By Larry Olmsted

I often travel with my dogs, and I am hardly alone. In recent years Americans have spent record amounts pampering their pets, and increasingly treating four-legged friends like human children, including on the road. Pet travel has increased steadily for the past 20 years, and a 2020 survey found that 45% of dog owners took their pups on a trip of at least two nights. But this all got pumped up during the pandemic, when dog ownership hit new highs, and driving road trips become more popular.

But many top luxury hotels that claim to be “dog friendly” have misguided size limitations, high fees and unwieldy rules. Many such hotels are more accurately “tolerant of some pets” rather than pet welcoming. But there are pleasant exceptions … continue reading

Award-winning travel journalist Larry Olmsted is the author of “Real Food, Fake Food.” He is a Contributing Editor to US Airways Magazine and Cigar Aficionado Magazine and “The Great Life” columnist for Forbes.com. His newest book is“Fans: How Watching Sports Makes Us Happer, Healthier, and More Understanding.”