Festive Road Trips: 7 Essential Tips for Traveling with Your Dog This

Introduction: The holiday season is here, and what better way to celebrate than taking your four-legged friend on a festive adventure?

Whether you're driving to see family, heading to a countryside retreat, or just exploring the Christmas markets, road trips with dogs can be joyful—but they also come with challenges. From ensuring their safety to keeping them comfortable for long hours, it’s all about preparation.

Here are 7 essential tips to make travelling with your dog stress-free and enjoyable for everyone this Christmas season.

1. Driving Home for Christmas? How to Keep Your Dog Safe on Festive Journeys

Ensure your pup’s safety with the right setup for stress-free holiday travel.

Keep your dog safe and reduce distractions with the right car setup.

Safety should always come first when travelling with your dog. An unrestrained pup can be a major distraction while driving and, more importantly, can be seriously injured in the event of sudden braking or an accident.

Options for restraining your dog include:

A basic dog car seat: These are widely available and affordable, providing a designated spot for your dog to sit. However, many standard models lack proper padding and often don’t restrain your pup securely enough, which can lead to fidgeting or anxiety.
A seatbelt harness: A good alternative, but be mindful that some dogs don’t enjoy being strapped directly to the seat without any support.
A high-quality dog car seat like the Luther Bennett Dog Pod: Designed with thick plush cushioning and sturdy straps, it provides the ultimate combination of safety, comfort, and style. Unlike the cheaper options, the Dog Pod doubles as a cosy travel bed you can unzip when arriving at your destination, making it a versatile and practical option.

If you’re just starting, any restraint is better than none. But for long-term comfort and security, investing in a premium product will make every journey smoother.

2. Packing the Ultimate Christmas Travel Bag for Your Dog

From festive treats to essential gear—what your pup needs for the holidays.

Before you hit the road, pack a dedicated bag for your furry companion. Here’s what you’ll need:

Food and water (and collapsible travel bowls).
Treats for positive reinforcement during the trip.
A familiar blanket or toy to give them a sense of home.
Poop bags.

Bringing familiar items helps your dog feel more at ease, especially if they’re prone to nervousness in new environments.

3. Preparing Your Dog for Long Christmas Car Rides

Make holiday travel joyful with training tips and comfort-focused prep.

If your dog isn’t used to long car rides, don’t make a festive road trip their first big adventure. Start with short drives around your neighbourhood to help them adjust to the motion of the car. Gradually increase the length of these trips as they become more comfortable.

Travel anxiety and motion sickness often go paw in paw. The key to conquering these challenges is creating a secure, cosy space where your dog can fully relax. A car seat that absorbs vehicle movement while providing ultimate comfort is a game-changer for anxious pups.

Explore the Best Car Seats for Anxious Dogs Here

4. Holiday Pit Stops: Why Your Dog Needs Breaks on Winter Road Trips

Stretch legs, breathe fresh air, and enjoy the festive journey together.

Even the calmest dogs need to stretch their legs, get some fresh air, and take bathroom breaks. Schedule stops every 2-3 hours at dog-friendly rest areas or parks along your route to keep them comfortable and happy.

Here’s a lesser-known tip: occasionally crack a window. We all love the coziness of the heater on full blast during winter road trips, but it can sometimes make the air feel stuffy for your pup. Letting in a quick burst of fresh air can do wonders—it only takes a few seconds to make a difference.

These little breaks are especially crucial for puppies or older dogs who may need more frequent bathroom stops. Keeping your dog’s comfort in mind ensures a smooth and stress-free journey for you both.

5. Festive Comfort: The Best Dog Car Seat for Holiday Adventures

Why the Dog Pod is the perfect gift for your pup this Christmas.

Most generic dog car seats fall short—they're often thinly padded, poorly designed, and lack the stability your dog needs for extended drives. These seats might be passable for a quick trip to the park, but for hours on the road, they’re just not up to the task.

Thin padding can leave your pup fidgety, while a lack of a secure base means the seat shifts with every turn or bump, making your dog feel uneasy and anxious. And for dogs prone to motion sickness, a standard car seat often does more harm than good, amplifying the very motion that causes discomfort.

We highly recommend researching and investing in a premium Dog Car Seat with the following features:

Thick, plush walls that cradle your dog like a cocoon, providing unmatched comfort and stability.
A sturdy, non-slip base that eliminates shifting, even on winding roads or sudden stops.
Motion-absorbing padding to minimize vibrations, making it the ultimate solution for dogs prone to motion sickness.
Convertible features, like the ability to unzip the front wall and transform it into a sofa-style bed at your destination.

But don’t just take our word for it—here’s what one happy Luther Bennett customer had to say:

“Superb quality and incredible customer service. My dog is elderly and was having issues travelling in the car because of her joints. Luther Bennett saved our Christmas as they did a rushed shipping service to get a travel pod to me in time for me and my dog to go

and spend Christmas with my parents. And my dog has never been so calm or comfortable in the car. Amazing product, I highly recommend!”

Discover the Dog Pod and give your dog the comfort they deserve on every journey.

6. Keeping Your Dog Calm During Christmas Travels

How to tackle travel anxiety with soothing setups and seasonal joy

While some dogs leap into the car with excitement, others may feel uneasy or even anxious before the wheels start turning. If your pup struggles with car rides, there are simple, natural ways to help them feel more secure:

Play soft, soothing music to create a calming atmosphere.
Gradually build positive associations with the car by starting with short, stress-free trips and rewarding your dog with treats or their favourite toy.
Ensure they have a cosy, enclosed space that makes them feel protected and secure.

If your dog’s anxiety is triggered by feeling exposed to the outside world, a travel setup that reduces visual stimulation can work wonders.

A car seat with high, padded walls helps create a snug and haven, some car seats also come with a Sunshade Attachment that offers the perfect solution to block visual distractions and keep your pup calm during the ride.

7. Festive Treats and Travel Rewards for Your Dog

Make the ride magical with enrichment snacks and holiday cheer.

Let’s be honest—road trips are always better with snacks. So why not bring a pig in a blanket (for yourself, of course) and a stash of high-value treats for your pup?

Snacks aren’t just for munching—they’re the ultimate travel hack for keeping your dog entertained, happy, and well-behaved.

We recommend Incentives Pets' natural treats—the perfect high-value reward for positive reinforcement or just a little enrichment during pit stops.

Whether you’re asking for calm behaviour or just treating them for being the cutest co-pilot, these treats are your secret weapon for stress-free travel.

Because let’s face it, nothing says “good boy” (or girl) like a pocket full of goodies—and maybe a pig in blanket for the human, too.

Who’s really winning here?

The Perfect Holiday Travel Companion: Why Dogs Love the Dog Pod

Basic dog car seats might check the box, but Luther Bennett takes it a step further—crafting products that truly elevate the experience for both you and your pup.

Safety First: Designed to meet Highway Code Rule 57 for safe travel.
Luxury Meets Practicality: Premium materials that are as durable as they are stylish.
Versatile Functionality: Effortlessly transition from stress-free car rides to cosy home comfort, bridging the gap between luxury and practicality.

This Christmas, don’t let travel woes ruin your holiday plans. Whether you’re heading to Grandma’s for a festive feast or exploring snowy trails, investing in the right gear will make every journey more enjoyable. And if you’re looking for the best travel solution, the Luther Bennett Dog Pod is here to ensure your pup rides in comfort, safety, and style.

Ready to elevate your holiday road trips? Explore our full range of travel essentials and give your dog the luxury they deserve this Christmas. 🎄🐾