What It’s Like to Travel with a Pet Duck
A Road Trip Adventure with Krümel
Traveling with a pet duck isn’t something you see every day, but we did it. From Dallas, Texas, all the way to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and back again, we took Krümel, one of our beloved ducks, on a nearly 2,500-mile road trip through nine states. And yes, she even visited Graceland!
This post is a mix of personal storytelling and practical advice for those wondering: Can you really travel with a duck? The answer is yes—but it takes some planning, flexibility, and a good sense of humor.
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The Route: From Texas to Michigan and Back
Our road trip with Krümel took us through the heart of America—from the wide-open spaces of Texas to the green summer landscapes of Michigan, and back again. All in all, we traveled through nine states, covering over 2,400 miles across two weeks.
Northbound Journey
We started our trip in Dallas, Texas, heading northeast through:
- Arkansas
- Tennessee
- Kentucky
- Indiana
- Ohio
- Before finally reaching Ann Arbor, Michigan
One of our first major stops was Memphis, Tennessee, where we visited Graceland—and yes, Krümel was officially the first duck to tour the estate in a stroller! The staff welcomed her, and she rolled past Elvis memorabilia like a true rockstar.
Next was Nashville, where we explored a bit of the vibrant nightlife. While the bright lights and live music were exciting, the noise was a bit much for Krümel, so we made it a short but memorable visit.
We also enjoyed the charming backroads and scenic views as we made our way north, often choosing older stretches of Route 66 for a nostalgic, picturesque drive. Along the way, we stopped at landmarks, small-town diners, and even did some shopping—Krümel always riding in style in her stroller, drawing smiles and questions wherever we went.
In Michigan
In Ann Arbor, we stayed at a friend’s house and used the same setup as our hotels: a soft playpen, all her travel gear, and her usual comforts. We took her sightseeing through the city, and she joined us for outdoor strolls, relaxing in her stroller and watching the world go by. Ann Arbor’s walkable downtown made it perfect for a duck-friendly outing.
Southbound Journey
Our return trip followed a different path. This time we drove through:
- Ohio
- Indiana
- Illinois
- Missouri
- Oklahoma
- And finally back to Texas
We made an overnight stop in Rolla, Missouri, and enjoyed more scenic views as we wound through small towns and rolling hills. Every few hours, we paused at rest areas or roadside parks so Krümel could stretch her legs in a foldable playpen and rehydrate.
Of course, no road trip through the South is complete without a visit to Buc-ee’s—a must-stop for snacks and quirky souvenirs. Krümel came inside with us in her covered stroller, quietly experiencing the bustling energy of the convenience store legend, well, at least until they kicked us out because pets aren’t allowed in their stores.
Where We Stayed: Duck-Inclusive (But Quietly)
One of the biggest challenges of traveling with a duck? Finding a place to stay. While there are many “pet-friendly” hotels and motels out there, nearly all of them only allow dogs and cats. We learned quickly that asking if they allow ducks only leads to a polite (or confused) no. So, instead of asking, we simply booked places that accepted pets and noted “1 pet” on the reservation.
We stayed in a variety of pet-friendly hotels, motels, and extended-stay suites, always making sure the room had enough space for Krümel’s setup. When checking in, we brought her in covered up in her stroller or discreetly inside a soft-sided carrier, never causing a disturbance. Once inside our room, the real duck travel magic began.
Krümel’s Hotel Room Setup
To make the space feel as close to home as possible, we brought:
- A foldable soft-sided playpen, which served as her secure area during the night and whenever we left the room briefly without her
- Her favorite toys, including her plush animal, snuffle mat, and treat-dispensing toy, so she had comforting and familiar smells
- A generous supply of puppy pads and towels, which we placed in her playpen and changed frequently to keep everything clean and dry
- Plastic bags to store used towels and pads in the trunk until we could wash or discard them properly
The playpen was always set up right next to my bed, so she could see me and feel close throughout the night. That proximity helped her feel calm and safe in an otherwise unfamiliar environment.
While we were in the room, Krümel had more freedom—roaming around in her duck diaper with supervision, investigating corners, peeking under chairs, or just relaxing on a towel. We kept things quiet and low-stress, dimming lights in the evening and sticking to her usual routine as much as possible.
In the mornings or after a long drive, she’d get a bathroom break in the hotel tub or shower, where she could splash and clean her feathers. That little spa time was something she genuinely seemed to enjoy—and it helped maintain her hygiene on the road.
How We Traveled: Safe and Comfortable on the Road
We took this trip in my Toyota RAV4, which gave us just enough space to fit everything we needed—for us and for Krümel. And to be honest, we had more duck gear than human luggage. But when you’re traveling cross-country with a pet duck, comfort and safety come first.
Her Travel Setup
Krümel rode in the backseat in a large, hard plastic transport crate, which gave her room to move around while still keeping her safe in case of sudden stops. We lined the bottom with towels and frequently changed them throughout the day—both for her comfort and to spare ourselves from that smell.
She always had fresh water in a spill-proof bowl inside the crate. We also made sure to talk to her often, keeping her engaged and calm. Ducks are incredibly social animals, and hearing our voices seemed to reassure her that everything was okay.
We’d occasionally open the crate to give her a treat or a head rub while stopped, and she often responded with soft quacks or head tilts—her way of staying connected with us along the way.
Frequent Stops for Breaks and Foraging
Every couple of hours, we’d pull into rest areas, scenic overlooks, or quiet grassy spots for a break. These were some of Krümel’s favorite moments. We set up her foldable metal playpen on a patch of grass so she could:
- Safely stretch her legs
- Forage for bugs or greens
- Splash in a large water bowl we brought just for roadside playtime
We never let her free-roam in unfamiliar places. Even a small startle could send a duck running toward danger. The playpen gave her the freedom to move while keeping her safe from traffic, wooded areas, or curious dogs at rest stops.
Cleaning and Bath Time
In addition to frequent towel swaps in her carrier, we brought a large plastic trough that we used once we arrived at our destination. It became her private spa—perfect for a good splash after a long travel day.
We also kept extra towels, wipes, and cleaning supplies easily accessible in the car so we could clean up quickly if needed.
Out and About: City Adventures and Sightseeing
One of the most unique parts of our road trip was bringing Krümel along for our urban adventures. From city streets to historical landmarks, she was right there with us—often in her stroller, sometimes in her harness, and always drawing attention wherever we went.
Graceland: A Duck’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Debut
In Memphis, Tennessee, we visited Graceland, the iconic home of Elvis Presley. And yes—Krümel was officially the first duck ever to visit. She rode proudly in her covered pet stroller, and the staff were surprisingly welcoming. As we toured the estate, she quietly observed the exhibits, peeking out occasionally from under her blanket as other visitors gasped and smiled.
It’s safe to say Elvis had never seen anything quite like her.
Nashville: Music, Lights, and a Quack or Two
Next stop was Nashville, where we took Krümel downtown to soak in the sights and sounds of the live music scene. She strolled along Broadway, feathers fluffed, while neon lights flickered overhead and music spilled out of every bar.
While the energy was electric, it was also a bit too loud for her comfort, so we didn’t stay too long. But it was important to us that she got to experience each city—even if only briefly—and we always made sure to put her needs first.
Strolling in Ann Arbor
Once we arrived in Ann Arbor, Michigan, we had more time to relax and enjoy the city at a slower pace. Ann Arbor’s walkable downtown made it a perfect destination for pet-friendly sightseeing. We visited parks, walked shady tree-lined streets, and window-shopped with Krümel in her stroller.
We even went shopping with her at small boutiques and stores with open layouts. People constantly stopped to ask questions, take pictures, or simply say hello. She became a bit of a local celebrity during our short stay!
Dining Out: A Duck at the Table
Eating out with a duck is… unconventional. But we made it work! At restaurants, we always asked to sit outdoors, and we brought a small bowl for her water. We usually ordered a side of salad or lettuce just for her, and she happily nibbled while we ate.
A few restaurant staff members were so delighted to see a duck guest that they brought her extra snacks for free. Others just stared in disbelief. Either way, she handled it all with calm curiosity—unless the crowd grew too large or loud, in which case we’d step away and give her a break.
Managing Attention and Stress
Traveling with a duck draws attention—lots of it. Some days, Krümel loved the spotlight, basking in the gentle pets and admiration. Other times, it was clear that too many strangers made her uneasy. We always watched her closely for signs of stress—panting, pacing, or hiding in the back of the stroller—and adjusted our plans accordingly.
We made sure she had quiet moments between outings, and we never pushed her to stay somewhere she wasn’t comfortable. At the end of the day, her well-being came first, no matter how many people wanted to take selfies with her.
What We Learned: Tips for Traveling with a Duck
Traveling cross-country with a duck isn’t for the faint of heart—but it is possible. After more than 2,400 miles, nine states, and countless hotel check-ins, we came away with some important lessons and advice for anyone considering life on the road with their feathered companion.
Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a multi-state journey, here’s what we recommend:
1. Careful Planning Is Everything
Unlike traveling with a dog or cat, not everything is duck-compatible. Pet policies are often vague—or outright exclude birds. Call ahead if you must, but in our experience, most places said no to ducks. We booked pet-friendly hotels without specifying the species, and entered quietly and respectfully.
Route planning is also essential. Look for rest areas, quiet parks, and towns with walkable areas. We planned our driving days with plenty of time for breaks, and avoided long stretches without stops.
2. Bring More Duck Gear Than You Think You’ll Need
From towels and diapers to food, dishes, and toys—ducks require a lot of supplies. Here’s what we packed for Krümel:
- A large travel crate lined with towels
- A foldable metal playpen for outdoor breaks
- A soft-sided indoor playpen for hotels and friend’s homes
- Diapers, wipes, and puppy pads
- A plastic trough for bathing
- A stroller, leash, and harness
- Her favorite toys, including her snuffle mat and plush buddy
- Treats, food, and travel-sized water dishes
Honestly, she had more travel items than we did—but it was worth it to keep her comfortable and content.
3. Frequent Breaks Make a Huge Difference
Ducks need to move, forage, and preen. We stopped every couple of hours so Krümel could stretch, drink, and explore in a safe space. We never let her roam freely in unfamiliar areas—instead, we used her metal playpen to give her freedom while keeping her protected from highways, dogs, or curious strangers.
These breaks kept her active, hydrated, and calm—and gave us all a much-needed pause.
4. Stick to Familiar Routines
New environments can be overwhelming for ducks, so we tried to keep her routine as consistent as possible. That meant offering her food and water at the usual times, giving her quiet time to nap, and letting her snuggle in her favorite soft spot when she needed rest.
Having familiar objects, like her toys and towel-lined pen, helped her settle in each night—even in a new hotel room.
5. Expect Attention—and Be Prepared to Say No
Krümel was a magnet for attention. Most people had never seen a duck in a stroller before, and everyone wanted to pet her or take pictures. While she handled it like a pro, we learned to politely set boundaries when she seemed overwhelmed.
Sometimes we let people say hello. Other times, we gently declined and walked on. Watching your duck’s body language is key: if they start panting, retreating, or acting jumpy, it’s time to take a break.
6. Stay Flexible and Be Ready for Surprises
Ducks are unpredictable, and so is travel. We dealt with diaper leaks, unexpected egg-laying, towel shortages, and curious glances from hotel staff. But by staying flexible and having a sense of humor, we got through each challenge one step at a time.
We even learned to pack a bag just for used towels, storing it in the trunk to keep the smell out of the car until we could wash them.
Bottom Line: Would We Do It Again?
Absolutely—but only with proper planning and the right mindset. Traveling with a duck is not like traveling with a dog or cat. It takes patience, preparation, and a deep understanding of your duck’s individual needs and quirks. But if you’re willing to put in the extra effort, it can also be one of the most rewarding and heartwarming experiences you’ll ever have with your feathered companion.
The cross-country trip with Krümel brought us closer together in ways we didn’t expect. She adapted to new environments, bonded with us during the long hours on the road, and handled each new situation with a surprising mix of curiosity and calm. It was exhausting at times, yes—but also filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
If you’re considering a trip with your own duck, know that it is possible. Just remember:
- Pack that extra towel (or five)
- Schedule plenty of breaks for foraging, drinking, and preening
- Bring the comforts of home to keep your duck calm and happy
- And most of all, be ready for your duck to steal the spotlight wherever you go
In fact, we’ve already gone on another adventure with Krümel since this road trip. It wasn’t as long—a three-day getaway to San Antonio—but it came with its own highlights. We visited the River Walk and the Alamo, strolled the scenic pathways, and once again brought our duck along for the journey. She rode in her stroller, enjoyed the sights and sounds, and continued to prove just how adaptable and lovable ducks can be when given the chance.
These trips have shown us that traveling with a duck isn’t just doable—it can become a way to create incredible memories together. Just be prepared, stay flexible, and embrace the adventure.
Here are a few more images from our adventures with Krümel.
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