As I settled into my seat on the plane, I couldn't help but think about my last single friend, who had recently traded in her solo travel adventures for romantic getaways. Suddenly, I was the only one still booking flights solo – a realization that both thrilled and terrified me.
Little did I know, this change would lead to an unexpected journey: traveling with my dog, Poppy. What started as a spontaneous decision turned out to be better than I had ever imagined. Navigating new places became less isolating, sparking conversations with strangers, and opening the door to a growing number of dog-friendly travel destinations around the world.
One of those destinations was Italy, where my woofer and I were welcomed everywhere. From the bustling streets of Rome to the rolling vineyards of Tuscany, we enjoyed lunch at Il Borro, a stunning wine estate outside Florence, where Salvatore Ferragamo Jr. hand-fed Poppy prosciutto while we chatted about the estate's dedication to sustainability.
"Living on a farm like this, you experience the impact of climate change firsthand," Salvatore Jr. told me. "It's no longer theoretical—you live with it daily."
Beyond the landscapes and incredible food, Italy is effortlessly romantic – even for solo travelers. Poppy became the ultimate conversation starter, and between café owners slipping her extra treats in Ischia and charming strangers offering wine recommendations in Puglia, I was never really alone.
When it came to where to stay, Il Borro's 13th-century village at its heart housed rustic-chic suites, while a palatial 10-bedroom pink villa offered a lavish escape. With two restaurants, a spa, a wine cellar, and an equestrian center, it was the kind of place where you could stay forever.
Next up was Aruba, one of the most dog-friendly islands in the Caribbean. Many of its beaches welcome pups, so we spent our days lounging by turquoise waters and our evenings diving into Aruba's thriving dog-friendly restaurant scene at Papiamento, Taste My Aruba, and Hadicurari Restaurant.
Beyond the beaches, Aruba has an unexpected artistic side. Once a sleepy town, San Nicolas has transformed into an open-air art gallery with over 50 murals and installations. The best way to experience it? The Aruba Mural Tour is a two-hour guided walk run by Tito, an artist passionate about turning Aruba into a global arts hub.
Baby Beach in San Nicolas was a must for pups who love the beach. Its shallow, calm waters make it perfect for small or timid swimmers, while humans can enjoy some of Aruba's best snorkeling. With near-constant trade winds and a location outside the hurricane belt, Aruba guarantees perfect beach weather almost year-round – no overheating for you or your pup.
For a solid pick for dog parents, we stayed at Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort, located near Eagle Beach, one of Aruba's most famous stretches of sand. The hotel offers spacious suites and plenty of outdoor space for walks, with the staff incredibly welcoming to Poppy, making our stay even better.
Solo road trips have a way of making you feel like the main character in a movie – and driving Highway 1 with my doggo by my side felt exactly like that. The winding coastal roads, dramatic cliffs of Big Sur, and endless Pacific views make this one of the most scenic road trips in the world.
One of the best parts of this trip? Spontaneous connections. Whether it was a conversation with another solo traveler at a dog-friendly winery in Carmel or a flirtatious exchange with a surfer in Santa Cruz, Highway 1 has the potential to make solo travel feel like a rom-com.
We stayed at The Monterey Beach Hotel, one of the few hotels that sit directly on the sand, making it an easy choice for a road trip stop. It's pet-friendly, meaning Poppy and I could step right onto the beach in the morning for a sunrise walk. The hotel also has fire pits where guests gather in the evening – perfect for chatting with fellow travelers while sipping a glass of California wine.
New Orleans may be famous for its music and nightlife, but it's also an incredibly dog-friendly city. From pet-welcoming bars in the French Quarter to outdoor cafés where my woofer and I people-watched over beignets, this city makes solo travelers feel right at home.
And then there's the dating scene. New Orleans practically forces you to be social. Whether sipping a Sazerac at a speakeasy or swapping ghost stories on a walking tour, meeting people here is effortless. Let's just say I left with some good stories (and maybe a few texts from locals I met along the way).
For a playful, design-forward stay, we opted for the Virgin Hotel New Orleans, located within walking distance of Bourbon Street and blending Art Deco charm with contemporary Southern flair. The rooftop pool is a scene with everything from DJ nights to themed quiz competitions.
Barcelona is one of those cities where you arrive alone and leave with at least three new best friends. Poppy and I strolled down Las Ramblas, admired Gaudí's surreal masterpieces, and relaxed at Playa de Llevant, one of the city's dog-friendly beaches. Barcelona also boasts Europe's first water park for dogs, AquaPark Canino, which is an unexpected highlight.
Beyond its dog-friendly perks, Barcelona is a fun city to play. If you want to add romance to your solo adventure, Barcelona's nightlife practically encourages spontaneous encounters.
One minute, you're sipping an espresso martini at a rooftop bar in El Born, and the next, you're lost in a late-night adventure through the Gothic Quarter, where the narrow alleyways feel like they were designed for serendipitous moments.
For a luxurious yet pet-friendly stay that welcomes you and your pup, we chose The Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona, located on the elegant Passeig de Gràcia. It's steps from some of the city's best shopping, dining, and architectural wonders. Their pet package ensured Poppy was just as pampered as I was, with a plush bed and gourmet treats waiting for her in our suite.
If you want to experience Europe's artsy, edgy side with your pup by your side, Berlin is the place to do it. Dogs are allowed on public transportation, in many bars, and even in some museums, which makes it an easy city to explore solo without worrying about where your doggo is welcome.
Berlin's come-as-you-are energy makes it one of the best places in Europe to meet people organically. Whether it's striking up a conversation with other dog parents at Tempelhofer Feld – a massive former airport turned off-leash park – or chatting with a stranger in a dimly lit cocktail bar in Kreuzberg, this city doesn't do small talk – it does real, unfiltered human connection.
For a pet-friendly stay that's just as welcoming to humans, we opted for Hotel Zoo Berlin, located on the iconic Kurfürstendamm boulevard. It blends historical elegance with modern luxury and is just a short walk from Tiergarten, Berlin's version of Central Park.
Alaska's vast wilderness is the kind of place that forces you to slow down, breathe deeper, and embrace solitude – but it also has a way of bringing the right people into your orbit. Whether it was swapping stories with fellow travelers over beers or watching Poppy's ears perk up as she sniffed the crisp mountain air, this trip felt like stepping into an adventure novel.
The best way to explore Alaska with a pup is to fly into Anchorage, rent a car, and drive north to Denali National Park. The journey itself is part of the magic – vast open roads, towering peaks, and quirky roadside stops, including Talkeetna, a tiny town famous for having a cat as its honorary mayor.
Denali itself was unlike anywhere I'd ever taken Poppy before. The national park has strict rules about where dogs can go (they aren't allowed on most trails to protect wildlife), but there are incredible places to explore just outside the entrance. Adjacent to the national park, Denali State Park offers more flexibility for hikers with dogs.
For a dog-friendly lodge nestled along the Nenana River, just minutes from Denali National Park, we chose Denali Park Village, which offers plenty of open space for morning walks and cozy outdoor fire pits for winding down at night – the perfect mix of wilderness and comfort.
When it comes to preparing for a solo trip with my dog, I ease Poppy into travel with shorter trips and pack essentials like her favorite toy, enough kibble, and a cozy blanket. Researching pet-friendly stops ahead of time ensures a smooth journey.
As for the best dog-friendly destinations for solo travelers, Berlin and New Orleans are super welcoming to pups, while California's Highway 1 offers scenic road trip vibes. For the outdoorsy type, Alaska's open landscapes (just outside Denali National Park) are a dream.
Is solo travel with a dog safe for women? Yes! Share your itinerary with a friend, avoid isolated areas after dark, and trust your instincts. Poppy adds an extra layer of security, but staying aware of our surroundings keeps both of us safe.
When packing for a solo road trip with my dog, I bring food, water, a sturdy leash, and Poppy's medical records. A pet-friendly first aid kit is a must, plus small comforts like her favorite chew toy to keep her relaxed.
As I look back on these adventures, I realize that traveling solo with my dog has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life – full of unexpected connections, stunning landscapes, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Written by: Snuggie Crumbsnatch | The Citizen Edition
“Boo-Boo and I are good!”