K’s Weekend in Tuscany
Every week, our au pairs check in with a quick diary of how things are going — the sweet moments, the tricky ones, and everything in between. Here’s what K shared after a weekend spent exploring Siena and the coast near Rome.
What were you grateful for this week?
Random hugs from one of the kids.
What was the most challenging part of this week?
Figuring out the best way to communicate with my host mom.
Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week.
I helped my host mom outside my designated hours. I was glad to do it because it really showed the kids that I was happy to be there, and they seemed to treat me like an older sister.
Tell us about your week!
This week was actually amazing! I’m having so much fun with the other girls here in Rome. Two of us went to Siena on Saturday. I don’t even really know how to begin to explain how incredible Siena was. S and I just had a nice relaxing day. We didn’t really have a plan, which actually was great. We got pizza, we went to the Duomo of Siena, and we just explored! Taking photos and walking around without a plan is sometimes the best thing.
After a long day of exploring, Sunday we went for another relaxing day. We went to Santa Marinella! I couldn’t believe how beautiful the beach was. It was so calm, peaceful, and clean. The water was so clear and the sand so hot! We laid out in the sand, then grabbed lunch. It was funny when we got lunch because it took foreveeeerrr to arrive — they actually brought us free appetizers and wine because it took so long. It was really kind, because we were just there to relax.
After a nice long day and a few sunburns, we headed home. All in all, this weekend was amazing and I am just loving traveling around Italy! I can’t wait for the coming weekend because we have some more travel planned.
FAQ: Weekend Travel as an Au Pair in Italy
Do au pairs in Italy get weekends off to travel?
Yes — au pair schedules are built around set weekly hours with your host family, and weekends are typically free time you can use to explore nearby towns, day-trip to places like Siena, or relax at the coast.
Is Santa Marinella a good beach day trip from Rome?
Santa Marinella is a popular coastal town near Rome known for calm, clear water, making it a favorite easy getaway for au pairs based in or around the city.
What’s the best way to get around Tuscany on weekends off?
Regional trains connect Rome to Tuscan towns like Siena fairly easily, and many au pairs travel together in small groups to split the cost and enjoy the day as a group.
How do au pairs bond with their host families?
Small, everyday moments — like the ones K describes — tend to build trust naturally over time. Showing up with warmth and flexibility, even outside your set hours now and then, often means more than any grand gesture.
Weekends like K’s — a beach day here, a hilltop town there — are just part of everyday life when you live abroad with Rome Abroad.
Part of the Rome Abroad team helping young women live and work abroad as au pairs since 2015.
