Are you a pet lover that loves to travel and always trying to stay on budget? As someone who loves both, I know how challenging it can be to balance the joy of seeing new places with the costs of getting there.
Accommodation can be one of the biggest expenses while travelling, but I found an incredible way to save money. The real gem of my budget strategy is house-sitting. House sitting has been a real game changer for many of us who travel long-term.
House sitting, if you’re new to this term, is where you, as the traveller, get to stay in the host’s home for free in exchange for caring for their homes (and any pets associated with them) while the host is away.
That’s why I was thrilled to discover TrustedHousesitters. It’s a platform that perfectly combines my love for pets with my travel goals, letting me explore new destinations while caring for adorable animals – all without breaking the bank.
Let me share my experience and how it’s made my travels so much easier. From finding comfortable houses to stay to connecting with pet owners, TrustedHousesitters is truly a game changer.
At A Glance
I Was Sceptical At First…
In my years of budget travelling days, I’d heard of ways to live for free, such as via Couchsurfing and through house-sitting, but I was sceptical at first about it. The concept of staying in someone else’s home while caring for their pets felt a bit foreign to me.
However, after diving into the experience, I can confidently say that it has been absolutely amazing, and I highly recommend it to fellow travellers!
During my travels abroad, I’ve completed 2 major house sits – one in Bolivia for 2 months, and another in England for a month. Each of these experiences exceeded my expectations. If anything, it made me realise a home is not complete without some furry companions!
In all honesty, I haven’t met a traveller who’s done pet sitting and not enjoyed their experience.
House Sitting May Not Be Suitable For You If..
While house sitting offers fantastic opportunities for many travellers, it may not be the best fit for everyone. Here are a few reasons why some people might find it unsuitable:
- Limited Flexibility: House sitting often requires a commitment to specific dates, which might not work for those with unpredictable travel plans or last-minute schedules.
- Desire for Traditional Accommodations: For travellers who prefer the comforts of hotels or vacation rentals, the house-sitting experience can be quite different. It involves adapting to another person’s home, which might not suit everyone’s taste.
- Lack of Experience: If you’re not comfortable with pet care or have little experience with home maintenance, you might find the responsibilities daunting, especially in a stranger’s home.
- Preference for Structured Itineraries: If you prefer a planned travel itinerary with organised activities and tours, house sitting might not align with your travel style, as you have the responsibility to care for the house/ pets first and foremost.
My Bolivia Experience
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During my 2 months in Bolivia in October and November 2021, I found a verified and reviewed homeowner who not only welcomed us to their home and their 3 dogs and a cat, but also made sure we had everything we needed. This included a part-time helper and a full-fledged home for us to make our meals, be entertained, and work, and thick blankets to brave the cold weather.
The best part? I was able to stay in a cosy home, surrounded by furry companions, while being able to experience life in Bolivia like a local.
Each weekend, we’d cover a new area in Bolivia – La Paz, Lake Titicaca, heck, I even got to climb Huayna Potosi on my birthday!
What Is Trusted Housesitters
TrustedHousesitters is one such platform where homeowners post listings looking for someone to look after their home and pets while they’re away all around the world, and it’s where I’ve secured house sits.
My experience in London was transformed by this service, allowing me to explore the city without breaking the bank. I was looking for a way to explore the local culture while keeping costs low, and TrustedHousesitters provided the perfect solution.
One of my favourite aspects of TrustedHousesitters is the opportunity to connect with incredible people through the platform.
Whether you’re seeking a free place to stay or just want the joy of caring for animals, TrustedHousesitters offers an opportunity to create lasting memories in new places. It truly is a unique way to explore your destinations’ cultures and meet fellow pet enthusiasts, all while keeping your travel budget in check.
What Made Me Choose TrustedHousesitters
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Safe And Trusted Sit
Before my first house sit, I had a lot of concerns, as I was worried about whether the homeowners would be nice or if their pets might behave differently than I expected.
What made a huge difference is the opportunity to chat with potential homeowners ahead of time. It allowed me to gauge whether I would be a good fit for their home and pets. It created a sense of trust and familiarity before I even arrived, making the whole process feel more personal and secure.
I’m the type of person who likes to know exactly what I’m walking into, and I wouldn’t have felt comfortable just jumping into a new environment without knowing what their pets need or what their daily routines are like.
Luckily, the first house owner I connected with was so kind and patient in sharing all the details I needed to feel confident and comfortable with the sit. The house was lovely, and the pets were easy to care for. I also ended up with a back-to-back sit with the same owner, which was fantastic.
It’s not just about the pets or the property – it’s about feeling at home, too. And that’s exactly what TrustedHousesitters gave me.
Easy To Use Features
TrustedHousesitters stands out to me for its user-friendly interface, which is perfect for someone like me who isn’t very tech-savvy. I can also download the app on my phone, which makes it easier for me to navigate the platform, anywhere and anytime.
The site’s vibrant pictures and detailed descriptions allow me to quickly gauge the homes and pets I might care for, creating a sense of connection before the actual sit. It truly feels like a welcoming community of fellow animal lovers.
Customer service is another highlight. Whenever I have questions, the support team is easily accessible via live chat. Plus, the free 24/7 vet helpline adds peace of mind while I’m caring for someone else’s pet.
How Does TrustedHousesitters Work
TrustedHousesitters is an amazing platform that connects people like me – travellers looking to explore new places – with homeowners in need of someone to care for their pets. The process feels very personal and welcoming, especially for sitters like myself.
Homeowners post detailed listings that go beyond just “pet care”; they share the unique characteristics of their pets, the vibe of their home, and their travel plans, making it easy for us to browse through all of the sits and even filter down to specific cities and kinds of pet to sit.
In my experience, what makes TrustedHousesitters stand out is how it encourages honest, open communication. I’ve often had video chats with homeowners before confirming a sit, and it’s made all the difference.
One time, a homeowner even shared contacts of previous sitters, which gave me real insight into what to expect and helped build trust from the start. It’s this kind of genuine interaction that keeps sitters and homeowners coming back, and I always feel part of a wider, trusted community when I use the platform.
How To Sign Up As A Sitter
As a sitter, I created a profile showcasing my experience with pets and house care. I then applied for sits that matched my travel dates and preferences.
The platform includes reviews from previous sits, which helped me choose a reputable and well-reviewed listing.
I managed to secure a fantastic house sit opportunity in Greater London, close to Brookwood, where I spent 2 weeks with a friendly dog named Jeff.
The experience was amazing – I had a cosy, quiet house to stay in, and Jeff was a delightful companion. Plus, I saved on accommodation costs and eating out, which was a huge win!
Step 1: Create Your Profile
Sign up on TrustedHousesitters and build a profile that highlights your love for animals and relevant experience.
Use my code 12TRUST to get 12% off new annual memberships!
Include your travel plans and the types of pets you’re comfortable caring for. You can browse listings for free, but you’ll need to pay the membership fee to apply.
Step 2: Find Your Ideal Sit
Explore various house-sitting opportunities that match your preferences, from city apartments to coastal getaways. Read homeowner profiles and reviews to understand their needs and expectations.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
When you find a perfect match, submit a tailored application. Highlight your qualifications and express why you’re the best fit for their home and pets.
Step 4: Confirm Details
Clarify all details, including dates and pet care instructions, to ensure you’re on the same page before the sit begins.
Step 5: Pack and Enjoy
Pack your bags and get ready for your adventure! Follow the homeowner’s instructions, care for their pets, and enjoy your free accommodation!
Because of that, I was able to spend a month and even explore London’s food markets with just £1,000! House-sitting through TrustedHousesitters made it possible.
Finding a fantastic sit in London provided me with a cosy home without the usual accommodation costs. This not only kept me within my budget but also gave me a unique and personal way to experience London.
Trust me, this can turn your long-term travels into unforgettable homely experiences while keeping your budget intact.
