The complete Trusted Housesitters family travel guide

I’ve put together a complete Trusted Housesitters family travel guide to help you to explore on a budget with the kids. Travelling frequently as a family is a dream many of us share, but the costs can quickly add up, especially when you consider the price of accommodation. However, there’s a fantastic way to explore new destinations, live like a local and stay for free: Trusted Housesitters. This platform connects homeowners who need someone to care for their pets and home while they’re away with trustworthy sitters looking for a place to stay. For families, this can be an incredible opportunity to travel on a budget, enjoy the company of pets and create lasting memories. Here’s a complete family guide on how to travel cheaply with Trusted Housesitters, making the most of free accommodation.

What is Trusted Housesitters?

Trusted Housesitters is an online platform that matches homeowners with reliable sitters who can take care of their home and pets while they’re on holiday. As a family, you get to stay in someone’s home for free in exchange for looking after their pets, watering plants and keeping the home secure. It’s a win-win: the homeowner gets peace of mind and saves on pet care costs, and you get free accommodation in locations around the world.

Why is Trusted Housesitters perfect for families?

You get free accommodation:

Accommodation is often the biggest expense when travelling – especially when you’re finding somewhere big enough to accommodate the whole family comfortably. Trusted Housesitters allows you to stay for free, freeing up your budget for activities, dining and other fun experiences for the kids. You’ll also save on eating out, as you’ll have a full kitchen for self-catering too.

You get to cuddle pets:

If your children love animals, they’ll be thrilled to spend time with pets during your stay. It’s like having temporary pets without the long-term commitment, and it can be a great educational experience. (Pictures of our dog just for cuteness factor! 😉)

You can live like a local:

Staying in a real home instead of a hotel gives you a more authentic experience of the destination which will give you the chance to shop at local shops and markets, and live life as the locals do. A home-from-home environment is just so much more practical for family travel too.

It’s perfect for flexible travel:

Whether you’re looking for a short weekend getaway or a longer stay, Trusted Housesitters offers a range of opportunities that can fit your schedule and preferences. If you want to travel for longer periods, you’ll also see people offering stays for a month or more – so if you can work remotely it could be a great way to travel in a more long-term way. As a home-educating family this really appeals to us!

Getting started with Trusted Housesitters – how does it work?

To begin your family travel adventure with Trusted Housesitters follow this guide to get set up:

1. Sign up and set up your profile

Create a family-friendly profile – your profile is crucial in attracting homeowners, especially when you’re a family. Include information about your experience with pets, your love for travel, and why you’re a trustworthy and reliable sitter. Make sure to emphasise your family’s caring nature and how your children interact with animals.

Include photos of your family, particularly ones with pets. Videos can be even more engaging, offering homeowners a glimpse into your family’s dynamic and care for animals. If you’re new to house-sitting, ask friends, family, or neighbours for character references too. If you’ve done any informal pet-sitting or house-sitting, request a reference from those experiences. Start with local or shorter sits to build up your reviews on the platform. Positive reviews are crucial for securing more desirable house sits in the future.

2. Find the perfect house sit for your family

Think about where you’d like to travel. Trusted Housesitters has listings in cities, countryside locations and coastal towns all over the world. Whether you want to explore the culture of Paris or relax on the beaches of Portugal, there’s something for everyone. Make sure when you are using the search tools that you select the tab for ‘family-friendly’ stays as not all homes will be able to accommodate a whole family, and some animals may not be used to being around young children. You’ll also need to consider the types of pets your family is comfortable caring for. Dogs, cats, chickens and even horses are common, so choose what fits your family’s experience and comfort level. I’ve even seen people listing stays on small-holdings and farms!

And finally, look for house sits that fit your schedule. School holidays are a great time to plan these trips, but you’ll need to apply early as these dates can be competitive. With accommodation prices through the roof over the school summer break, Trusted Housesitters can be an amazing way to travel during peak times without it costing you a small fortune! I’ve also noticed that a lot of people require pet care over the Christmas period, as people travel to see family, so this could be a good chance to see the world while the kids are off school too! When you find a house sit that interests you, apply with a personalised message. Mention why your family is particularly suited for the sit, detail your experience with pets, and tell the owner how your children will enjoy and respect the home and animals.

3. Prepare for your first house sit

Set up a call or video chat with the homeowner to discuss the pet’s routines, house rules and any specific expectations. Ask about local attractions or tips, which can be helpful during your stay. Request a house manual that includes emergency contacts, vet details and instructions for appliances. This will help ensure everything runs smoothly during your stay so there are no surprises! It might also be nice to bring a small gift for the homeowner when you begin your stay, like a local treat or a handwritten note, as a gesture that shows your appreciation for them welcoming you into their home.

Tips for a successful house sit

Treat the home with the utmost care. When it comes to the pets, follow the homeowner’s instructions closely and send regular updates and photos to the homeowner to reassure them and build trust. Think about how you would like someone to care for your home and your animals. While your primary responsibility is the home and pets, don’t forget to explore! Take advantage of the opportunity to discover new places, try local foods and immerse your family in the culture. I’ve seen lots of owners on Trusted Housesitters who also have their pets in doggy day-care, or offer this an option, so if you want to explore a bit further afield see if this might be a possibility too for days out with the kids.

Is Trusted Housesitters safe?

Trusted Housesitters takes safety seriously. All members undergo identity verification, and the platform provides 24/7 support. The review system ensures transparency and helps build trust within the community. For added peace of mind, make sure to maintain open communication with homeowners and follow the guidelines provided. For a bit of extra protection, the Premium Membership might give you more peace of mind too.

Let me know if you’ve tried it

Travelling the world with Trusted Housesitters can be a great opportunity for families to explore new destinations without the hefty price tag. By offering your care and attention to pets and homes, you can experience the joys of travel in a unique and budget-friendly way. Whether you’re planning a short weekend getaway or a long-term adventure, Trusted Housesitters opens up a world of possibilities. So, get your family’s profile ready, start applying for sits, and prepare to create unforgettable memories together while you enjoy (almost!) free accommodation. I hope that my Trusted Housesitters travel guide has been useful and hopefully it’ll be a great way for your family to travel on a budget. Click here to browse the website to see if there are any sits that would suit you.