About Us

Hi! We’re Emily and Kira.

Two elder millennials who somehow tricked life into letting us spend our PTO gallivanting around the world with a dog.

We are best friends from college, here’s the kicker:

We were not college besties. Same major, same friend group, even dated within said friend group (mistakes were made). We tolerated each other at best. Our friendship didn’t actually start until after graduation, when we were living on opposite coasts, working in the same male-dominated field, and calling each other to vent about coworkers who thought mansplaining was a leadership skill.

Our first trip together ever was to a wedding in Miami. Somehow, between questionable dance moves and too many margaritas with extra shots of love, we discovered we travel surprisingly well together. From then on, instead of wasting all our PTO visiting each other’s hometowns, we decided to meet somewhere fun. Cue years of big plans, tiny budgets, and twice-a-year reunions that slowly spiraled into let’s just make travel our thing.

In 2019, we pulled off what we thought would be our once-in-a-lifetime trip: seven cities in Europe. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t once in a lifetime. Turns out travel is addictive, and now we always have something in the works.

These days, Emily is settled in the PNW, Kira’s on the West Coast, and we squeeze in as many adventures as adulting will allow. Enter Tilly: Emily’s adopted adventure pup, queen of finding the comfiest hotel bed, and now the true star of this blog. Because let’s be honest, everyone’s really here for the dog.

So welcome to Two Girls and a Tilly: big trips, mini trips, budget hacks, and dog-friendly everything. Basically, it’s what happens when two millennial women refuse to give up on travel dreams, even if they still bring snacks from home because airport prices are offensive.

Hi. My name is Tilly,

And I am 2.5 years old, which in dog years means I’ve already seen some things. People say I’m part Dachshund and part Pitbull, but honestly, labels are overrated. All I know is I’m the best-looking doggo this world has ever seen. Period.

My short little legs? Don’t let them fool you. They’re built for long walks, chasing balls, swimming, and occasionally sprinting after absolutely nothing because… vibes. When I’m not tearing up the trails, I make an excellent passenger princess. Cars, bikes, kayaks, I’ve got the whole transportation portfolio covered.

I am also a diva. I thrive on keeping the humans guessing. Some days I demand belly rubs, other days I act like I don’t even know them. Consistency is boring; chaos is a lifestyle.

Important PSA:

I hate squirrels. All squirrels. Every single one of them has been put on notice. My most iconic memory so far was the time a squirrel literally fell out of the sky and landed on my head. Yes, it was hilarious. Yes, it was also traumatic. Trees cannot be trusted. Eyes up, friends.

When I’m not fighting the squirrel agenda, I like to go shopping with my mom. But let’s be clear, I have very high expectations. Every shop owner and patron owes me treats. If treats are not produced in a timely manner, I will get an attitude. And trust me, my side eye is elite.

Since my brother Chewy has retired from the travel game, I’ve stepped up to fill those very big paw prints. Honestly, it’s the role I was born to play. Adventure dog. Squirrel hunter. Treat connoisseur. And the star of Two Girls and a Tilly.

My name is Zoe.

I’m a 14-year-old Persian cat, which means I have earned the right to be both a diva and a professional grudge holder. I’ve moved across four different states with my mom, and now I’m finally living my best West Coast cat life. By best life, I mean I get my sunbeam naps, my food on time, and absolutely zero nonsense from anyone.

Let’s clear a few things up. I do great in cars. Planes? Absolutely not. Last time I flew, I looked like Jack Nicholson in The Shining. Wide-eyed, furious, plotting murder. And don’t even get me started on carriers or harnesses. I’m too good for both. I will only do things on my terms, thank you very much.

I also despise unfamiliar places and people. For example, I hate Emily. Why? Because she insists on closing doors. Who does she think she is? Sleeping, changing clothes, going to the bathroom in private, how dare she? Doors are supposed to stay open for my inspection.

I am not the best travel companion. I take it very personally when my mom leaves me behind, and this whole blog thing is, frankly, the worst idea I’ve ever heard. Who the F is Tilly, and why is my mom co-signing her greatness? I have been here for over a decade. I am the original star. And yet somehow, the dog gets the spotlight.

This blog is beneath me. But fine. Consider this my reluctant, fur-covered contribution.

My name is Chewbacca

2006-2025

Rodriguez (last name redacted for privacy, obviously). I am a 19-year-old Shih Tzu and the original dog traveler of this family. I have lived with my mom in four states and clocked travel to 22 states. Respect the resume.

I love bike rides, car rides, hammocks, boats, trains, ferries, and basically anything that moves. If you’re sensing a theme, it’s this: I love to ride things. My legs shall not be used. Like you expect me to walk around on these walking legs? Who do you think I am?

I have tiny paws and a short nose. I am in no way considered an athlete, and please don’t mistake me for one. My specialties are snuggles, naps, sleeping, and expertly conning my siblings into giving me their food.

At 19 years old, which translates to about 133 in dog years, I have officially entered my retirement era. No more getting dragged around the country for me. Now, when Mom takes Tilly places, I stay with Grandma, who truly understands the nap game. She only wakes me up for treatos, and that is exactly the life I deserve.

The new kid can have the spotlight, but don’t forget who paved the way.