5 Ways to Save Money on Your Next Dog-Friendly Holiday

Enjoying a budget and dog-friendly staycation: top tips on how you can save money if you’re going on holiday with your dog.

With the cost of living crisis still rolling on, and household bills remaining ridiculously high, you might have thought about shelving your 2023 holiday plans.

But by ditching the expense of overseas travel and kennel fees or dog home boarding costs, it’s paw-fectly possible to enjoy a budget and dog-friendly staycation this year.

To help you relax and unwind without breaking the bank, here are some tips on saving money if you’re going on holiday with your dog.

Choose your accommodation wisely

Taking your dog with you is undoubtedly the most cost-effective option. Kennel, dog boarding or house-sitting fees can quickly add up, especially if you’re planning to go away at peak times, like summer, or for a long period of time, like a fortnight.

As a nation of dog lovers, the UK benefits from a wide range of pet-friendly accommodation choices, which includes the two self-catering holiday cottages here at Mid Wales Holidays.

When choosing somewhere to stay with your dog, think about what outdoor space you will have access to, if you will have to go up and down flights of stairs to let your dogs out, and the size and layout of the accommodation. 

Also, it’s worth checking the accommodation’s pet policies and fees as some places may restrict the size or breed of dogs allowed or may not allow multi-pet bookings.

If you are on a tighter budget, it’s also worth considering fuel costs when looking at locations. You don’t always need to travel far from home to find incredible scenery. And if you live in England, even a short trip over the border will mean you can officially say you’re in a different country!

Plan your meals to make use of the self-catering facilities

Lucky as we are to be surrounded by plenty of dog-friendly pubs, cafes and restaurants, all serving yummy Welsh food, eating out does eat into your holiday funds.

But, with a bit of planning, you can make use of the modern and fully equipped kitchen facilities in our holiday cottages. Y Beudy and Penrhyllan are decked out with everything you need to whip up a simple packed lunch or evening feast. There are plenty of supermarkets nearby, too, where you can stock up on local and seasonal ingredients.

As well as enjoying the savings on restaurant bills, you can also enjoy a few glasses of wine without appointing a designated driver or paying to hire a taxi.

Find free dog-friendly things to do in Mid Wales

You and your dog can enjoy endless activities together on holiday, which won’t cost you a penny.

For a start, all guests are invited to enjoy our private fields during their stay. We're not just a dog-friendly destination, we're a destination designed for dogs and have a mix of grassland and cover crops, two ponds, plus two woods for them to run and play in.

Equally, if you are into dog training, the grounds are often used for gundog holidays, scentwork, mantrailing, and more. And 121 gundog training sessions can be booked with Collette during your stay should you wish to develop your skills while on holiday.

If you want to venture further afield than Mid Wales Holiday’s private fields and woodlands, there is much to see and do locally where your dogs will be welcome.

There are numerous lovely walks, including Hafren Forest, Clywedog Reservoir, Elan Valley, and multiple nature reserves. Aberystwyth and the stunning Welsh Cambrian coastline and beaches are less than an hour’s scenic drive away, and areas of outstanding natural beauty, the incredible Snowdonia National Park and the Brecon Beacons are not far either if you fancy more to explore.

Plus, if you find other free things to do, which don’t allow dogs, we also offer a dog-sitting service so you can head out knowing that your dogs will be well looked after by a qualified dog professional.

Go on holiday with friends

Travelling with friends can help you save money on your holiday as you’ll usually split the cost of accommodation, transportation, and meals.

Look for larger accommodations, such as holiday cottages like Y Beudy, that accommodate multiple people and allow multi-dog bookings.

This can be a great way to enjoy a fun and affordable holiday with your friends while also having the opportunity to explore new places together. Just make sure to establish clear expectations and boundaries before the trip to avoid any awkward conversations about money.

Take advantage of off-season rates

If you are not bound to school holidays and are willing to wait until the cooler months, then booking your “summer” holiday in the off-season can also help you to save money as plenty of accommodation providers like us have reduced fees outside peak season.

There are other benefits too as you’re less likely to encounter crowds of tourists and thanks to Britain being the way it is, you will often find the weather is just as good in October as it is in July or August.

Overall, going on holiday with your dog doesn’t have to be overly expensive. With a bit of planning and research, you can save money while still having a fantastic time making memories with your pup.