Traveling with a dog isn’t very fun if you’re unable to visit dog-friendly areas. Fortunately these areas aren’t that hard to find. There’s a dog-friendly area almost everywhere in fact -- if you know where and how to look for them. Here are some great ideas to get you started.

Seek out the most common spots. These would be the all too familiar parks and beaches. Just be careful to obey public rules and when in doubt, ask the nearest authority figure if dogs are allowed. You might find that an entire park or beach is dog-friendly. Or you might discover that only a designated area of a park or beach permits traveling with a dog.

Go on a dog-friendly tour. This is a great way for both you and your dog to familiarize yourselves with your new surroundings.

Go shopping. We’ve written a terrific article about shopping with your dog.

Try Other places as well. You might be surprised at the number of places that allow dogs. If your dog is leashed and muzzled, the two of you might even catch a ride somewhere via public transportation. San Francisco and Seattle are two American cities that allow leashed and muzzled dogs on busses, trains, and even in taxicabs.

Your options in fact increase every day, especially in the ever-evolving US and UK. All you really have to do is ask, “Say, where’s the nearest dog-friendly place around here?” Chances are you’ll be surprised at the answer. Especially when you hear, “Well you’re at one right now!”