Are you tired of being stuck in an office cubicle, staring at the same four walls every day? Do you want to experience the beauty and culture of Italy while still being able to build your career? Perhaps, the idea of combining travel and work in Italy has crossed your mind, but you don’t know where to start. In this blog post, we will share tips and resources to help you achieve the perfect balance between work and travel in Italy.
Choose the Right Time and Place to Travel and Work
Before you start packing your bags, you need to research and plan your trip to Italy. Consider the city or town you want to visit and identify the amenities required for remote work. These may include internet access, reliable transportation, and coworking spaces.
City infrastructure considerations
When selecting a city in Italy, consider the infrastructure available. Some areas of Italy offer better transportation and more reliable internet access than others. For instance, major Italian cities like Rome, Milan, and Naples have a well-connected transportation system, including reliable trains, buses, and metros.
Internet access considerations
The internet is crucial to remote work, and it’s important to ensure that you have access to reliable and high-speed WiFi access. Some Italian cities are known for their excellent internet connectivity while others, such as scenic towns in the countryside, may have limited access. Check the internet coverage of the area before deciding on the location you want to work from.
Choose a comfortable time to work and visit tourist sites
When travelling to Italy for a work and travel adventure, you want to ensure that your work doesn’t interfere with your travel itinerary. Choose a comfortable time to work, allowing enough time to explore the city and visit tourist sites.
Weekday vs. Weekends
Keep in mind the schedule for tourist sites, some places may be closed on specific days of the week. Generally, you’ll encounter fewer crowds if you plan to visit popular tourist locations on weekdays. On the weekends, the locals tend to go to the beach or the mountains, so it’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy the tourist attractions.
Seasonal Considerations
The summer months are high season and the busiest time for tourists. In contrast, autumn and winter are low seasons, and the best time for bargain-hunting tourists who want to avoid crowds.
Popular holiday periods
Holiday periods are busy for businesses and tourist attractions alike. Easter, Christmas, and New Year are the busiest and most expensive times of the year. If you’re planning to work and travel during these times, book accommodations and travel tickets well in advance.
Finding Good Places to Work
When it comes to remote work, Italy offers plenty of options for digital nomads. All across the country are coworking spaces and cafes with WiFi. Here are some resources for locating good workspaces.
Coworking Spaces
Coworking spaces are the perfect place to work collaboratively or privately, offering high-speed internet access, refreshments, and office amenities. Here are some coworking spaces in Italy.
Coworking Spaces in Major Cities
- Talent Garden– Rome & Milan
- Impact Hub – Multiple Locations
- Talent Garden – Bari & Catania
Coworking Spaces in Popular Tourist Cities
- Urban Spaces – Venice
- A-M Street Work – Florence
- Factory Coworking – Pisa
Cafes with WiFi
Another great option for remote workers is to find a cafe with WiFi. There are plenty to choose from in Italy. Here are some recommendations for good cafes with WiFi:
Rome
- Faro Caffè
- Aromaticus
- Supplizio
Florence
- La Ménagère
- Melaleuca
- Caffè Letterario
Rules and Etiquettes of Working in Cafes
Before settling in a café, it is important to remember that it is still a business establishment. There are some rules and etiquettes that should be observed when working in a cafe. Here are some examples:
- Always buy a drink or snack when using the café’s WiFi.
- Keep headphones on or use earplugs to minimize noise levels.
- Avoid taking up too much space on the communal table.
- Be mindful of other customers.
Dealing with Italian Business Environment and Culture
In Italy, business environments have a formal yet social tone. It is important to know the standard etiquettes before working with Italians. Here are some important things to remember:
Basic Etiquettes
Business Etiquettes
- Dress conservatively and professionally.
- Greet everyone in the room with a handshake and eye contact.
- Use titles and surnames unless someone suggests otherwise.
Communication Etiquettes
- Italians are expressive and enjoy humor.
- It is okay to interrupt others when speaking, but it must be done politely.
- Learn basic Italian to help communicate with clients/customers.
Social Etiquettes
- Italians take time to get to know their business partners on a personal level.
- Meetings may begin with small talk and coffee.
- Business decisions are made slowly and may require several meetings.
Language Considerations
Italy has a distinctive culture and language, making it essential to know some basic Italian to interact with locals. Learning some phrases will make you more comfortable navigating around the country, and your work relationships will improve.
Work Schedule and Expectations
In Italy, work hours are still relatively structured, with most offices operating from 9.00am to 6.00pm. It’s essential to meet expectations and set boundaries while working remotely. Ensure you balance productivity and travel by creating a schedule that will enable you to achieve your goals without missing out on the thrill of exploring Italy.
Balancing Work and Travel in Italy
Managing work and travel balance is vital for success while working remotely during travel. Here are some tips on how to achieve a balance while working in Italy.
Creating a Schedule
Plan your work and activities ahead using a schedule to balance your travel itinerary and work expectations. Determine your daily work hours, daily exploration time, and stick to the plan to avoid overworking or ignoring your travel plans.
Taking care of your well-being
Ensure that you’re taking care of your well-being when travelling to a new country. This is especially important if you’re going to Italy for an extended stay. Stay active by participating in outdoor activities, eating healthy, and enjoying occasional treats like gelato and pizza.
Staying Focused and Productive
It is essential to stay focused when working remotely from Italy. Some tips for staying productive:
- Identify a workspace that helps you stay focused and motivated.
- Plan meetings around your schedule.
- Avoid common distractions, like social media or TV.
- Communicate your work schedule and boundaries to clients, colleagues, and friends.
Conclusion
Combining work and travel in Italy is a unique experience that can be both enriching and exciting. By choosing the right location, managing your time well, and balancing work with travel, you can work and travel successfully in Italy. Remember to stay focused, stay productive, and take care of your well-being along the way. With these tips, you too can have a successful work and travel experience in Italy.
Working remotely is not a new concept, but it has become increasingly popular in recent times. Trying work and travel life in Italy can open your eyes to new opportunities, possibilities, and experiences that will change your life. We hope that these tips have provided the necessary insight that you need to book your next remote work trip to Italy.