On this article, I’ll define the very best methods to change into a home sitter in Italy. Since leaving my dwelling within the UK in 2022 and embarking on a worldwide touring journey, I’ve been lucky sufficient to get pleasure from two improbable spells in Italy. Home sitting has performed a giant half in permitting me to journey extensively whereas additionally saving a fortune with free lodging alongside the best way.
Realizing the place to look and easy methods to safe nice placements is vital. It may be a bit daunting getting began, so I’m completely satisfied to have the ability to provide the better of my years of information and expertise to get you efficiently on the highway to accommodate sitting in Italy.
Italy has at all times held a particular place in my coronary heart. It was the primary nation my husband, Rob, and I actually explored in-depth. A lot in order that he now speaks Italian to a reasonably respectable stage. It was additionally whereas sitting in a beautiful cafe in Milan that we determined that touring completely was what we needed to do.
Lovely Italy is filled with tradition, historical past, world-class meals and wine. It’s additionally dwelling to a few of the most welcoming folks I’ve ever met. With an enormous variety of home sitting alternatives out there, from the seashores of Sicily to the piazzas of Turin, let’s get began.
Tips on how to Turn out to be a Home Sitter in Italy
Many glorious web sites submit home sitting jobs in Italy. With some assorted memberships, worth choices, and totally different options for every, discovering the suitable web site for you is a crucial first step. I’ve outlined all the main points for my prime 5 right here.
1. Trusted Housesitters
Trusted Housesitters has been my go-to home sitting web site for over 5 years now. It’s by far the most important web site of its sort available on the market with over 7,000 energetic listings worldwide presently on the lookout for sitters. It’s an important platform that’s simple to make use of with some very useful options for home sitters.
One characteristic I significantly love about this web site is the choice to avoid wasting my search filters in order that I may be alerted when the suitable itemizing comes on-line. Being fast to use for postings is essential and this characteristic is a good way to make sure you don’t miss any excellent placements that come up.
Having probably the most listings and being, for my part, the very best home sitting web site round does convey with it an even bigger price ticket than others on this record. Priced at $260 a 12 months, the top-tier membership contains advantages cancellation insurance coverage, enhanced customer support, and extra. The extra financial primary membership at $129/12 months is a extra inexpensive start line.
Avoid wasting cash if you enroll through the use of GOATS20 for 20% off any membership choice. Or be a part of utilizing this hyperlink.
2. Thoughts My Home
There’s rather a lot to love about Thoughts My Home, and it’s an important web site for newcomers wanting to check the waters. Priced at simply $29 a 12 months, it’s an inexpensive platform that has some nice options.
Thoughts My Home is without doubt one of the longest-established home sitting web sites having been energetic since 2005. The homeowners play a day-to-day function within the customer support which I really feel offers it an in depth and private really feel. The stats portion of the web site is a superb addition that enables everybody to see precisely how many individuals are utilizing the positioning and the place they’re primarily based.
Owners be a part of and submit their listings without spending a dime, so you too can be certain of loads of home sit alternatives. On a fast scan on the time of scripting this, there are over 20 posts out there throughout Italy, starting from just a few days in Umbria to a 5-month keep in Veneto! With such a low yearly price, Thoughts My Home is a good addition to any home sitter’s device equipment.
3. Nomador
Nomador is a good alternative for home and pet sitting in Italy. Though the web site does record sits throughout the globe, they’ve a very robust European membership base with tons of of postings on the Continent. The platform has most positively taken a leaf out of the Trusted Housesitters e book; it’s simple to make use of and has some glorious options.
The absence of an app is actually some extent in opposition to it because it requires you to often examine your emails for updates on any saved searches. However, the premium membership affords early entry to accommodate sits and definitely offers members a head begin when making use of for these wonderful Italian listings.
Nomador has 3 membership choices, the highest tier with quite a few added advantages is $190/12 months. However if you happen to’re nonetheless a bit uncertain about committing for a whole 12 months, there’s additionally a 3-month ‘Discovery’ choice. At $85 it is a nice solution to get began with no vital monetary outlay.
4. Workaway
I’ve a gentle spot for Workaway I’ll admit it! I’ve met some nice pals and had many great experiences utilizing it. I got here throughout it just a few years in the past while on the lookout for volunteer alternatives all over the world. I rapidly discovered it to be an excellent useful resource for home sitting too.
One of many primary search choices on Workaway is for home sitting and it’s come in useful for me just a few instances when on the lookout for placements. What’s essential to recollect is that hosts could solely record their property on one web site, so it’s a good suggestion to maintain your choices open with at the least a few totally different platforms.
Workaway is a good alternative and can be a superb string so as to add to your home sitting bow. With a low annual worth of $50 a 12 months or $30pp when a pair joins, it’s an inexpensive choice to have at hand. The app and web site are easy to make use of, and I’ve discovered that energetic hosts at all times reply promptly to inquiries.
5. Home Carers
There are many glorious home sitting alternatives ready for you at Home Carers. Whereas it might not have the sheer quantity of listings that Trusted Housesitters boasts, it does supply a considerable variety of present listings prepared for functions.
Within the curiosity of holding your choices open, the cool factor about Home Carers is that you may create a profile and browse listings with out spending a dime. While you encounter a home sit that piques your curiosity, you’ll have to improve to a full-paying membership, which is a really affordable $50 per 12 months.
In case you’re contemplating changing into a home sitter in Italy, Home Carers is a improbable platform to discover all that house-sitting web sites have to supply and get a really feel for your complete course of. With its user-friendly interface and an inexpensive membership charge, it’s a good way to get began.
Private Expertise Housesitting in Italy
Round 5 years in the past, my first home sitting stint in Italy occurred unexpectedly. Whereas doing a Workaway language change with an Italian couple from Brescia, we shaped an immediate connection. A lot in order that they invited my husband and me to care for his or her little farm for per week that summer time.
We had a whole lot of enjoyable caring for their 30+ chickens, 6 sheep, and a deaf canine referred to as Ringo who saved us entertained together with his day by day antics across the different animals on the farm. We’ve remained shut with our Italian pals, and have visited them at the least half a dozen instances since.
Upon leaving the UK in January 2022, Italy was the primary level of name. Stimigliano, a small city north of Rome, was the placement for the primary home sit of the 12 months. The host, a beautiful Scottish expat named Pleasure, had a house and backyard that required some hearty repairs. We, in fact, knew this forward of time and loved working exterior just a few hours every day – the spectacular valley views we had had been simply the icing on the cake.
A spritely canine referred to as Alfie was additionally a part of the cut price and he was a enjoyable man to take care of. The home was nicely stocked with wine and Pleasure had informed us to assist ourselves! The beautiful little city and neighbors had been a delight that solely added to our constructive expertise. We had been invited most evenings for sundown aperitivo drinks someplace shut by.
Finest Areas to Home Sit in Italy
There are lots of really great components of Italy simply ready to be explored. Listed here are just a few locations that I’ve lately seen energetic home sitting alternatives for.
1. Rome
Rome is probably the obvious alternative when contemplating home and pet sitting in Italy. The nation’s capital, often known as the ‘Everlasting Metropolis’, often has ample home sitting alternatives with quite a few listings out there. You’ll be able to count on to see extra flats listed centrally, while additional out of city, greater farms and villas often search sitters.
Rome is one in all my favourite cities on the earth; the overwhelming historical past on each nook is in contrast to anyplace else. With the ability to seize a ‘cafe portare by way of’ (that’s a takeaway espresso to me and also you), and see the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountains, and the Pantheon all earlier than your drink will get chilly is a novel expertise.
Rome is a bustling metropolis and might change into very busy throughout peak seasonal journey instances across the summer time. Don’t overlook home sits on the outskirts of the town. Frascati, Velletri, and Stimigliano are only a handful of the gorgeous little cities away from the hustle and bustle however shut sufficient for a fast prepare journey in for a slice of pizza and some glasses of wine.
Location: Rome is positioned about midway down the nation, in the direction of its western shoreline. Nice prepare providers hyperlink it with the entire nation. Naples is underneath 90 minutes away, as is Florence. Milan can also be reachable in underneath 4 hours by way of direct prepare providers.
2. Turin
Turin is commonly overshadowed by its extra standard Italian siblings but it surely affords an genuine style of the nation with out the overwhelming vacationer crowds. A home sitting placement right here will situate you amidst grand structure and picturesque piazzas while the native delicacies and considerable aperitivo choices make it a culinary expertise unto itself.
When leaving the UK, Turin was my first level of name. I’ve at all times liked the former Italian capital metropolis for its breathtaking monuments, the gorgeous River Po that flows by it, and the gorgeous Duomo that dominates the skyline. It’s an important metropolis to easily stroll round and discover.
Turin is the birthplace of the Aperitivo, which is actually an Italian completely satisfied hour with numerous small snacky meals plates – perfection. In case you step out for an early night drink count on to be stuffed earlier than you even make it to your dinner reservation. Town has a vibrant really feel while sustaining a neighborhood spirit. Tourism is energetic right here but it surely’s nonetheless a homely place to safe home sit.
Location: Turin is located in northwest Italy. The northern cities of Genoa and Milan are each reachable inside just a few hours by automotive or prepare. Montgenèvre Cross, a standard crossing level into France, is round 87 miles (140 km).
3. Brescia
I’d guess that Brescia has hardly ever cropped up in many individuals’s lists of Italian cities to go to. In any case, Milan, Venice, Lake Garda, and Verona are all very shut by. But it surely’s for this very purpose that Brescia needs to be excessive up on everybody’s record, particularly for home sitting alternatives.
It’s the proper spot for basing your self and exploring additional afield. Brescia was the placement of one in all my first ever home sits and is a spot I proceed to return to many times. It appears like a little bit of an untapped tourism gem. With the ability to hop on a prepare to so many gorgeous locations is an unbelievable perk, however Brescia itself is an incredible place.
Town has a massive college which lends itself to a bustling metropolis vibe. An enormous medieval citadel dominates the skyline whereas the town heart boasts not one however two cathedrals! You’ll additionally discover many nice eating places and that cafe tradition for which Italy is so liked.
Location: Brescia is positioned fairly centrally within the northern part of Italy. The closest airport is Milan Bergamo which is round 1 hour away. The lakes of Garda and Iseo are each underneath an hour away. Nice prepare providers join Brescia with all of Italy.
4. Sicily
Sicily has actually been on my home sit wishlist for a very long time. I visited a number of years in the past for a summer time trip and completely liked my time on the southern Mediterranean island. Though technically nonetheless classed as Italy, Sicily is its personal impartial area with round 5 million inhabitants.
The 2 main cities of Palermo and Catania stand out as nice home sitting areas, while most of the smaller coastal cities make for dream areas to safe a posting. I discovered all of the locals to be extraordinarily welcoming and pleasant. Even with a translation barrier my husband and I had been invited to barbecues, and pool events, and had been purchased drinks on quite a few events.
The island is dwelling to the highest energetic volcano in Europe. This may increasingly trigger concern for some, however good warning techniques and the space from many civilian areas imply Sicily is secure to go to always of the 12 months. I’ve climbed Mount Etna and walked on the cooled lava fields of a current eruption. It was a loopy expertise and one I received’t be forgetting any time quickly.
Location: Sicily is an island within the South Mediterranean Sea, positioned simply 1.9 miles (3 km) from the mainland of Italy. Rome is round 620 miles (1000 km) north. The island nation of Malta is round 60 miles (93 km) off Sicily’s southern shoreline.
5. Florence
Florence is an unbelievable place to accommodate sit and having hiked a lot of the area, I can affirm any rumors you’ve heard of Tuscany’s magnificence are true! Nestled within the coronary heart of Tuscany, Florence stands as a dwelling testomony to the Renaissance period. It’s an excellent metropolis with a wealthy historical past and sumptuous structure – it’s no shock that it’s thought of a jewel in Italy’s crown.
Florence was a bustling heart for artwork and science within the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Town’s museums, such because the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery, home masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli to call however just a few. The Ponte Vecchio is sort of a gateway to the previous, with many small outlets and market stands lining the outdated bridge over the River Arno.
Past its apparent creative attraction, Florence is a foodie’s dream to discover. The Mercato Centrale is a feast for the senses with big shows of native produce, cheeses, and meats. The various glorious trattorias discovered throughout the town serve up conventional Tuscan meals with native wines to enrich the meals. What’s to not love?
Location: Florence is located ideally for accessing a lot of Italy. With nice prepare hyperlinks, guests may be in Rome to the south or Milan to the north inside 1.5 – 2 hours. The world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa is simply over an hour to the east of Florence.
Is Italy Protected?
Italy is usually thought of a secure vacation spot for guests. It boasts a sturdy vacationer infrastructure and environment friendly important providers. Nevertheless, petty theft is particularly prevalent in busy vacationer areas akin to Rome, Florence, Naples, and Venice. I’d advise warning and take into account leaving valuables at dwelling.
Scammers and peddlers of counterfeit items may be present in most of the main cities. Bear in mind that vacationers may be topic to fines for buying inauthentic gadgets. Widespread begging, significantly by older Romani girls with youngsters, can disguise a syndicated exploitation community. Take into account doing your personal analysis earlier than donating to charitable causes.
Pure occasions akin to flooding, although irregular, can pose a danger. Energetic volcanoes akin to Mount Etna and Mount Vesuvius shouldn’t be ignored as a attainable security concern or journey disruptor. At all times keep alert for climate warnings and be sure you observe native steerage to make sure a secure and clean go to.
The varied Mafia clans energetic all through quite a few Italian cities very hardly ever influence vacationers in any approach.
Professionals and Cons of Being a Home Sitter in Italy
There are lots of constructive elements of home sitting in Italy and naturally just a few detrimental elements too. From my very own expertise, I’ve outlined some execs and cons to concentrate on earlier than accepting a place home sitting in Italy.
Professionals of Home Sitting in Italy
- Cultural Richness: Italy has a wealthy cultural historical past of artwork and structure. Home sitting in Italy affords an immersive expertise in a rustic that has influenced international tradition for hundreds of years.
- Culinary Paradise: Italian delicacies is famend worldwide. From pasta and pizza to regional specialties, spending an prolonged interval in Italy means having quick access to a few of the finest meals on the planet.
- Laid-Again Way of life: Italians put an emphasis on having fun with life. The tempo is notably slower, and there’s a give attention to savoring the second. Lengthy lunches and lazy espresso breaks make it an important place for anybody searching for a relaxed way of life.
- Beautiful Landscapes: From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the Amalfi Coast’s dramatic cliffs, Italy has many numerous and breathtaking landscapes. Home sitting right here will permit quick access to a few of the most stunning surroundings on the earth.
- Mediterranean Food plan: Italy’s conventional food regimen, wealthy in olive oil, contemporary greens, and lean proteins, is related to numerous well being advantages.
- Festivals and Celebrations: Italians actually know easy methods to rejoice life and festivals, and occasions are quite common. You’re more likely to see every part from conventional Christmas and Easter celebrations to very large summer time concert events.
- Proximity to Different European Nations: Italy’s central location in Europe makes it handy for journey. You’ll be able to simply discover neighboring nations, and expertise numerous cultures only a brief journey away.
- Pretty Locals: Italians are identified for his or her heat and robust sense of household and group. Home sitting in Italy gives the chance to kind relationships with neighbors and locals and make actual long-term connections.
- World-Class Wine: Italy is famend globally for its wine. Whether or not you’re choosing up an inexpensive bottle from the grocery store or forking out for a fancier choice at dinner, you’ll be able to relaxation assured the wine in Italy is classy.
Cons of Home Sitting in Italy
- Bureaucratic Hurdles: Italy is thought for its paperwork, which may be time-consuming and generally irritating. Coping with paperwork for visas, healthcare, or different administrative issues will virtually actually require persistence.
- Language Barrier: English is broadly taught, particularly in city areas and among the many youthful inhabitants, however some areas do pose a language barrier. There are lots of dialects of Italian; in rural areas generally even primary Italian doesn’t minimize it.
- Price of Residing: In main cities and vacationer locations, the price of dwelling may be comparatively excessive. I’ve discovered that gas, eating out, and sure items and providers are costlier in comparison with different nations I’ve visited – particularly within the north of the nation.
- Political Instability: Italians like to passionately focus on politics. Largely as a result of Italy has skilled intervals of great political instability. Staying knowledgeable concerning the political local weather is a good suggestion.
- Healthcare System: Whereas Italy does have a public healthcare system, the standard and effectivity of healthcare providers can differ. Entry to English-speaking medical professionals can also be restricted in sure areas, particularly additional south.
- Pure Catastrophe Dangers: Italy is liable to seismic exercise, particularly in areas like Naples and Sicily. Whereas stringent constructing codes and monitoring techniques assist decrease dangers, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can and do happen.
- Driving Points: Though most of the primary roads are easy to navigate, driving in smaller cities and busy cities generally is a problem. In case you’re unfamiliar with the driving practices, the locals could nicely provide you with some direct suggestions.
- Pace Traps: The Italian police love a pace lure and are identified for fining for something they will discover fallacious along with your driving or automotive; they probably will challenge you with a ticket if you happen to get pulled over. My recommendation: be taught the principles and keep on with the pace restrict always.
- Visa Restriction: Home sitting in Italy long run could also be a problem for non-EU residents who usually can solely keep within the European Schengen Zone for 90 days each 6 months.
Home Sitting in Italy: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to probably the most generally requested questions on home sitting in Italy:
Sure, having insurance coverage is essential when visiting Italy. Whereas many home and pet sitting platforms could present protection for host cancellations inside their memberships, it’s important to not overlook healthcare bills in Italy. Making certain protection for medical conditions is crucial, as even minor medical occasions can incur a considerable price.
To change into a home sitter in Italy, your preliminary step is to register on a home or pet sitting platform. There are glorious choices out there with quite a few listings presently on the lookout for sitters in Italy. All differ barely and have membership costs to swimsuit all budgets. My most popular selections are Trusted Housesitters and Thoughts My Home.
Usually, you received’t be paid to be a home sitter in Italy. As a substitute, the association usually revolves across the change of your home and pet sitting providers for the chance to remain in a pleasant dwelling, offering you with a cushty base to discover the encircling areas.
It’s a mutually useful understanding the place the main target is on the expertise and the cultural immersion fairly than monetary transactions.
Sure, there are certainly listings for home sitting in Italy with out pets. On numerous web sites, you could find listings the place the first duty is overseeing a property whereas the hosts are away. Nevertheless, it’s value noting that within the majority of instances, the association usually contains the care of a number of pets as a part of the general settlement.
How lengthy you’ll be able to keep in Italy whereas home sitting depends in your visa sort and nation of origin. It’s essential to conduct thorough analysis earlier than committing to any home sitting engagements. Overstaying your visa can lead to a fantastic, fast deportation, or perhaps a ban from coming into the European Schengen Zone for a big interval.
I’ve discovered home sitting in Italy to be a mix of cultural immersion, scenic magnificence, and culinary delights. From the historic wonders of Florence to the sun-soaked seashores of Sicily, every area affords a novel expertise.
While dwelling amidst smaller native communities I’ve made some lifelong connections. Caring for lovable pets has added a heartwarming and memorable facet to each itemizing I’ve undertaken. Home sitting in Italy lets you really reside someplace and expertise it on a a lot deeper stage, in comparison with merely visiting for a trip.
In a way, sure, you’ll be able to home sit in Italy without spending a dime as, usually, postings don’t contain an change of cash from both facet. However that’s depending on customers having already signed up and paid a small membership charge with a home sitting web site. While some websites permit a free profile choice, you’ll have to change into a full-paying member to use.
Costs begin from as little as $29/12 months (Thoughts My Home) and even Trusted Housesitters with its 7,000+ energetic listings has a top-tier all-inclusive yearly membership that’s cheaper than 2 nights in a median lodge!
To be a home sitter it is advisable to be dependable – in any case, somebody goes to depart you accountable for their dwelling, pets, and worldly possessions. Flexibility and flexibility are additionally essential, each in regard to arrival and departure dates, duties you might be requested to do, and new environment that is probably not what you’re acquainted with.
Consideration to element is one other essential talent for changing into a profitable home sitter. The hosts could depart particular requests for his or her dwelling with regard to vegetation or pets and these must be adopted to a tee. Being an outgoing and pleasant individual will guarantee your hosts really feel completely satisfied and assured when heading off leaving you accountable for their dwelling.
In Conclusion
I’ve maybe seen extra of Italy than I’ve my very own nation. It’s one place that I’ve really missed having such quick access to since leaving the UK. Being able to jump over from Stansted Airport on an inexpensive Ryanair flight for the weekend was a luxurious I took benefit of many instances.
Home sitting in Italy over the previous couple of years, has allowed me to immerse myself much more within the tradition of such a beautiful nation. While you spend time within the ‘actual’ Italy you get to see a lot greater than the vacationer spots can supply. And though these spots are equally great, it’s the depth of home sitting experiences that really make them memorable.
There are tons of of Italian houses presently ready for functions, so get your self signed up as we speak.
