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Living Like a Local: Exploring Italy’s Hidden Gems Beyond the Big Cities
09/18/24 • 62 min
Hello, everyone, and welcome back to A New Life in Italy, where we dive into everything you need to know about life, travel, and the incredible journey of moving to Italy. I’m your host, and today we’re going to explore a topic that most people strive to accomplish, but often dont know exactly how—how to experience the authentic Italian lifestyle by traveling to smaller towns and lesser-known spots, and living like a local, rather than sticking to the usual tourist destinations.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I love Rome, Florence, and Venice just as much as the next person, and they’re absolutely worth visiting. But for those of you who are planning to move to Italy one day or simply want to experience a more authentic, laid-back version of Italian life, there’s so much more to discover beyond the big cities.
In this episode, we’re going to talk about how you can explore Italy through its smaller towns and off-the-beaten-path villages. We’ll dive into how you can connect with local culture, experience the slower pace of life, and really understand what it’s like to live like an Italian.
To help guide us through this conversation, I have two very special guests today: Zeneba Bowers and Matt Walker, you may know them from Little Roads Europe.
They are experts in finding these little gems, and helping you experience traveling like a local.
So, if you are planning your next Italian adventure, or are already here and want to go beyond the IG spots, and get a true account of what the italian lifestyle is really like, stick around because this is going to be good.
Resources:
Rate, Review, & Follow
If you loved this episode and want to hear more, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move toward their new life in Italy and live the life they deserve.
Tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!
If you want to learn more about ways that my team and I can help you live your dream life in Italy, visit us at www.smartmoveitaly.com or send me an email!
Until next time!
Ci vediamo!
Mentioned in this episode:
Hello, everyone, and welcome back to A New Life in Italy, where we dive into everything you need to know about life, travel, and the incredible journey of moving to Italy. I’m your host, and today we’re going to explore a topic that most people strive to accomplish, but often dont know exactly how—how to experience the authentic Italian lifestyle by traveling to smaller towns and lesser-known spots, and living like a local, rather than sticking to the usual tourist destinations.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I love Rome, Florence, and Venice just as much as the next person, and they’re absolutely worth visiting. But for those of you who are planning to move to Italy one day or simply want to experience a more authentic, laid-back version of Italian life, there’s so much more to discover beyond the big cities.
In this episode, we’re going to talk about how you can explore Italy through its smaller towns and off-the-beaten-path villages. We’ll dive into how you can connect with local culture, experience the slower pace of life, and really understand what it’s like to live like an Italian.
To help guide us through this conversation, I have two very special guests today: Zeneba Bowers and Matt Walker, you may know them from Little Roads Europe.
They are experts in finding these little gems, and helping you experience traveling like a local.
So, if you are planning your next Italian adventure, or are already here and want to go beyond the IG spots, and get a true account of what the italian lifestyle is really like, stick around because this is going to be good.
Resources:
Rate, Review, & Follow
If you loved this episode and want to hear more, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move toward their new life in Italy and live the life they deserve.
Tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!
If you want to learn more about ways that my team and I can help you live your dream life in Italy, visit us at www.smartmoveitaly.com or send me an email!
Until next time!
Ci vediamo!
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Previous Episode
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Start Here If You Want to Move to Italy
In this episode of "A New Life in Italy," I took you on a deep dive into the must-know steps and key considerations for anyone dreaming of making the big move to Italy. We started by getting crystal clear on the 'why' behind your move—because knowing your motivations is the first step to creating a life that truly lights you up. Then, we explored how to choose the perfect location that aligns with your lifestyle (because, let's face it, Italy has so much to offer, and finding your ideal spot is everything!).
We didn't stop there—I walked you through the often tricky visa process, shared tips on budgeting for Italy's cost of living, and unpacked the ins and outs of healthcare options. Plus, I shared practical advice on how to truly integrate into your new community and why having a long-term plan is non-negotiable for a smooth transition.
I also answered some of your burning questions—like how to navigate renting with pets, the steps to apply for residency if you're a non-citizen married to an Italian, and whether it's worth touring different areas before settling down.
This episode was all about laying the groundwork for a successful move to Italy, and I can’t stress enough the importance of thorough research and planning. And, before I forget, I’m thrilled to announce an upcoming boot camp designed just for those of you seriously considering this life-changing move. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!
Rate, Review, & Follow
If you loved this episode and want to hear more, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move toward their new life in Italy and live the life they deserve.
Tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!
If you want to learn more about ways that my team and I can help you live your dream life in Italy, visit us at www.smartmoveitaly.com or send me an email!
Until next time!
Ci vediamo!
Mentioned in this episode:
Next Episode
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New Beginnings With The Girl in Florence
Welcome back to A New Life in Italy! Today, I’ve got a truly special guest and an incredible conversation lined up for you. If you’ve ever dreamed of moving to Italy, not just for the beautiful views and pasta, but to actually start a family and raise children here, then this episode is for you.
I’m sitting down with none other than Georgette, the creator of the popular blog A Girl in Florence. G
Hello and welcome to another episode of A New Life in Italy, where we explore all aspects of living and thriving in Italy. I’m your host, and today we have a special guest joining us—someone who has been a key voice in the expat community in Florence long before the influencer wave even began. I’m talking about none other than Georgette, best known by her blog and social media presence as A Girl in Florence.
Georgette is an American who’s been living in Italy for over 15 years, and she’s built an amazing life here with her French husband and their daughter, Annabelle. But here’s the twist—Georgette’s journey didn’t end when she made the move to Florence. In fact, she’s now navigating a whole new chapter: raising a child in Italy.
What does it really take to raise a family in a foreign country? How different is parenting in Italy compared to the U.S. or even Switzerland, where Georgette and her family lived for three years? And what is it like to raise a child in a city as historic and vibrant as Florence?
We’re going to get into all of that, and trust me, you won’t want to miss the insights Georgette has to share about juggling motherhood, cultural adaptation, and finding community in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
So, whether you’re dreaming about raising kids in Italy or just curious about what life is like as an expat parent, stay tuned. This episode is packed with honest, real-life experiences and tips that might just inspire your next move.
Resources:
Rate, Review, & Follow
If you loved this episode and want to hear more, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move toward their new life in Italy and live the life they deserve.
Tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!
If you want to learn more about ways that my team and I can help you live your dream life in Italy, visit us at www.smartmoveitaly.com or send me an email!
Until next time!
Ci vediamo!
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