Nan McElroy

When Nan returned from her first visit to Italy in 1995 and a friend asked if she enjoyed her trip, she replied "I can't believe this country has been here my entire life, and no one told me." Like so many people, she was astounded at the difference of the rich, vital Italy she had just visited, and the pale imitation she'd known from afar.

She also realized that no matter how good the destination guide and how much time travelers took to prepare for their European vacation, there was a severe lack of focus on the practical, cultural information that was so critical for smoothing out the inevitable bumps in independent travel. They need the simple, practical guidance that would help them more easily partake in the culture they'd chosen to visit. Thus, 'Italy: Instructions for Use' was born.

Living over a decade now "full time, in Venice-Venice," Nan works with Row Venice (rowvenice.org) to offer Venetian rowing lessons for travelers. She is also an Italian-certified A.I.S. sommelier; taste and learn about the wide variety of wonderful wines that set Italy apart with her at the Venetian Vine (venetianvine.com).