In this article, let’s explore house sitting and travelling and the best destinations to combine both.
House sitting is an affordable way to travel that has gained popularity in recent years. It involves taking care of someone’s home and pets while they are away in exchange for free accommodations.
House sitting offers a unique opportunity to experience a new place like a local while saving money on accommodation expenses.
There are many advantages to house sitting over traditional travel accommodations. For one, house sitting provides a sense of security as you are living in a home rather than a hotel or hostel. Additionally,
House sitting allows for more flexibility in travel plans, as you can choose dates that work for both the homeowner and the sitter.
Why house sitting is a growing trend
House sitting has become increasingly popular among travelers for several reasons. Firstly, it offers a unique opportunity to explore a new place while immersing oneself in the local culture.
By living in a local home, house sitters can experience a new place in a way that traditional tourists cannot. House sitters are often given insider tips by homeowners on the best local restaurants, attractions, and activities.
Another reason for the growth in the popularity of house sitting is the cost savings it provides. Accommodation expenses are one of the most significant costs associated with travel, and house sitting offers a way to eliminate this expense entirely. This allows travellers to stay in a destination for a longer period or use the money saved to splurge on activities or food.
Top Destinations for House Sitting
House sitting opportunities are available worldwide, but some destinations are better than others. Here are some of the best destinations for house sitting and travelling:
Europe:
Europe is a popular destination for house sitting due to its rich culture, history, and beautiful scenery. House sitting opportunities in Europe range from small countryside cottages to luxurious apartments in bustling cities.
Australia:
Australia is another popular destination for house sitting. Many homeowners in Australia need sitters to take care of their homes and pets while they go on vacation. House sitting in Australia offers the chance to explore its beautiful coastline, vast deserts, and unique wildlife.
New Zealand:
New Zealand is a picturesque country with stunning landscapes and friendly locals. House sitting in New Zealand is an excellent way to experience the country’s natural beauty while enjoying comfortable accommodations.
North America:
House sitting in North America offers opportunities to explore bustling cities, picturesque countryside, and everything in between. Whether you’re looking to explore the stunning national parks of the United States or the vibrant cities of Canada, there are plenty of house sitting opportunities available.
South America:
South America is an excellent destination for house sitting due to its diverse culture, beautiful landscapes, and friendly locals. House sitting in South America offers the chance to explore the stunning Andes mountains, the Amazon rainforest, and vibrant cities like Buenos Aires.
How to Find Opportunities
There are several ways to find house sitting opportunities. One of the most popular ways is to use a house sitting website. These websites allow homeowners to post house sitting opportunities, and sitters can create a profile to apply for positions.
Popular house sitting websites include TrustedHousesitters, Nomador, House Sit Mexico, and HouseCarers. Each website has its own unique features, so it’s essential to choose one that best suits your needs. For example, TrustedHousesitters has a large database of house sitting opportunities worldwide, while HouseCarers focuses more on opportunities in Australia and New Zealand.
To increase your chances of securing a house sitting position, it’s essential to build a strong profile. This should include a description of your experience, references from previous house sitting jobs, and a clear photo of yourself. Homeowners are more likely to choose sitters with excellent references and a well-written profile.
What to Expect When House Sitting
House sitting comes with a set of responsibilities that house sitters should be aware of. These responsibilities typically include taking care of the homeowner’s pets, maintaining the home, and possibly taking care of any outdoor plants or gardens.
Communication with the homeowner is critical to ensuring that both parties have a clear understanding of expectations. Sitters should ask questions about the homeowner’s expectations and responsibilities before agreeing to the job. It’s also essential to establish a clear line of communication, whether through email or phone, to stay in touch with the homeowner while they are away.
While house sitting can be a fantastic experience, unexpected challenges can arise. For example, pets may require unexpected medical attention or household appliances may break down. It’s essential to have a contingency plan in place and be prepared to handle unexpected situations. House sitters should have a list of emergency contacts, such as veterinarians or repair services, that they can call upon if needed.
Making the Most of House Sitting & Traveling
To make the most of house sitting and travelling, it’s essential to plan ahead and be flexible. Travellers should research potential house sitting opportunities well in advance and apply to positions that align with their travel plans.
When house sitting, it’s important to take advantage of the opportunity to experience the local culture fully. Travellers should explore the surrounding area, try new foods, and immerse themselves in the local customs.
Another way to make the most of house sitting is to use the cost savings to explore the surrounding area further. For example, if house sitting in Europe, a traveller could use the money saved on accommodation to take a trip to a nearby city or attraction.
Conclusion
House sitting offers a unique opportunity to travel affordably while immersing oneself in a new place. The popularity of house sitting continues to grow, with opportunities available worldwide. By building a strong profile, communicating effectively with homeowners, and being prepared for unexpected challenges, travellers can make the most of their house sitting experiences. Whether exploring the stunning natural landscapes of New Zealand or experiencing the vibrant culture of Buenos Aires, house sitting and traveling are excellent ways to see the world on a budget.
Have you considered house sitting as a way to see the world or a favourite destination? Let us know in the comments below—sharing is caring.
Mary Ann
I love to travel and my biggest regret is that I waited so long to do it, thinking I just couldn’t afford it. I have had some crazy fun, met some amazing people, and had some scary moments such as getting locked in a shower at a campsite. For our trip to Mexico, we were able to save money by house sitting, which was something completely new to us. If this is something that interests you, then check out TrustedHousesitters or HouseSitMexico (be sure and use Code thetr6210d47b7cc90). We hope you visit often.
