House and pet sitting for annual holidays

travelling house sittersThe chance to stay rent free in the destination of your choice

House and pet sitting is a very rewarding and affordable way to travel Australia. Not only do you get the opportunity to meet new families and pets but you also get the rare opportunity to discover some of the lesser-known attractions of an area.

Increases in utility bills, child care fees and general living expenses all place additional pressure on Australians to work harder and longer hours, meaning holidays away become less frequent or even missed all together.

Holidays are increasingly viewed as a luxury rather than a reward for hard work during the year or the chance to de-stress and relax to take time out for yourself.

Travelling as a house and pet sitter presents significant savings. Home owners register their properties and pets for care and in return provide you with accommodation during your stay. Generally, the cost of internet access, TV/cable/Foxtel, heating and other general utilities are all covered for the time of your stay; essentially providing you with rent free accommodation!

The cosiness and comforts of an established home can’t be underestimated. Staying in established homes means that you most often will have the luxury of a full sized kitchen so you needn’t go out every night for dinner, as you would staying in a motel. Washing and cleaning facilities are also benefits that can make long stays easier and more convenient.

A love of pets and different animals will extend the pleasure of your house and pet sitting adventure. Pets are also known to relieve stress which will be welcome for holidaying workaholics. Families with young children also welcome pet sitting opportunities to broaden their children’s experiences with different animals and gaining a sense of responsibility by caring for pets.

Holidaying like a local is an experience that few holidays offer. House and pet sitting allows you to learn how others live and become part of the community. Shop locally, see the local sights and use the home as a base to explore the rest of the region.

Visitor guides may list some of the larger more well known attractions of an area, but discovering some of the local walking tracks and look-outs or hidden relics of an area gives you a greater appreciation of the history of an area as well as giving you a unique experience.

House and pet sitting doesn’t have to be an all year round lifestyle choice. You can take up as many or as few positions as you like each year and choose the destinations that interest you.

You may be interested in a farm stay holiday if you want to get out of the hum-drum of the city. Or stay on the coast for a change. Whatever your choice of destination, there are a range of house and sitting opportunities available to suit you.

For this festive season (until the end of January 2014), there are over 250 house and pet sitting positions listed on Mindahome.com.au.

Families, couples and single travellers alike can stay in established homes rent free and experience new locations across the country for the Christmas period.

To find out more, visit www.mindahome.com.au.