I’ve always known that dogs had this life thing figured out; you could see it in the peaceful, content way they enjoy each moment. There’s so much we could learn from dogs to live a happier life and a lot we could learn from them about travel too. Here are some simple travel lessons I’ve learned from my dogs that could help you travel better.
Don’t be a space hog dog
Our dogs fly in cabin, under the seat. They take up no more space than that. They don’t jut their elbows into my personal space taking up the entire armrest and they certainly don’t “man spread.” Be considerate of those flying around you. You’re not the onlyone trying to get somewhere.
Less is Best
Dogs need nothing when they travel besides the occasional essentials of water and food. The truth is we don’t need to schlep around half of what we think we need. Do you need that 3rd pair of flip-flops when you’ll be walking barefoot on the beach? Probably not. And those hiking boots you know won’t tread any rocky ground because you’ll be drinking beer in the lodge instead also need not come.
Go before you go
When traveling by plane or by car we take our dogs for a nice walk and they do their business before embarking. After that, they hold it until we get to the next stop. They don’t fill up with water or eat a large bowl of kibble right before boarding. Why should we be any different? Before leaving, do your business and prepare for your trip and if you know you are going to be traveling for hours, think twice before chugging that jumbo-Slurpee from 7-11.
Embrace your space
Our dog Jersey loooooves his carrier. There is something about being in a tight, small space that makes him feel secure and safe. Add the hum of the plane and he sleeps the entire flight. The same goes for a car ride. He snuggles in to whatever space he can carve out and enjoys the ride. No complaints. No Are we there yets? He relaxes, gets cozy, and goes where the wind – or humans – take him.
No shame in the calm down pill game
Our other dog, Olive, on the other hand, is not a fan of flying. On one flight, she barked so loudly that the captain Meow-ed back at her over the intercom. To ease her anxiety and to avoid stank, whale eye glares from our plane neighbors, we started giving her half a calm down pill (aka tranquilizer) and she is happier for it. In truth, I can’t say I disagree with her. I feel more like Olive on a flight than I do like Jersey and the more I fly, the more anxious I get, but having chosen a life overseas there aren’t many options to get home than to fly. Unfortunately, I’m not quite in a place where I could take a calm down pill since I’m traveling with two small kids to take care of so instead I drink a glass (or two) of wine and try to avoid screaming We’re goin’ down through patches of turbulence. So, the flight attendant thinks I’m an alcoholic mom – so what?! There is no shame in easing your anxiety of flying with a calm down aid – just avoid the Krsitin Wiig Bridesmaid scene and you should be fine.
Slow Down
When my dogs get to a new place the first thing they do is sniff around and explore it on their own. Where am I? Do I like this place? Do I like how it smells? Where does this go? Oh, look a kitchen. Sweet! While I’m not suggesting you roam around on all fours, nose to pavement, there is something to be said for giving yourself a moment alone to take it in. We get so preoccupied about doing it all that before we’ve even arrived we’ve planned excursions and tours and dinner reservations and forget to allocate time to sit still and be. Slow down. There’s time.
Focus
Have you ever seen a dog chase a butterfly? Or its tail? Or the mailman? Or anything moving for that matter? Unabridged focus. They are so engrossed with what is in front of them that everything else melts away. They aren’t worried about their vet visit or their dinner that night, they are just absorbed in this, here, right now. Which brings me to…
Roll the windows down. Stick your head out. And breathe it in.
We are often so focused on the destination that we don’t experience the present moment, the road. Dogs could care less about destinations – the beach, the park, the car ride to the store – they live in this moment. They breathe in the fresh air and let their hair fly wild and loose in the breeze, grinning-toothed smile the whole way. They live in the journey and the destination is just a bonus.
Photo Credits: Go Before You Go – Jackie