Planning a week trip this coming March (to coincide with youngest daughter’s college break) including myself, husband, and our 3 young adult kids (20, 23, 24). Looking for destination abroad that none of us have already traveled to. Looking at Barcelona and Amsterdam, in particular. The biggest stressor for planning this is what to do with our beloved, extremely attached dog who has never been away from us for more than 1 night, and even that’s rare. She’s a true Covid dog and after getting her in the beginning of the pandemic, she’s rarely ever been apart from us. I work from home the majority of time and we generally take her with us on trips. Obviously, we can’t bring her abroad. It comes down to pet sitter or boarding. We’ve boarded her for isolated nights a few times over the past couple of years (college graduations, etc.) and it’s extremely anxiety provoking for her, including diarrhea for days and not eating the entire time she’s there. A pet sitter sounds like the best option, but she needs a lot of attention, can get into things unless everything is locked down, can be difficult on walks, and is scared of certain car sounds, so will unexpectedly lunge at cars, etc. Also, I’m thinking a pet sitter would cost a fortune…Ugh. I guess I’m hoping to feel better about leaving her and looking for anyone who’s been in similar circumstances, how you navigated it, etc.
Part 2- Any input on which location above would be better, less expensive, have better options/accommodations, more to do, etc. for young adults? Any specific lodging/restaurant, must see things, etc. recommendations welcome! Trying to get this planned out soon.
We have a 14 year old sick spoiled dog who we rescued at 3 months old. I’m home during the day, so she’s used to coming in and out whenever. I’d never board her, she’d a little anxious and isn’t fond of other animals. I piece together sitters with my kids’ friends and professional dog walkers. Someone sleeps here, let’s get out first thing, feeds her, then she will have a few hours alone until the dog walker comes. Someone will come at 5 to feed her, let her out, and either stay of leave her until a night shift friend comes. I usually pay for 2 professional walks each day, based on the sitters’ schedules. Unfortunately she’s too under the weather for dog sitters (she’s up a lot during the night), but my system worked well for years (the friends are all 22+ now, but they didn’t mind having a place to get away from their parents a buy, have friends over, and make $$$, they all lived within a couple of miles away.)
We have a 14 1/2 year old, deaf, arthritic, anxious dog. I worry about him the most when we travel so I can empathize.
I’d highly recommend an at home pet sitter so at least your pup is in their home environment. What we do is have a meet and greet two weeks before we leave with the pet sitter so the dog can get to know the person and we can walk through all the needs/issues. We’ve had good luck with college students because they can do their homework from the house and they are gone limited amounts of time during the day (we live adjacent to a college campus). We’ve also had good luck with older pet sitters who just use the house almost like an airBNB. It’s not cheap but IMO, it’s worth it for my own peace of mind!
In terms of your location I’ve been to both and you can’t make a wrong choice! Both cities are wonderful!
My D was in Amsterdam last spring and loved the Indonesian food, doing canal rides, going to the museums, flower market, and just walking around.
Barcelona is considerably bigger population wise. Food is outstanding almost everywhere. (Would highly recommend Babula Bar). All the Gaudi structures are amazing and all are worth the visit. The Gothic Quarter is fun to walk around, the beach front and marinas, the parks….
Never been to Barcelona but have been a frequent traveler to Amsterdam over the years. Amazing city and TONS to do. Public transportation both in and outside the city is incredibly easy and user friendly, starting with the train from Schipol airport, includes the trams, day trips on the train to the Hague, charming smaller cities and villages, etc. The beach at Scheveningen is wonderful day trip combined with a few of the museums at the Hague. I don’t know where you live- but a North Sea beach isn’t what you think of as a beach (especially in March) but it is stark, cold, and beautiful. A couple of the fancy hotels along the beach have spectacular tea rooms (check if they are open in March) and the decor is just so special. Frequent trains from Amsterdam to the Hague, then a tram to the beach. Easy peasy.
Have done a wide range of hotels and Airbnb’s (nice hotels when it was for work; Airbnb when H or the kids was with me; less nice hotels when it was just a fun getaway and didn’t want to splurge) and all were fantastic. The high end hotels are often in converted historic buildings or palaces or whatnot and are gorgeous but even the budget options are clean and well maintained. And the Airbnb’s have been a huge step above what I’ve found in other parts of the world- typically the owner lives in an apartment adjacent to or in the same building and they maintain really lovely guest apartments and go above and beyond.
The biking is next level. People bike everywhere- you’ll see parents on bikes taking the babies to day care, old people pedaling along with groceries, people are really respectful of the bike lanes and traffic patterns. I have never taken a cab in Amsterdam (or anywhere in the Netherlands for that matter). It’s just a given that the place you need to go to is either a quick walk, bike or a train/tram ride away. You see people in business clothes, women in heels, school kids all on bikes at all hours. And watching the crowd arrive at the main concert hall and opera house dressed in evening clothes on bicycles– WOW.
All the canal tours are great. Some are architecture focused, some history. Depending on what your kids are interested in- you will not run out of things to do. Between historic sites, art museums, shopping (used book stores with fabulous old maps, travel posters from the 1920’s….) and every type of food….
I’ll take a stab at this one - it was my beloved little guy. His breed(s) were naturally anxious. It got to the point when we were leaving the house, i’d have to run a circle around a few rooms to then head to the door to get out. If we didn’t and he caught up to us, he’d run into the garage, under the car so we couldn’t leave. If we did leave, he’d pee - just an anxious, afraid without us little guy.
What worked and didn’t work for us:
We had a regular home we took him too - she always had a few dogs but well behaved and he loved going there.
When she retired, we took him to another home - came back with fleas - no bueno.
We had someone house sit - a teen - that worked. Yes, they left after he fell asleep at night and came back in the AM - but seemed to work.
We put him in doggy day care, paid for the bigger area with run, several walks and another $20 for tuck in and treat package. He came back a scared mess.
So best for us was taking him to an experienced person’s house who did this for a living. It was reasonable - like $30 or $40 a day and he was comfortable because he always had attention. We took him to her every time we were gone so he was used to it - and she lived in our neighborhood ,so he would see her out on walks.
Alternatively, someone in the house with him worked.
Putting him in a doggy hotel - no bueno.
Good luck.
PS - I’d choose Amsterdam. I’ve heard first hand of hostilities toward travelers in Barcelona. My niece lives in The Netherlands and raves. You’re also not too far from some other places to explore.
When we were in Europe, if you look on Expedia, you can find different price points of hotels pretty much anywhere - to fit any budget.
Definitely pay for someone in the home if you can. It’s worth it albeit pretty pricey. My very anxious dog eventually bonded with the sitter when I traveled last year though it took two visits before I left and a couple days after I left. She came around dinner time and stayed until breakfast time the next day. I think she usually walked him in the evenings though it wasn’t required (we have a fenced yard though he’d MUCH rather be walked). I paid her $80/night I think. I had a dog walker come midday which was another $20. So it wasn’t cheap. I think about $100/day is standard and may be more in other areas (I don’t live in a city). My former dog walker is no longer an option so I’m kind of dreading the next time I travel. I did find someone who takes one dog at a time into her home with big fenced backyard - while it would be stressful for the dog it would be better than a kennel and she’s less than 1/2 the cost of in home care. Ask around community boards, the vet, if you have a groomer, your kids’ friends who might still live in town. Insist they come over at least once so you can watch them interact. And consider doggie Prozac long-term if you haven’t already. Anxious dogs aren’t as happy as they should be.
We use a housesitter for our two energetic Aussies. If the guy I use regularly isn’t available, I ask on the community Facebook page for recommendations and that has worked well. But yep, it’s pricey. We figure it’s part of the cost of a vacation for us.
I agree with finding a pet sitter who can stay at your house. Ideally, have them start coming to get familiar with a while beforehand.
My D24 studied abroad in Amsterdam and has nothing good to say about the food EXCEPT for the Indonesian rice table and her personal favorite - Surinamese food.
There is fantastic sushi, lovely fish (Dover Sole and the other “North Sea” locavorish type fish) tons of middle eastern, etc. The actual “Dutch” cuisine runs heavy on cheese which is not my personal favorite, but there are enough “ethnic” type restaurants from the Dutch conquest of most of the world that eating should not be a problem! And several bakeries with bread that is out of this world if you’re worried about snacking!!!
I love both cities! If you are looking for ease of travel, including English spoken everywhere, Amsterdam may be the winner. You can also hop on a train for a day trip to Brussels if you’re wanting a bit of variety or do a day trip to Bruges. For an American, Amsterdam is a pretty seamless place to drop into.
Barcelona is a little more magical, has some amazing architecture, and will be warmer that time of year. You might want to go to the library and browse guide books to see what they suggest for each destination for a week, including possible excursions. One may quickly find its way to first place.
As for the dog, my advice is to start “training “ for this now. It’ll be easier on your pup and easier on you. Nobody wants to spend their vacation worrying about their beloved pet! Consider getting the dog-sitter to your house with you, then without you, for shorter periods. Ime, it’s easier to acclimatize them to a new person in the same place than a new person and a new place. And be patient - a lot of time and repetition has made your furry friend velcro ed to your side, so it’s unlikely that he’ll change overnight!
In-home pet sitters can be pricey but honestly I think the better in your situation (plus, you have someone looking after your home). I once boarded a cat that when I picked up 5 days later was told he just sat in the corner of his cage, refused to come out and play and hadn’t eaten a thing. I never did that again except when we had no choice when we immigrated and - different cat, same outcome. Also, I expect the cost of the sitter is not that big vs an overseas trip. Another option that is popular here, is for family looking to stay close by relatives and looking after your pet in return for free lodging- of course, the downside there is that they are more likely to be out the house for longer periods of time.
Look to a trusted teen/college student/young adult, who are usually fine with spending the night away from home and not as pricey as a “professional” pet sitter.
My 23 year old daughter does overnight dog-sitting for a few people/neighbors. The rate is $50 per day. I don’t know what the cost of boarding is, but I think that sounds like a pretty good deal.
We visited Barcelona when my son was studying abroad there. We loved the architecture, sightseeing, and the food. We stayed in an airbnb and shopped for groceries so we could have breakfast at home before heading out for the day. There are a number of fun day trips you can do from Barcelona and one day we rented a car and drove up the coast (Costa Brava) and visited little towns along the water and a beautiful botanical garden. The food and lodging was quite a bit less expensive than in Paris or Italy. Enjoy!
I agree with most above that a pet sitter is worth it! I would hire them to walk the dog regularly before hand so they are very familiar and more comfortable if they’re anxious. I don’t know that I would go with a friend or young person for a challenging dog - it’s just going to make life more stressful.
We actually just did Barcelona in March 2025 with two young adults! It was fabulous, and there is a ton to do there. We had no issue with anti-tourist sentiment, I think that is much, much worse in the summer when the big cruise ships inundate the city.
It’s been a whole lot longer for Amsterdam and our kids were much younger at the time. I really don’t think there is a bad choice here. Depending on how early or late you’re going in March, weather could play a role as I think Amsterdam is a lot chillier and rainier if that matters to you.
I’ve been to Barcelona (2012, 2018) and Amsterdam (2023). For a group, we had easier time finding apartment in Barcelona (2018), but that might be more a factor of the times than the locations.
I believe this was the apartment we rented for 3 couples (3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms). Excellent location. Downstairs was a shop with coffee/bakery and sandwiches/salads. Very close to Las Ramblas and endless dining options - we hardly used the kitchen, except for breakfast (from downstairs). And evening planning sessions (eating chocolate from the nearby shop) Rambla Deluxe A: Apartment for 6 people in Barcelona | Habitat Apartments
I always took care of my brother’s dogs but there were getting out of his poorly fenced yard and it was hard for me so he took them to the vet, got all the shots, took them to a doggie daycare/boarding place and they lasted about 18 hours (they are two HUGE labs) as they wouldn’t settle down and one had blood in her urine. So I had to go get them and bring them home and watch them anyway. Just warning that if anything goes wrong with boarding, they expect someone to come get them. I’d do an inhome or at a private home daycare.
I went to Barcelona last March. We had 3 days in the city and loved it. It was rainy but we lived with it and enjoyed everything but couldn’t go to walking along the sea wall. It was wonderful and nothing like I expected. I loved the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Cathedral, and (surprising to me) Picasso museum. Also went to Gaudi park and that afternoon was sunny and nice. Then we went to a villa outside the city for my daughter’s wedding and went to a vineyard. The group the stayed in the city after the wedding went to a soccer match.
My daughter (not the bride) is a history/art history major and it was like having a private tour guide for everything, especially the Barcelona Cathedral and all the altar pieces there. Centuries of them. She played a little game of 'Guess the Date" of the pieces and she was surprisingly accurate.
Only warning I’d give is we got there on Ash Wednesday and we were going to go a few days before that but the hotels were very expensive for Mardi Gras so we didn’t. I’d imagine Easter week would also be expensive, so check when Easter is.
I throwing out a vote for Amsterdam - fun, easy city for all ages and not sure if you would be there for the start of the spring flowers too - so much to do.
Regarding your dog - that is tough to leave and not worry - I would recommend you speak with your veterinarian and see if they have 2 recommendations: #1 for a dog sitter either in your home or a person that only takes 1 dog at a time (we pay $100 a day - ouch) and #2 - can you try an anti anxiety drug when you are home and see how it works and that may be a good calming option for when you are gone.
Our dog loves to ride in the car around town, but once the car hits the freeway she becomes an anxious mess. We give her a RX from the doctor and it calms her down for long road trips and we have friends that use it on July 4th and NY’s eve for firework anxiety.
Enjoy your time traveling with your family - such a treat.
No advice for cities, but our cats have normally been taken care of by neighbors coming in up to twice a day. Now we have a needy cat (he’s very active and would destroy things if left along for 2 weeks with only someone coming twice a day). We paid $50/day for a cat sitter and he spent the night at our home. It worked well and we would do it again.
Super helpful details, thanks! Did you just find the Airbnbs on your own? Just wondering if you knew what parts of Amsterdam would be best to stay for Airbnb, or if we can just find one that looks decent and wing it.
Thanks, good points. I’m thinking of finding a college student who pet sits and “trying them out” to walk her well ahead of time. Our dog is funny, if she loves you, she LOVES you, if not, she won’t go near you.