Three of the best dog-friendly holiday destinations

Taking your dog on holiday with you is a wonderful experience. Not only do you not have to worry about arranging a sitter while you're away, but you can share all your new and exciting adventures with your best furry friend.

Dogs bring incredible benefits to our mental health, and travelling with them gives us memories to last a lifetime.

But how easy is it to take your pet on a trip, and where's best to go? Here we'll look at three of the best dog-friendly holiday destinations in the world.

Before you book your next trip, don't forget to sort out a valid pet passport for your dog. They'll also need a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before the travel date. Smaller dog breeds can fly in the cabin on your lap or in the legroom space, but larger breeds will need to travel in the cargo hold. Of course, these rules vary by airline, so we recommend checking your airline's rules before you travel.

Italy

Italy is a fantastic country where you won't have any trouble finding cafés and restaurants happy to have you dine with your dog beside you. There's plenty of outdoor seating so you can enjoy the weather, and dogs are commonly spotted browsing shops, markets and malls with their owners.

It's also very easy to travel around this beautiful country with your dog. Small dogs travel free on all Trenitalia trains – Italy's main rail network – and are welcome on all other forms of public transport. With a wide choice of pet-friendly villas and hotels, visiting Italy with your dog is a must for any family who loves sightseeing.

France

There are a few extra things you'll need if you want to take your dog to France, including the so-called Animal Health Certificate, which must be signed by a vet. Wherever you're headed, always remember to check the latest tourism and government guidance to make sure you have all the documents you need to travel abroad with your pet.

On the whole, France is a very welcoming country for our four-legged friends. There are some stunning pet-friendly places to stay, as well as plenty of amenities such as restaurants and beaches, where you can enjoy nature and fine local cuisine with your dog.

Switzerland

Switzerland's majestic mountains, alpine forests and magnificent walking trails draw visitors from near and far and offer some of the best walks you could ever take with your dog.

Again, the country is largely dog-friendly, with plenty of places to stay and eat happy to welcome all breeds. Always remember to follow local rules when walking your dog in this scenic country, as many trails require dogs to be kept on a lead to protect wildlife. For just 25 francs, you can buy a public transport ticket for your dog if you'd rather not hire a car.

Always research in advance

Wherever you're planning to take your dog on holiday, always check the local rules and regulations first. With a little research and preparation, you can enjoy plenty of exciting adventures with your dog in these dog-friendly destinations.