Dog-Friendly Vacations Made Easy: My Tips and Adventures with HomeExchange

At HomeExchange, we love giving the floor to those who can talk about it best: our members. This testimonial was written by Bobbi, a lovely HomeExchange member, who shares with us her experience on traveling with her dog, using the platform.

Ten years, 55 exchanges, countless memories

When I look back on the journey I’ve had with HomeExchange, I’m amazed at how much it has shaped not just the way I travel, but the way I connect with people around the world. What began as a way to take my son on affordable and memorable trips has grown into a lifestyle filled with stories, friendships, and adventures—often shared with my sweet Golden Retriever, Sunshine.

Sunshine has been my faithful travel companion for about half of these exchanges, and she has turned out to be the best adventurer I could ask for. Whether we’re on a beach getaway, hiking through the mountains, exploring lakes, or just soaking up the magic of a sunset, Sunshine is happiest when she’s along for the ride. Over the years, she has hiked trails, swam in alpine lakes, river rafted, taken gondolas up to Olympic mountains, stood steady on a paddle board, kayaked across calm waters, romped in the snow, rode in a sidecar on a bike and greeted the day watching sunrises with me. She reminds me daily that travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about who you share it with.

Tips for Traveling with a Pet on HomeExchange

One of the questions I get asked most often is, “How do you make traveling with a dog work?” The truth is, it comes down to preparation and respect. Here are a few things that have made a huge difference for us:

• Routine is everything: I always bring Sunshine’s food, dog bed, and treats. Having familiar comforts helps her settle into new spaces quickly. She knows her bed is her safe spot and, importantly, that she’s not allowed on our hosts’ furniture.
• Be upfront with hosts: When I reach out to exchange partners, I let them know we’re a respectful pair. Sunshine has built up quite a reputation—she even has reviews from past exchanges!—and that reassures people she’ll be a good guest.
• Look for pet-friendly homes: I reverse search for hosts who welcome pets and carefully read through their descriptions. If someone lists allergies or specifies no pets, I respect that boundary and move on.
• Unexpected kindness: Many hosts have gone above and beyond to welcome Sunshine. On our last trip, our Lake Tahoe host left treats, a food bowl, and the warmest note. Those little touches make the exchange experience even more special.

Sometimes, our hosts have even offered to watch Sunshine when I’ve had an outing planned. It’s always been such a positive experience, and it speaks to the spirit of trust and connection that HomeExchange fosters.

Our "Lake Tahoe With a Dog" Adventure

This summer, Sunshine and I took another unforgettable trip—this time back to Lake Tahoe (for the fourth time, read more about previous adventures). We had stayed just a couple of blocks away two summers ago, so I think Sunshine actually recognized the neighborhood when we arrived!

The adventure began with a six-hour road trip, my sister joining us after flying into my town. Sunshine settled right into the car ride, snacks packed, windows down, and of course, a stop at Starbucks for her favorite pup cup.

When we arrived at our exchange home, the first thing we did was head out for a walk around the neighborhood so Sunshine could get her bearings. That’s one of my go-to arrival routines with her—it helps both of us feel grounded in a new place.

Each morning began with a stroll down the street for coffee (and, yes, another pup cup) before heading to the lake for a swim. Tahoe’s sparkling waters and pet friendly beaches never disappoint. One day we floated down the Truckee River on a rafting trip. Sunshine wore her life vest proudly and couldn’t resist jumping in for a few swims (and only one was accidental!). Another day, we took the gondola up to High Camp at Palisades and joined a ranger-led nature walk. The views of the Sierra Nevada stretched out endlessly, and Sunshine trotted along the trails like she owned them.

We also explored downtown Truckee, where many shops welcomed her inside. Afternoons brought the kind of dramatic thunderstorms that only mountain summers can deliver, so we curled up in our cabin and listened to the rain until the sun broke through again. Even those quiet, cozy moments felt like part of the adventure.

Why HomeExchange Works for Us

Trips like Tahoe remind me why HomeExchange has become such an important part of my life. It’s not just about finding a place to stay—it’s about finding a community of people who open their homes and, in turn, their lives. Living like a local in an actual home and getting insider recommendations beat any hotel room stay! Hosts who leave dog treats by the door, neighbors who stop to chat during morning walks, and the sense that every trip is less about being a tourist and more about living somewhere new.

Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the chance to take my son and his friends on memorable adventures, invite friends on explorations, welcome family into our exchanges, and, of course, explore with Sunshine. Each trip has added another layer to our story, one that I never could have imagined when I signed up for my very first exchange.

Looking Ahead

With 55 exchanges behind us, I’m already dreaming of where the next ones will take us (Joshua Tree National Park for my birthday at a cute home with two tubs in the backyard). Maybe another mountain lake for Sunshine to swim in, or a coastal town where we can watch the sunrise together. Wherever it is, I know the journey will be filled with laughter, wagging tails, and the kind of connections that make the world feel a little smaller and a lot friendlier.

Traveling with HomeExchange has given me more than just vacations—it’s given me a lifestyle of shared trust, adventure, and community. And having Sunshine by my side makes it all the sweeter.