Moon Staff Blog
About this blog
The Moon Water Cooler is a place for Moon staffers to share what's new in their world. Check back often to hear about author events, book releases, travel trends, and maybe even some staff recommendations for what part of the world to explore next.
Recent Posts
- Two Reasons This Week is Awesome: Earth Day and National Park Week
- The Glory, the Groundwork, and the Grind of Travel Writing
- Finding Pizza Nirvana in Nashville
- Guest Interview: Exploring Offbeat Mexico with Churpa Rogers
- Guest Interview: The People's Guide to Mexico Authors Carl Franz and Lorena Havens
- Guest Post: Top 10 Gifts for Road Trippers
- Hawaii Giveaway Winner Announced
- Win a Round-Trip Ticket to Hawaii from Moon and Hawaiian Airlines!
- Why Moving to Belize Isn’t as Hard as You’d Think
- From Dosas to Dumplings: My Eight Favorite Toronto Restaurants
- Guest Post: At Least We Have Pizza – The Cost of Living in Mexico vs. New York City
- Hawai'i: A Foodie Paradise — Part Two
- Hawai'i: A Foodie Paradise — Part One
- Exploring California via Road Trip with Moon California Road Trip
- Enjoying the Outdoors in the Black Hills of South Dakota

Whirlwind Italy
Summer is in full swing here at the Avalon Travel offices. Desks are emptying out, postcards are arriving from afar, and weekends start early on Fridays.
Working for a travel publishing company comes with some perks. One of my favorites is that vacations aren’t just the norm here, they’re encouraged—it’s career development if you really think about it. With all of the great travel deals going on right now, it seems like every other week someone is announcing an incredible flight deal they found online and are jetting off to soak up the sun in Cancún, trek through Costa Rica, or hop the pond to explore the sights, sounds, and of course food, of Spain or London.
On my itinerary this summer is a North to South tour of Italy. I’ll start in Bologna, which I’ve heard is the hidden gem of the country, not to mention the food capital, then Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast for some views of the crisp, blue Mediterranean, then all the way to the tip of the boot to see Sicily. My family is from the old country, so I plan to visit the village, just south of Palermo, that my grandfather is from. I'll finish with three days of art, history, culture, and wine in Rome.
I’ve been prepping for the big trip with Moon Italy. I’ve already discovered tons of insider tips and out of the way spots that only a local, like author Alexei Cohen, could know. But I’m always looking for a few more.
So my question to you, Moon readers, is what are your favorite spots in Italy? What tucked away restaurant, quiet hill town, or bustling city center are you dreaming of getting back to? Do you prefer the stylish streets of Milan, the canals of Venice, or the quaint villages of the Cinque Terre? I’d love to hear your suggestions.
-Jehán Seirafi
Acquisitions Editor
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.

Florence!
Posted by Bette on June 4, 2009 at 12:06 pm
You already mentioned Tuscany; If you can fit it in, you must go to Florence. It's my favorite city place in Italy. I could spend a lifetime there.