There’s nothing like coming home after a Trip and being greeted by your dog.  The excitement they feel is contagious as you arrive at the front of your home, put your keys in the door, twist the knob and hear the pitter patter of their toenails coming to express just how much they missed you.

You may be sad when your trip comes to a close as you think back to all the fun and relaxation you experienced.  But the nagging feeling of missing your dog, knowing they miss you too and wishing they were by your side never truly fades until that sweet, slobbery reunion.

In order to have the best of both worlds – vacation and continued companionship – there is one solution.  Make your next family vacation an inclusive one by extending the invitation to your furry sidekick.  When it comes down to it, aren’t pets just four-legged extensions of the family anyway?  We love them, care for them and stick by them through thick and thin – maybe we should consider how tired they are from their busy schedule of chewing up shoes and sniffing butts.

If you’re interested in taking your vacation to the next level, invite your dog along to one of these pet-friendly destinations.  As with any pet-inclusive trip, don’t forget to bring a leash, collar, something for them to drink water from, something for them to sleep on and plenty of food.

Take a dog-friendly cruise.

Nothing screams spring break more than taking a week off and floating through the ocean.  Though many cruises do not allow dogs, several have learned to accommodate pet-lovers and are more than happy to welcome your pet abroad.

The best part about a dog-friendly cruise is having the ability to incorporate your pet into all your plans.  They can join you for meals, relaxation and when you need some time to yourself, many cruises offer kennel services for when you’re ready for some freedom.

If you are worried that your pet may not adapt well to the ocean life, give this a test run by taking a brief cruise with several stops along the way.

Hit up a dog-friendly beach.

Whether you’re a west coast fanatic or an east coaster by heart, you’re in luck due to two simple facts.  Americans love dogs and Americans love the beach.  When you bring the two together, everyone is happy.

Both you and your dog will feel liberated after a few days of sunshine, sand and playing in the waves.  If you have a high-energy dog, this will be a great opportunity for them to channel that energy into something fun, giving you a chance to relax and take a load off.

There are dozens of pet-friendly beaches along the United States borders, so chances are you won’t have to travel far (which is great if you have a pup who is anti-automobile).  If you’re planning for a beach trip to somewhere like LA or Miami, look for dog-friendly activities online and be sure to add an umbrella and extra water to your packing list to help keep your dog hydrated and cool throughout the day.

Get out in nature.

There’s no better place for a dog than the natural world.  Spring break is the perfect time for a family camping and/or hiking trip and there is no better opportunity for Fido to get some exercise than hitting the trails.

Consider traveling to one of the many national or state parks across the country.  Before setting your plan in stone, be sure to double check that the campsites and trails you’re planning to visit are dog-friendly.  As with any dog-inclusive trip, don’t forget to bring lots and lots of doggie bags to keep the trails and site as clean as possible.

Go on a road trip.

If your dog loves the car, spring break could be a great time to hit the road and see where life takes you.  Of course, you’ll want to have a basic outline for your plan, and ensure that you book some nights in dog-friendly hotels.  Beyond the outline of your plan, you and your dog can treat the world as your oyster and feel free to explore some new places you’ve never seen before.  Road trips are great for clearing your mind, refreshing perspective and taking in a ton of new smells!

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Regardless of what you choose to do with your spring break, incorporating your dog will amplify your ability to live in the moment, have fun and see your pet be able to do the same.  Instead of one big greeting at the end of your trip, you will be able to cherish all the special moments knowing that the entire family was included in the plan, and missing your pet will be a problem no more!