Somewhere at 21 I found myself in the beautiful region of Veneto living and working on a campsite. Maybe, it doesn’t sound too glamorous, but what an experience it was. Working in Italy came into my life very unexpected. I just graduated college and was looking for a way to get out of Amsterdam. I applied not thinking much of it. A few weeks later I was in Italy.
A guide to being a Holiday Representative
What is a Holiday Rep?
Camping in Europe is big. Hundreds of thousand of families take self-drive holidays to campsites all over the continent to relax and enjoy the sun. Being a Holiday Representatives is ensuring that families enjoy their holiday. Seasonal work comes in a lot of different forms, but one of the most popular role is a holiday rep on a campsite.
What is seasonal work?
Season work is what it says. A job that is seasonal, as in it only lasts for a particular season. Camping lasts the summer season in Europe from May – October usually. I found myself arriving in Venice in March. A lot of regular seasonal workers do a summer season and then a winter ski season in the Alps.
Different types of camping jobs
The role of a Holiday Representative is the most popular, but roles on campsites do vary. There are jobs to suit all depending on your language and skill set. Think of:
- Park Managers
- Assistant Managers
- Team Leader
- Couple Holiday Representatives
- Kids Club Representatives
- Maintenance
- Reception
Season work is perfect for people who want to travel whilst making money. Or anyone looking to save up whilst living and working in another country.
A tip on picking a campsite Live areas can get grim with lots of people partying and living in a small space. If you prefer a more chilled experience a smaller campsite may be more suited to you. Its always worth suggesting that in your interview to avoid an unwanted wild experience.
The perks of being a Holiday Rep: social life
The experiences I had were filled with long fun-fueled nights and making friends for life. One of the biggest perks of being a holiday rep is the social side of things. I worked, danced, cried and laughed with these people. You live where you work and work where you live. This sounds like a bit much, but when you live in paradise and are only required to work a few hours each morning before heading to the pool, it isn’t really all that bad.
Travelling Italy
I worked on campsites that were located near big cities or other areas you’d want to travel to. In my summer season I spent a lot of time in Venice and all the places around it. I went on a lot of road trips with the friends I made during the season.
Apart from Venice a few notable places I got to see where Florence, The Dolomites, Lake Garda, Verona and Milan. I event went to Ljubljana in Slovenia!
The living arrangements
You either stay in a shared mobile home or a tent depending on your campsite. All accommodations whether it’s a mobile home or a tent are free of charge as it is part of your role. You will have access to water, electricity and cooking facilities along with a bed in a room. Now, I understand that tent life isn’t for everyone so make sure you know what kind of accommodation you’re staying at prior to working.
A few tips on surviving a summer season
- Drink the tap wine – you take your own bottle to the shop and they fill it up for you. It’s cheap enough to drink all the time and still quite tasty
- Mosquito repellent and mosquito nets are life – being covered in bites is not a great look and in Italy especially the mosquitoes are really bad.
- Learn to ride a bike – your bike will become your best friend during your season
- Become a chef – not really, but learn to cook pasta if you don’t already know how to and get used to it you have limited kitchen appliances so get inventive.
- Make friends and memories every single day!
I was lucky enough to work in Italy. I spend a summer in Venice and hopefully will spend another summer next year.
