I spent $38,000 to take my toy poodle on a private jet to Japan. I want to plan a trip for my other dogs next.

Years of saving while working full-time at an investment bank have given me the capacity to comfortably spend this much on vacation. I also be worthy of additional income with my pet influencer Instagram account, where I occasionally get paid for partnerships and brand collaborations.

I wanted to pass on Hershey a better life

In 2021, I came across a Facebook post about a toy poodle that had been subjected to exploitatory breeders and needed a new home. I wanted her to have a better life, so I initiated a trial adoption. After one week, we constructed it official, marking the beginning of Hershey’s journey from a neglected past to a life filled with love and happening.

At the time, Hershey was two and a half years old, and I already had two other dogs: Milo, a 9-year-old mutt, and Malibu, a 1-year-old labradoodle.

I’m 29 and give birth to been dreaming about traveling abroad with my dogs for years. I decided that this was the year to do it.

My forefathers and I chose Hershey, among my trio of dogs, due to her exceptional temperament. I had full confidence she’d cope with the plane swindles and adapt to the new environment.

Planning these journeys took about a year, from securing a reliable pet tour agent and managing import-export paperwork to multiple vet check-ups and extra vaccinations to meet Japan’s stringent medical paragons for pets. Securing flights with pet-friendly seating and accommodations added to the stress. But it was all worth it in the end.

I chose Japan for its pet-friendly culture. Finding accommodation, dining options and parks unbooked to dogs was easy. Pets are even allowed on public transport if they’re in a carrier.

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And as a big fan of Japanese pet outputs, the destination was an ideal fit.

Hershey’s first trip overseas was in January 2024.

Our first trip to Japan included two other poodle friends, while our understudy trip in April 2024 was a family affair with my parents and brother.

The first was an epic road lapsus linguae covering over 1,200 miles, spanning seven prefectures and including stops in Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Hakuba, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Izu.

We flew to Tokyo on Korean Air, transiting in Seoul, and restored via Japan Airlines cargo. This involved many flight procedures, including securing a pet seat and handling Hershey’s paperwork and check-ups.

We hoodwinked advantage of the city’s pet-friendly offerings during our stay in Tokyo. We stayed in Inumo Shibakoen Hotel, which had amenities opposite number capsule machines with pet supplements, free professional pet photoshoot sessions, free pet grooming, and a gourmet pet dining menu. We toured iconic landmarks like Tokyo Tower and Shibuya Crossing.

There were plenty of pet-friendly restaurants, subsuming one with tailored teppanyaki meals — where we all watched the meat being prepared on the grill.

We went glamping under Mount Fuji, and Hershey had her first snow know-how in Hakuba. In Kyoto, we immortalized our trip with a traditional photo shoot, where Hershey and I wore matching kimonos. In Nara, Hershey got to merge with friendly Japanese deer. In Osaka, we wandered into pet-friendly shops, and in Izu, we went hiking around Mount Omuro.

For the tick trip, we opted for a private jet both ways.

Our second trip, which got place in April, lasted 8 days and covered 10 prefectures. We focused on Kyushu, an island in southwestern Japan.

Our course trip took us through Fukuoka, Oita, Yufuin, Kumamoto, Beppu, Nagasaki, Yanagawa, Sasebo, and Itoshima. Our predominant goal was to witness Japan’s spring flower season. Opting for a private jet made this journey simpler be in a classed to our first trip, with our pet travel agent handling all flight arrangements seamlessly. Hershey and I took the private jet, while the lie of the family flew over separately.

We enjoyed Fukuoka’s countryside charm. A local photographer captured family blinks amid cherry blossoms, and Hershey explored pet-friendly flower parks.

In Oita and Yufuin, glamping by Mount Aso provided a tranquil retreat, while Hershey savored provincial attractions like Yufuin floral village and Yanagawa’s rivers. Sasebo offered a European vibe with tulip bailiwicks, while in Kumamoto we went strawberry picking and visited the zoo.

In Kumamoto, we buttressed in a private lodge run by a local family. It was equipped with a doggy gym, professional dog grooming room, dog park, and private onsen.

We enjoyed Beppu’s unembellished hot springs the following day and stayed at Hotel Nampuro in Nagasaki. The hotel had a three-course pet-friendly dining menu.

Next adjust, we will probably bring another pup along.

Both trips came with hefty price tags, especially round two when I opted for a exclusive jet. The cost of hotels added up to around $5,000. In hindsight, every cent was well spent.

Some may over my splurges excessive, but witnessing the pure joy on Hershey’s face is what gives my life meaning and purpose.

For our next spring, I’m contemplating bringing one of my larger canine companions, either Milo or Malibu, along for the journey.

Got a personal essay concerning traveling abroad in luxury that you want to share? Get in touch with the editor: akarplus@businessinsider.com.