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Perfect getaways go to the dogs
‘Canine concierges’ sniff out pet-friendly places
 Ben Grefsrud / msnbc.com |
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Since the Internet has largely taken over the travel business, many former travel agents are upgrading to fit into this new niche and concentrating on sniffing out pet-friendly places to go and things to do that owners can enjoy with their animals.
And there’s no shortage of pet-friendly accommodations, stores, outings and activities. It’s simply up to the canine concierge to leash it all together.
“It’s definitely big business,” said John Clifford president of International Travel Management, a San Diego-based travel consultant that focuses on luxury travel and exotic destinations for a clientele with a disposable income and a dog on a leash.
“In particular, this travel market is catering to baby boomers and empty nesters. Instead of going it alone, they are teaming up and traveling with friends or looking for organized group tours that plan itineraries catering specifically for their pets too.”
According to Donna Carsten of Bailey Knows Travel in Sherman Oaks, Calif., a travel company that specializes in tours for pets and their people, the biggest hurdle to marketing many interesting and fun destinations is getting the group there.
“Because airlines limited the number of pets allowed onboard each flight, it’s not possible to get 30 people and their pets to a destination as a group,” Carsten said. “So for now, all the tours we arrange are dependent on travelers making their own plans to get there and the group arrangements kick in when they are all at the destination.”
Carsten spoke with “several airlines about this problem” hoping they will reconsider their pet policies. ”This will hugely impact on the success of group travel to farther destinations both within the United States and to Europe.”
Airlines have declined to comment, which is likely an indication that the issue isn't on their “to-do” list.
California has plenty of pet-friendly destinations. By keeping it local, Carsten has planned several very successful group itineraries to places such as Cambria and Santa Barbara.
“Cambria is situated equally between Los Angeles and San Francisco and thus is accessible from both cities both by road and by air as the nearest airport is in San Luis Obispo,” she said. “Our itinerary to this quaint beachside artist colony includes wine tours to nearby Paso Robles and Hearst’s Castle. Although, the latter doesn’t allow pets, we offer a pet sitting service so that people can go off and tour knowing their fur kids are being entertained.”
The tours include four-star accommodations, food and entrance fees. A three-day getaway runs about $500 per person, Carsten said.
“This type of tour can be arranged anywhere in the country. Right now we have tours to New York and Mexico in the works and are also considering Colorado because it offers activities such as hiking and rafting for pets. We are also planning skijoring tours to various East Coast destinations.”
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