Vacations with dogs can be a nightmare or they can be some of the most memorable trips of your life. It really all depends on the planning. Before you even decide to take Fido along, you should ask yourself a series of questions to make sure you are making the right choice. First, you should understand that taking your dog on vacation can make traveling more fun, but also more difficult. You need to account for toilet breaks, sleeping arrangements, and regular walks.

If your idea of a vacation is spending the day shopping or visiting attractions, then you (and Fido) would do better alone. Your dog's personality is also important. Animals who bark continuously or are skittish around strangers, be it humans or other animals, are no good candidates for traveling.

Vacations with dogs can be fun only if you are sure that the trip will benefit both your dog and yourself. If that is the case, here are a few ideas on how to make the most of a vacation with your dog.

Is your dog a city dog? Just take him along when you are visiting relatives or checking in a hotel for a few days. Many hotels and bed and breakfasts are pet-friendly and will not object to your dog's presence. City holidays are a great idea for small dogs or dogs that do not need a lot of exercise and will be happy to wait for you as you go shopping.

Beach vacations with dogs are becoming more and more commonplace. While many require that dogs be leashed, others allow owners to unleash the animal if he can be kept under voice control at all times. Most beaches allow dogs to swim. Some beaches, Long Beach, in California, have a special area dedicated to dog owners. The Dog Zone in Long Beach is a three-acre area where dogs are allowed to run and swim leash-free.

Camping is also a dog-friendly option, and many campgrounds even have special trails marked for dog owners who want to give their companions a special treat. Certain places, like 4Peaks Cabins in the Adirondacks, make vacations with dogs the ultimate experience, as they encourage vacationers to bring their pets along to make the outdoor experience more enjoyable.

Whatever you decide to do, research the destination and the options beforehand. Make sure the place you select accepts dogs and organize everything accordingly so both you and your pet can enjoy the trip as much as possible.