Ever tried house sitting? One of the most considerable costs of travelling is accommodation, but there is a way to avoid paying for it.
Many sites on the internet promote house sitting. Most of the time, all you have to do is look after a pet as well as the home and garden, and it's a win-win for both parties.
Make new friends while travelling.
I have looked after cats, dogs, gardens, and homes in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom for the past four years through house sitting. By saving money on accommodation, I have been able to see and do so much more travelling.
The sits can be anything from a day or two to weeks or even months.
Which housesitting sites you join is dependent on where you are travelling. You pay an annual fee of around $100 or less, and this then opens up a world of possibilities for where to travel.
The house sit could be anywhere from the inner city to acreage in a rural setting; all you have to do is apply and cross your fingers that you get chosen.
You also get to meet the locals.
My Experiences
My first sit was with a cat in Melbourne, and I had a bus stop right outside the house to take me into the city. It's little things, like public transport being close by, that make house sitting worthwhile.
Once again in Edinburgh, I had a bus stop nearly right outside the house. I was there for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and the homeowner had left their CitySmart card, which I could top up, as I frequently went into the city centre.
You never know who might turn up in a suburban backyard.
Once again, it's the little things that make travelling so much easier. Not only do you have the convenience of having a home to yourself, and public transport at your door, but also the thoughtfulness of homeowners leaving you their passes and what to explore in the area. Some even leave their car for you to use.
The Pets
I have only looked after cats and dogs, but you can also care for birds, reptiles, fish, and farm animals.
I don't think I'm going to get much writing done.
It's so nice to curl up on the couch watching TV with new friends.
There's nothing better than seeing a smile on their faces while the homeowners are away.
Taking the dogs for a walk every day, as well as playing catch out the back, also keeps you fit and healthy in mind and body.
Playing outside keeps us both entertained.
Not only do you make new friends with the pets, but you also make lifelong friendships with the homeowners.
Conclusion
Whether you're travelling for a long or short stay, house-sitting is a viable option for anyone.
Not only do you save money by house sitting, you make new friends, feel like a local and get to know a destination instead of flying through at breakneck speed.
House sitting has numerous advantages for the traveller, and hopefully, you will come to that conclusion too and give it a try. You'll have nothing to lose, but gain the ability to save money travelling by house sitting.
