WELCOME TO MAPPED BY GIULIA!
My first Digital Product is LIVE and you get to test it before anyone else:)
Hel..Uhm..wait, mmm, how do you even start the first entry of your first EVER newsletter?
Ok, let’s take a deep breath and here goes nothing…
Hiiiiii,
I’m Giulia, your local Italian friend with an endless love for travel and storytelling.
First off - WELCOME to Mapped by Giulia!
I am so happy you found this little corner of the internet! I hope you know you just joined a warm, welcoming community of travel besties who aren’t just about ticking places off a bucket list, but about truly experiencing and embracing new cultures with open hearts and minds.
So, why a newsletter? Good question! I spent ages thinking about whether the world really needs yet another voice in the crowded travel space and if my perspective would cut through all the glossy, picture-perfect travel content already out there.
Lots of doubts in my mind, but then I realised that there is room for everyone and I am here to share my knowledge with you, through tips, stories, and guidance to help you create memories that’ll truly feel like your own.
For those of you who’ve just discovered me - ciao! It’s so lovely to meet you. What will you find in this newsletter? Travel Hacks and beautiful pictures, surely, but also inspiration for curious minds that are longing for captivating stories and eager to truly immerse themselves in new cultures.
But where did my love of travel actually come from, you might wonder. Well, let me tell you a cute personal story!
It all started with my dad, our designated family's Chief Travel Officer. To this day, I still call him for help planning my trips, and even in retirement, he’s busy leading group bike tours across Italy! He’s the one who taught me to look beyond the obvious and appreciate the little things - a warm smile from a stranger, the charm of a hidden alleyway, or the irresistible aroma coming from a tucked-away family-run trattoria.
Those experiences were never just holidays; they were lessons in curiosity, connection, and adventure. Thanks to him, travel isn’t just a hobby for me - it’s a deep-rooted passion. It’s how I hope to inspire others to embrace the world, seek their own adventures, and create memories as extraordinary as the ones my dad gifted me.
If you’ve been following me on social media (links at the end!), you’ll already know how much travel has shaped my life and the person I’ve become. There’s nothing I love more than observing life as it unfolds while I’m exploring the world. Sitting quietly, watching real moments with curious eyes, I soak it all in - heartwarming encounters with locals (some of which have even brought me to tears), their stories, the hidden gems I stumble upon while walking, and the richness of diverse cultures.
It’s safe to say that nearly everything I’ve learned in recent years has come from travelling and I feel extremely fortunate and grateful about it.
So, grab a coffee (or perhaps a gelato 🍦), get comfortable, and let’s embark on this journey together. I can’t wait to share my stories with you, making it feel like you’re flipping through my travel journal pages and, hopefully, sparking inspiration for your own future unforgettable memories.
FIRST THING FIRST, DO YOU WANT ME TO SPILL A BIT OF PIPING-HOT TEA?
Before I start, can you believe we are already in 2025? Seriously, where did the time go? 🤯 As we are already ssspeeding through January, I’ve got a few exciting projects and plans brewing, and I thought my first newsletter ever was the right place to overshare! 👀
✨THE ULTIMATE ITALY TRAVEL GUIDE✨
You know that moment when you’re planning a trip, determined not to miss a thing, and end up spending an absurd amount of money on chunky travel guides - only to feel even more confused and overwhelmed than when you started? Yyyup, been there. Done that. You’re not alone!
As a travel content creator, I get countless DMs every day asking for advice on visiting Italy and help with itineraries. But I quickly noticed a pattern - most people were asking about the same popular spots - mainstream locations that surely are worth visiting but they barely scratch the surface of what my beautiful country has to offer.
So, what did I do? I rolled up my sleeves and spent countless hours at my desk crafting something special—an insider’s guide to Italy that goes beyond the obvious. I poured my heart into creating meticulously planned itineraries and tips designed to take the stress out of planning and turn your trip into a seamless and unforgettable experience.
Sooo…without further ado, meet my first big travel writing project, The Ultimate Italy Travel Guide. This isn’t just another list of must-see places - it’s a true love letter to the Italy I know and love. You’ll find not only the iconic spots but also hidden gems close to my heart, family favourites, magic towns, shopping secrets, and so much more.
From the most stunning Caribbean-like beaches to my personal favourite Italian hidden gems, every detail has been carefully curated as if I were your personal travel buddy. It will feel like having me on speed dial, always on call, to make sure your Italian adventure is going to be absolutely epic. 🍷✈️
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH ME
As a frequent traveller myself, I know that a one-size-fits-all approach to travel itineraries doesn’t always cut it. From the messages I get from both occasional consumers of my content and longstanding members of my community, I gathered pretty clearly that what many of you really need and want is a personalised, 1-to-1 approach to ensure that your trip will be nothing short of unforgettable.
I spent countless days brainstorming, trying to create something that could meet every request - honestly, there were moments I thought I might lose my mind! But in the end, I’m confident I’ve come up with two solid options that might just be the perfect fit:
1 TO 1 CONSULTATIONS.
If I do say so myself, these tailored experiences are designed to give you the perfect close-up and personable guidance you need to turn your dream Italian adventure into reality.
OPTION 1: ITINERARY REVIEW
The Espresso aka 30 Minutes Call - Review of your itinerary + feedback and quick ideas for improvement
OPTION 2: ITINERARY DESIGN
La Dolce Vita aka 60 Minutes Call - Consultation + Full itinerary design
Alright, alright, I think I’ve rambled enough for this first chapter! The truth is, I have so much to say and share that I’m clearly not sure how to stop typing. But here’s the good news - this is just the beginning! I’ve decided to keep things rolling with a bi-weekly newsletter, so mark your calendars! Every two Thursdays, you’ll be hearing from me with travel tips, my favourite social media moments, what’s in my grocery cart, fashion and beauty picks (yes, people are actually curious about what’s in my wardrobe and in my shower - not in a creepy way, I promise!), and so much more.
If you’re down to hang out, and your friends might find me cool too, please feel free to share this with them and encourage them to subscribe!
See you in the next one, friends, and while saying goodbye, I’ll leave with a quote that truly inspired me lately:
“Of all the books in the world, the best stories are found between the pages of a passport” - S.B. Hassen.
All the love,
Giulia