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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Europe
By Valentina Pucciano
The garden at this Lake Como villa must be seen to be believed, with its terraces overflowing with bright azaleas, camellias, roses, tropical plants, and more.
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Europe
By Valentina Pucciano
If you're looking for a getaway nestled in Germany's Alps, check out Mittenwald. This storybook town offers fantastic hikes, fun musical museums, and much more.
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Georgia
By Valentina Pucciano
This trail through Southern Georgia is full of fresh and delicious places to both convene with nature and eat amazingly-tasty food!
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Beaches
By Valentina Pucciano
Visit this mythical beach on Capri with turquoise water, views of stunning rock formations, and easy access via a famous walkway right from the center of town.
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Europe
By Valentina Pucciano
A 'City of Stories' with medieval charm is the perfect place to sit back and unwind. This historic England destination is sure to tickle all of your fancies.
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Europe
By Valentina Pucciano
Discover the small yet charming village in Portugal that offers visitors a chance to explore the area's history and picturesque scenes of nature.
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Europe
By Valentina Pucciano
If you want to cycle through the Tuscan countryside or hike through the Alps but still enjoy a leisurely vacation, this company has the perfect solution.
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Africa
By Valentina Pucciano
Safaris aren't just for peak season. Learn why timing your trip differently might not just offer richer wildlife encounters, but big savings, too.
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Colorado
By Valentina Pucciano
Whether you're a wine lover or a road warrior, driving through Colorado's wine country is an adventure like no other, offering amazing mountain views.
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Europe
By Valentina Pucciano
This seaside gem along Italy's Adriatic coast is small but also surrounded by salt marshes and fascinating historical sites. Yet, it is still wildly overlooked.
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Asia
By Valentina Pucciano
Tucked on a hill above Chongqing, this record-breaking hot pot joint mixes good food, wild views, and glowing lights into one unforgettable stop.
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Canada
By Valentina Pucciano
The coldest country in the world offers a remote destination with rewarding experiences of northern lights viewing, polar bear tours and dog sledding.
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Arizona
By Valentina Pucciano
Although it was once a booming mining spot, this ghost town in Arizona is now a museum where visitors can learn more about the area's history.
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Europe
By Valentina Pucciano
Discover the small mountain town in western Scotland that offers some spectacular beaches, breathtaking scenic views, and delightful attractions.
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Tennessee
By Valentina Pucciano
Wine lovers should absolutely consider Tennessee's wine country for their next destination, especially this popular wine tasting trail near Pigeon Forge.
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Alabama
By Valentina Pucciano
If you love street art, miniature villages, golf, and old-school German vibes, then this small Alabaman city is sure to be right up your alley.
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This often overlooked peninsula in Patagonia, Argentina is famous for its outdoor adventures and marine life, especially watching for whales and sea lions.
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Maryland
By Valentina Pucciano
This wine trail in Maryland offers exquisite vineyard views, a tasty array of wines, and some historical charm.
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Europe
By Valentina Pucciano
This suburb of Paris is 30 minutes away by train from the heart of the city and is a mecca of amazing French architecture, art, history, and, of course, food.
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Europe
By Valentina Pucciano
Explore the magical Slovenian scenery dotted with medieval castles and mansions while staying in a charming town with easy access to the stunning Julian Alps.
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Asia
By Valentina Pucciano
Just a short walk from Tokyo's most bustling streets, discover an underrated, artsy neighborhood with cafes, wine bars, unique shops, and quiet blocks.
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Asia
By Valentina Pucciano
If you're looking to take a spiritual journey, this site in the mountains of Nepal offers numerous temples and is where Buddha is said to have been born.
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Europe
By Valentina Pucciano
If you're dreaming of retiring to the Mediterranean, this Greek town is the perfection combination of affordable and beautiful with heaps of outdoor adventures.
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Europe
By Valentina Pucciano
We're betting you've heard of the iconic canals in Venice, but this underrated Italian canal town is full of beautiful sights and mementos of history.
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Europe
By Valentina Pucciano
Along Spain’s underrated green Galician coastline, you’ll find the world’s oldest Roman working lighthouse in a sculpture park filled with incredible works.
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Asia
By Valentina Pucciano
This string of villages are marvelously overlooked despite their amazing dive sites, black sand beaches, and rich, local culture. Here's what you need to know.
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Europe
By Valentina Pucciano
Explore ancient Roman history and architecture while enjoying the spectacular beaches and the plethora of fishing opportunities in this city in Croatia.
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