The 6 most beautiful travel destinations for you and your dog

Vacation is a time for relaxation, adventure, and new experiences. For many dog lovers, it's only natural that their loyal four-legged friend is part of it. The good news is that Europe has many beautiful destinations where dogs are more than welcome, and where you can rent your ideal pet-friendly vacation home. In this blog, we'll take you and your dog to some of the most beautiful destinations to explore together.

The Ardennes in Belgium is a perfect destination for nature lovers and their dogs. This expansive area is known for its dense forests, winding rivers, and charming villages. There are numerous hiking trails to enjoy with your dog, ranging from easy routes to challenging hikes.

Things to do in the area:

• Hiking in the Hoge Venen: This nature reserve offers a spectacular landscape of peat bogs and open heathlands. Dogs can run and play freely here.

• Kayaking on the Ourthe River: For the adventurous dog owner, a kayak trip is a fun activity. Many rental companies allow dogs on board.

• Explore the Caves of Han: Although dogs are not allowed inside the caves, the surrounding forests and wildlife park are wonderful places to explore.

Located in central Germany, the Sauerland is an enchanting area known for its rolling hills, vast forests, and crystal-clear lakes. It is an ideal destination for those who enjoy hiking, cycling, and water sports.

Things to do in the area:

• Hiking around the Biggesee: Around this large lake, you’ll find many beautiful walking and cycling paths. Dogs can swim here and enjoy the fresh air.

• Winterberg: In winter, you can admire beautiful snowy landscapes. Many trails are suitable for winter walks with your dog.

• Sauerland Höhenflug: This long-distance hiking trail offers breathtaking views and well-marked paths ideal for walks with your dog.

This state in western Austria offers a combination of spectacular Alpine landscapes and charming villages. Vorarlberg is a perfect destination for mountain lovers and their dogs.

Things to do in the area:

• Hiking in Bregenzerwald: This area is known for its green meadows and traditional farms. There are plenty of hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging.

• Pfänderbahn: This cable car in Bregenz takes you to the top of Pfänder Mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views and dog-friendly hiking trails.

• Bodensee: On the shores of Lake Constance, you can enjoy beautiful walks, and there are plenty of places where your dog can take a refreshing dip.

The Veluwe, one of the largest nature reserves in the Netherlands, is a paradise for dogs and their owners. Explore the beautiful forests, heathlands, and sand dunes and stay in a cozy vacation home in the middle of nature.

Things to do in the area:

• Hiking in De Hoge Veluwe National Park: This park offers vast landscapes and numerous hiking trails. Dogs are welcome, provided they are on a leash.

• Kootwijkerzand: This unique sand drift area is a great place for dogs to run and play.

• Off-leash areas: The Veluwe has several off-leash areas where your dog can roam freely, such as at Het Leesten and Rozendaalse Veld.

In the southwest of France, you’ll find the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. This area offers a varied landscape of beaches, forests, and vineyards. It is an excellent destination for dog lovers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Things to do in the area:

• Beaches of the Atlantic coast: Many beaches in this region welcome dogs, especially outside the high season. Here, your dog can swim and play in the sea.

• Hiking in the Dordogne: This beautiful region offers various hiking trails through forests and along rivers. The medieval villages and castles are definitely worth a visit.

• Pyrenees: For the more adventurous dogs and their owners, the Pyrenees are a fantastic hiking area with spectacular mountain landscapes and challenging paths.

Zeeland, located in the southwest of the Netherlands, is a beautiful province known for its coastline, picturesque villages, and vast natural areas. For dog lovers, Zeeland is an ideal destination thanks to its dog-friendly beaches, walking trails, and accommodations where dogs can run, play, and swim.

Things to do in the area:

• Veerse Meer: This large lake offers plenty of recreational opportunities for dogs and their owners. There are walking paths along the lake, and in some places, dogs are even allowed to swim. The area around the lake is quiet and offers beautiful views.

• Dog-friendly beaches: Popular beaches include Domburg Beach, Vrouwenpolder Beach, and Renesse Beach. During the high season, there may be some restrictions, but there are always times when dogs are welcome.

• Zierikzee and Veere: These historic towns are not only beautiful to visit but also welcome your dog. Stroll through the charming streets, along the old harbor, and enjoy a terrace where your dog is welcome.

Choosing the right destination makes a vacation with your dog an unforgettable experience. Whether you opt for the green forests of the Ardennes, the hills of the Sauerland, the alpine landscapes of Vorarlberg, the expansive nature of the Veluwe, the diverse landscapes of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, or the wide beaches of Zeeland, you will surely enjoy the time together with your loyal pet. At Leisure Time, you can rent the perfect pet-friendly vacation home at one of these destinations. Here, you can peacefully enjoy your well-deserved leisure time.