100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go by Susan Van Allen Book Review

Product Details:

• Author: Susan Van Allen
• Paperback: 422 pages
• Publisher: Travelers' Tales; 1st edition (October 20, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932361650
• ISBN-13: 978-1932361650

Product Description (from Amazon):

It's an undeniable fact that traveling to Italy is a dream for many women. While many travel guides offer dry lists of facts and can only guide travelers toward cookie-cutter tours, this female-centered guide allows women to create a personalized, fulfilling journey. Written in lively anecdotes and organized by vacation type, this book offers a range of possibilities for any budget, interest, and level of travel experience. A godsend for women looking to finally fulfill their Italian fantasies, vacation types include Hepburn s Roman Holiday and Venetian Carnevale, as well as additional information on great shopping, the best beaches, and culinary-themed jaunts. With passion, humor, and helpful details, 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go inspires travelers to discover masterpieces, sensual delights, and adventures in bell Italia.

My Review:

100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go is an excellent written guide to not only women but any travel lover and especially one that has a passion for Italy.  The book is broken up to include the not so famous landmarks and places to see which is a nice deviation to the usual tourist areas.  What I also liked about the book is the places of interest that can be found on the web.  Susan places the website address sideways on the edge of the applicable pages.  She also advises the best times to visit to avoid crowds which for me, is a huge bonus to the guide. 

The historical facts behind the recommended places is also very interesting.  For instance, the section on Italian shoes and how Salvatore Ferrabamo became the grandpapa of modern Italian shoe fashion.  The extra time Susan put forward in explaining the significance of these attractions adds to the allure. Susan even goes off the usual beaten touristy attractions to recommend places such as painting masks in Venice or create jewelry in Cortona. 

The size is perfect and easy to carry on the plane for planning as well as in a purse or small carrying bag for your glorious vacation in Italy. There's even a great page of resources.

This is an excellent, inspiring book for the novice traveler all the way to the seasoned traveler heading to Italy.  If you want to plan the perfect holiday, desire the chance to step off the beaten path and make profound memories, pick up a copy of 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go by Susan Van Allen as you won't be disappointed.

About the Author:

Susan Van Allen's love for Italy began from her time spent with her maternal grandparents.  They emigrated from Southern Italy and brought along the same traditions they had in Italy thus allowing Susan to be wrapped up in life the Italian way. She was born in Newark, New Jersey and took her first trip to Italy in 1976.  After spending the following years visiting Italy, she was able to write this great book.

Click on the link to see a view of the inside of the book:  100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go (Travelers' Tales)