We surveyed our 20,000 strong community and here are the top 6 nomad and house sitting questions you want answers to now!
Welcome back to Travel Live Learn and happy new-podcast-day! Yay! After a bit of a hiatus while we settled in after our big move from Australia to the UK – puppy in tow – we’re excited to share a brand new episode of Freedom and Four Paws.
Over the past couple of months, we’ve surveyed our popular nomad and house sitting Facebook Group, and have garnered insight into 6 BIG questions on everyone’s minds. Given this insight, we have pulled together the questions and answers into a handy 30-minute ep!
Travel FAQ 2023-24 – 6 nomad and house sitting questions
In this episode hear responses to top-of-mind questions on:
How and where to find house sits
The way to keep your cool in the face of tricky travel and booking logistics
Is AI useful for us as nomads and house sitters?
Logistics for getting set up as a digital nomad or global remote worker
How to find your tribe and stay motivated (some additional advice here on that if you need it)
Who should get paid as a house sitter?
We recently published some similar content that received a lot of views and questions. The post was called 3 Big Questions House Sitters Are Asking. This podcast complements that information.
Show notes and resources
In this episode, we’re thrilled to share several helpful resources with you. First and foremost, you can sign up for our FREE 4-part email series, House Sitting 101. To secure your space, simply click here.
In addition, our YouTube channel is absolutely brimming with invaluable house sitting and digital nomad tips and tricks. To make sure you don’t miss out on any of these, you can subscribe here.
Furthermore, we also offer the House Sitting 101 Essentials Pack. This can significantly enhance your understanding and experience with house sitting. To get yours, just click here.
Last but not least, we’ve created an eBook entitled “7 Essential Strategies for Maximising Your Use of ChatGPT”. If you want to optimise your interactions with ChatGPT, you can get your copy here.
Join us on our podcasting adventures as we hear inspiring stories from amazing people traveling the world. They’re living their best life, often with their pets in tow!
Subscribe now and never miss an episode featuring excellent tips on how to slow travel, successfully work remotely or as a digital nomad, and house + pet sit. We’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google podcasts or your favourite podcasting app. Search ‘Freedom and Four Paws’
As a valued audience member, enjoy 10% OFF at our affiliate partner Cloudy – relieve stress throughout the day straight to a soothing sleep at night, visit trycloudy.com and use the code FREEDOM10.
And if you’re a fellow traveller and pet lover who is keen to share your story and inspire the world, visit exhalemediagroup.com and mention FREEDOM20 for 20% OFF any purchased service including personalised storytelling coaching.
SIGN UP: TO TRUSTED HOUSE SITTERS HERE AND ENJOY 25% OFF! It’s on our VIP mailing list, including other freebies.
If you have been considering a new setting for your remote office, here’s why you should look no further than to work from Kalamata in Greece as a digital nomad! With its vibrant atmosphere, excellent amenities, and commitment to sustainability, Kalamata is ideal for digital nomads. After visiting recently and having a new-found interest in remote working ourselves, Cooper and I started imagining what it would be to like to live and work here. Following are are five of our insights as to why you should consider working from Kalamata as a digital nomad.
Kalamata, Greece
This wonderful spot is the economic, commercial and cultural centre of South Peloponnese in Greece. It is the capital city of the Messinia region and serves 100,000 people every day. Kalamata is a modern all-year round bustling destination with a rich history and a multitude of attractions. Nestled at the apex of the Messinian Bay, it is known for its stunning coastline, lush mountains, and delicious local produce.
Why work from Kalamata in Greece as a digital nomad?
Kalamata is renowned for its Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This creates a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking, swimming, or simply relaxing on the beautiful beaches. Kalamata’s beach, a long stretch of sand and pebbles, is one of the city’s main attractions. It is frequently awarded the Blue Flag for its cleanliness and the quality of its facilities.
The cityscape is a fascinating blend of old and new, where contemporary architecture coexists with historic buildings. The Old Town of Kalamata, situated at the foot of the Kalathi Mountain, is a must-visit area. Its narrow alleys, traditional houses, Byzantine churches, and the imposing Kalamata Castle, offer a trip back in time. The modern city, on the other hand, is vibrant and lively, brimming with shops, cafes, and eateries.
Culture and history
Kalamata is also a city of culture, hosting a variety of events throughout the year. It is home to the International Dance Festival, which is held every summer and attracts performers from all over the world. The city also houses a range of museums. These include the excellent Archaeological Museum of Messinia and the Folklore and History Museum.
Find out more about all that’s on offer in Kalamata. Visit the Municipality of Kalamata’s website here. Start by browsing the ‘visitors’ section.
Kalamata’s famous foodie delights!
Kalamata is known worldwide for its olives and olive oil. This produce is considered some of the best in the world. We would agree – especially after having the chance to attend the city’s annual Food Stories event (pictured below)!
The local cuisine is a gastronomic delight. Traditional tavernas serve a multitude of dishes made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Food lovers will particularly enjoy the local markets on every Wednesday to Saturday. Score deals on the famed Kalamata olives, local honey, figs, and the region’s renowned wines.
Kalamata is a city that charms its visitors with its diverse offerings. These include beautiful natural scenery and vibrant lifestyle, rich history and cultural heritage. And let’s not forget its delectable local cuisine. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, a foodie, or a culture enthusiast, Kalamata has something for everyone.
5 great reasons to work remotely from Kalamata in Greece
Which brings me back to why you might want to work from Kalamata in Greece as a digital nomad! Obviously before planning to move here to live and work, you need to check your eligibility. If you’re not being sponsored to move, you may be eligible for a digital nomad visa in Greece. Here’s more info on that.
Our five picks for why this is a secret gem on the digital nomad map:
Awesome lifestyle opportunities in Kalamata for digital nomads
Kalamata offers an amazing quality of life – great weather and a lively atmosphere year-round. The cost of living is reasonable, making it easy for digital nomads to enjoy the many attractions and activities here. Whether you prefer spending your days lounging on the beach, hiking in the nearby Taygetos Mountains, or exploring the bustling city centre, Kalamata has something for everyone.
Terrific remote working amenities
Kalamata is well-equipped for digital nomads, offering top-notch remote working facilities, such as the fantastic co-working space Phaos ΚΟΙΝΣΕΠ (House by Phaos). The city is continuously investing in its internet and infrastructure, ensuring that you’ll always be connected and able to work efficiently. With reliable Wi-Fi and plenty of cafes and public spaces to work from, you’ll find it easy to stay productive in Kalamata.
The Work From Kalamata website is quite new too. Browse it here for more information about working remotely in this region.
Sustainable focus
This wonderful place is committed to environmental sustainability. Its people and leaders are passionate about taking care of their own backyard. The municipality is actively involved in European initiatives to make a real impact on the environment. Kalamata is one of the European Commission’s 100 ‘smart cities’ across the EU that have committed commit to a goal of climate-neutrality by 2030.
By choosing Kalamata as your remote work location, you’ll be supporting a community that is taking active steps towards a greener future.
Getting around in Kalamata, Greece
Navigating Kalamata is a breeze, as the city is compact and easily walkable or cyclable. If you prefer public transportation, the city’s bus system is efficient and regular, making it simple to get around. Need to travel further? There’s a quick bus to Athens (pictured below) that runs along a new highway, getting you to the capital in under three hours. And with an international airport located in Kalamata, exploring the rest of Greece or Europe is just a flight away.
History and culture – what can a digital nomad immerse in while living in Kalamata?
Kalamata is rich in history and culture, offering an abundance of attractions for you to explore during your downtime. Discover thousands of years of history as you visit ancient ruins, historic castles, and archaeological sites. The local food and wine scene is also incredible, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Immerse yourself in Greek culture and cuisine while you work remotely in this stunning city.
Kalamata offers an unparalleled experience for digital nomads, combining a fantastic lifestyle, excellent remote working amenities, and a commitment to sustainability. With easy access to both the city’s attractions and the rest of Greece, Kalamata is the perfect destination for those seeking a unique and fulfilling remote work experience.
Got questions or comments? Let us know in the space below or get in touch on social media :)
Split in Croatia – if you’ve not been, you should know it’s a favourite stop for travellers and digital nomads alike. Imagine a city bathed in the warm, golden glow of the Mediterranean sun, gently lapped by the crystal clear Adriatic sea, and brimming with ancient history. The city is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, and a haven for remote workers. But, as luck would have it, during our week-long visit, we were greeted not by the usual sunny splendour of Split, but by persistent rain and storms.
What to do as a digital nomad in Split… in the rain?
Even the stormy weather couldn’t dampen our spirits. Instead, it offered us a unique perspective on this Croatian gem. We discovered that Split has a magnetic charm that can be felt whether it’s bathed in sunlight or soaked in raindrops. This post is a guide to spending 48 hours in Split as a digital nomad, whatever the weather.
Morning – get a taste of the best coffee in town
Kickstart your day at D16, widely known as the best coffee spot in town. Numerous digital nomads have blogged about this spot and recommended it. While it is small, you could definitely pull up a seat for an hour or two and get some work done.
As we were walking in, two American travellers happily announced to us how good the coffee was. A good sign!
The friendly and laid-back atmosphere makes it a perfect place to get some work done early in the day.
Late morning – settle into a co-working space
Once you’ve had your caffeine fix, head over to Smartspace. We like this place because of its central location. If you are a digital nomad on a deadline, for €20 you can drop in for half a day and work. In exchange for paying for space, you’ll enjoy a stimulating environment surrounded by others working remotely. The good wifi, comfortable working stations, and a community of like-minded individuals create an environment conducive to productivity.
The other great thing about a co-working space like this is the people you meet. Sometimes working remotely can feel a bit isolating, and finding your tribe really helps. You can read more about that here.
Afternoon – lunch and work on the spectacular waterfront
Once the clock strikes twelve, make your way to the waterfront and settle into a quiet spot at Basta Bar. Not only is it a fantastic restaurant, but it also welcomes remote workers looking for a scenic spot to work. Just keep in mind that they don’t start serving food until midday, so plan your schedule accordingly.
You can come here in the morning and find a quiet spot to work, and drinks are still served. This spot was recommended in this blog about some of the best cafes and restaurants in Split to work as a digital nomad.
Evening – retiring at lux local accommodation
After a productive day, head back to New Lux Villa Merissima. We found a great deal on this gorgeous property on Booking.com. It’s a comfortable place and more than just a hotel – its common area downstairs is a great place to work if you’re stuck finding space in busy cafes and restaurants in Split. Plus, after a long day, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a lovely temporary home.
Exploring Split
Of course, your stay in Split shouldn’t be all work and no play. Make the most of the dry spells by joining a walking tour. We found several great options on Airbnb Experiences, run by passionate locals who can show you the hidden gems of this historical city.
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, don’t fret. There are numerous food and wine experiences available on Airbnb too. Or you can try sites like Get Your Guide or Viator for a huge variety of local adventures.
Food experiences in particular can be a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn more about the region’s unique offerings – all while staying dry!
Bonus tips – where to eat
For quick and healthy meals, try Good Food along the Split Waterfront. The ‘Magnificent Seven’ good bowl is as delicious as it is affordable. For breakfast or brunch, you can’t miss Feel Green – I highly recommend the Buckwheat Bowl. Lastly, for a lovely dining experience with good prices, head to Kavana Bar & Cuisine. Cooper and I had excellent experiences at all three of these places.
Split offers a rich experience for digital nomads and remote workers, even when the weather is less than ideal. If you’re after more inspiration for wet weather activities here, this post offers further ideas. And if you’re looking for info on how Croatia attracts and supports remote workers, take a look here at what the Croatian National Tourist Board has to say.
The city effortlessly combines work and leisure, providing a wide range of options for every preference and budget. We can’t wait to return (to hopefully share some sunny weather excursions with you).
Often when we think about remote work and community it’s easy to imagine some sort of YouTube or TikTok dream. You know, the one where everyone lands in Bali, operates from a cool coworking (or co-living) space, and enjoy coffee and nights out together? They swap contacts and support each other, often collaborating and finding freedom and fame by the beach.
I’m sure it is like that for some people.
But for many, finding community while we work remotely isn’t that simple.
Cooper and I recently relocated back to the UK on an Ancestry Visa. We love living in England. There’s so much opportunity here professionally speaking. Socially too, in the right situation. I also love most things about working remotely. We have the tech and the know-how to get things done easily. Many employers ‘get it’ too, so there’s no clock watching across time zones – trust exists. And, there are some wellbeing benefits associated with not having to be ‘on’ all day in an office.
Why then, last weekend over lunch, did it dawn on us that we feel a bit “meh”?
What’s going on with remote work then?
A CBS report we spotted on YouTube, shared that now over 17 million Americans call themselves digital nomads. That is, they are Americans living and working in other parts of the world.
In a stat that surprised me, CBS reported that two thirds of these so-called digital nomads were not freelancing or setting up their own businesses. Not at all. They are in fact working remotely for an American-based company.
And this is just Americans we’re talking about here. What about remote workers from all other corners of the globe?
There are now dozens of countries in Europe alone that offer what’s called a Digital Nomad visa, and we’ve seen plenty more options to apply for the same sort of thing around the world. In fact, Colombia is one of the latest off the rank to offer a digital nomad visa, and it’s quickly gaining traction as one of the most popular! (count us in…one day!).
A digital nomad visa enables the holder to legitimately work remotely from a different country, complying with tax rules and enjoying temporary resident status.
‘Remote working’ and ‘digital nomads’ are not new concepts, but they are now far more common than pre-COVID. Cooper and I have been interested in this space since 2019 and I am blown away by the changes we’ve witnessed since going through a global pandemic. Obviously, there are significant workforce challenges being faced by employers due to this change, but this post isn’t about that (although with my ‘Internal Comms Manager’ hat on, I could write a few posts about it…).
I’m in a position to work remotely and experience the benefits and drawbacks of it for the first time, which is how we’ve ended up writing this piece.
Remote work and community
Back to community. I wonder if there’s a tendency to undervalue it when it’s there? From neighbours to friends and colleagues – the incidental banter, conversation and learning that goes on is important for our own development.
With millions of people around the world now working remotely, not all of them can possibly be living that happy collaborative Bali dream.
As a remote worker, you may find yourself in a country where your first language isn’t as widely spoken – this can potentially make it harder to find your tribe. Similarly, if you’re in a regional area rather than a capital or big city, there may be fewer networking opportunities.
Cooper and I have been exploring what works for us and wanted to share our experience in case it helps anyone else in a similar situation.
1. Local area – sports and recreation
The first big tip from us is to find a local sports or active meetup. Often the mere act of getting involved trumps the ability to communicate in your first language. Cooper, being more sporty than me, has always made heaps of friends by proactively asking around for how to get involved in anything from footy to running clubs.
It takes a bit of guts to get yourself out there, but this path usually reaps rewards and long-term friends.
Volunteering is a great alternative if, like me, you’re not as sporty as Cooper but happy to have a chat and turn your hand to anything. There are some great opportunities happening in the UK in this space as part of the King’s coronation!
As dog owners, we also always find ‘dog people’ friends at local parks. And you should keep an eye out for interest-based meetups like Yoga or meditation workshops, creative or activity based events.
2. Find an industry conference ora remote work/digital nomad event
If you know a little about us, you have heard us rave about TBEX before. While attending something like this does mean you need to travel, there’s a high chance you’ll connect with like-minded people and form forever-friendships with people who ‘get’ what you’re doing.
There are now plenty of digital nomad and remote working conferences too, e.g. Running Remote just ran a fantastic conference in Lisbon. Again, these attract people from all different industries and parts of the world. But, everyone has the remote work aspect in common. Connections made at events like this are often life-long and continue authentically online despite distance.
3. Check what’s on offer from your company
If your workplace presents remote work as an option, chances are it’s a big enough company to be offering great opportunities for connection too. Get online and have a look over your company’s intranet or Slack/Yammer channels to discover what social groups are available for team members who share common interests and purpose.
Some of these groups offer a unique chance to not just connect, but to make a meaningful difference to company culture, ‘belonging’ and mentoring schemes. If you’re unsure where to start, get in touch with your workplace’s internal communications or HR team who I’m sure will help you out.
Showing up consistently to add your support and get involved helps to add structure and purpose in your day. And, you’re making a difference from wherever you may be.
I’ve found it’s also really important to participate in meetings and video calls where you can, even if you need to juggle time-zones. Having the chance to collaborate and brainstorm with my team mates from abroad first thing in the morning usually adds a spring to my step and sets the tone for my day.
4. Finding community online
This one isn’t so much about just adding yourself to just any Facebook, Reddit, LinkedIn or Slack community. It is about finding which community resonates with you, where you hang out.
Where are you most likely to be so you can authentically interact with an online group and find real connection?
This piece by We Work Remotely offers a few handy tips on how to optimise your favourite channel (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Reddit, Slack) to make meaningful connections while you work remotely.
5. Create your own community!
Can’t find a local meetup or online community that’s right for you, or want more? You may not be alone…
Take to Facebook or Meetup and set up an event at a nearby coffee shop, pub, museum or park. You could theme it (e.g. ‘creative meetup’ or ‘expat meetup’) and see what interest you can raise. Sometimes these things take a little time too, so give it a consistent go for a few months to see who you can attract to your online or IRL meetup.
Acting as the connector yourself means you’re making a huge difference to other people. It also potentially helps to add to your professional and personal brand or reputation which can lead to new friends, business leads and opportunities of all kinds.
Here’s our story about how we accidently created our own community, and how we make the most of it now :)
Remote work resources
If you are in a similar situation to us and working remotely yourself, here’s some of our fave resources that support work/life experience in 2023:
In this episode of Freedom and Four Paws, we share some insight on how to make the most of a house and pet sitting and digital nomad community.
Your digital nomad community and house sitting friends!
We cover three key aspects:
the people you meet along the way;
networking in like-minded online spaces;
and getting involved at niche in-person gatherings for travellers or digital nomads.
As house and sitters ourselves, and the group admins of a popular Facebook Group on the topic, we’ve experienced the very best of what this exceptional travel niche has to offer.
Our eyes were originally opened to this wonderful house and pet sitting community when we first took to the road for about eight months travelling, house and pet sitting throughout the UK and Europe.
Each sit saw us meet fun, interesting, smart and creative people. We are actually still friends with all the home owners that we’ve sat for. Some of those people we are actively in touch with on WhatsApp and Messenger three years later!
We went into this for the pets, as you’ll see in some of our other videos. But what we didn’t expect was to come out with so many friends – all with a wonderful story of their own. Take Teresa and Geoff in Malta, or Andy and Helen in Sharnbrook for example.
Getting your doggie fix
When we were living in London, we desperately missed having a dog. We did sign up to a new service called Borrow My Doggy. It offers animal lovers like us the chance to connect with people who want to share their pups for a play in the park or walk. The service was so popular that the ratio of borrowers to doggies available was out of proportion. Lots of people want a furry friend, it seems.
Later on, we came across TrustedHousesitters, and the rest is history!
We started out doing short local sits in the city to get our pet fix and build our reviews, then we took the show on the road.
Building the community – pet sitters, nomads and wanderlust
We got so into the house sitting scene that – just for fun – we started a Facebook Group to attract like-minded souls. Our intention was to connect with people who saw the world the way we did: through dogs, travel and a search for freedom that sees us living and working wherever we want, whenever we want.
COVID obviously put a cold hard halt on our dreams for a couple of years, especially as we ended up in Australia, which was one of the last countries to open up a good two years after the pandemic began.
Our Facebook Group continued to thrive though, and at time of writing is very near to 15,000 members! The Facebook community has offered great conversation, and it’s so heartening to see how many people swap services on there, find their next sit/sitter and help each other with advice.
Travel communities and learning more
Another of our favourite ways to build community in the travel space is by attending conferences.
One of our very favourites is TBEX where you can meet like minded people and learn how to better your craft.
It’s well worth the investment attending something like TBEX. The learning is inspiring and motivating. The travel is extraordinary. But the unexpected benefit is the international friends you walk away with!
Of course, the next one we shall attend is in Greece in 2023… can’t deny we are really pumped about that!
Join us on our podcasting adventures as we hear inspiring stories from amazing people travelling the world. They’re living their best life, often with their pets in tow!
In this episode of Freedom and Four Paws, find out about how valuable a global travel community can be for your work and wellbeing.
Have you found a community through house and pet sitting? Let us know about your experiences in the comments and tag those who you have met along the way.
Subscribe now and never miss an episode featuring excellent tips on how to slow travel, successfully work remotely or as a digital nomad, and house + pet sit. We’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google podcasts or your favourite podcasting app. Search ‘Freedom and Four Paws’
Freedom and Four Paws is brought to you by Travel Live Learn.com.
As a valued audience member, enjoy 10% OFF at our affiliate partner Cloudy – relieve stress throughout the day straight to a soothing sleep at night, visit trycloudy.com and use the code FREEDOM10.
And if you’re a fellow traveller and pet lover who is keen to share your story and inspire the world, visit exhalemediagroup.com and mention FREEDOM20 for 20% OFF any purchased service including personalised storytelling coaching.
Welcome! We are Sarah + Cooper, Aussie expats living in the UK with our Westie dog, London. We like to inspire on how to travel for longer and to live and work from anywhere. Our most popular content here is about seeing the world with your pet, remote working & digital nomadism, and house + pet sitting. Create a global life of your dreams at any age! Subscribe to find out more :)
TLL SHOP!
Grab our NEW 2024 guides:
Master House Sitting with Our Must-Have 101 Essentials eGuide! Buy It Here
And, 7 Essential Strategies for Maximizing Your Use of ChatGPT eBookBuy it here
Also, Visit Our Amazon Storefront! Shop Here!
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
![The best of digital nomad Split – 48 hours, rain or shine! [2024 Guide]](https://www.travellivelearn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Split-in-the-rain-what-to-do-in-48-hours-1080x675.jpg)
