Marine and Damien have an original travel blog: they tell their adventures around the world with their dog N'lou whom they take everywhere with them. We were able to meet them just before their trip to South America. This interview will make you want to go on a trip with your pet!
What is the concept of your travel blog?
Marine and Damien: "We wanted to create this blog because we travel with our dog, a beautiful Australian shepherd, and we wanted to give advice to people who want to travel with their pet too. It is not always easy to travel with your dog. There are sometimes administrative procedures and we wonder a lot of questions, especially about crossing borders with our animals. We try to give tips based on our travels. And the advantage is that this blog also allows us to exchange with a community that travels with its dog while acting as a travel journal. »
How do you deal with the constraints of travelling with your pet?
Marine and Damien: "It's true that there are constraints, but we live it rather well, because our will has always been to travel with our animal. So we deal with these constraints... But in reality, travelling with your dog is often very well perceived. Many people have opened their doors to us more easily. In some destinations, we were even particularly well received. For example, in Croatia, in Dubrovnik, we were able to walk on the city walls with our dog. And in Croatian restaurants, we had the same positive reception. We were even able to go canoeing with him in Dubrovnik! The bosses even saw a plus, because it intrigued and entertained the other customers. Overall, we were very well received everywhere with our animal in Croatia.
Are there any sites where you won't be able to take your dog with you?
Marine and Damien: "We plan to go to different Latin American countries soon, especially Peru. And one of my dreams is to go see Machu Picchu, but apparently it's not possible to go with a dog. We will insist on it on the spot, but if that is really not possible, we will try to see other things in the country, because there will be many other sites to discover. »
On the administrative and medical level, what should be planned before travelling abroad with your pet?
Marine and Damien: "We did a big check up with our veterinarian and indeed you need a passport for the dog, a chip or a tattoo, and an up-to-date vaccination record with, for example, the one against rabies. He was also given vaccinations against kennel cough and tick-related diseases. He also explained that before each border crossing, it was also necessary to have our dog's health checked by a veterinarian to ensure that he was in good health. »
What means of transportation did you use to travel with your dog?
Marine and Damien: "Our dog N'lou has already used most means of transport. Last March, we went to Corsica and he travelled in a cage in the plane's hold and everything went well. He also took the train to travel in the Cinque Terre and the ferry from Croatia to Italy. As for fares, the plane quickly costs about a hundred euros per trip in the hold and the train costs the price of a child seat. But these are costs that we considered from the beginning, so it was no surprise to us. »
What are the positive aspects of travelling with your dog?
Marine and Damien: "N'lou is always willing to travel and is an integral part of the family. It's also a great way to meet people. As we have a beautiful dog in addition, many people want to know more about his species and want to take pictures of him. Some of them also show us pictures of their dog. So we really meet a lot of people thanks to our dog! »
What are the next trips you will make with your dog?
Marine and Damien: "From December 11, we will be in French Guiana. First we will pick up the truck we moved in and sent via containers by boat from Saint-Nazaire. And from there, we plan to take a tour of South America by stopping at key points. We plan to go to Brazil, Argentina, Patagonia, Chile, Peru and Bolivia. »
How do you use your work to be able to go abroad for several months?
Marine and Damien: "The idea first came from Marine who had decided to take a sabbatical leave that was accepted by the company where she has been working for 8 years. And I have been working for 3 years only in season for specific periods of time to be able to travel during my free time. »
Do you have a message for people who have a dog and are still hesitating to go on a trip with him?
Marine and Damien: "Don't leave the dog out! Take him with you and show him a part of the planet. It is also a good way to show that travelling with your pet is quite possible and that it is even a pleasure, not a constraint. »
Listen to the entire interview in the podcast with Marine and Damien
Follow the adventures of Marine, Damien and their dog N'lou on their blog: http://piedsetpatteslies.fr/
