaches that come with leaving them at home.

Stick it to conventional getaways

Let’s face it, the traditional honeymoon destinations aren't always a-ok with our dogs and cats tagging along. But why settle for the norm? It's time to flip the script and opt for destinations that will celebrate your pet's presence.

By doing some research, you can find destinations known for their pet-friendly policies, offering everything from accommodations to parks, and transport that makes traveling with pets as easy and enjoyable as possible.

The data behind the devotion

Figo’s 2024 survey of pet parents reveals a telling trend: pet-friendly travel isn't a niche fad; it's becoming the norm. A whopping 58% of pet moms and dads are now bringing their curious co-pilots along for the ride on trips. Younger pet parents are leading the charge, driven by a steadfast resolve to never leave their pack behind. This isn't just about convenience—it's a movement, a declaration that pets are integral to the fabric of our lives.

This increasing inclination to include pets in travel plans reflects a broader cultural shift towards greater inclusivity and understanding of what it means to be a family. Today’s pet parents reject the traditional confines of pet ownership in favor of a more integrated lifestyle, with pets firmly at the heart of everyday activities, including vacations and significant life events like honeymoons.

No shortcuts to smooth sailing

Traveling with pets requires careful planning, a no-shortcut approach, and likely several lint rollers. Here’s how you can help craft the smoothest of journeys:

• Prep is key: Ensure all vaccinations are up-to-date, and you have all the necessary health certificates handy, especially for international travel. Do your research so you don’t get caught with your tail between your legs.

• Smart and safe: Invest in a good quality pet carrier or a harness for safe travel. Your pet's comfort and security should never be compromised. If you’re considering a very long, direct international flight, keep your pet’s bathroom schedule and energy level in mind. Invest in a ticket for them on the plane itself so they’re not in the cargo area and always consult your vet before you make decisions that could impact your pet’s well-being.

• Pack animal: Remember to pack all your pet's essentials, including food, water, toys, and any medications. Keep your vet’s emergency number in your phone and check to see if your pet insurance provider has any restrictions around vet access in certain locations. PSSST – pets insured through Figo can visit a vet anywhere, worldwide.

• Sleep soundly: Ensure any hotel or vacation rental you’re staying in is pet-friendly and that your dog or cat fulfills all restrictions and requirements so they can snooze beside you without fear.

• Keep calm and purr on: Pets pick up on your energy. Keep calm and provide reassurance throughout the journey to help them feel secure. Remember, your honeymoon is meant to be a blast – your pet is just the cherry on top!

An important reminder

Above all, please consider whether your pet really wants to be traveling or if they’d prefer to stay at home. Sure, the photos will be irresistible, but if an adventure (domestic or abroad) is more panic-inducing than exciting for your dog, find them a sitter or boarding facility and leave the jet-setting to the humans.

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's take a look at some stellar travel spots for pets and their people.

Pet-friendly destinations topping our bucket list

When it comes to choosing a pet-friendly honeymoon destination, there are standout cities and regions around the globe that roll out the red carpet for four-legged fliers. These places can truly brag about being a pet-forward spot you, your partner, and your pup can all enjoy.

Paris, France: Canines and croissants

The City of Lights shines bright for pets. In Paris, dogs can join you at almost any terrace café or stroll along the fashionable boulevards. The city's open embrace of pets extends to public transport (smaller pets in carriers and larger ones with a small fee) and most iconic landmarks, though they’ll have to steer clear of museums and food markets. Imagine sipping a café au lait next to your pup in the heart of Montmartre—truly, Paris understands that pets are part of the family.

San Francisco, USA: A golden gate for pets

San Francisco is a pioneer in pet hospitality, offering an array of dog-friendly parks, beaches, and even dining options. The city’s famous Golden Gate Bridge is a backdrop to numerous pet-centric events and activities, making it an urban paradise for pet parents who want their companions to enjoy the city’s vibrant culture right alongside them.

Vienna, Austria: Waltzing with whiskers

Vienna treats pets like royalty, with water bowls on many corners and a variety of pet-friendly activities to explore. The city’s public transport system welcomes furry passengers, ensuring they can accompany their owners to coffee houses and parks. You and your partner can absorb the city’s culture without leaving your canine far behind.

Zurich, Switzerland: The peak of pet pampering

In Zurich, pets can enjoy the pristine beauty of Switzerland’s meticulous attention to nature and public spaces. With trails leading from the city into the Alps where dogs are as welcome as their owners, Zurich is a haven for pet owners who love the outdoors but don’t want to forsake urban pleasures, which include pet-friendly shopping and dining establishments.

Helsinki, Finland: Cool climes, warm welcomes

Helsinki is renowned for its design and innovation, which evidently extends to its pet policies. The city offers numerous pet-friendly options from cafes and shops to parks and public transport. In Helsinki, pets are so well-integrated into city life that it’s common to see dogs patiently waiting outside supermarkets in their own little cubbies.

Melbourne, Australia: A doggone, down-under delight

Melbourne’s laid-back atmosphere is perfect for pet parents. With its extensive network of parks, beaches, and eateries where pets are more than welcome, it’s a city that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. Melbourne's vibrant arts scene, inclusive open-air markets, and street performances ensure that your pet can be part of your cultural explorations.

Colorado, USA: High altitudes, high inclusivity

Colorado goes beyond being pet-friendly; it integrates pets into the state’s lifestyle centered around outdoor adventure. From the pet-friendly hiking trails in the Rockies to dog-welcome breweries and events, Colorado offers a high-altitude haven for pet families. It's a state where your pet's presence is as vital to your adventure as the breathtaking landscapes.

Hardcore pet parents only

Choosing a pet-friendly honeymoon isn’t just about not wanting to leave your pet behind; it’s about celebrating your whole family. It's a choice that speaks to a deeper truth about commitment and inclusion. For the pet parent who goes all in, no part of life is too big to share with their pet. We’re shouting it from the rooftops – make pet-friendly honeymoons cool!

Need more pet-friendly travel tips? We’ve got you covered!

Lizz Caputo is the Manager of Content Strategy at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.