Author and actress Mariel Hemingway enjoys taking her pets on family vacations.

“I have six dogs -- two Yorkies, two Maltese, one Belgian Shepherd and one Black Labrador puppy. They are wonderful family members, who love to go anywhere,” says author and actress Mariel Hemingway. “So of course, I take them with me all the time when I travel. But I think it's important to be smart about traveling so that both you and your pet have an awesome trip.”

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, people traveling with their pets soared 33 percent last year to a record 20 million, and 80 percent of them were dogs. And a full 14 percent -- or 29 million Americans -- travel with their pets, according to a recent Travel Industry Association study. People love their pets and many want to take them along when traveling. Planning a few simple considerations can help make all the difference.

Here are some great tips to help make traveling with your pet easier:

1. Bring familiar items for your pet, such as a favorite blanket, chews, treats and toys.

2. It's a good idea to pack a first aid kit especially for pets (tweezers, gauze, hydrogen).

3. Make sure your animal wears a collar with an ID tag, just in case you're separated.

4. Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle.

5. Keep your animal on a leash as much as possible when you’re outside your vehicle.