Five reasons why house and pet sitting is a great option for international travellers

travelling house sittersAround 2.64 million international visitors holiday in Australia* according to Tourism Australia’s most recent International Visitor’s Survey and they spend around $1,200* per person on food, drink and accommodation when they holiday in the country.

For international visitors on a budget, house and pet sitting is the ideal way to see the great sights of our beautiful country, without paying a cent for accommodation.

House and pet sitting allows travellers to choose a property to care for in the destination of their choice. Whether it is in the city, the suburbs or the country, there are so many positions listed nationally that international travellers need only decide where to travel first!

House and pet sitting opportunities are rent free – no accommodation costs or utilities to pay. Travellers care for the property and any pets while the owners are away and the rest of the time is free to explore the region.

Here are Mindahome’s top 5 reasons why house and pet sitting is perfect for international travellers:

  1. Rent free accommodation in the destination of your choice
    House and pet sitting positions are rent free. Rather than staying in a crowded hostel or hotel, travellers can secure accommodation in some of the most sought after locations in Australia during peak season without paying a cent.
  2. Staying in established homes provides comfort and privacy
    Caring for homes on a house and pet sitting holiday means that these homes are well established and offer many every day conveniences and comforts such as a kitchen, laundry and living areas that make travel that little bit easier. Staying in a home also means that there is additional privacy that can’t always be assured with other accommodation types.
  3. You can deal directly with home owners online
    International travellers can source house and pet sitting positions in the destinations they choose to visit before even arriving in the country! All online and easy to arrange directly with home owners, house and pet sitting is a simple process that doesn’t require an intermediary travel consultant or agent – providing even more savings for travellers!
  4. Experiencing new places like a local
    The best part about travelling to a different country is having unique experiences. By staying in an established community as a house and pet sitter, international travellers have the opportunity to live like a local and explore the area in more depth.
  5. See some of the lesser known attractions of an area
    Tourist guides and visitors centres point travellers in the direction of well known attractions and sights. But to get to know the ‘real ‘ Australia, sometimes it is better to see some of the lesser known attractions and find out more about local communities to have a better appreciation of the history and make-up of a region. Living as a house and pet sitter can offer these types of opportunities… and more!

So if you’re an international traveller and want to be a house and pet sitter, here are some tips that will help you get started:

  • Register with a reputable house and pet sitting website
    Registering with a highly visible website will ensure you are presented with an extensive range of positions available. Also check the registration fees before you sign up.
  • Get the necessary checks
    New house and pet sitters don’t always have experience, so it is a good idea to get the relevant police checks to offer home owners additional peace of mind.
  • Provide a detailed profile
    Include relevant information about experience, references, testimonials and police checks and also keep your availability up to date.
  • Respond quickly to available positions
    Mindahome provides daily emails to house sitters about positions available in their chosen locations, so we advise that house sitters stay on top of these so that they don’t miss out on an opportunity.

Check out how it works and start taking advantage of the benefits of being a house and pet sitter to travel Australia.

*Tourism Research Australia. International Visitors Survey. September 2013 Quarter