One of the few things we can’t control while camping is the weather. No matter how carefully we plan our trips, sometimes a rainy day rolls in and changes our outdoor adventure plans.

Over the years, we’ve learned that a rainy camping day doesn’t have to ruin the trip. With a little preparation, it can become a relaxing day filled with family time, cozy moments, and fun activities for our Miniature Schnauzer.

Here are some of our favorite ways to stay entertained when the weather keeps us inside.

Start the Day Slow

One of the best parts of camping is escaping the busy pace of everyday life. When rain arrives, we take it as a sign to slow down.

Rather than heading out immediately for a hike or adventure, we’ll take the opportunity to enjoy a hearty breakfast, listen to music or watch TV together as a family, and relax while listening to the rain patter on the roof of our travel trailer.

Our Schnauzer usually enjoys these slower mornings just as much as we do, often curling up in her bed while we relax.

Play Indoor Games With Your Dog

Rainy days are a great opportunity to keep your dog mentally stimulated.

Some activities we enjoy include:

• Playing hide-and-seek with treats
• Working on obedience commands
• Enjoying a game of tug-of-war
• Playing fetch inside the camper

Mental exercise can tire out a dog almost as effectively as a long walk, making these activities perfect when outdoor time is limited.

Have a Family Game Day

We always keep a few compact games in our camper for situations like this.

Some of our favorites include:

• Uno
• Connect Four
• Battleship
• Yahtzee
• Playing cards

These games don’t take up much space and can provide hours of entertainment while waiting for the rain to pass.

Watch Movies or TV Together

One benefit of modern camping is having access to technology when needed.

On rainy afternoons, we sometimes turn the camper into a cozy movie room.

We’ll grab snacks, settle on the couch, and watch:

• Family movies
• Travel shows
• Nature documentaries
• Favorite TV series

Our Schnauzer usually claims the best spot on the couch and joins us for the movie marathon.

Research and Explore Nearby Attractions

A rainy day can be the perfect time to discover new things to do in the area. We often use the downtime to research and explore nearby attractions, especially if there are breaks in the weather.

Some of the places we look for include:

• Pet-friendly restaurants
• Local coffee shops
• Museums
• Indoor attractions
• Unique local businesses
• Dog-friendly stores
• Covered outdoor shopping areas
• Local markets

Planning a new outing gives us something to look forward to once the weather improves and often leads us to places we might have otherwise missed during our trip. Before heading out, we always confirm the location’s pet policy.

Cook a Comfort Meal

Rainy weather often inspires us to make one of our favorite camping meals.

Some rainy-day favorites include:

• Chicken quesadillas
• Burgers and fries in the air fryer
• Breakfast-for-dinner
• Sous vide meals

Preparing a good meal helps turn a gloomy day into a memorable part of the trip.

Create a Travel Memory Journal

Rainy days provide the perfect opportunity to document your adventures.

We like to:

• Organize photos
• Plan future destinations
• Update our travel bucket list

These quiet moments often become some of our favorite camping memories.

Take Advantage of Breaks in the Weather

Many rainy days include short periods when the rain slows down or stops completely.

When that happens, we’ll quickly:

• Take our Schnauzer for a walk
• Explore the campground
• Stretch our legs
• Let everyone get some fresh air

Even a 15-minute walk can make a big difference for both dogs and humans.

Be Prepared Before the Rain Starts

The key to enjoying rainy camping days is preparation.

We always pack:

• Extra towels for muddy paws
• Portable dog paw cleaner
• Dog wipes
• Rain jackets
• Indoor games
• Dog toys
• Blankets

Having these items ready means we’re prepared no matter what the forecast brings.

Final Thoughts

Rainy camping days may not be what we originally planned, but they often become some of our most memorable moments. They give us a chance to slow down, spend quality time together, and enjoy simple activities with our Miniature Schnauzer.

We’ve learned that camping isn’t just about perfect weather—it’s about making memories wherever the adventure takes you. So the next time rain clouds roll in, embrace the opportunity to relax, recharge, and enjoy a different side of camping.

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned as dog owners is that traveling with a dog requires more planning than simply packing food and a leash. Our Miniature Schnauzer has allergies that require ongoing medications, special care, and a consistent routine. Whether we’re heading out in our travel trailer, staying in a cabin, or booking a pet-friendly VRBO, making sure we have everything our dog needs is always a top priority.

Over time, we’ve developed a system that helps us stay organized and avoid last-minute stress. Here’s how we travel with medications and keep our Schnauzer healthy on the road.

Start With a Medication Checklist

Before every trip, we create a checklist specifically for our dog’s health needs. Just like we have a packing list for ourselves, we have one for our Schnauzer.

Our medication checklist includes:

• Daily medications
• Immunotherapy drops
• Ear medications
• Medicated shampoo
• Supplements
• Emergency medication
• Veterinary contact information

Checking everything off before departure helps ensure we don’t leave something important behind.

Pack More Than You Think You’ll Need

One rule we always follow is to bring extra medication.

If we’re traveling for a long weekend, we pack several additional days’ worth of medication. Unexpected delays, weather issues, or extended stays can happen, and having extra supplies gives us peace of mind.

The same goes for dog food. Since our Schnauzer does best on a specific diet, we always pack more food than we expect to use since most stores do not carry food she can eat.

Keep Medications Organized

We use a dedicated travel bag for all of our dog’s medical supplies. Having everything in one location makes it easy to find what we need, whether we’re at a campground, a rental cabin, or making a quick stop during a road trip.

Inside the bag, we keep:

• Prescription medications
• Allergy treatments
• Ear drops
• Extra treats approved for her diet
• Small first-aid supplies

Keeping everything together prevents the frustration of searching through multiple bags when medication time arrives.

Maintain the Same Schedule

Dogs thrive on routine, especially those with medical needs.

Even when we’re traveling, we try to keep feeding and medication times as close to normal as possible. Consistency helps our Schnauzer stay comfortable and reduces the chance of missed doses.

We often set reminders on our phones to make sure medications are given on time, especially during busy vacation days.

Prepare for Allergy Flare-Ups

New environments can sometimes trigger allergy symptoms.

Different grasses, plants, pollen, and outdoor conditions can affect dogs with allergies. Because of this, we always travel prepared.

Some things we do include:

• Wiping paws after walks
• Keeping up with regular ear care
• Bringing medicated shampoo
• Monitoring for excessive scratching
• Maintaining hydration
• Keeping emergency medications easily accessible at all times.

Being proactive helps us address minor issues before they become major problems.

Know Where Veterinary Care Is Located

Before arriving at a destination, we spend a few minutes locating nearby veterinary clinics and emergency animal hospitals. We typically use Google Maps for this because it’s easy to search for veterinary services near the area where we’ll be staying.

Thankfully, we’ve never needed emergency care while traveling, but having that information readily available gives us confidence and peace of mind.

We save addresses and phone numbers in our phones before each trip.

Store Food Properly

Because our Schnauzer follows a specific diet, protecting her food from moisture and contamination is important.

When camping, we keep our dog’s food in airtight containers and refrigerated when needed, while making sure feeding supplies stay clean and organized. This also helps discourage insects and wildlife from being attracted to our campsite.

Don’t Forget Comfort Items

While medications are important, comfort plays a role in keeping our dog healthy too.

We always bring:

• Her favorite bed
• Familiar blankets
• Favorite toys (at least 2)
• Collapsible silicone water and food bowls with 

Having familiar items nearby helps reduce stress and makes new places feel more like home.

Our Final Thoughts

Traveling with a dog that requires medications takes a little extra planning, but it’s absolutely worth it. By staying organized, packing ahead, and maintaining a consistent routine, we’ve been able to enjoy countless adventures with our Miniature Schnauzer.

Whether we’re camping in our travel trailer, exploring mountain towns, or relaxing in a pet-friendly vacation rental, having a solid medication plan allows us to focus on making memories together.

After all, every great adventure is even better when your best four-legged travel companion can come along too.

Disclaimer

The information shared in this article is based on our personal experience traveling with our Miniature Schnauzer. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your dog’s specific medical needs, medications, and dietary requirements.

Welcome to Travelers and a Schnauzer

Welcome to Travelers and a Schnauzer! We’re excited to share our adventures, lessons learned, and favorite destinations with fellow travelers and dog lovers.

Whether we’re exploring mountain towns, discovering historic sites, relaxing at an RV campground, or taking a weekend road trip, our miniature schnauzer is usually right there with us. This blog is where we’ll document our journey and help others plan memorable trips with their families and furry companions.

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Who We Are

We are a family of three from South Carolina who love traveling, exploring new places, and making memories together. Along for the ride is our energetic miniature schnauzer, who has quickly become the most enthusiastic member of our travel team.

Unlike travelers who spend most of their time in hotels, we often prefer vacation rentals, RV camping, and unique accommodations that allow us to bring our dog along. We enjoy destinations that offer scenic mountain views, outdoor adventures, charming small towns, and rich history.

Our travel style focuses on creating meaningful experiences without breaking the budget. We believe some of the best memories come from road trips, campfires, local restaurants, and unexpected discoveries along the way.

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Why We Started This Blog

Traveling with family and pets can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also require extra planning. We started Travelers and a Schnauzer to share our experiences, tips, and honest reviews with others who enjoy similar adventures.

We know firsthand how challenging it can be to find:

• Pet-friendly accommodations
• Dog-friendly attractions
• Family-friendly destinations
• RV and campground recommendations
• Helpful travel tips and packing advice
• Traveling with a Schnauzer that has special diet restrictions and medication requirements.

Through this blog, we hope to make travel planning easier while inspiring others to hit the road and create their own adventures.

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What Readers Can Expect

Here at Travelers and a Schnauzer, you’ll find a variety of travel-related content, including:

Destination Guides

Detailed guides to places we’ve visited, including attractions, restaurants, lodging, and local recommendations.

Pet-Friendly Travel Tips

Advice for traveling with dogs, from packing essentials to finding pet-friendly destinations.

RV and Camping Adventures

Campground reviews, RV travel experiences, and helpful camping tips for families.

Travel Planning Resources

Budget-friendly travel ideas, packing lists, itinerary suggestions, and travel hacks.

Honest Reviews

Our real experiences with vacation rentals, campgrounds, attractions, travel gear, and pet products.

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Future Adventures

We have plenty of exciting adventures planned and can’t wait to share them with you.

Some upcoming topics will include:

• Mountain getaways and scenic road trips
• Family-friendly vacation rentals
• RV camping experiences
• Pet-friendly travel destinations
• Travel gear reviews
• Weekend escape ideas
• Historic sites and hidden gems

Every trip teaches us something new, and we’re excited to bring you along for the journey.

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Join Us on the Adventure

Thank you for stopping by Travelers and a Schnauzer. We hope our stories, tips, and experiences help you plan unforgettable adventures of your own.

Follow along as we share our travels, uncover unique destinations, and create lasting memories with family, a spirit of adventure, and our miniature schnauzer leading the way.

Happy travels,

The Travelers and a Schnauzer

Traveling with a Miniature Schnauzer has completely changed how we book vacation rentals. While a listing may advertise itself as “pet-friendly,” we’ve learned that not all pet-friendly properties are created equal.

Over the years, we’ve developed a checklist that helps us avoid surprises and ensures everyone—including our four-legged travel companion—has a comfortable stay. Before we book any VRBO, these are the things we always look for.

1. We Research the Area Before We Book

The rental itself is important, but so is everything around it.

Before booking, we pull up maps and look at the surrounding area. We ask ourselves:

• Is there a safe place to walk our dog?
• Are there sidewalks, trails, or green spaces nearby?
• Is the property located on a busy road?
• Are there pet-friendly attractions nearby?
• Is there easy access to veterinary care if needed?

A beautiful cabin or beach house may look perfect in photos, but if there is nowhere safe to walk your dog, it can quickly become frustrating.

We also check how close the rental is to grocery stores, restaurants, and activities we plan to enjoy during our trip.

2. We Read Every Word of the Pet Policy

One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is assuming “pets allowed” means all pets are welcome.

We always read the full pet policy before booking because every host has different rules. Some properties limit the number of pets, while others have breed or weight restrictions. Some allow dogs but not cats, and many have specific rules about furniture, beds, or leaving pets unattended. Reading the complete policy before booking can help avoid unpleasant surprises later.

A few things we specifically check:

• Number of pets allowed
• Weight restrictions
• Additional cleaning requirements
• Whether pets can be left alone in the rental
• Furniture and bedding rules
• Yard and leash requirements

If anything is unclear, we message the host before booking. Having answers in writing helps prevent misunderstandings later.

3. We Pay Attention to Pet Fees

Pet fees are not necessarily a deal breaker, but we always review them carefully.

Some rentals charge:

• A flat pet fee
• A nightly pet fee
• A fee per pet
• A refundable pet deposit

Pet fees often help cover the additional cleaning and maintenance associated with pet-friendly properties.

We compare the total cost of the stay, including all fees, rather than focusing only on the nightly rate. Sometimes a rental with a slightly higher nightly rate ends up being less expensive overall.

4. We Read the Reviews Carefully

Reviews are one of the most valuable tools available when booking a vacation rental.

We don’t just look at the overall rating—we read what previous guests actually say.

When traveling with our Schnauzer, we pay special attention to reviews that mention:

• Dogs or pets
• Cleanliness
• Yard conditions
• Walking areas
• Host responsiveness
• Neighborhood safety

Recent reviews often provide the most accurate picture of what to expect. We look for patterns rather than focusing on a single negative comment. If multiple guests mention the same issue, that’s usually a sign to pay attention.

We also appreciate reviews from other dog owners because they often mention details that pet parents care about.

5. We Review Every Amenity

Amenities can make or break a vacation when you’re traveling with a dog.

Some of our favorite pet-friendly amenities include:

Fenced Yards

A fenced yard is always a huge bonus. It gives our Schnauzer a safe place to explore and burn off energy.

Outdoor Seating

We love relaxing after a day of sightseeing while our dog enjoys the fresh air with us.

Laundry Facilities

When traveling with a dog, accidents happen. Having a washer and dryer available gives us extra peace of mind.

Full Kitchen

A kitchen allows us to keep our dog’s food routine consistent and makes it easier to store treats, medications, and supplies.

Nearby Walking Trails

Some of our favorite VRBO stays have included easy access to walking trails, campgrounds, and parks.

Vacation rentals often provide amenities such as kitchens and laundry facilities that make traveling with pets much easier than a traditional hotel stay.

Our Final Rule: Never Rush the Booking Process

The photos may be beautiful, but we never book a rental without thoroughly reviewing the listing, reading reviews, checking the pet policy, and researching the area.

Taking a little extra time before booking has helped us avoid surprises and find some truly amazing places to stay with our Miniature Schnauzer.

For us, the perfect pet-friendly VRBO isn’t just a place that allows dogs—it’s a place where both travelers and pets can feel welcome, comfortable, and at home.

What About You?

When you travel with your dog, what’s the first thing you look for in a vacation rental? We’d love to hear your favorite pet-friendly travel tips in the comments!