Discover the magic of Italy captured in every click! We are thrilled to announce the arrival of the long-awaited Glam Italia Photo Presets—a revolutionary preset pack designed to infuse your photos with the gorgeous, sun-kissed light and vibrant colors that are uniquely Italian. Whether you’re shooting in the bustling streets of Rome or your own backyard, these presets will elevate your travel photos to new artistic heights.
Have you ever felt that your camera flattens the brilliant hues of a Tuscan sunset or the intricate textures of ancient cobblestone streets? The Glam Italia Photo Presets are calibrated to recreate and enhance the gorgeous light of Italy, restoring the rich, vibrant colors that your camera might miss. From the vivid blues of Mediterranean waters to the rustic terracotta of historic buildings, every detail is brought back to life.
Simplicity meets sophistication with these one-click presets. Whether your photo was taken on a sun-drenched summer day or a moody, overcast afternoon, these presets are designed to work flawlessly on images from anywhere in the world. With just one click, watch as dark alleys brighten, shadowed faces glow, and every texture—from the stone of a centuries-old monument to the delicate hues of a modern cityscape—emerges with newfound clarity.
Effortless Editing: Designed for simplicity and speed.
Year-Round Versatility: Perfect for sunny, cloudy, or even chilly, wintery scenes.
Universal Appeal: Ideal for travelers who want the unmistakable charm of Italy in every shot.
This preset pack contains 12 meticulously crafted presets covering a diverse range of conditions and creative visions. From boosting the natural brilliance of bright outdoor scenes to adding a touch of vintage allure, these presets are your passport to transforming ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art. Notably:
Enhance Italian Aesthetics: Bring back the authentic Italian colors in landscapes, buildings, and skies.
Rescue Dull Images: Add sunshine to dark alleys or revive heavily shadowed scenes.
Vintage Vibes: Three special presets offer dreamy, retro effects—from subtle Polaroid feels to a charming Felliniesque movie style.
Every detail, from the texture of timeworn monuments to the refreshing clarity of water in Venice’s iconic canals, is meticulously enhanced, giving your images a vibrant and artistic finish.
Now Available To Everyone
After an exclusive early release for our waiting list members, the Glam Italia Photo Presets are finally available to the general public. This is your chance to turn your photos from boring to beautiful, from dull to dazzling, from ordinary to extraordinary. Dive into the world of exquisite Italian photography and let your images tell a captivating story.
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Transform your imagery with a single click and let every snapshot radiate the magic of Italy!
Embrace the beauty, capture the moment, and let your photos speak the language of Italian artistry. Happy editing!
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Hi there and welcome back to the Glam Italia Bookclub! With the days still short, and for most of us quite cold, February is the perfect month to curl up with a good book. I just finished a fantastic audio book for those of you who like thrillers, and am about to start the 2nd in this series – you’ll see them below.
In case you’re wondering, I am mostly not talking about new books. There are so many amazing books already out there that get forgotten or shelved because new ones are coming. I belong to Bookbub, and along with getting me ebooks for super cheap, they also email me regularly with recommendations for authors I might also like. I have found so many incredible authors and series this way, so if you read ebooks or on Kindle, I recommend signing up for Bookbub. It’s free, and they send you a daily email with books in your categories that have a Bookbub deal that day. In general books are free/99cents/$1.99 while on a Bookbub deal. This is a great way to check out new authors, or to stock up when authors you like have a new deal. But let’s have a look at what I’ve read so far this month:
I either found this book through a Bookbub recommendation, or maybe through a Bookbub deal. Either way I had never heard of this author before. This was book 1 in a series of 3 books set in World War II Italy and modern day Italy. I don’t normally read WWII fiction but with the modern day component decided to check it out.
Set on the fictional Isola di Parissi off the coast of Naples, this book tells the story of modern day grief stricken Mia who travels to Italy upon her grandmother’s death. She slowly unravels the mysteries of her grandmother’s early life, discovering she lived in an ancient castle on an isolated island, left in ruins by the Nazis. This book is based on the true story of Chateau de Costaérès, a pink granite castle on a private island off the coast of France.
I hadn’t expected to enjoy this book but I loved it! It mixes up some intrigue, a little romance, and some gorgeous Italian views. This one is a quick and easy read that will have you itching to visit the Calabrian islands and Naples.
Check out Secrets of the Italian Island by Barbara Josselson here on Amazon.
This is the final book in the fantastic Department Q series, and I sincerely recommend starting with book one. There are only 10 books in this mystery/thriller/suspense series, so you’ll get to this one soon enough. And it’s brilliant.
Set in Denmark this series is about the fictitious Department Q, a group of misfit cops working on cold cases from the basement offices at police headquarters in Copenhagen. Department Q has a higher solve rate than any other department in the Danish police force, despite the frequently crazy antics of its four members. The lead characters in this series are quirky and compelling and you can’t wait to see what they get up to next. It’s easy to see why this mega best-selling series has become an international sensation, and why the Department Q books are all New York Times Best Sellers.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries that take you on a romp around Tuscany, chances are you’ll enjoy the 7 book Tuscan Vineyard cozy mystery series, of which this is book one.
When Olivia Glass, 34, concocts an ad for a cheap wine that propels her advertising company to the top, she is ashamed by her own work—yet offered the promotion she’s dreamed of. Olivia, at a crossroads, realizes this is not the life she signed up for. Worse, when Olivia discovers her long-time boyfriend, about to propose, has been cheating on her, she realizes it’s time for a major life change.
Olivia has always dreamed of moving to Tuscany, living a simple life, and starting her own vineyard.
When her long-time friend messages her about a Tuscan cottage available, Olivia can’t help wonder: is it fate?
Hilarious, packed with travel, food, wine, twists and turns, romance and her newfound animal friend—and centering around a baffling small-town murder that Olivia must solve—AGED FOR MURDER is an un-putdownable cozy that will keep you laughing late into the night.
This absolutely gripping psychological thriller has more than 26,000 5-star ratings on Amazon. It’s one of those books you stay up all night reading, your heart in your mouth. It is un-put-downable.
This one is not set in Italy but instead on a remote Scottish island where a group of 8 contestants arrive for the challenge of a lifetime: they are to stay on the island for a year with no contact from the outside world, while being monitored by remote cameras for a reality TV show. Twelve months later when they’re due to be picked up, no boat arrives and not all of the 8 are still alive.
With Lord of the Flies style deceit and treachery keeping you on the edge of your seat, the plot twists and turns, is full of suspense and still manages to shock you at the end. This one really is fantastic!
I’ve read several of Lisa Gardner’s books and loved them. I started the D.D. Warren & Bobby Dodge books in the middle of the series, so decided to go back to the beginning and discover the first few books in series on audiobook. Alone is book 1 in the eleven book series, introducing us to both D.D. Warren (Boston P.D Detective) and Bobby Dodge (Massachusetts State Trooper and at this time, still a SWAT team sniper.)
All the books I’ve read in this series are terrific. Fast paced, compelling characters and very bad bad guys. Alone starts with Bobby Dodge called out on a SWAT call with an armed man holding his wife and child hostage. He has to take the shot, kills the suspect who turns out to be the son of a powerful judge, then finds himself being sued for murder. This book is full of twists and turns, and every time you think you know what’s up, it whips you around another corner. The end is brilliant and completely unsuspected.
This audiobook was so good I ordered the next in series and had it waiting to click play on as soon as I finished this one.
Check out Alone here on Amazon. If you don’t have an Audible subscription you can get a free trial here. You can also check out their annual memberships here.
Currently Reading:
Version 1.0.0
Currently on my Kindle I’m halfway through Rebecca Taylor’s A Perfect Life. I discovered Taylor through Bookbub and have enjoyed several of her books, including one I just finished, The Secret Next Door.
So that’s it for this month. Don’t forget to join my monthly newsletter is you’re not already a member. The newsletter is all about travel in Italy, cool new places you probably haven’t heard about yet, and fantastic new things to see and do. I also keep you updated on international travel news. Find out why tens of thousands of members from all over the globe can’t wait to open each month’s email!
You may have heard that this year (2025) is Jubilee Year in Rome, but maybe you don’t know what that means, what it entails, or how it will impact your travel plans. Let’s look at some essential tips for anyone traveling to Rome this year.
What Is Jubilee?
The Jubilee Year in Rome is a special event in the Catholic Church, occurring every 25 years (with occasional extraordinary jubilees), and drawing millions of pilgrims to the Eternal City. The 2025 Jubilee emphasizes spiritual renewal, forgiveness, and acts of mercy. Pilgrims visiting Rome during this sacred year can participate in religious celebrations, special Masses, and the tradition of walking through the Holy Doors of Rome’s four major basilicas—St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls—which are opened exclusively for the occasion. These doors symbolize a passage to salvation, making the Jubilee an extraordinary spiritual experience.
How Does Jubilee Year Impact Travelers?
The first thing to know is that Rome is expecting an influx of 35 million pilgrims this year for the Jubilee, on top of the regular 35+ million tourists. This is the first Jubilee since the onslaught of massive tourism in Italy – the last Jubilee was in the year 2000, so to a degree there is a lot of speculation. Will the city get 70 million visitors this year? Possibly. Will it get more than the 37 million who came in 2023? Probably. For travelers planning to visit Rome during the Jubilee 2025, preparation is key.
Jubilee started December 24th 2024 and runs through the epiphany on January 6th 2026. From when Jubilee started until I left Rome on January 9th half a million people had already been through St Peters.
You can expect all the big tourist attractions to be packed this year, especially the main religious sites, such as The Vatican, St Peters, Santa Maria Maggiore, San Giovanni in Laterano and San Paolo Fuori Le Mura.
How To Prepare For Rome During Jubilee
Here are some tips to help you travel to Rome in 2025
You may have trouble getting accommodation close to the historic center or the Vatican during the high season, but you could get lucky and find cancellations. Regardless of when you are planning on being in Rome get your accommodation booked now. You can expect prices to be inflated due to the overwhelming demand. Looking outside the main areas, even one neighborhood back can improve your chances.
2. Transport May Be Tricky
The Vatican and the local government have implemented extensive improvements, including better transportation and enhanced infrastructure, to accommodate the surge of visitors. However, expect delays when trying to get taxis, especially during the high season. If you are planning on using a private NCC driver for day trips outside the city, book them now.
The historic center of Rome. Rome is one of the most magnificent cities in the world.
3. Tickets May Be Harder To Come By
The past couple of years have been challenging when it comes to ticketed entry for the big attractions, particularly the Colosseum. If something is really important to you – such as the colosseum, which I absolutely recommend seeing if at all possible, book tickets as soon as you can. I like to use a private guided small group tour for the colosseum as there is far too much detail you otherwise miss out on. There are plenty of sketchy tour providers (including the really big names) so I refer everyone to Liv Tours. Liv Tours offers several different options for Colosseum tours, you can check them out here.
Unless it’s massively important to you, I would be inclined to skip the Vatican, as it will be crowded. Tickets may be much harder to get this year too. If you do go, again I recommend a private tour. Try for either very first thing in the morning, or on a Friday night if available. Again, Liv Tours offer multiple different choices, so check them out here.
Due to the sketchy behavior of multiple tour providers, tickets are now not only timed but also in your name. You need to show photo ID that matches your name as you go in. For many sites you also need to pass through an x-ray security. Factor this in and arrive early. Many sites won’t let you in if you arrive late, regardless of how much money you spent on your tickets. Colosseum tickets will specify which gate you need to go to. Vatican entry is not at St Peter’s basilica, but a ways around the block. Check all the details on your tickets or with your tour provider and be sure to arrive early.
Churches and religious sites require you to be dressed appropriately. Thighs and shoulders must be covered. (Unless you are Kim Kardashian) Most tour providers will not take you in and will not refund you if you arrive inappropriately dressed. You may be asked to leave regular churches if you walk inside with shoulder and/or thighs out. ** it doesn’t matter how much your tickets cost and you will not be refunded.
A short walk from Rome’s historic center you find beautiful Roman streets without the crowds.
5. Avoid The Tourist Traps
I’m going to let you in on a secret here: 95% of tourists to Rome only go to 5% of the cool sites. Which means 5% of tourists to Rome (I’m including you here) get to enjoy 95% of what Rome has to offer, without the crowds! Skip the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, both of which are pickpocket paradises full to bursting with tourists, and instead visit some of the other truly astounding attractions in Rome..
My best-seller Glam Italia! 101 Fabulous Things To Do In Rome is full of amazing things to see and do in Rome. If ever you have needed this book for planning a trip to Rome, 2025 is the year. You will find all kinds of fantastic things to see and do that are just down the street from the big attractions yet have almost no one there. The best kept secrets are generally really close to the big tourist sites, so you don’t have to travel across town to get to them.
Rome’s Baths of Caracalla during peak tourist season. A 10 minute walk from the colosseum, you never see crowds at this amazing site.
Rome is the central hub for trains to everywhere in Italy.
Procida Island off the coast of Naples is a fabulous day trip from Rome.
You can easily and inexpensively take a train to multiple cool places that make tremendous day trips or partial day trips from Rome.
Some of my favorites include:
Ostia Antica, a mind bending former port city archaeological park, just 30 mins and €2 by train. Check out this tour.
Naples and Pompeii. Naples is an hour and 15 mins by train from Rome. You can easily visit Pompeii and Naples in a single day and be back in Rome in time for dinner. Unless you want to stick around for the world’s most famous pizza! Get 101 ideas for fund things to do on a day trip to Naples here.
Procida. If you’re in the mood for something beautiful and beauty without the crowds, a day trip to Procida (pictured above) built around an amazing seafood lunch is incredible.
Viterbo. This largely overlooked town in the middle of Lazio is a charming, medieval gem. There’s tons to see and do, but it is also a wonderful town to just stroll and enjoy.
Orvieto. Escape the crowds in Rome with a 90 minute train ride to one of the coolest old Etruscan cities in Italy. Orvieto is beautiful, atmospheric, and easy to negotiate. It also has one of the most famous and outstanding cathedrals in all of Italy!
Arezzo to experience a gorgeous, almost tourist free medieval and renaissance Tuscan town that is well off the mainstream tourism radar.
See this blog post for more of the best day trips from Rome
Rome is my favorite city in the world. it is beautiful, exciting, both modern and historical – it has something for everyone. I sincerely hope you pick up a copy of Amazon’s top rated Rome Travel Guide (my book!) Glam Italia! 101 Fabulous Things To Do In Rome. This extraordinarily popular travel guide shows you more than 101 cool things to see and do in the Eternal City, most of which the tourist crowds don’t know about, even though they are just down the street! This book will change your entire trip and experience in Rome. Just read through the more than 400 reviews on Amazon and you will see why.
If you don’t yet belong to my monthly newsletter, you can join the tens of thousands of members from all over the world here. Each month you will receive new information about fascinating things to see and do in Italy.
All the photos in this post have been edited with the Glam Italia Photo Presets. These presets will be released to the public soon! You can get on the waiting list for information when they release and for early bird discounts here.
