When money gets tight, smart holiday makers get creative!

Written by Mel Thursday, 12 November 2009 12:31

These days people in the know are enjoying free accommodation when they travel.

Winter is behind us and the holiday season is looming. For people that can take time off, travel plans and arrangements are already under way. However, with money tighter than usual, some are hesitant to spend as freely as they have in the past and this limits where and how far they go, how long they stay away and the quality of accommodation they can accept.

But what if there was a way to get away from it all without breaking the bank? What if there was a way for people to enjoy an extended holiday at a destination of their choice without the cost of a hotel or motel? 

When money gets tight people get creative and now is no exception. Staying in a 5 star hotel may be impossible, but a restful break in spacious accommodation at a desired location is still a possibility because smart holiday makers are opting to just sit around. House-sit, that is.

House-sitting, where people arrange for others to live in their home rent free in exchange for looking after their property and pets, is becoming popular as a low cost holiday alternative. Tough economic times might be shrinking the wallet but it doesn't have to shrink those holiday dreams and for house-sitters, a trip to an interesting place, city or even a warmer climate is still a reality.

Besides free accommodation, house-sitters experience life as a local. Staying in the neighbourhood and living like the locals enriches the travel experience especially if the home owner has left information about the locality, insider tips on restaurants, what's on where and when and details about their city that the average tourist would never know.

Eating out every night is another big dent in the holiday budget, but house-sitters can save money by shopping at the local grocery store and cooking their favourite dishes at home in the comfort of their very own borrowed kitchen.

“Both sides of the house sitting coin have many advantages for anyone planning a trip away” says Georgia, a keen house sitter and animal lover. “For the travelling home owner, having someone 'live in' provides security for house and property but that’s just one of many advantages. Pets will be happier and more comfortable in their own environment instead of a strange kennel or cattery. They can sleep and play in accustomed places with their own toys and familiar sights and smells, while their owners save on kennel boarding fees”.

The house sitter can also water plants, bring in and forward mail, pay bills, keep the garden tidy, the house clean and generally look after the home as if it were there own.

The mindahome.com.au website helps those travelling home owners and house-sitters find each other. Each person has unique wants and needs and the Mindahome system makes it easy to match those requirements to provide the best outcome for everyone.