Laura Ratliff

Senior Editorial Director

One of my favorite travel companions has some pretty lousy etiquette: she sheds all over the bed, eats off the floor, and sometimes drools on hotel staff. And yet, when I take her on a trip, I can't help but be happy almost the entire time.

I've discovered that such is the joy of bringing your dog on vacation with you. I just returned from a two-day respite in Rhode Island alongside my husband and Kate, our 6-year-old pointer mix, where the three of us spent our time frolicking on Ocean House's spacious grass lawn and walking the beach adjacent to the rustic Weekapaug Inn. Our trip was made even better by the warm welcome Kate got at both hotels—ample treats available, a cozy bed, clean food and water dishes in our rooms, and plenty of ear scratches and room to roam.

It made me think about the secret to a great trip with your dog: find places, like Ocean House and Weekapaug, that want them there just as much as you do. It's not hard, but walking into a hotel that won't mind a little bit of hair or a few paw prints on the wood floor, will let you relax and truly enjoy your trip through your dog's joyful, curious eyes. Look for more of my thoughts on traveling with dogs in an upcoming story, but in the meantime, why not get a headstart on planning the ultimate pup-friendly summer road trip?

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Destination of the Day

Sicily, Italy

Sicily is famous as the home of Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and for its well-preserved Greek and Roman archaeological sites, Baroque architecture, vibrant cities, wild Mediterranean beaches, fascinating cultural mix, and diverse cuisine. Though many visitors to Italy tack on a few days in Sicily as part of a larger vacation, there's enough to see on this 9,653-square-mile island to merit a deeper dive.

The Valley of the Temples

One of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, the Valley of the Temples is remarkable for its long history, its importance in the ancient world, and its testament to the influence and breadth of ancient Greece. The Valley of the Temples has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997 and first-time visitors to Sicily should absolutely try to make a stop here.

Sicily's Best Beaches

The sand on Sicily's beaches ranges from black and volcanic to sugary and white, to no sand at all—many beaches are formed of smooth pebbles that are hard on naked feet. What they all share is incredibly blue, clear seawater that's perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Look to Taormina, Trapani, San Vito Lo Capo and Cefalu, and the southeastern coast. Sicily's islands offer dramatic, rocky coastlines interrupted by sandy coves or wide, crescent-shaped beaches.

What to Eat and Drink

Throughout the millennia, Sicily has been influenced by cultures from across the Mediterranean. Those influences are still felt today in its cuisine, which is a mix of Italian, North African, Arab, and Spanish cuisine—much of it based on the bounty of the sea. Inland, eggplant-based caponata and eggplant parmesan are staples. Sicilian wine, once dismissed as regional swill, enjoyed a rebirth starting several decades ago, and the island is now home to many noteworthy varieties. Many wineries are clustered in the mineral-rich soils on the slopes of Mount Etna, from where Etna Bianco and Etna Rosso wines originate.

Vacation Like a Pro

Unless you have a week or more to spend in Sicily, we recommend basing yourself in one section of the island and exploring that area. There are more than 621 miles of coastline in Sicily as well as few direct roads or train routes cutting through the center. Save the rest of the island for when you have more time to enjoy it.

Elizabeth Heath
Contributing Writer

Your Packing List

Traveling this summer? Pack lightweight, breathable clothes that can be easily hand-washed in a hotel sink. Consider performance gear with wicking fabric, so that you'll stay cooler in hot, crowded cities and while touring outdoor sites.

For the evenings, pack clothes that are just a little more dressy, like sundresses, collared shirts, and lightweight slacks.

Since your vacation will probably involve a lot of walking around cities and outdoor sites, we suggest you pack a pair of sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Don't forget your hat, sunglasses, and swimsuit.

If you plan to go into churches, keep in mind that you'll need to have both your knees and shoulders covered.

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Get Inspired

Prince William Sound is an inlet of the Gulf of Alaska. You'll be able to see towering tidewater glaciers as you venture into Blackstone Bay, home to Blackstone and Beloit Glaciers, which reach 200 feet high. Cruise into Harriman Fjord to get a look at Surprise Glacier and listen as chunks of ice fall—or calve—into the water, making a loud booming sound. Waterfalls, bird rookeries, rafts of sea otters, and floating harbor seals all can be spotted.

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