Valarie D’Elia: A Passionate Travel Advocate
Valarie D’Elia, a renowned travel reporter who journeyed across 102 countries on all seven continents, passed away on September 10 in Manhattan at the age of 64. Her husband, Ron Cucos, revealed that her death was due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurological disease commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
From 1998 to 2017, Ms. D’Elia captivated audiences with her insightful travel advice through a popular segment titled “Travel With Val” on the local cable network, now known as Spectrum News NY1. In addition to her television presence, she hosted a widely syndicated radio program called “The Travel Show,” and maintained an engaging blog that featured her signature segment “D’Elia’s Deals.” Her personal motto, “Travel with VALue,” resonated with many of her followers.
Her audience eagerly anticipated her recommendations which often included valuable insights such as:
- Ski resorts in the Canadian Rockies opening early in November due to favorable snow conditions.
- A hotel near London providing complimentary honeymoon stays for couples tying the knot on-site.
- Exclusive winter discounts at a resort in the Florida Keys, perfectly timed for school vacations in the early January period for several Southern states.
Valarie’s travel tips were highly sought after, with one of her favorites being “Pack light, forget the blow-dryer — who wants to worry about all that stuff?” Her adventurous spirit and love for exploration were widely celebrated. She was also the creator of the documentary “The Making of a Maestro: From Castelfranco to Carnegie Hall,” which chronicled the journey of conductor Sir Antonio Pappano. This documentary earned first place in the North American Travel Journalists Association’s competition for travel videos in 2018.
Throughout her career, Ms. D’Elia inspired countless travelers to explore the world, enriching their experiences with her expert advice and vibrant storytelling.
