To say that Carmel-by-the-Sea is dog-friendly is an understatement. The famed California central coast town, rated the #1 Dog Friendly Town in America, welcomes man’s best friend with open arms. Pet owners and their canines can dine together al fresco on many of the local restaurants’ patios, and numerous stores have water bowls outside their doors, making it convenient to satisfy Fido’s thirst as you stroll the streets. Snacks are also readily on hand as shopkeepers happily dispense doggy treats to well behaved canines. At Carmel Beach, you and your pup have more than enough space to roam, sans leash. Come nighttime, canine-friendly accommodations abound among the forty plus boutique inns, B&Bs and distinctive hotels. At the Cypress Inn, for example, which is partly owned by ardent animal lover/actress Doris Day, pet owners can bring their furry pals into their hotel rooms, enjoy happy or “yappy” hour, doggy turn-downs and even high tea together in the lobby. It’s a veritable who’s who of breeds, sizes and personalities, and surprisingly everyone gets along – four-legged creatures as well as two!

Washington D.C. is a vacation destination magnet for families. It’s a vibrant place, where history comes alive, and children can get an up close and personal view of the workings of our nation’s capital. Visiting D.C., however, should ideally be reserved for a time when kids are old enough to appreciate and understand the sights and experiences this city offers. They need to have patience to stand in lines and listen to tour guides, along with the stamina to walk the necessary distances that the city demands of its visitors. It’s also advantageous for children to have studied or to currently be learning something about U.S. history and government in order for such a trip to have maximum benefit. That being said, kids of all ages can have an enriching experience in D.C., approaching it from whatever perspectives they possess.

Sweetwater County, Wyoming isn’t a destination on many travelers’ lists. In fact, most folks have never heard of the place. In comparison to the state’s more popular hot spots like Yellowstone and the Tetons, this area is relatively unknown. What people don’t realize, however, is that this hidden gem is an all-ages adventure playground, ripe for discovery.

Ah, Italy! Images of famed masterpieces, majestic churches and revered historical sights immediately come to mind. Not to mention the food, glorious food, and wine that seems to run like water in this fabled destination. Most people pinpoint a few notable cities when they talk about Italy, primarily the well-known, “must-see” triad of Rome, Florence and Venice. Such places are typically on every traveler’s bucket list and often serve as representative of the country as a whole. After touring these locales, many travelers feel they have seen Italy and opt to move on to the next European hot spot on their agenda.