Follow "The Pack" to 9 Pet-friendly Destinations Around the World

Posted by Billy Francis

There were no “bark-uments” in my house when Amazon Prime Video released “The Pack” on Nov. 20. Me and my main pooch, Bagel, binge-watched nine thrilling episodes of the unscripted competition series as soon as it began streaming, because we couldn’t wait to find out who won (spoiler alert: we did). Connected by amazing bonds (and a leash), the 12 dog and human duos hustled their way from country to country, completing challenging tasks along the way. If you are as captivated by the nine destinations featured in the show as we are, you’ll love this rundown of pet-friendly places to stay, play and eat in every single one of them. While we may not be able to travel at the moment, watching “The Pack” is the next best thing to being there with our best friends!

Los Angeles

Photo by Prime Video/"The Pack"

“The Pack” kicks off in the entertainment capital, Los Angeles. After you touch down at LAX, it’s time to get a glimpse of La La Land’s most recognizable landmark, the Hollywood Sign. Mount Hollywood Trail is an easy, 3-mile hike that leads to one of the best views of the sign and the Los Angeles Basin. When post-hike hunger strikes, head to Eveleigh for a taste of the LA food scene. This farm-to-table restaurant welcomes your A-list pooch to enjoy a side of eggs, bacon or chicken during weekend brunch, or you can sit down for an evening meal together. You’ll need a place to hole up and rewatch the LA episode, so check in at the W Los Angeles West Beverly Hills, one of the best pet-friendly hotels in the West. Canine guests receive a bounty of swag, including custom ID tags. As the sun starts to set, chill next to the pool at the on-site eatery, The Hideout.

Mexico City

Photo by Prime Video/"The Pack"

The contestants hot-step it to Mexico’s bustling capital for the next set of challenges. Begin your tour of Mexico City at one of its many pet-friendly parks, like Parque Xicocenital, which boasts an enclosed space for off-leash fun in tranquil surroundings. Then, take a short walk to nearby Parque de los Venados to see the famous statues of deer. Fido will work up an appetite playing in the parks with local pups. You can both refuel at El Ocho Café Recreativo, a pet-friendly restaurant with a dog menu that includes cold canine beers. Spend the night at Sheraton Maria Isabel Hotel and Towers overlooking the city’s most famous monument, El Ángel de la Independencia.

Costa Rica

Photo by Prime Video/"The Pack"

Next stop Costa Rica, a land of golden sand beaches and luscious green rainforests. The Central American country is home to one of the world’s most unique rescue organizations, Territorio De Zaguates - Land Of The Strays. Although Fido can’t visit with you, donations are welcome to keep this free-range dog-topia running and rescuing. One place you can bring your pooch is Uvita Beach, a lovely example of the country’s stunning coastline. If your dog’s more of a city “licker” than a beach bum, pack your bags and head to the capital, San Jose. Embrace the laid-back vibes under the palm trees of Feria Verde, an open-air market that specializes in organic produce and unique crafts. Every Saturday, dogs and their owners gather here to sniff out samples at the stalls, grab a bite to eat, then let off steam at the adjacent football field. When it comes time to say goodbye to Fido’s new best friends, check in at the colorful Casa Lima Bed and Breakfast.

Vienna

Photo by Prime Video/"The Pack"

Mozart, Beethoven and Freud all resided in Austria’s capital of Vienna, so it’s only right that your furry prodigy gets the chance to follow in their paw prints. Located at the foothills of the Alps along the banks of the Danube, the historic European destination offers a unique cityscape to explore. Sigmund-Freud-Park is a pretty green space with Votivkirche, a neo-gothic church, in the background. You can also pay a visit to the gorgeous grounds of The Hofburg, a former imperial palace. European laws often permit dogs inside restaurants, which means you’ll find food for all tastes in comfort across the city. Cafe Landtmann has been serving local delicacies for nearly 150 years, and will whip up a fresh bowl of chicken for Fido if he asks nicely. Dogs of all sizes are welcome to explore Vienna on public transport, as long as they are leashed and you have a muzzle just in case. Take the subway back to the Radisson Blu Style Hotel Vienna, where you can rest up before the next stop on your “packed” tour.

Florence

Photo by Prime Video/"The Pack"

Established by Julius Caesar in 59 BC, Florence has seen a lot of change over its long history but has always remained one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The capital of Italy’s Tuscany region is known for its access to world-class foraging. Does Fido have the nose to sniff out your fortune in truffles and mushrooms? These awesome Airbnb Experiences guide noobs through the process of finding these precious fungi. After you and your fun guy have finished foraging, experience the stunning sight of the city at sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo, where you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of architectural treasures like the Cathedral of Santa Maria and Palazzo Vecchio. Seeing the city from above will make you want to dive right in. Head to the Santo Spirito neighborhood, a bustling area full of pet-friendly restaurants and quaint shops. Ristorante Quinoa serves healthy dishes at their courtyard tables. Settle in for the night at Relais Piazza Signoria, and wake up to the unique sight of Palazzo Vecchio up close from your bedroom window.

The Swiss Alps

Photo by Prime Video/"The Pack"

The Alps cover more than 60% of Switzerland’s surface area, which means you’re never too far from Europe’s largest and most spectacular mountain range. Immerse yourself in snow peaked mountains with a trip to Zermatt, a popular resort for skiing, hiking and climbing. Hop aboard the world’s first fully electrified cog railway to Gornergrat. The stunning route will take you into the very heart of the Alps, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. With Fido’s boots firmly secured, he can run down the mountain by your side as you sled the day away or you can hike together to a unique igloo hotel built into the snow. Iglu-Dorf Zermatt hotel is a breathtaking village of snow homes with views of the sugared Matterhorn. Dogs can sleep in the igloo with you overnight, or just join you for a gooey fondue and a really chill vodka at the igloo village's bar.

Paris

Photo by Prime Video/"The Pack"

You’ll want to spend forever walking the enchanting streets of Paris with your pup, but if you haven’t got that long, there are a few must-see highlights. Get a taste for the city’s storied past with a stroll around the grounds of Jardin du Palais Royal. This 17th-century palace is surrounded by tree-lined pathways and pretty gardens. As with Vienna, all public transport in Paris allows dogs on board. Climb aboard the Metro or a city bus and make your way to Trocadéro Gardens. Located across the river from the Eiffel Tower, it offers stunning views of the iconic monument. You can get another perspective from the River Seine on board a Batobus Paris ferry. After your water tour, make your way to Rue Montorgueil, known locally as food street. Sit outside at the much-loved Le Compas, a grand bistro with superb outdoor seating for “Paw-risian” people and pup watching. Say bonne nuit to your French adventure and enjoy 40 winks at Hotel Belfast, located just three minutes from the Arc de Triomphe.

London

Photo by Prime Video/"The Pack"

Fido is cordially invited to enjoy a charming jaunt through England’s capital. Tower Bridge is arguably the most famous landmark in London, and it’s also one of the only museums or cultural public buildings that welcomes dogs. Tower Bridge Exhibition invites you and your furry friend to walk high above the bridge and Thames River on a see-through walkway. They even host a VIPooch Day in January. Afterwards, make use of the pet-friendly transport system in London, where buses, trains, Tubes and trams are all free for four-legged passengers. Hop off to explore Hyde Park’s pretty trails before visiting one of the most pet-friendly bars in the city, Smith & Whistle. The swanky bar known by “paw-trons” as Mayfair’s local offers London's first permanent drinks list for pups, including a range of cocktails like Bubbly Bow Wow and Poochie Colada. Continue to pamper your pooch at The Egerton House Hotel, which provides dog beds and bowls as well as dog sitting, walking and grooming services.

Utah

Photo by Prime Video/"The Pack"

The action-packed series reaches its exciting climax in Utah, an outbound hound’s dream destination. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, who has teamed up with Prime Video for the “Pack Walk Challenge,” calls Kanab its home base. Drive through the canyon where the sanctuary is located and visit pet-friendly spots like the beautiful natural amphitheater and pet cemetery along the way. If you’re lucky enough to win one of the 20 lottery tickets awarded each day to visit The Wave, check off this bucket-list activity next. Otherwise, join Dreamland Safari Tours for an epic adventure through the similarly scenic backcountry of Paria Canyon Wilderness.

Back in Kanab, enjoy a fresh pie on the heated patio at Peekaboo Canyon Wood Fired Kitchen, before finishing your day at Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile, where your pup is welcome ... and expected! The hotel is your in-town connection to the animal sanctuary, and provides canine guests with pet nooks with special pull-out beds, a pet washing station, and use of a fenced-in dog park with a splash zone.

Are you a member of “The Pack?” Join them on Facebook and check out their “Pawsitive Impact” stories throughout the month by searching #thepacktv. Sign-up for the “Pack Walk Challenge” in the MapMyFitness or MyFitnessPal apps, free to download, available Nov. 20-Dec. 19.

While traveling with your dog is exciting and fun, remember that it’s easy to pick a location close to home to visit. If you do travel to other cities, states, or even countries, CDC guidelines strongly recommend checking local guidelines for any travel during COVID.

Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Prime Video/"The Pack".