Discover how combining house sitting and travel hacking strategies can help you save big on accommodation and travel costs in 2024.
I never thought I’d find a way to travel the world without burning through my savings, but here I am—thanks to house sitting and a few clever travel hacking strategies. If you’re like me, someone who loves to explore but doesn’t have an unlimited budget, you’ll want to stick around. I’m going to break down exactly how I save thousands on travel by combining house sitting with travel hacks, and trust me, it’s a game-changer.
What is House Sitting, and How Can It Help You Save?
House sitting is pretty much what it sounds like, you take care of someone’s home (and often their pets) while they’re away, and in return, you get to stay there for free. That’s right, free accommodation! You might wonder, “What’s the catch?” Well, the responsibility of taking care of a home is minimal compared to the benefits of having a cozy place to crash in a new city or country.
I’ve been doing this for a couple of years now, and the savings are insane. If you’ve ever looked at hotel or Airbnb prices, you know how quickly accommodation can chew up your travel budget. But with house sitting, I eliminate that expense altogether. I’ve stayed in homes in the U.K., Spain, and even Australia, completely for free.
Let me give you a quick house sitting travel tip: always sign up with reputable websites like TrustedHousesitters or Housecarers. I use them to find safe and secure listings, and they also offer user reviews, so you can check out the homeowners and the houses before committing.
Combining House Sitting with Travel Hacking
Now, here’s where things get really interesting. I don’t just rely on house sitting to save me money. I pair it with travel hacking, a set of strategies that help me reduce or eliminate travel expenses like flights, hotels (if needed), and even dining. Travel hacking strategies in 2024 are easier than ever, with credit card rewards, frequent flyer miles, and hotel loyalty programs offering major perks.
So, how do I make this work?
- Flights: I use credit cards that give me points or miles for every dollar I spend. Then, I redeem those points for flights. In some cases, I’ve only had to pay taxes on my tickets.
- Transportation: I also use my points for car rentals or public transport passes.
- Dining: Many rewards programs give cashback or discounts on dining, so I often get a discount on my meals.
This combination of house sitting and travel hacking allows me to save travel costs that would otherwise make long-term travel impossible on my budget.
Real-Life Example: My Month in London
Let me share a quick real-life example. Last summer, I spent a month house sitting in London. Normally, staying in a place like that would have cost me upwards of $3,000 just for accommodation. But because I was house sitting, I stayed in a beautiful home for free. I also used my travel hacking strategies to book a round-trip flight from the U.S. for less than $100, thanks to miles I’d accumulated through my travel credit card.
In the end, I spent way less on my month-long stay in London than I would have for a weekend trip staying in a hotel. This is the power of combining house sitting with travel hacking.
How to Start House Sitting for Free Accommodation
If you’re thinking, “Okay, I’m sold. How do I get started?” it’s actually pretty simple. Here’s my house sitting guide for budget travelers:
- Sign up with a reputable house sitting website. As I mentioned earlier, TrustedHousesitters and Housecarers are great options. They both have annual membership fees, but you’ll make that back after just one or two sits.
- Create a compelling profile. Homeowners want to know they can trust you with their home and pets. Be sure to highlight your experience with animals, your trustworthiness, and your love for travel.
- Apply to sits early. The best opportunities get snapped up quickly, especially in popular travel destinations. I recommend applying to sits at least a few months in advance if you’re targeting a high-demand city or country.
- Communicate well with the homeowners. Make sure you’re clear on what’s expected of you, whether it’s watering plants, feeding pets, or just being around to keep the home safe. A good relationship with homeowners often leads to repeat opportunities!
- Stay organized. Keep track of your house sitting schedule and any upcoming responsibilities. I use a simple calendar app for this, and it helps me stay on top of everything.
By following these house sitting tips, you’ll be well on your way to travel for free with house sitting.
Budget Travel Tips for the Smart Traveler
Combining house sitting with travel hacking isn’t just about getting free accommodation, it’s about being smart with your money all around. Here are a few additional budget travel tips I’ve learned along the way:
- Look for local deals. Once you’ve landed in a new place, search for local discounts or Groupon-style offers. Many cities have deals for tourists that can save you a bundle.
- Pack light. If you’re flying, the less baggage you have, the cheaper your flight will be. I’ve learned to pack just a carry-on for most trips, which saves me money and hassle.
- Cook your own meals. House sitting often comes with full access to a kitchen, so I save even more by preparing my own meals instead of eating out every night.
So, Guys.. Final Thoughts!
By combining house sitting and travel hacking, I’ve been able to explore new cities, experience different cultures, and meet amazing people without going broke. If you’re serious about saving money while traveling, give it a try, it could be the best decision you make.