School
Ca'Foscari University of Venice, Italy, London School of Journalism
Expertise
Solo female travel, Long-Distance travel, Cultural Trips
- Originally from Italy, Valentina now lives in London. She initially planned to stay in the capital for only six months, but she has been a Londoner for over a decade.
- She loves traveling solo and never tells her parents where she is, leaving them to guess. She just loves the surprise effect.
- Her favorite part of traveling is making new friends along the way.
Experience
Valentina has worked as a freelance travel writer for over a year, focusing on solo travel, interviews with professionals in the tourism industry, and aviation. Her love for exploring faraway lands began during a solo trip to Peru. She rarely goes back home to Italy for the holidays, as she prefers visiting new countries and scratching them off her map.
Education
Valentina holds a bachelor's degree in foreign languages from Ca'Foscari University of Venice, Italy, and a diploma with Distinction in Freelance & Travel Writing from the London School of Journalism.
Islands content is created by a team of veteran writers and editors passionate about travel. Outside experts with deep field knowledge sometimes inform our work with additional context and perspectives by way of exclusive commentary. Our goal is to offer readers well-rounded and diverse articles that inform, entertain, and inspire.
Our editors consistently review and update articles to ensure they're providing current, relevant, and useful information. Complete information on our editorial process is available here.
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Arizona
By Valentina Pucciano
Just outside the heart of Arizona's capital lies a charming suburb with luxurious shopping, spectacular parks, and an abundance of golf courses to enjoy.
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Hawaii
By Valentina Pucciano
Get ready for your trip to Hawaii by delving into the island's rich history and discovering the exciting reason why Fridays bring vibrant colors to the streets.
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Europe
By Valentina Pucciano
Venture just outside Barcelona for an off-the-radar beach town with all the culture and color of Catalonia but with less crowds and more self-care.
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Beaches
By Valentina Pucciano
Discover the unique tradition of this unexpected beach in New Jersey, where you can bask in New York skyline views or lounge in the sun ... without clothes!
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Europe
By Valentina Pucciano
Escape the modern world in this Medieval Italian village where time seems to stand still, preserving historic architecture, and traditional foods and crafts.
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Europe
By Valentina Pucciano
For travelers planning the ultimate European vacation, there’s one country on the eastern side of the continent that is often deemed a disappointing venture.
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Europe
By Valentina Pucciano
You don't need to be an experienced cyclist to enjoy this picturesque bike route that starts in Switzerland and ends in the Netherlands.
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California
By Valentina Pucciano
Escape San Francisco's crowds at this nearby suburb, which offers visitors stunning landscapes you can explore on trails and plenty of shopping.
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California
By Valentina Pucciano
Explore where stars are made and stories come to life, with access to backlots, classic sets, and timeless Hollywood treasures beyond the sidewalk stars.
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Caribbean and Bahamas
By Valentina Pucciano
Discover an exciting new side of Puerto Rico by skipping the beach and venturing into a hidden gem that offers the island’s finest meat delicacies.
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Washington
By Valentina Pucciano
The area of Washington and Idaho is known for its sweeping farmland views and dramatic landmarks, plus cute towns full of festivals, food, and fun.
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Mexico
By Valentina Pucciano
Discover the trail up a volcano on an island in Mexico's Sea of Cortez. The journey is filled with wildlife, and the top offers stunning views.
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Hawaii
By Valentina Pucciano
If you're heading to Hawaii and looking for some top-notch trails and canoe adventure (and the place "Lost" was filmed), here's a nice place to start.
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Tips and Hacks
By Valentina Pucciano
International travelers are coming to the U.S. in smaller numbers than usual, and they're spending less in the country — but how does this affect Americans?
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Arizona
By Valentina Pucciano
This historic southern Arizona town is a flourishing hub for both established and emerging artists and boasts a surprisingly sophisticated culinary scene.
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Pennsylvania
By Valentina Pucciano
Located just an hour from downtown Philadelphia is an autumn lover's paradise, with an array of foliage voted the country's best by numerous publication.
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Islands
By Valentina Pucciano
The "Princess Ring" crater lagoon on Ilhéu de Vila Franca off the coast of Vila Franca do Campo features stunning views and water adventures.
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Europe
By Valentina Pucciano
The beautiful County Cork island has a long history as a coastal fortress and a notorious prison, once home to some of the most dangerous criminals.
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Massachusetts
By Valentina Pucciano
This historic Massachusetts city brings the fall spirit to life with haunted sites, witchy tales, Halloween festivities, and a magical aura.
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Ohio
By Valentina Pucciano
For waterfall hikes in the Ohio forest and delightful college-town art galleries, head to this underrated walkable city outside of Columbus, Ohio.
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Colorado
By Valentina Pucciano
Skip the slopes and visit this hidden gem in Colorado, where you can enjoy historic hikes, lakeside views, and ranch-style cuisine.
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California
By Valentina Pucciano
While olives are largely associated with the Mediterranean, one California town is a mecca for the fruit, offering incredible orchard-side dining options.
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Africa
By Valentina Pucciano
When it comes to walkability, this Moroccan gem takes the cake. With a stunning Medina and 9,000 alleyways for getting lost in, it's a pedestrian's paradise.
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Hiking
By Valentina Pucciano
Take a trip back in time on a visit to Utah. First, check out the last echoes of a ghost town in the desert, then follow it up with a dinosaur fossil hike.
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Restaurants
By Valentina Pucciano
A viral NYC hotspot where Taylor Swift has dined twice, this chic eatery serves refined American classics in a stylish, unforgettable setting.
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New Mexico
By Valentina Pucciano
This small and unassuming city in New Mexico is nestled near the Florida Mountains and is the perfect place for climbers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
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Europe
By Valentina Pucciano
If you want to see Claude Monet and the Impressionists, Rick Steves advises to skip the busy Musee D'Orsay and look at Paris' other great art museums.
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