Italy Explained debuted in 2014, but its author has been doling out highly-regarded Italy travel advice since 2007. Here’s just a sample of some of the feedback received over the years.

Mentions in the Press

Jessica was quoted as an “Italy expert” in a USA Today story in May 2012 regarding Mark Zuckerberg’s failure to leave a tip at a restaurant during his Italian honeymoon.

Feedback from Readers

I just have to say that we love your website – so much great information and we really like your easy style of writing. We’ve pretty much been using it exclusively to plan our trip – we’re so glad we stumbled upon it! I’ve recommended it to several people as well so thank you for making that available and sharing all your insight! – Shannon M., Alberta

My husband and I were in Italy last month and I had to thank you. I used your website extensively in planning our trip and it was an invaluable resource. – Edith L., Toronto

We followed your advice on so many occasions during this past trip and you never let us down. Thanks! – Annie

We are just loving your entire website. And Jessica, you rock! Thank you so much. We’re headed to Italy for 3 weeks. We’ve been researching all summer, but your site makes me forget any stress or anxiety and just smile. (And learn stuff.) Great writing — thorough, informative, & an easy, low-key style. Just a terrific combination of elements. THANKS AGAIN. – Sandy S., California

Wanted to say “1,000 thank yous” for your spectacularly wonderful advice, tips and suggestions. Your column is so well-written, so copiously detailed and suffused with your love of Venice, that we took it on faith and went to “Jenice” by which we mean “Jessica’s Venice”: we stayed in a hotel you recommended, booked our tickets in advance as you suggested and confidently went about enjoying ourselves, instead of having anxiety and thoroughly loved Venice thanks to you. – Steve

We went to italy last year with your articles and posts as our main guide and it was spot on. We had a great time thanks to your tips! – Kolba

Right down to pointing out the fact that the walk from the station to city center is uphill is like you’re reading my mind and giving the most useful and direct info I could hope for as a lone traveler. Thank you, thank you, thank you. – W.W.

I wanted to drop you a quick note that we’ve returned from Italy and had a WONDERFUL time! Your help was paramount to that end. Thanks again for all the time (and patience) you took with me and my endless questions. – Frank C., Delaware

Jessica, I just wanted to say that I am truly ASTOUNDED by the amount of information, obvious love and passion that has gone into this website. I have just spent the last couple of hours reading a number of amazing, informative articles and can’t WAIT for my trip to Italy, which I have been dreaming about since I was seven years old. Thank you so much for helping make my dream come true. – Miranda

I just want to thank you for your many articles on Italy. I wish I had found them before I started my trip. … I just really want to stress how helpful your site is. I specifically bought this iPad I’m using because I felt I hadn’t done enough research before we left, and now that I’m using your website while I’m here, I am very happy. If there is anything I can check for you while we are in Rome please let me know, I feel I owe you a favour. – Mark

Thanks for your amazing website. Have found it the most helpful yet. My husband, 10-year-old and myself are off for the first time to Italy in October, and you have helped us through a minefield of (mis)information. – Sara L., Melbourne

Jessica writes without pretense and makes it feel like a friend is offering you helpful advice rather than the Italian tourist board. So if you are planning a trip to Italy and want a fool proof guide to enjoying each city from a more intimate perspective than what is offered on a traditional “top ten,” then I highly recommend her stuff! Jessica, I owe my love of travelling Italy to you… Salute! – Shannon P., London