As Handlers are well aware, planning travel with an Assistance Dog involves extensive preparation, from meeting animal quarantine requirements to ensuring accommodations will accept your dog without resistance. Unfortunately, I haven't been in the right mental state to thoroughly manage these details and, admittedly, I found all the details difficult to grasp. This lack of certainty made me hesitant to proceed. Additionally, the airline wouldn't allocate an extra seat for Nixon, meaning he would be at my feet during a long flight—an intimidating prospect for us both given his size. Beyond logistics, I felt Italy's bustling environment might overwhelm me, and I knew I wouldn't relax while being compelled to check off every must-do activity in a new destination.

This is to say that, while TravelPaws encourages travel, we also recognise the challenges of travelling with an Assistance Dog. If you're finding the prospect overwhelming, please know that you are not alone. It is so important to prioritise your wellbeing when considering travel plans.

Personally, I've accepted the importance of self-care, which sometimes means simply enjoying quiet moments with my boy Nixon. Maintaining routines and prioritizing healthy choices while being supported by my wonderful team has also been beneficial, and I know those things aren't always feasible while travelling. I'm considering more manageable ways to satisfy my travel bug, and am planning a trip to Japan for later this year, a place where I've spent a lot of time. While I'm not quite ready to venture into new destinations yet, I'm hopeful that I will be soon. My thoughts are with all of you as you plan your own adventures x