Valarie D’Elia, a revered figure in the realm of travel journalism, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 64 following a courageous fight against ALS. Her career spanned nearly two decades at NY1, where she became a beloved personality through her “Travel with Val” segments, which aired from 1998 until 2017. D’Elia’s distinctive style and passion for travel didn’t just educate the audience; they inspired countless individuals to venture beyond their comforts and explore the world.
Beyond her work at NY1, D’Elia was an accomplished producer, traveling to various parts of the globe to create rich content and documentaries. Her endeavors took her career to prominent platforms like the Travel Channel and HBO, showcasing her versatility and dedication to storytelling through visual media. She also hosted the nationally syndicated “The Travel Show,” which further amplified her reach and allowed her to connect with audiences nationwide.
In 2022, one of her notable projects, the documentary “Saving Southern Italy,” garnered recognition at the Montecatini International Short Film Festival in Italy. This work was a testament to her commitment to uncovering the beauty and culture of the places she loved, while also highlighting issues that needed attention.
D’Elia’s affinity for travel was embedded in her family history. She hailed from a lineage of travel enthusiasts, with her great-grandfather establishing a travel agency in the early 1900s. Originally a modest operation selling steamship tickets from a bar in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the agency blossomed into four offices by the 1980s. This familial connection to travel not only informed her profession but also painted the backdrop of her childhood experiences, as she often reminisced about sailing to Europe on grand ocean liners.
Valarie’s love for cruises and historic ships persisted throughout her life. Her passion led her to volunteer for the conservancy dedicated to preserving the SS United States, an iconic American ocean liner. D’Elia’s commitment to historical preservation and appreciation for maritime heritage showcased the depth of her passion for travel.
Peter Knego, a noted cruise ship historian, encapsulated what made D’Elia special when he remarked, “Valarie was the real deal, a true professional.” Her warmth, humor, and inquisitive spirit shone through not only in her work but also in her interactions with others. D’Elia’s infectious enthusiasm for travel and storytelling made an indelible mark on both the industry and those who had the fortune to know her.
As we remember Valarie D’Elia, it’s essential to celebrate the essence of her journey—one that inspired a community of travel lovers to explore the vast tapestry of our world, learn from different cultures, and recognize the value of preserving the stories beneath the surface. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to resonate long after her passing, as travelers everywhere strive to honor the spirit she embodied. Valarie D’Elia is survived by her beloved husband, Ron, to whom she was deeply connected both personally and professionally.