In conversation with Lottie Gross

Few dogs are as well-travelled as Arty. Lottie Gross, his two-legged travel companion and adoring owner, is a dog-friendly holiday expert and travel writer. To celebrate the release of her newest book, Harriet sits down with Lottie to discuss everything from guidebook research to dog-friendly vineyards, and why not leaving the dog at home might just be the best decision you make as an overland traveller.

Your dog might just be one of the most well-travelled dogs out there. What makes him a great travel companion?

Arty is the best, and sometimes worst, travel companion. He’s easygoing in many ways – he’ll sleep anywhere so long as there’s a blanket and a soft surface to lie down on, and he will walk for miles without complaint. But he’s also a sensitive soul and he’s reactive to dogs (and sometimes people). This makes our travels more challenging, but it also makes my research more robust – I always take into account and note down where somewhere might not be appropriate for a reactive dog. 

What’s your (and Arty’s) ideal way to spend your first morning in a new place?

Coffee in bed first thing, then a slow amble around the local area or a game of fetch in the garden. 

What is it about slow travel that appeals to you? How does having Arty with you affect the pace of your trips?

Travelling with a dog forces you to slow down regardless of your mode of transport, as dogs need rest and recuperation time however you go. But travelling by train with a dog accentuates this even more. For dogs, the journey is a huge part of the adventure – the sights, sounds and smells on a train are hugely stimulating for them – and for us humans it’s an opportunity to relax and focus more on our dog’s experience of the world. I love watching him stare out of the train window or make friends with passengers in the seat next to us – usually by putting his head on their leg so he can snooze! 

We’re so excited about your latest book. What was the research process?

Dog-Friendly Europe is a compendium of 25 destination guides to my favourite dog-friendly places in Europe. This includes the UK, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany and Switzerland. I visited every single destination in order to find special dog-friendly activities, from vineyards (someone’s got to do it!) to museums to chateaux in France. I travelled for two months in my caravan, camping around France, Spain and Portugal, but also took the train from Oxfordshire to Venice, which included an overnight train. 

Was there anything you did that would surprise people as being possible to do with your dog?

I certainly think being able to walk around the chateaux of the Touraine Loire region is surprising, although not when you consider that the French gentry loved their dogs as much as we love ours (in some they do have to be carried, but if you’re up for deadlifting your GSD then they’re cool with that!). Another surprising experience is being able to take your dog on winery and vineyard tours – the book details several in the Douro where dogs are welcome, and they’ll get a water tasting while you drink the wine. 

You cover a lot of places! If you could revisit anywhere you went, where would it be?

I want to return to the Luberon in Provence – the ochre landscapes, cedar forests and lavender fields were divine and I am desperate to go back. 

…Your favourite hotel you stayed in? (tell me about it)

Hotel Hanswirt near Bolzano, Italy, was incredible – dogs are allowed to relax with you by the pool and the nightly set-menu dinner is absolutely brilliant. Plus it has the best salad bar I’ve ever seen, with at least four different types of sauerkraut. Handily, it’s also accessible by dog-friendly rail! 

…best dog-friendly restaurant you went to? (tell me about it)

I can’t pick just one, but touring the pintxos bars of San Sebastian was a dream! They’re all so relaxed about dogs and the food is wonderfully varied and fresh. 

….your favourite spot you found that you wouldn’t find in a guidebook (other than yours, of course!)

Wallonia in Belgium. While everyone else is gadding about Flanders, you’ll find me eating chips and mayo in Wallonia, drinking Leffe at the dog-friendly beer museum and canoeing or kayaking with the dog on the river around Dinant. It’s one of the best and most striking cities I’ve visited for this book! 

Where’s next on your list?!

I’m currently exploring London for my next dog-friendly guidebook coming out in April 2027! I’m also planning a trip around Ireland for this summer – I’ll be touring the coastlines of the UK and Ireland for a new dog-friendly beach breaks book.