Dropping our bags on the polished wooden floor of a three-story Swiss chalet, the silence was broken only by the happy panting of an enormous Swiss Shepherd. Outside, the Alps stood like ancient, snow-dusted giants.
A quick search on Airbnb by Caro revealed that smaller homes in this village, Leysin, were renting for €650 a night. We were staying for ten days. That’s €6,500 in accommodation costs we simply weren’t paying.
All we had to do was care for one incredible dog. This wasn't a one-off stroke of luck; it was the reality of a lifestyle we had stumbled into, one that has completely redefined travel, work, and what it means to be home for us.
The Financial Freedom You Didn't Know Was Possible
Let’s start with the most obvious and staggering benefit: the money. When you remove accommodation and utility bills from your expenses, your entire financial landscape shifts. That Swiss chalet was just one stop.
By chaining sits together a two-week stay in Italy, a Christmas sit in Bari we've created a life where our primary costs are just food and transport. For us, this means we can live comfortably, and I mean very comfortably, on about €600 per month together. Even if we splurge a little, making €1000 a month is more than enough to cover everything for the both of us.
This isn't just about saving money on a two-week holiday.
For digital nomads, it’s a complete game-changer. Why pay rent or expensive co-living fees when you can have an entire home to yourself, complete with furry companions?
The income you’d normally pour into housing becomes pure savings or investment capital. It’s a total win-win, allowing you to build your business and your savings account simultaneously while living in dream locations.
The answer to what are the benefits of house sitting begins with this profound financial liberation, but it certainly doesn't end there.
More Than a Tourist: Immersing Yourself in Local Life
Hotels and tourist traps give you a snapshot of a place; house sitting plants you right in the middle of the community. We often find ourselves in residential neighborhoods, far from the tourist throngs.
Our daily routine involves walking a dog through local parks, greeting the same faces each morning, and discovering the bakery where the owner starts giving you freebies because they recognize you.
The homeowners are your first and best guides, always eager to share their favorite spots that you'd never find in a guidebook.
The Comforts You Crave on the Road
After weeks of travel, there are two things I crave more than anything: a home-cooked meal and clean clothes. House sitting delivers both in spades. Having a full kitchen is a massive plus, not just for the budget but for the soul.
There’s nothing like making a proper breakfast or a hearty dinner after a long day. And a washing machine?
It feels like the height of luxury when you don’t have to hunt down (and pay for) a laundromat. These simple comforts. a hot shower you don't have to share, a cozy sofa, reliable Wi-Fi, provide a sense of stability and normalcy that is priceless for a nomadic lifestyle. It's these moments that truly make a place feel like home, even if it's just for a little while.
Every time we put our two boxes of clothes down in a new room, it clicks. We're home. It’s amazing how quickly you can adapt. For those who worry about the constant moving, there are always long-term sits available.
We often see listings for five months or more on the best platforms for international housesitting opportunities, perfect for anyone wanting to settle in and truly test-drive a new city or country before committing to a big move.
The Heart of the Matter: Unconditional Pet Love
Beyond the practicalities, there's an emotional core to house sitting that keeps us coming back: the animals.
Caro and I love dogs, but we aren't ready for the lifelong commitment of owning one while we figure out where we want to live. House sitting fills that void perfectly. You get all the snuggles, the playful energy, and the unconditional love without the long-term tie-down. Caring for these pets. learning their quirks, taking them on adventures, and seeing their happy faces, brings an incredible amount of joy and relaxation to our travels.
It fills up our 'petometer' and reminds us of the simple happiness a wagging tail or a rumbling purr can bring. It's a huge psychological boost, grounding you and bringing a smile to your face, even on a tough workday.
Ultimately, the homeowners get peace of mind knowing their beloved pets are happy and their home is secure. The simple fact is that a lived-in house is a deterrent for break-ins. Knowing a hunky guy like me is stomping around keeps things safe!
Plus, we handle the mail, open and close shutters, and perform all the little tasks that house sitters usually do to make the house look occupied and cared for.
A Journey of Personal Growth and Discovery
This lifestyle constantly pushes you out of your comfort zone. You learn to be an expert communicator, arranging details with homeowners and sending them photo updates of their furry family.
You become incredibly adaptable, learning to feel at home in new spaces quickly. For me, it's walking around without a top on. For Caro, it's curling up on the couch with a cat and Netflix. We're learning what we value in a home, what kind of pets suit our personalities, and where in the world we feel most alive. Switzerland is high on the list, but Italy is quickly capturing our hearts.
So, what are the benefits of house sitting? It’s saving thousands of euros on luxury stays. It’s the freedom to work from anywhere without paying rent. It’s the joy of cuddling a dog in the Alps or a cat in Tuscany. It’s living like a local, growing as a person, and having the flexibility to design a life of endless adventure. It's not just a travel hack; for us, it's everything.
Is house sitting a good way to save money on vacation?
Absolutely. House sitting eliminates accommodation costs, often the biggest travel expense. This allows for significant savings, especially in expensive destinations or during peak seasons, making travel far more affordable.
Do you need special skills to be a house sitter?
The main requirements are being responsible, reliable, and having a genuine love for animals. While some sits may require specific skills, the most important thing is clear communication with homeowners to understand their pets' needs.
Can you start house sitting with no prior experience?
Yes, many people start with no formal experience. To begin, create a strong house sitting profile with good character references and consider applying for shorter, local sits to build up verified reviews and confidence.
Are long-term house sitting opportunities available?
Yes, many platforms feature long-term sits that can last for several months or even longer. These are ideal for digital nomads or anyone wanting to immerse themselves deeply in a new location without accommodation costs.
What is the main responsibility of a house sitter?
The primary responsibility is always the care and well-being of the pets according to the owner's specific instructions. This is followed by ensuring the home is secure, kept tidy, and general upkeep like watering plants is maintained.
