I was not sure how long I would drive before I felt like giving up, but there was no stopping us. I didn't put any pressure on myself, and thought when I felt like stopping or turning back, I would. But that didn't happen. After the first five hours driving out of Florida I was hooked. My dog Jay-J and I were up for adventure. The first night we visited old friends in Jacksonville. The next day I had lunch in Savannah Georgia, and dinner in Charleston South Carolina. Jay-J drew attention wherever we went, and is the perfect travel companion. He never complains about where we go or how long anything takes. He is just as happy riding in the car or sitting in traffic  as he is out for a walk. Just being included is enough for him.

Finally, we reached New York. I am originally from New York, living in Miami only six years. We divided our time between a friends apartment in the city, and different motels in Montauk. I have always loved summers in Montauk, and Jay-J seemed revived by the cooler weather there. We spent our mornings running on Ditch Plains Beach with the other dog people and there pets. Jay-J played in the surf with the other dogs, and sometimes we went hiking in the dunes or to watch the sunrise over Montauk Lighthouse for variety. In th city, we went early to Central Park for some off-leash play time and squirrel chasing near Gracie Mansion. And although Jay-J loved hitting the parks, city life was not for him. All the traffic noise and big trucks were unnerving to him, as they are for so many suburban or rescued dogs not used to how loud Manhattan can be. So back to Montauk we went, touring vineyards in the Hamptons and clam bakes on the beaches for sunset.

I ended up adopting a dog while I was there; an adorable hairless Chinese Crested puppy I found on Petfinder.com. Cute as a button and super silly, "Saffy" quickly became a member of our family and was running wild and free on Ditch Plains with Jay-J and me.

I have taken many smaller road trips with my dogs since. Key West, Naples, dog shows in Ocala and many points in between and they are always fun! A few planning tips: Always have with you food, water, a charged phone, a full tank of gas, the numbers to dog friendly hotel chains, and extra car keys to lock your dogs in the car with A/C should you need to. Then just let the road unravel before you an treat it like an adventure. Bon Voyage!

Lisa Hartman is a Miami local (former Hamptonite!), dog trainer & blogger. See more of her work at www.pawsitivelypetsonline.com.