QuestionI am contemplating going to Europe for a year of study, probably Germany. I am looking into costs of travel to get there, probably by boat and then rail, or by boat all the way. I would probably drive to NYC, DC or another port where a ship would have trans-atlantic voyages leaving, to keep from having to fly with the dog, since she is too big for in-cabin travel (20 lbs,) and I don't trust crating her for the trip on a flight in cargo, as I have had friends with dogs who didn't fare well (either long term nerve problems afterward, or a few who actually had pets perish on the trip from the stress of the travel.)
What kind of expenses am I looking to have for a trip like that (me and the dog in a private room, nothing fancy, but something with at least a few hundred people on - not a 20 person charter boat) and what kind of time frame would be for those trips to make it from the US coast to a port? Any suggestions on travel with pets in Europe after the ship docks? (rail, rent a car, etc...)
Lastly, what kind of long term housing could I expect to find in, let's say, Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Vienna, or Salzburg (I do know the last two are Austrian - just adding them in as options) and what kind of costs would it require for pet friendly places, in particular. I would be looking for a yearly rent or lease, if possible. Something inside the city near public transport would also be on the list on perks, since I don't see myself having a car regularly.
AnswerMany of your questions are way out of the envelop where I can answer questions. I am just trying to cover some areas where we lack good people here. As far as costs, length of trip, etc. a travel agent might give better answers. They may be into big dollar cruises and luxury liners. Once you get to Europe, you should find things far pet friendlier than here. Of course, it will call discipline on your part. Are you trained to have the dog relieve itself in the street and clean up the bowel movements? If you need help on that, send a follow up.
I am sure there are people that could be of more help than me, but I doubt you will find them here or any of the general Q&A sites. Perhaps a travel forum. You can find all sorts of forums on any subject by searching for the subject and popular software. Try something like "vBulletin + dog + ship" and "phpbb + dog + ship". Play around with the subject and maybe you will find somebody that has taken their dog to to Europe by ship. Forums moderated by somebody that know and loves the subject have better answers than the general Q&A sites. Too often they are cluttered up with people pretending to know more than they do.
