If your job takes you to Europe, take full advantage of tourist activities during your downtime!
And if your job doesn’t take you to Europe, figure out a way to work remotely while immersing yourself in another culture and new experiences.
Now that I’m an expat in London, I fuel by Bleisure Living wanderlust by exploring the continent.
I just spent a wonderful 24 hours in Pisa, Italy. Here are my must-dos if you’re planning your own Bleisure Living escapades.
- The tower! Of course, no visit to this city would be complete without seeing the Leaning Tower. I highly recommend booking the complete ticket of the grounds which for just 7 extra euros includes admission to 6 different museums and historic sites. There is a fantastic terrace bar at the back of the breathtaking Opera del Dumo Museum that’s for sure worth a visit. Remember, this is a top tourist attraction so book tickets early in advance to secure your spot. There is more to do than just the tower, check out the historical Blue Palace or consider taking a informative 1 hour golf cart tour to maximize your experience. You also may not know that Pisa is home to the world’s oldest botanical garden, and that entry is just 4 euros!
- The food and drinks: You can’t go wrong in this Northern Italian food gem where prices are extremely low and friendliness extremely high. We felt warmly greeted throughout our visit. And don’t forget to check out coffee shops in the city center which have fast wifi, perfect for getting work done. I did notice a general lack of chargers (our hotel room only had one) so this is a great trip to bring a powerbank, I love the Juice brand! Top places I’d recommend for meals are: Il Peperoncino for pastas and La Taverna di Pulcinella for Pizzas. Our hotel, Hotel Bologna also had a fabulous amenity of a cheap in-room bar, including local Prosecco for 5 euros and local snacks for less than 1.
- The working: As soon as my plane landed, thanks to the Airalo app, I was able to be connected before reaching the arrivals hall and was pleased with how fast my cell service was. I was also thrilled with the quietness and calmness of the VIP Airport Lounge at the Pisa Airport, accessible via Priority Pass, and got hours of work done on their fast Wi-Fi with great free coffee to match. If you need to ZOOM or hunker down on a work project before your flight, you can get a day pass.
Wherever you are, the Bleisure Living lifestyle is almost always possible. Take these tips and make the most of your experience in one of Italy’s most extraordinary cities.
