We can't wait to check-in to these 10 top openings. [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 canât help but be happy almost the entire time. Iâve 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 Houseâs]( 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 hotelsâample 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. Itâs not hard, but walking into a hotel that wonât 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 dogâs 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](? On Our Radar [Amtrak Just Launched a New Summer Route to the Berkshires]( The Berkshire Flyer will run weekend service from Penn Station beginning July 8. [This Dream Job Will Let You Live at a Resort for a Year]( If you love travel and sustainability, this could be your dream job. [I Flew Low-Cost Icelandic Airline PLAY's Inaugural Transcontinental Flight]( We tested out the first of the airline's planned intercontinental routes. 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. Sicilyâs Best Beaches The sand on [Sicily's beaches]( ranges from black and volcanic to sugary and white, to no sand at allâmany 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 cuisineâmuch 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 youâll need to have both your knees and shoulders covered. Trending in Travel [The Best New Hotel Openings of 2022]( [A Beginner's Guide to Rock Climbing]( [8 Air Travel Rights You May Not Know You Have]( 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 fallâor calveâinto the water, making a loud booming sound. Waterfalls, bird rookeries, rafts of sea otters, and floating harbor seals all can be spotted. Got Any Tips? Have a travel tip or feedback on how we can improve?
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