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.
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Arizona
By Valentina Pucciano
The journey to these Arizona thermal springs is not for the faint of heart, but the beautiful setting and the steamy, hot pools make it all worth it.
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Beyond its steel roots, Pittsburgh hides a Little Italy where festivals, food, and history blend into a lively neighborhood worth discovering.
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Caribbean and Bahamas
By Valentina Pucciano
This plant thrives along Caribbean beaches, but behind its glossy leaves and tempting fruit lies a toxic reputation every traveler should know.
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Wisconsin
By Valentina Pucciano
This Wisconsin town on Lake Michigan's shores is a unique getaway, with a mile-long sandy beach and a European heritage that may surprise you, given its name.
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South Dakota
By Valentina Pucciano
This park lies in a hidden in a quiet corner of the state away from bigger attractions, but it offers great hiking, camping, and leaf peeping possibilities.
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Nebraska
By Valentina Pucciano
Discover the rich Indigenous history of the Cornhusker State in this charming Midwest town, brimming with fascinating museums and deep-rooted culture.
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Indiana
By Valentina Pucciano
Green space likes the Pioneer Mothers' Memorial Forest turn fiery shades of orange and celebrations like Fall Festival mark autumn in this quaint Indiana town.
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Illinois
By Valentina Pucciano
Experience a welcoming Greek culture while enjoying traditional cuisine in this Chicago neighborhood that’s rich in history and delicious bites.
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Hiking
By Valentina Pucciano
Nestled in the hills and mountains of Virginia, this small town is a dream for vintage enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone seeking a peaceful getaway.
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New Zealand
By Valentina Pucciano
Aotearoa's lush landscapes are home to many magical destinations. For one that blends natural wonders with delicious cuisine, you'll need to head to the shore.
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New York
By Valentina Pucciano
This town is a welcoming place to stay for a little outdoor adventure, shopping, or dining, with a friendly, charming, and compact downtown area to explore.
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Travel Guides
By Valentina Pucciano
Interstate 4 is one of the deadliest highways in America, and a quarter-mile portion of it in Sanford, Florida, is allegedly haunted. Here's the whole story.
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Ohio
By Valentina Pucciano
This "Shaded City" in the Buckeye State offers plenty of outdoor activities as well as some family-fun events that are really full of hot air.
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Hawaii
By Valentina Pucciano
At South Maui Gardens in Kihei, a foodie destination in a hidden tropical oasis offers diverse culinary options along with enchanting Polynesian experiences.
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Wyoming
By Valentina Pucciano
Explore the American West by rail, car, and foot on an incredible train journey with Amtrak, including the stunning Grand Teton National Park.
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North Dakota
By Valentina Pucciano
The Northern Lights are a wonderful display across the night sky — and you can see them right from the Midwest. Here's the region to visit to capture this view.
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Wyoming
By Valentina Pucciano
When hiking, enjoy the sights and smells all around you...just watch your step. There's an unexpected health hazard doing a number on Grand Teton National Park.
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California
By Valentina Pucciano
California is known for its scenic coastline and Hollywood glitz, but there's history to explore, too, like this park that highlights Indigenous residents.
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Europe
By Valentina Pucciano
This scenic Ibiza hotel features luxurious accommodations, rejuvenating amenities, and elegant food in a rustic, 19th century-inspired Spanish setting.
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Florida
By Valentina Pucciano
If you're looking for a getaway near Tallahassee, Florida, then look no further than this charming town filled with history, art, and a splash of Coca-Cola.
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Hawaii
By Valentina Pucciano
If you're a coffee lover, you don't want to pass this town up. Nestled in Oahu, this little town offers a yummy taste of coffee, as well as many attractions.
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Oregon
By Valentina Pucciano
This underrated destination in Oregon is a scenic escape not far from the city where you can explore mountainous vistas and learn about fossils.
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Alabama
By Valentina Pucciano
This rural town is northern Alabama's go-to for autumnal activities and home of one of the most popular pumpkin patches in the state, if not the country.
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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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