OT: Vacation with 1 year-old and possibly dog?

[bdtracey]

Hey all,

Sorry for going but I thought I'd pose the question: where would you go on vacation with a 1 year-old and possibly a dog? The dog isn't a must; we can put her in a kennel but it may be nice to have her come along. We live in Calgary so anything east of Manitoba is kind of out of it because this will likely be a driving vacation. I figure that if we were to fly anywhere we might as well head to WDW...right?

I was initially thinking about the Okanagan (sp?) in B.C. but I'm not sure about that. Then I was thinking about Montana or Idaho, Utah would be nice too but that's getting a bit far out there. This will be our first summer family vacation. I did a lot of camping as a kid so I'm wondering if that's a good idea. I can only imagine what my little guy will get into while camping!

Any thoughts?

 

[hockeymom3]

Well, I can't really help you with the where to go, but I would like to tell you that my experiences travelling with a dog aren't the best!!!

Its really hard to go places with dogs - you limit yourself as to what you can do (can't leave a dog in a hot car). I've tried it - it sucks. My in-laws always bring their dog wherever they go, and they end up not being able to do lots of stuff because of the dog.

I love vacations but its tough with a dog and I don't recommend it.

PS - we tried camping with a 1 year old last year and it was ok - it wasn't the easiest because he wanted to RUN everywhere but it was definately do-able!!

Good luck!!!

 

[bdtracey]

Thanks for the info!

The ONLY thing I can think of doing with a dog is camping. Maybe the dog will head to the kennel.

 

[drag n' fly]

Kelowna and Radium Hot Springs are great family places. We did those and still do those 2 every summer. Vancouver Island is also fantastic if you want to venture a wee bit further. Kennel the dog. Most places will not allow dogs. If they do you cannot leave them unattended. Most beaches do not allow dogs on the beach so it is either put them in a kennel on the beach or leave then in the vehicle running with the AC on. Been there done that not worth the hassle. If you need some kennel suggestions be happy to help

 

[bdtracey]

Thanks for all of the info....but....we're not going to do any driving vacations this summer....

Instead we're flying to WDW at the end of September for Free Dining

The best part is that we convinced my in-laws to come too!!! We thought it'd be a tough sell for the DFIL but I think he's more pumped about it than my DMIL. The flights are actually decent too! 3 of us are going on Air Miles and we had to book one ticket OOP.

We're doing a red-eye from Calgary to Toronto, 4 hour lay over and then on to Orlando. We'll be in MCO just after 1 p.m. DW was a little nervous about the red-eye with DS (14 months by then) but we have a lot working for us. First, we'll have the in-laws with us for back-up. Second, DMIL and I don't sleep well on flights at all (Boo for us, but its Disney so who cares). Therefore, we can switch off with DS if needed. Third, it's overnight so the little fella should be sleeping anyways but it's a gamble.

Coming back is a direct flight from MCO to Calgary which is good and bad. Long trip for a little one but much better for the adults.

What I love is that we get to Orlando at a human time (1 p.m.) and we don't leave Orlando until 5 p.m. The Magical Express will likely pick us up at 2 p.m. so that's almost a whole day more than what we're used to!!!!!

Sorry for the rant but I'm stoked to be going back!!!!!!!

Did I mention