If you love animals, there are many options for a vacation destination for you. Many places allow you to visit and interact with a variety of animals. You can visit destinations known for their wildlife, such as New Zealand. You can visit theme parks, like Disney World, that have animal parks. Consider doing volunteer work on a vacation. Volunteering with wildlife rescues allows you to interact with animals while making a positive impact on the world.
StepsMethod 1Method 1 of 3:Viewing Zoo Animals
1Go to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is found in Orlando, Florida. It’s an African-themed animal preserve where you can see exotic animals like giraffes and elephants. You can go on a safari while at the park, allowing you to see the animals up close.XAs Disney World has a lot of different attractions, this can be a great option if you’re booking a vacation with multiple people. Those who aren’t huge animal lovers can spend time elsewhere.
2Stay at the Giraffe Manor in Kenya. If it’s within your budget, try booking a trip to Kenya and staying at the Giraffe Manor. This is a private hotel set on 12 acres of land. Giraffes frequently visit the area. Sometimes, they even poke their heads through windows in hopes of getting a treat from guests.XCheck with workers at the hotel before feeding the giraffes. You want to make sure you’re not giving them anything harmful.
3Try a vacation in Botswana, South Africa. Each year, zebras migrate to the Boteti River in Botswana. If you visit the area around the time a migration is likely to occur, you will see a lot of zebras swarming to the river. This can be a fun vacation if you love observing wildlife.X
4Take a trip to Australia. Australia has a lot of wildlife you are unlikely to see elsewhere. About 80% of the wildlife found in Australia is only found there. To see things like wombats, koalas, and kangaroos, book a trip to somewhere in Australia.Stay in a more rural area when you visit to see more wildlife.Book things like safaris and nature hikes while you’re in Australia to fully experience the wildlife.
5Volunteer at animal rescues. See if there are any animal rescues seeking volunteers. If you volunteer in a rescue, you’ll be able to help animals in need. Your trip to a destination with a lot of unique wildlife may even be covered. Often, places need people to assist vets who are helping wild animals, such as lions. Consider donating your vacation time to charity by acting as a volunteer.Some organizations may have specific requirements for volunteers. Make sure you find an organization you qualify to work with.Method 2Method 2 of 3:Seeing Forest and Farm Animals
1Visit national parks. If you’re traveling in the United States, take advantage of the country’s national parks. There are many national parks to be found across the U.S where you can see a lot of wildlife native to the United States.Yellowstone National Park is home to animals like bears, bison, elk, and wolves.XBuck Island National Park in Virginia is home to a lot of wildlife that is native to the area.X
2Go to Mackinac Island. Mackinac Island is a small Michigan island found in Lake Huron. Except for emergency vehicles and snowmobiles, no vehicles are allowed on the island. People travel via horse and carriage or horseback. This can be a fun vacation destination if you love horses.X
3Try Chincoteague Island. Chincoteague Island, found in Virginia, has herds of wild ponies. In July, ponies are herded across the river in an event known as the Chincoteague Island Pony Swim. Book a trip around this time to witness the swim.XDue to the fact it’s a tourist destination, there are many hotels surrounding or on the island. Make sure you book in advance if you want to see the Pony Swim, however.
4Stop by county fairs. If you’re planning a vacation last minute, see if you can find any nearby county fairs. Over the summer, many areas host fairs. In addition to rides and food, fairs generally have things like horse and livestock shows. For a cheap and quick vacation, try making a trip to a nearby county fair.X
5Bring your dog along. When seeing domestic animals, you may want to bring your own dog along for the trip. If your dog is familiar with things like farm animals, and generally calm in new situations, think about including it in your trip.XThink about how to travel with your dog. For a long drive, make sure to stop regularly to let your dog out of the car. Provide adequate food and water. When flying, do your research. See how much it costs to fly with a dog, and any paperwork you’ll need.Find hotels that allow pets. While some hotels have a strict no pets rule, other hotels are happy to accommodate pets. However, there may be an extra fee for potential damages.Always check with your veterinarian before traveling with a pet.Method 3Method 3 of 3:Experiencing Marine Life
1Volunteer on the Galapagos. The Galapagos is home to a massive sea turtle population that requires a large amount of research and protection. The organization Sea Turtles in the Galapagos Island frequently needs volunteers to help gather data and restore wildlife environments. The trip does cost $3,850, but it does include meals, lodging, and transportation through the islands.While you work a lot on the trip, there are also events like mountain biking, hiking, and snorkeling.In addition to sea turtles, the Galapagos islands have tortoises, penguins, and iguanas.
2Go snorkeling in Costa Rica. Costa Rica can be fun for a vacation if you love marine life. You can book snorkeling excursions where you can observe marine animals such as dolphins, sea turtles, tuna, and manta rays.In addition to marine life, many people enjoy bird watching in Costa Rica.
3Vacation in Hawaii. If you love marine life, take a trip to Hawaii. The islands are home to a lot of marine life, so snorkeling is always an option. Some hotels have dolphins that live in the pools and offer guided tours where you interact with the animals with the help of a trainer. If you want to swim with the dolphins, make a trip to Hawaii.X
4Visit the Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida. Discovery Cove, found in Orlando, offers guests the opportunity to swim with the dolphins. If you love marine life, book a vacation to Orlando and plan on visiting the Discovery Cove. In addition to seeing marine life, you can make a visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to see exotic animals.XFlorida is great if you’re traveling with people who are less enthused about animals. They can take advantage of other tourist attractions while you interact with animals.
