Elena Rossetti

Elena Rossetti is a travel writer and tourism professional with more than 20 years' experience in the European travel industry. With deep Italian roots and a lifelong passion for European culture, she has spent much of her career researching, designing, and refining independent travel experiences across Italy, France, Switzerland, Spain, and beyond. For Elena, travel is not about ticking off sights, but about slowing down, travelling well, and experiencing places in a way that feels natural, relaxed, and meaningful.

A passionate advocate of rail travel, she believes trains offer one of the most sustainable and rewarding ways to explore Europe. Beyond reducing the need for flights and car journeys and avoiding the cost and constraints of organised group tours, rail travel allows travellers to experience the landscapes between destinations, connect more deeply with local culture, and discover places that are often missed when travelling by other means.

Elena is one of the authors behind the Touring by Train series from Real Travel Guides, an independent publisher dedicated to helping travellers explore Europe independently and responsibly. She is the lead author of Touring Italy by Train, Touring Switzerland by Train, and Touring Spain by Train, and a contributor to Touring France by Train.

The books are designed for travellers who prefer the freedom of self-guided journeys—no organised tours, no rigid schedules, and no need to drive. Using Europe's extensive rail networks as the backbone of a trip, Elena shows how travellers can move easily between great cities, historic towns, spectacular landscapes, and authentic local experiences while discovering places many visitors miss.

Her aim is simple: to make independent travel easier, more affordable, and more rewarding—giving readers the confidence to explore more deeply, connect with local culture, and experience each destination in a more authentic way.