This guest post was written by my buddies Brad and Amber from Foley Exploring. They talk about House Sitting, which is something they have a lot of experience in. Make sure to follow their awesome adventures around the globe on their website or their Instagram Profile.
Hello Travelers!
It’s no surprise, the digital nomad lifestyle has surged in popularity. This, now global, community of remote workers is untethered from traditional office spaces. They seek not only professional freedom, but also a lifestyle that blends work and travel seamlessly. Going forward, the strategic use of resources becomes paramount.
Complex questions like, “How long am I allowed to be there?” and “How good is the Wi-Fi?” and “Can I afford it?” rise to the surface. New travel techniques emerge to solve the new questions that are brought forth.
I want to share a lesser-known travel strategy that has significantly enhanced my digital nomad lifestyle – House Sitting. For those seeking a methodical, cost-effective, and culturally immersive approach to travel, this practice has proven to be a game-changer in my journey. It solves a SIGNIFICANT number of challenges that digital nomads have!
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Understanding the limitations of Digital Nomadism
As digital nomads, the ability to work remotely is at the core of our professional identity. Digital nomads are tethered by power, the internet, and time zones. So, roughing it in the woods for a week is (unfortunately) not a realistic option.
Most countries allow only 1-month visitor visas unless you work out the extension process. Travel days must flex around work times. Securing affordable and acceptable accommodations (and a desk with a chair) can be a persistent challenge!
This is where House Sitting emerges as a strategic element, it provides a solution for digital nomads seeking a balance between flexibility, cost, and comfort. You can literally stay FOR FREE in a house someone actually lives in, sometimes for several weeks! In exchange, you must provide regular communication and take care of the house and pets.
House Sitting in Focus
House Sitting responsibilities include the temporary care of the residence and often involve the care of pets. Simple tasks like watering plants, walking dogs, and changing cat litter are commonplace. It doesn’t take a rocket surgeon to do, and you can get started without much experience. There are some challenges, of course. While less common, animals have medical needs to be addressed. You must be prepared to handle emergencies.
But the benefits are awesome! Often times, the host will even allow you to enjoy their food and drinks. You get to snuggle with animals, which relieves the homesick feeling. And there is always good Wi-Fi, power, and usually a desk! I mean… someone lives there.
If you would like to sign up as a House Sitter yourself, you can use this link to get 25% off the yearly membership fee.
Strategic Advantages
Financial Optimization
House sitting serves as a cost-effective alternative to conventional accommodations, allowing digital nomads to allocate their funds more strategically. Personally, the savings accrued from house-sitting have enabled us to explore destinations that would have otherwise been financially prohibitive.
Last summer, we were able to save on the order of $9,000 USD house sitting internationally through Europe, primarily taking care of cats! Additionally, you have your own fully outfitted kitchen. You know what that means? You can make your food! And use your host’s condiments/spices if they allow it.
Cultural Integration
One of the main purposes of being a digital nomad is to immerse yourself in local culture. In fact, the host will often provide recommendations for local experiences and even make some connections on your behalf! We have been on hikes and local food recommended by our hosts, and they do not steer you wrong. You want stories? Live like a local… you’ll get them.
Companionship Amidst the Journey
Caring for pets during house sits not only enhances the overall experience but also adds a layer of companionship. Whether it’s a playful dog or a lap cat, the presence of a four-legged friend contributes to our mindfulness and emotional well-being as a digital nomad. It’s like a little taste of home.
Strategic Implementation
Identifying Opportunities
Effective navigation of house sitting platforms, the creation of a trustworthy profile, and strategic application for sits that align with our personal preferences are critical aspects. We primarily use TrustedHouseSitters as our platform and love to take care of cats since we can leave for a day to explore!
Some locations in the world do not make sense for house sitting, like Southeast Asia for example. The cost of lodging is minimal compared to places like Europe, Australia, and the United States.
Strategic Narratives: Personal Experiences
One great example is of our house sit in Scotland! We had a 2-week house sit 30 minutes outside of Edinburgh taking care of 2 cats! We got to experience Edinburgh and Glasgow while staying in a 2-bedroom house complete with Netflix. The AirBnB cost equivalent for the stay is $2,500 USD!
We are now also friends with the homeowner, who would have us back in a heartbeat. Who knows? Perhaps we will make another trip in the future or meet up with them somewhere else in the world!
Conclusion
House sitting is not merely a travel tactic; it is a strategic lifestyle choice that redefines how we as digital nomads approach travel. For those seeking a calculated and strategic approach to travel, house-sitting offers a comprehensive solution! We highly recommend it.