Hi Manda--

All the advice the others have given is great! We took Kobie and Eli with us for a week-long vacation last summer after making lots of pre-trip inquiries and arrangements, and it was wonderful. We camped a few nights, then stayed in dog-friendly hotels the rest of the time (if you're even stuck not having a nicer place picked out in advance, Motel 6 will ALWAYS allow pets). They played on beaches, hiked, and lounged around with us the whole time. And tired dogs sleep very soundly at night!

One thing to remember is to try to be a good ambassador for pets wherever you go. Some places that are "friendly" or "welcome" dogs do so kind of grudgingly and with lots of restrictions, so make sure your pup is extra polite--no major barking, no running loose, no pooping that doesn't get cleaned up. If you make a great impression, I think more places will allow good dogs (and their people) to visit!

It's worth the extra effort to take your pup, I think. Have fun!