Valerie Bellino | Fora Travel

Ask me about

Luxury Travel

Family Travel

Food & Wine

Italy

My Story

I'm Valerie Bellino, founder of Ciao For Now Travel. My relationship with Italy started over fifteen years ago and grew into something permanent—my family now owns a home in Formia, a quiet coastal town in Lazio that most travelers never discover on their way to Rome or Amalfi.

Before this, I spent over two decades in banking before stepping away to raise my family. I bring that same care and attention to detail into every itinerary I build—finding the right villa, securing the reservation that doesn't take walk-ins, and planning the small details that turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.

I work with families, couples, and groups who want to experience Italy beyond the obvious—the places locals actually go, not just what's trending. Let me help you find your own version of Italy.

I'm Valerie Bellino, founder of Ciao For Now Travel. My relationship with Italy started over fifteen years ago and grew into something permanent—my family now owns a home in Formia, a quiet coastal town in Lazio that most travelers never discover on their way to Rome or Amalfi.

Before this, I spent over two decades in banking before stepping away to raise my family. I bring that same care and attention to detail into every itinerary I build—finding the right villa, securing the reservation that doesn't take walk-ins, and planning the small details that turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.

I work with families, couples, and groups who want to experience Italy beyond the obvious—the places locals actually go, not just what's trending. Let me help you find your own version of Italy.

Travel Style

I believe in leaving room for nothing.

My itineraries aren't built around checklists or back-to-back sightseeing. I plan trips the way I actually live when I'm in Italy—unhurried, present, and open to whatever the day brings. That means fewer stops, more time, and space for the unplanned moments that end up being the ones you remember most.

I lean toward authentic over trendy. I'd rather send you to the trattoria where the owners greet you like family than the restaurant with the longest Instagram queue. I build in time for a slow lunch, an aperitivo with no agenda, an evening walk through streets that have nothing to prove.

That doesn't mean roughing it—comfort matters, and I plan accordingly, from where you stay to how you move between destinations. But luxury, to me, is having the time and space to actually experience a place rather than just photograph it.

I work best with travelers who want to feel like they belong somewhere, even briefly—families who want real time together, couples looking for romance without rush, and anyone who wants Italy to feel less like a destination and more like coming home.

I believe in leaving room for nothing.

My itineraries aren't built around checklists or back-to-back sightseeing. I plan trips the way I actually live when I'm in Italy—unhurried, present, and open to whatever the day brings. That means fewer stops, more time, and space for the unplanned moments that end up being the ones you remember most.

I lean toward authentic over trendy. I'd rather send you to the trattoria where the owners greet you like family than the restaurant with the longest Instagram queue. I build in time for a slow lunch, an aperitivo with no agenda, an evening walk through streets that have nothing to prove.

That doesn't mean roughing it—comfort matters, and I plan accordingly, from where you stay to how you move between destinations. But luxury, to me, is having the time and space to actually experience a place rather than just photograph it.

I work best with travelers who want to feel like they belong somewhere, even briefly—families who want real time together, couples looking for romance without rush, and anyone who wants Italy to feel less like a destination and more like coming home.

Stay connected

Reviews (2)

C

Christian D.

travel to Key West

6 months ago

Valerie planned an absolute amazing weekend getaway to Key West. The H20 Suites did not disappoint either. Location, exclusivity, modern luxury with a private suite pool. Well done and THANK YOU for the recommendation, organization and bookings.

C

Christian D.

travel to Rome

8 months ago

Valerie booked an amazing few days in Rome. From our stay at Hotel Vilon, to dinners both casual and fine, off the beaten (tourist) path things to do and places to see. I travel to Italy a few times a year and Valerie and Ciao For Now Travel are my trusted source every time. She is well networked, knowledgeable and unbelievably thoughtful.

C

Christian D.

travel to Key West

6 months ago

Valerie planned an absolute amazing weekend getaway to Key West. The H20 Suites did not disappoint either. Location, exclusivity, modern luxury with a private suite pool. Well done and THANK YOU for the recommendation, organization and bookings.

C

Christian D.

travel to Rome

8 months ago

Valerie booked an amazing few days in Rome. From our stay at Hotel Vilon, to dinners both casual and fine, off the beaten (tourist) path things to do and places to see. I travel to Italy a few times a year and Valerie and Ciao For Now Travel are my trusted source every time. She is well networked, knowledgeable and unbelievably thoughtful.

Travel photos