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Glam Italia! How to Travel Italy: Secrets To Glamorous Travel
Does your dream vacation seem out of reach? Discover stress-free, cost-saving, fabulous secrets for planning the ultimate Italian getaway.
Do you want to see the glamorous side of Italy but think it’s out of your budget? Does preparing for international travel leave you feeling anxious? Do you worry about falling into a tourist trap? Italian travel guide and blogger Corinna Cooke has years of experience creating glamorous private vacations throughout every corner of the country. And now she’s here to share her insider tips so you can make the most of your Italian adventure.
Glam Italia! How to Travel Italy is your all-in-one guide for crafting your personalized dream vacation. You’ll create an itinerary that’s custom-fit to your interests: from world-renowned art to mouthwatering cuisine, from breathtaking landscapes to trendsetting fashion. With this guide you’ll learn how to find hidden gems and get insider’s advice for touring Italy’s most famous attractions. Whether you plan to travel in style or on a shoestring budget, you’ll discover hidden gems and little-known advice for touring Italy’s most famous attractions. With Cooke’s hassle-free guide, you’ll finally learn to sit back and savor your authentic Italian experience like a local.
In Glam Italia! How To Travel Italy, you'll discover:
- Step-by-step methods for planning your entire trip, regardless of time or budget
- Lists of the best cuisines, and wines by region to satisfy any appetite
- Optimum lengths of time to visit each attraction so you can get the best bang for your buck
- Simple tips for booking flights that will save hundreds of dollars from your bottom line
- Precautions you can take to stay safe and healthy while traveling and much, much more!
Glam Italia! How To Travel Italy is your glamorous go-to travel guide for experiencing this charming Mediterranean destination. If you like practical tips, insider advice from a local expert, and stress-free planning, then you’ll love Corinna Cooke’s handbook for your dream vacation.
Buy Glam Italia! How To Travel Italy, and pack your bags for a very fabulous, once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Do you want to see the glamorous side of Italy but think it’s out of your budget? Does preparing for international travel leave you feeling anxious? Do you worry about falling into a tourist trap? Italian travel guide and blogger Corinna Cooke has years of experience creating glamorous private vacations throughout every corner of the country. And now she’s here to share her insider tips so you can make the most of your Italian adventure.
Glam Italia! How to Travel Italy is your all-in-one guide for crafting your personalized dream vacation. You’ll create an itinerary that’s custom-fit to your interests: from world-renowned art to mouthwatering cuisine, from breathtaking landscapes to trendsetting fashion. With this guide you’ll learn how to find hidden gems and get insider’s advice for touring Italy’s most famous attractions. Whether you plan to travel in style or on a shoestring budget, you’ll discover hidden gems and little-known advice for touring Italy’s most famous attractions. With Cooke’s hassle-free guide, you’ll finally learn to sit back and savor your authentic Italian experience like a local.
In Glam Italia! How To Travel Italy, you'll discover:
- Step-by-step methods for planning your entire trip, regardless of time or budget
- Lists of the best cuisines, and wines by region to satisfy any appetite
- Optimum lengths of time to visit each attraction so you can get the best bang for your buck
- Simple tips for booking flights that will save hundreds of dollars from your bottom line
- Precautions you can take to stay safe and healthy while traveling and much, much more!
Glam Italia! How To Travel Italy is your glamorous go-to travel guide for experiencing this charming Mediterranean destination. If you like practical tips, insider advice from a local expert, and stress-free planning, then you’ll love Corinna Cooke’s handbook for your dream vacation.
Buy Glam Italia! How To Travel Italy, and pack your bags for a very fabulous, once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2018
507 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Corinna Cooke
7 books22 followersHi! I’m Corinna.
I am an International Makeup Artist, Travel Blogger, former Magazine Beauty Director, and very proudly, a Best Selling Author.
I write books about my greatest passion in life, traveling in Italy. Every day that I’m not in Italy I am daydreaming about being there.
When I was growing up I wanted to be an archaeologist. I dreamed about digs in exotic locales around the world, discovering ancient ruins and celebrating lost cultures. That bubble burst when I realized I didn’t like getting dirty. So I became a Makeup Artist instead, traveling the world, studying history and art and learning languages along the way.
Like the masses before me I completely fell in love with Italy.
I love the culture, the history, the art, architecture and music, the food the wine and above all, the people.
Unlike most countries, with Italy the more new places you stumble upon the more you realize you’ve barely skimmed the tip of the iceberg. So I still have a lifetime of discovery ahead of me!
I spend as much time as possible in Italy each year. As well as my personal travel, every summer I take small groups of women on boutique, private Glam Italia tours .
I grew up in New Zealand and have lived around the globe on continents and islands and in some of the most exciting cities in the world. At this time I live in the wild beauty that is Arizona, where every sunset seems more spectacular than the one before and 9 months of the year the weather is perfect. (The other 3 months are a little toasty)
"Open my heart and you will see
Graved inside of it, “Italy”
– Robert Browning
I am an International Makeup Artist, Travel Blogger, former Magazine Beauty Director, and very proudly, a Best Selling Author.
I write books about my greatest passion in life, traveling in Italy. Every day that I’m not in Italy I am daydreaming about being there.
When I was growing up I wanted to be an archaeologist. I dreamed about digs in exotic locales around the world, discovering ancient ruins and celebrating lost cultures. That bubble burst when I realized I didn’t like getting dirty. So I became a Makeup Artist instead, traveling the world, studying history and art and learning languages along the way.
Like the masses before me I completely fell in love with Italy.
I love the culture, the history, the art, architecture and music, the food the wine and above all, the people.
Unlike most countries, with Italy the more new places you stumble upon the more you realize you’ve barely skimmed the tip of the iceberg. So I still have a lifetime of discovery ahead of me!
I spend as much time as possible in Italy each year. As well as my personal travel, every summer I take small groups of women on boutique, private Glam Italia tours .
I grew up in New Zealand and have lived around the globe on continents and islands and in some of the most exciting cities in the world. At this time I live in the wild beauty that is Arizona, where every sunset seems more spectacular than the one before and 9 months of the year the weather is perfect. (The other 3 months are a little toasty)
"Open my heart and you will see
Graved inside of it, “Italy”
– Robert Browning
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 19, 2018
Love to travel? Love to smile? Love to laugh? Buy this book! I wish with all my heart this book was on the shelf when we traveled to Italy in 2009 for the first time. I was lost and confused with the boring run-of-the-mill travel books at the time. THIS book, however, is far beyond any other travel book you will find. It's unique, quirky, fun, modern, and incredibly helpful! Down to the details you need to completely enjoy your trip this has it all. The authors personality shines through in her down-to-earth and easy-to-follow writing style. I'm 100% engaged and don't want to miss a word, I can't put it down!
April 1, 2019
I'm getting ready to visit Italy for the first time this summer and I'm devouring travel guides, travel blogs, and Pinterest packing lists like it's my day job. Corinna writes this book as a trusted girlfriend who knows all the ins and outs of international travel. As the owner of a boutique travel business who curates trips to Italy for small groups of woman, she has her finger of the pulse of the country, as well as of the women who crave an off-the-beaten-path travel experience. Lots of guides cover similar topics, but she seemed to know what questions I had and which topics to dive into more deeply. Some of my favorite chapters: How to Beat Jetlag, How to Use the Train System (A Step-by-step Guide), How to Order Coffee in Italy, The Bathroom Equation. I devoured this book cover to cover, and now I'm going back to the beginning to read it a second time with a highlighter and Post-it tabs. This book is literally jam-packed with super helpful, practical tips that already has me feeling more confident (and excited) it'll be a wonderful adventure!
December 16, 2021
Great tips!
This short, easily read book is chock full of great tips for anyone who is planning a trip to Italy. Whether it's your first trip or your 20th. I read it on my Kindle, but will definitely be buying a hard copy to refer to on my next trip.
This short, easily read book is chock full of great tips for anyone who is planning a trip to Italy. Whether it's your first trip or your 20th. I read it on my Kindle, but will definitely be buying a hard copy to refer to on my next trip.
July 19, 2023
In gathering ideas and setting priorities for my first trip to Italy, I found a podcast called Untold Italy that featured Corinna Cooke as a guest. I love her practical tips, and the perspective that differentiates a “traveler” from a “tourist.” So I picked up her first book, closely followed by the remaining 3.
(“Glam” in the titles comes from prioritizing comfort and doing beautiful things, by saving where you can. She has excellent strategies, and in less than 2 months I now have enough travel points for my flight.)
She is all about having an immersive experience, getting off the beaten path, finding hidden gems, but still seeing, feeling, and tasting what you’re going to Italy for. Her top travel planning question is “what do you want to experience?” and we go from there.
Along the way, she tells fabulous tales behind the artists, churches, patrons, and ruins—
definitely enough to see sights on your own, but also enough to help you decide if something is worth it to you to get a guided tour.
The books have a few line drawings at chapter headers, maybe a map or two particular to a discussion, and no photographs at all. They are not
visual planners but storytelling ones, with the added bonus of “what’s nearby,” so you can easily figure out walks that group sites together. Almost a do-it-yourself tour guide builder, that fits nicely with her understanding that most of us travel on a budget.
After my trip I’ll know whether to boost the ratings to 5 stars!
(“Glam” in the titles comes from prioritizing comfort and doing beautiful things, by saving where you can. She has excellent strategies, and in less than 2 months I now have enough travel points for my flight.)
She is all about having an immersive experience, getting off the beaten path, finding hidden gems, but still seeing, feeling, and tasting what you’re going to Italy for. Her top travel planning question is “what do you want to experience?” and we go from there.
Along the way, she tells fabulous tales behind the artists, churches, patrons, and ruins—
definitely enough to see sights on your own, but also enough to help you decide if something is worth it to you to get a guided tour.
The books have a few line drawings at chapter headers, maybe a map or two particular to a discussion, and no photographs at all. They are not
visual planners but storytelling ones, with the added bonus of “what’s nearby,” so you can easily figure out walks that group sites together. Almost a do-it-yourself tour guide builder, that fits nicely with her understanding that most of us travel on a budget.
After my trip I’ll know whether to boost the ratings to 5 stars!
August 3, 2023
This book was the best preparation and travel companion for my first trip to Italy!! It was such an easy read, and the author tells much about her own travels and what she has experienced. It does not seem like a “boring guidebook” by any means. I used MANY of Corinna’s tips and would recommend this to anyone traveling to Italy for the first time!
June 1, 2022
i’m ready to go now😄
January 5, 2019
Bella Italia!
Thank you Corinna. I've been to Italy 6-7 times & still haven't seen everything! My husband was born there (thankgoodness) & has a million cousins as well as Aunt's & Uncle's who are spread throughout Italy. I really enjoyed your book & appreciated your perspective on choosing the "experience" over trying to see it all. When we first started traveling to Italy we relied on the train & family members to drive us but they are on a very different time schedule than the we are & can be very laid back. So because of this we started renting our own car something my husband was unsure of but very happy that we did:) You have given me a lot of great information to use & I especially love the tidbits of info on names & places you mention that really stood out. Gracie Molto!
Thank you Corinna. I've been to Italy 6-7 times & still haven't seen everything! My husband was born there (thankgoodness) & has a million cousins as well as Aunt's & Uncle's who are spread throughout Italy. I really enjoyed your book & appreciated your perspective on choosing the "experience" over trying to see it all. When we first started traveling to Italy we relied on the train & family members to drive us but they are on a very different time schedule than the we are & can be very laid back. So because of this we started renting our own car something my husband was unsure of but very happy that we did:) You have given me a lot of great information to use & I especially love the tidbits of info on names & places you mention that really stood out. Gracie Molto!
March 12, 2019
I am so happy I found this book! My daughter is studying in Florence, Italy this summer and the whole family is going for a visit when her session is complete. My husband and I have been to Italy, but it was many years ago and we were traveling with very experience travelers. This time we are on our own and I was very nervous about planning our trip. After reading this book, I have gained a lot of confidence and feel much more comfortable about planning our trip. Corinna gives such practical advice and touches on subjects that other guide books do not. I found it to be so helpful that I ordered two more copies and sent them to my daughter and her friend who is studying with her this summer. I will update this review once we have returned from our trip, but for now I highly recommend this book to anyone planning a trip to Italy!
December 6, 2018
Fabulous!
Everything you need to know for a fun, fabulous trip to Italy. Came across this gem of a book almost by mistake, and now can’t wait to go...and will probably take both a kindle and a hard copy of this with me.
The writing is clear and accessible, divided into easy-to-digest sections that are chock-full of key details and useful tips. Love the artwork, too.
This, and Rick Steve’s ‘Europe through the back door’ (ahead of time) cover everything you need to know/bring/plan a successful trip.
Everything you need to know for a fun, fabulous trip to Italy. Came across this gem of a book almost by mistake, and now can’t wait to go...and will probably take both a kindle and a hard copy of this with me.
The writing is clear and accessible, divided into easy-to-digest sections that are chock-full of key details and useful tips. Love the artwork, too.
This, and Rick Steve’s ‘Europe through the back door’ (ahead of time) cover everything you need to know/bring/plan a successful trip.
January 5, 2020
Very Helpful Book
This is the perfect book for anyone who wants to plan a trip to Italy but has no idea where to begin. I found this book midway into my planning and wish I had found it before. I still found it super helpful. The author answers so many questions a first time Italy traveler might have and does it in a friendly personal way. I felt like I was getting insight from a friend who is very knowledgeable about the Italian culture and planning a trip to Italy. I also began following the author on Social Media!
This is the perfect book for anyone who wants to plan a trip to Italy but has no idea where to begin. I found this book midway into my planning and wish I had found it before. I still found it super helpful. The author answers so many questions a first time Italy traveler might have and does it in a friendly personal way. I felt like I was getting insight from a friend who is very knowledgeable about the Italian culture and planning a trip to Italy. I also began following the author on Social Media!
March 29, 2019
Glam Fab Way To Go
This might be the only book you need to travel Italy. I took a few, but Corinna’s Glam Travel was the only one I used. One day I would love to take a trip with this Glam Gal to share the life and sights of beautiful Italy.
This might be the only book you need to travel Italy. I took a few, but Corinna’s Glam Travel was the only one I used. One day I would love to take a trip with this Glam Gal to share the life and sights of beautiful Italy.
January 10, 2019
Easy and good read
Glad I found this ebook! It gave great tips, ideas and suggestions on how to make my first upcoming trip to Italy fabulous.
Glad I found this ebook! It gave great tips, ideas and suggestions on how to make my first upcoming trip to Italy fabulous.
March 2, 2019
3.5 A good balance to Rick Steves' books. Easy to read and fun.
May 27, 2019
Very good information to planning a trip to Italy
March 2, 2023
Really like the author’s writing style and found this a very enjoyable read! Even though some things may seem obvious, they are great reminders nonetheless and serve to put you in a planning frame of mind. Plus, I loved the detailed and personal examples attached to the various basics, this way it really paints a picture and tells a story (and will help to remember the tips) both before/during a trip. Even though I’ve travelled to other Euro countries, this will be my first time to Italy so I appreciated the country (and regional) specific advice. And most importantly, I appreciated the reminder to not focus on seeing solely the tourist attractions, but to venture down those side streets to have a more authentic experience. The author’s enthusiasm and love of Italy is apparent and is quite motivating to read! I found the chapter page illustrations charming and would only have liked a few maps (i.e., of the regions of Italy in Ch. 15 for handy reference as it was hard for me to visualize). Appreciated the very specific advice/steps for using the trains as it helps to mentally plan for the trip, including the critical words in Italian so that everything won’t be a total surprise. Even though I’ve lived in large cities in the US (LA, NYC) and used subway/trains extensively, I found this chapter very helpful as it paints a mental picture of what to expect. I actually bought this book both as a hard copy to flip through and on kindle (for ease of highlighting). Look forward to reading the author’s newsletters and seeing her travel photos on fb. Oh! I also liked the chapters on leather and coffee. Grazie!
December 28, 2024
"One lifetime is not enough to experience Italy"
After reading Corinna Cooke's "How to Travel Italy", I couldn’t agree more. Cooke’s writing is a blend of romanticism and practicality. It captures the magic of Italy while providing smart, actionable advice for travelers. The book invites readers to savor Italy at a slower pace, encouraging them to embrace its culture, history, and charm, making it an epiphany for anyone seeking meaningful travel experiences.
As a first pick from a Little Free Library, this book felt serendipitous. Cooke's enthusiasm for Italy is palpable and elegant, reminiscent of Elizabeth Gilbert’s "Eat, Pray, Love".
However, I did wish for more detailed stories and personal anecdotes. While Cooke mentions learning about many intriguing stories, she doesn’t give an in-depth explanation. Including more vivid tales would have elevated the book, adding an emotional connection to the wealth of information provided.
After reading Corinna Cooke's "How to Travel Italy", I couldn’t agree more. Cooke’s writing is a blend of romanticism and practicality. It captures the magic of Italy while providing smart, actionable advice for travelers. The book invites readers to savor Italy at a slower pace, encouraging them to embrace its culture, history, and charm, making it an epiphany for anyone seeking meaningful travel experiences.
As a first pick from a Little Free Library, this book felt serendipitous. Cooke's enthusiasm for Italy is palpable and elegant, reminiscent of Elizabeth Gilbert’s "Eat, Pray, Love".
However, I did wish for more detailed stories and personal anecdotes. While Cooke mentions learning about many intriguing stories, she doesn’t give an in-depth explanation. Including more vivid tales would have elevated the book, adding an emotional connection to the wealth of information provided.
August 3, 2023
A most enjoyable book with plenty of advise…I learned at lot from travel insurance to keeping your eyes open on your surroundings, pickpockets so you can have a safe, fun and friendly trip, traveling solo. Some information was a little late for me to save but I have the her book for future travel. I do wish that I had read this book before I wasted 6weeks in Italian with the wrong travel companion (vast age & agility), I missed out a good deal of the country. However, it has encouraged me to take Italy again, this trip solo with all I’ve just read & learned.
February 6, 2023
This book gave me so much more confidence in planning my trip!
Before I read through this book (very quick read) I was feeling a bit overwhelmed on how to start planning a trip to Italy. I came away with some areas to focus on which then helped me to start feeling excited about the planning process.
Very practical ideas. And focusing on having experiences rather than seeing everything on someone’s list is great and freeing advice!
Before I read through this book (very quick read) I was feeling a bit overwhelmed on how to start planning a trip to Italy. I came away with some areas to focus on which then helped me to start feeling excited about the planning process.
Very practical ideas. And focusing on having experiences rather than seeing everything on someone’s list is great and freeing advice!
September 4, 2023
excellent and fun resource
What a fabulous book of details written in a quirky yet concise way that is in no way boring. I’m leaving for Italy and the information helps immensely. The tips on language and culture are most appreciated. Everything a person needs to plan a trip as well as ideas for lovely places off the well worn path to visit are in this book. Goditi l'Italia con Corinna come straordinaria guida di viaggio
What a fabulous book of details written in a quirky yet concise way that is in no way boring. I’m leaving for Italy and the information helps immensely. The tips on language and culture are most appreciated. Everything a person needs to plan a trip as well as ideas for lovely places off the well worn path to visit are in this book. Goditi l'Italia con Corinna come straordinaria guida di viaggio
January 3, 2024
A Whole New Perspective
I’m a huge Rick Steves fan for detailed practicalities, but this book took practical in a new direction. Great advice on trip planning and execution, down to details on how to use the common Italian coffeemaker and step-by-step instructions for using the self-serve train ticket kiosks. And who knew that you might need to bring your own washcloths and toilet paper, depending on where you stay? So many other great recommendations.
I’m a huge Rick Steves fan for detailed practicalities, but this book took practical in a new direction. Great advice on trip planning and execution, down to details on how to use the common Italian coffeemaker and step-by-step instructions for using the self-serve train ticket kiosks. And who knew that you might need to bring your own washcloths and toilet paper, depending on where you stay? So many other great recommendations.
January 19, 2022
Short but helpful guide to travel in Italy. Did feel it was a bit of an advertisement for her travel company but the basic advice was good. American centric advice it did make me laugh a little as she addressed quite a few of the Americanisms that us Europeans find distasteful in Americans when they travel to Europe such as continual commenting on how the good 'ol US of A does it better...
July 9, 2022
The Kind of Travel Book I was Looking For!!
This book talks to me - speaking from a traveler’s point of view! Instead of scrolling through different advice from the reviewers (I.e. travel apps), Corinna clearly listed down her travel experiences and learning points succinctly in this book! It was a joy to read this book and apply the tips in my planning.
This book talks to me - speaking from a traveler’s point of view! Instead of scrolling through different advice from the reviewers (I.e. travel apps), Corinna clearly listed down her travel experiences and learning points succinctly in this book! It was a joy to read this book and apply the tips in my planning.
January 22, 2023
Great book! As someone who has traveled a fair amount, I wasn’t sure how much I would learn from reading Corinna’s first book. I was pleasantly surprised and found it to be not only informative, but entertaining and a pleasure to read. Corinna is clearly passionate about traveling and about Italy. She provides sage advice to new and experienced travelers alike.
December 31, 2023
I don’t know if it’s my ADHD hyperfixation, my excitement for my trip to Italy in summer 2024, Cooke’s easy-to-digest tips, or all of the above, but I swept through this book in under 48 hours. I took copious notes and am so appreciative of Cooke for sharing her knowledge in a comprehensive and comprehensible format! I highly recommend this guide to anyone thinking about traveling to Italy!
February 14, 2024
I skimmed through this in a little over an hour. It’s written in an easy to read, conversational tone, but the information is limited, and applies to anywhere, not just Italy. Rick Steves is much more helpful as far as preparing for a trip to Italy. It was just ok. Hoping her Florence and Rome books are more helpful.
October 1, 2024
FUN and a great resource!
Planning my second trip this year to Italy, and picked up this book in an effort to learn some new tips & tricks. Ms Cooke delivers! I especially enjoyed the personal travel stories and notes about other towns, regions outside of the big tourist hubs. Now I’ve got a new list of must see places & ideas! Really enjoyed this book! Grazie Ms Cooke!
Planning my second trip this year to Italy, and picked up this book in an effort to learn some new tips & tricks. Ms Cooke delivers! I especially enjoyed the personal travel stories and notes about other towns, regions outside of the big tourist hubs. Now I’ve got a new list of must see places & ideas! Really enjoyed this book! Grazie Ms Cooke!
April 10, 2025
Somehow I bought this book from Amazon by mistake. It was on my wish list - I guess I subconsciously slipped it into my cart! I guess it is a good thing that I am indeed planning a trip to Italy. Unfortunately, I am well past the author's advice in my planning process. But I did appreciate several of her sections such as the toilet trauma section and the food imposters.
July 12, 2022
this is just brilliant
This book, as well as the authors other books, provide everything I wanted but never gotten from travel books. She focuses on the important things, and she does it interestingly conversationally and I believe I will use virtually everything I’ve read!
This book, as well as the authors other books, provide everything I wanted but never gotten from travel books. She focuses on the important things, and she does it interestingly conversationally and I believe I will use virtually everything I’ve read!
January 27, 2021
Practical and thorough in a chatty sort of way. I need someone to write this exact book for France.
February 2, 2022
Informative book
I absolutely loved this book. It’s like talking to friends and family about their travels. It’s packed with useful advice provided in a friendly manner.
I absolutely loved this book. It’s like talking to friends and family about their travels. It’s packed with useful advice provided in a friendly manner.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews