What dog wouldn't jump at the opportunity to tag along on a trip? It's a whole new world to sniff and explore. And it's a chance to spend more time with you. Here are some tips to ensure that you and your dog have a real bon voyage.

First, make sure your dog is fit to travel, especially if you're going by air. Plane travel can be a stressful and uncomfortable experience for a dog.

If your pooch is friendly, easygoing, and used to being in a carrier, the trip should go smoothly. But if your dog is shy, nervous, aggressive or hates being cooped up, you might reconsider taking your pooch with you. Instead, seek out a good petsitter or a boarding kennel Additionally, weather must be considered, particularly with airline travel as most airlines have temperature restrictions regarding the transport of animals.

A trip to the veterinarian is definitely in order before any excursion. Many states, and especially other countries, require documentation that your dog is current on her vaccinations and has a clean bill of health. (Some countries even require a quarantine period for all pets, so check with the country's consulate before you plan an international trip with your dog.)

During your pet's checkup, find out if your travel destination poses any risks for your dog. For example, dogs in some areas of the country may experience higher incidences of certain diseases such as heartworm infections or Lyme disease, so your pet may need to take preventive medication or be vaccinated to ward off pests she is not usually exposed to. Your veterinarian should be able to offer good advice regarding travel with your dog.

If your dog's usually a homebody, she may get scared or nervous around new people and places. You can prevent an unpredictable response by exposing your dog to a variety of situations and people before you take your trip. For example, you could take a ride in an elevator or walk on a crowded street and introduce your pet to people of all ages, sizes, and ability levels.

Your dog also needs a place to stay when you reach your destination. So whether you're staying in a hotel or at your best friend's house, call ahead to make sure your pet is welcome. Check PETCO.com's Pet Yellow Pages for pet-friendly hotels.

When you're done packing your bags, it's time to pack your pup's essentials. Make sure to include health certificates verifying your dog's health status, any medications your dog takes, food and water bowls, soap to clean the bowls, a leash, a brush and comb, flea and tick repellant, plastic bags and a pooper-scooper to clean up after your dog, and some treats for the road.

Also, bring along items that will remind your pooch of home to make her feel more comfortable, such as favorite toys and a blanket. And make sure your dog is wearing her collar and ID tags at all times, in case she gets away. You might want to bring along current photos as well in case your dog does get lost. If you are going to be staying in one place for an extended period of time, you may want to have ID tags made for that location as well. Additionally, a microchip for you dog is helpful if your dog gets lost.

Foreign tastes can make your dog's stomach do flips. If you can, pack enough of your dog's regular food and water to last the whole trip.

If you'll be gone for a long time, pack enough food so you can gradually introduce your dog to a new diet if necessary. Add a little more of the new food to the regular food, while cutting back on the regular food, each day to let your dog's stomach adjust.

Different minerals in tap water also can upset your dog's tummy, so bring along enough of your dog's usual water to last the whole trip, offer bottled water, or slowly expose your dog to the new beverage by gradually mixing the usual water with the local water.

Accidents happen, so consider taking along a first aid kit for your dog. Include any medications your dog needs: tweezers, in case of a pesky tick; a thermometer; gauze bandages and pads; adhesive tape; scissors; and antibacterial skin ointment. Also be sure to keep your veterinarian's telephone number on hand. It's not a bad idea to have the name of a veterinarian in the area you'll be visiting; your veterinarian at home should be able to provide you with a referral.