Jennifer Nosek is the Editor of the fresh and fabulous MODERN DOG – lifestyle magazine for modern dogs and their companions, based in Vancouver, Canada. She has two shiny-eyed dachshunds – Esther has the short hair, Rose the long – and in this pic they’re in their carriers waiting to board the seaplane to Salt Spring Island in British Columbia. (Dear Rose is already nodding off!)
When traveling in the car with you, are your dogs a) sat in your lap, paws on the steering wheel b) head out the window taking it all in c) laid-back and snoozing or d) secure in carrier e) other behavior!
Chillin’ in the backseat. They are veteran travellers. They’re also short (the downside of the being of the Dachshund persuasion) so they’re unable to see out the window. Esther though can tell if we’re approaching somewhere interesting (read: the beach) by the change in the air and she’ll perk up accordingly. Rose is pretty much on another planet most of the time 🙂
If you could click your fingers and wake up anywhere in the world with your dogs, what destination would you most like to experience together and why?
Ooh, this is a tough one! Esther loves the hot weather. For her I’m going to go with the Yucatan peninsula. Some beach time then Merida. Rose is more of a cafe dog, so I’ll say Paris.
What is your fondest memory of taking a trip with your dogs?
A trip to the Florida panhandle with Esther in tow – so proud of how that dog manages the moving sidewalks in airports!, ha! She’s a very sophisticated traveler.
Do you have an all-time favorite dog-friendly accommodation? Perhaps one that went above and beyond in terms of making your furry friend welcome?
The Viceroy Riviera Maya in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico is straight up amazing. A shaman blesses your dog upon arrival and there are even little dog-sized palapa huts so your dog is shaded pool-side. Add in a private plunge pool and moon shower and gorgeous walkways with monkeys swinging overhead and you’ve got a dream destination. Highly, highly recommended. The lovely dog-friendly Opus Hotel in Vancouver is also tops.
Have you ever had any doggie disasters while traveling with your pet?
I was transporting a rescue dog from LA to Vancouver that was absolutely freaking out in his in-cabin carrier. It was a totally full flight and freakishly turbulent. NOT a relaxing ride. I felt like I was going to jump out of my skin. But–we made it and this little guy plucked from a kill shelter embarked upon a new life in Vancouver. Worth it but aiiiiiiii.
Any tried & tested tips for happy travels with your dog?
By far the biggest thing: Make sure your dog’s carrier/crate is a happy place. The minute my dog Esther’s carrier comes out she tries to climb right in! This is super key to a relaxed journey. You can find tips on how to accomplish this here in this Modern Dog article. Happy travels!