With its diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultures, house sitting Europe is a good option for those seeking unique and immersive travel experiences.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best countries and regions to find house sitting jobs in Europe, each offering its a particular charm and appeal.

How To Find The Best House Sitting Jobs In Europe

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If you’re looking to learn more about what house sitters do and the best places for house sitting jobs in Europe specifically, I’ve got you covered. It’s all about timing!

Since Europe is a huge tourist destination that has been popular for centuries, so much of life is built around summer when visitors flood in.

If you’re looking to house sit in Europe for the summer, it might be more challenging but possible. If you are flexible on what country and region you want to visit, you’ll be more likely to find success matching up with someone in need of a house sitter.

I recommend using an online platform like Trustedhousesitters because it makes it way easier to contact a lot of people quickly. They have a feature where you can set your specific dates to filter house sits, so you don’t waste time going to lots of house sitting profiles just to see that the times won’t work for you.

They also have a map feature to see the different stays available within each country. In general, my advice for success while house sitting in Europe would be to look for house sitting jobs in northern Europe during the summer.

Many Europeans in the north want to go on holiday during the summer in the south, so you might find more availability there. Contrarily, try house sitting jobs in southern Europe during the winter, spring, or fall.

Top Destinations For House Sitting In Europe

Though I spoke about how important timing is, there is also a huge factor that you should know. A majority of house sitting jobs in Europe are located in western and northern Europe.

These tend to be “wealthier” countries that have a bit more development and infrastructure which probably has a lot to do with this. If you sign up for Trustedhousesitters, it’s not like you won’t be able to find some house sits in Eastern Europe or the Balkans, but they are not as plentiful for sure.

In some ways, this makes sense though because a huge motivator for becoming a housesitter is to save on accommodation costs. 

Are you covered? ➡️ I always reccommend trip protection, especially for work exchanging. My favorite is SafetyWing Insurance.

1. United Kingdom – Countryside Retreats & Historic Homes

Everything from charming cottages to sleek city flats in London, the UK has it all. The United Kingdom provides a wide range of house-sitting opportunities, from quaint countryside cottages to stately homes.

Explore the Cotswolds’ picturesque landscapes, the Scottish Highlands‘ rugged beauty, the historic charm of English villages, or the dramatic coast of Northern Ireland.

The UK offers a perfect blend of tradition, modernity, and most importantly a lot of house sitting jobs! They have the most gigs on the continent so if you are looking for something immediately, they could be your best bet. 

2. Switzerland – Alpine Retreats & Waterfalls

Switzerland, nestled in the heart of the Alps, provides house sitters with breathtaking landscapes and a high quality of life.

Care for a chalet in the Swiss Alps or a lakeside residence near Geneva. Switzerland offers not only natural beauty but also a sense of tranquility and precision that defines the Swiss way of life.

3. Ireland – Emerald Isles & Warm Hospitality

Ireland, with its lush green landscapes and warm hospitality, is an ideal destination for house sitters seeking a relaxed yet vibrant experience.

From the rugged beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way to the foodie haven of Cork, Ireland offers diverse opportunities. Care for a cozy cottage in the countryside and immerse yourself in the Irish way of life.

4. France – A Tapestry Of Experiences

France, known for its picturesque countryside, historic cities, and delectable cuisine, is a top choice for house sitters. The Provence region, with its lavender fields and charming villages, is particularly sought after.

The French Riviera offers a glamorous lifestyle, while rural areas provide tranquility and a chance to savor the slow pace of life.

5. Germany: Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Germany, with its blend of rich history and modern innovation, provides enticing house-sitting prospects. The Bavarian Alps offer stunning natural beauty, while cities like Berlin and Munich provide vibrant urban experiences.

Care for a charming half-timbered house in the Black Forest or a contemporary apartment in Berlin for a taste of German diversity.

6. Netherlands: Canals, Windmills, & Quaint Villages

The Netherlands, renowned for its picturesque canals, windmills, and tulip fields, is a house-sitter’s dream.

Amsterdam’s historic houses offer a unique experience, while the countryside showcases charming villages and expansive flower fields. Enjoy the Dutch lifestyle by caring for a house in the heart of this culturally rich country.

7. Spain – Sun, Siestas, and Diverse Landscapes

Spain’s diverse regions offer unique house-sitting opportunities. The Costa del Sol is perfect for those seeking sun-drenched days, while the historic cities of Barcelona and Seville provide a vibrant urban experience.

The Spanish countryside, with its olive groves and vineyards, offers a peaceful escape.

8. Portugal: Charming Villages and Coastal Retreats

Portugal, with its friendly locals and stunning landscapes, is emerging as a popular house-sitting destination.

The Algarve region, known for its beautiful beaches, and the Douro Valley, famous for its vineyards, provide diverse experiences. Portugal offers a relaxed pace of life and a warm welcome to house sitters.

House Sitting In Europe – Honorable Mentions

As I mentioned earlier, there are many great places for house sitting in Europe, but it just hasn’t caught on yet. Here are a few of the regions or countries that lack in house sitting jobs but would still make for a great destination – plus it’s not completely impossible to get something. 

9. Scandinavia – Nature’s Playground

For those drawn to the allure of fjords, northern lights, and clean, crisp air, Scandinavia is a house-sitter’s paradise.

Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland boast not only stunning natural beauty but also well-designed, modern homes. Experience the unique Nordic lifestyle while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

10. Greece: Islands of Paradise

House sitting in Greece opens doors to the idyllic islands – some of which are popular but there are plenty of less touristy places as well.

Imagine caring for a traditional whitewashed villa with views of the turquoise Aegean Sea. Greece offers a unique blend of ancient history, delicious cuisine, and a laid-back island lifestyle.

11. Italy – The Land Of La Dolce Vita

From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the sun-soaked Amalfi Coast, Italy beckons house sitters with its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Imagine caring for a villa surrounded by vineyards or overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Italy offers a taste of “la dolce vita” that is hard to resist. 

10 Best Tips For House Sitting Europe

Here are a few extra tips that might be able to help you as you house sit in Europe. Each house sitting job will be different, but these should help you make a good impression and leave on good terms.

Create A Standout Profile

Make your house-sitting profile compelling by highlighting your experience, reliability, and love for pets.

Include references, a clear photo, and a well-written description of yourself. A standout profile increases your chances of securing desirable house-sitting assignments.

Start Early & Be Flexible

Begin your search for house-sitting opportunities well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Being flexible with your dates and destinations increases your chances of finding the perfect match.

Consider exploring off-the-beaten-path locations for unique experiences. This is why house sitting is perfect for slow travel!

Build A Strong Online Presence

Join reputable house-sitting platforms (like Trustedhousesitters) and build a strong online presence.

Actively engage with the community, attend meet-ups, and gather recommendations. This not only enhances your credibility but also expands your network for future opportunities.

Communication Is Key

Establish clear communication with homeowners from the beginning. Clarify expectations, responsibilities, and any specific requirements.

Regular updates during the house-sitting period can build trust and reassure homeowners that their homes and pets are in good hands.

Understand Local Customs & Norms

Familiarize yourself with the local customs and norms of the region you’ll be house sitting in. This cultural awareness ensures a seamless integration into the community and helps you navigate day-to-day activities with ease.

Prepare For Pet Care

If your house-sitting assignment involves caring for pets (most will), ensure you are well-prepared. Familiarize yourself with the pets’ routines, dietary needs, and any medical requirements.

A happy and healthy pet ensures a positive reference for future opportunities. Bonus tip: Go the extra mile and bring some extra treats or toys from Petco!

Respect The Property

Treat the homeowner’s property with the utmost respect. Follow any guidelines provided by the homeowners regarding house rules, maintenance, and security. Leave the home in the same (or better) condition than you found it.

Stay Connected With Homeowners

Maintain open lines of communication with homeowners throughout the house-sitting period. Provide regular updates, especially if anything unexpected arises. This transparency fosters trust and ensures a positive experience for both parties.

Be Resourceful & Independent

House-sitting often involves problem-solving and adaptability. Be resourceful in handling unexpected situations and demonstrate your ability to be independent. This will reassure homeowners that you can handle any challenges that may arise.

Leave A Thoughtful Thank You

As you conclude your house-sitting job in Europe, leave a thoughtful thank-you note expressing your gratitude. Consider small gestures like restocking essentials, leaving a tidy home, or sharing your favorite local recommendations.

A positive and considerate departure increases your chances of receiving positive references for future opportunities.

House Sitting Jobs In Europe – Final Thoughts

Getting house-sitting jobs in Europe allows you to live like a local, experience diverse cultures, and create lasting memories.

Whether you’re drawn to the sun-soaked coasts of Italy, the historic charm of the UK, or the tranquility of the Scandinavian wilderness, there are plenty of opportunities for house sitting in Europe.

So, pack your bags, explore the possibilities, and make your next European adventure one to remember!

Check out these awesome work exchanges in Barcelona, London, Scotland, France, Italy & Hawaii!

These eco friendly travel gifts will be great if you’re about to embark on a trip, but don’t know what to bring for your friends.

Or you know someone who is going on their own adventure and you’d like to get something for them.

Well, you’re in the right place. After all, it’s not like travelers in your life need another scarf or pair of shoes.

So if you’re looking for sustainable travel gifts that are both thoughtful and practical, look no further than my list of eco friendly travel gifts.

Why Eco Friendly Travel Gifts Are Important

Most of the time an explosion of tourism launches a city or area into overdrive.

This fast development can bring short-term benefits, but also brutal long-term consequences. Travelers need to keep this in mind to try to be more responsible travelers.

Not only will this help our world’s environment and the specific arrival destination, but hopefully you will have more meaningful travel experiences too!

Eco friendly travel gifts can help you and your friends reduce waste by using reusable products and avoiding single-use products.

If you are already abroad, fear not. You can still be sustainable by putting extra revenue into the hands of locals (instead of big corporations) by supporting local businesses as you purchase souvenirs!

Let’s get into it – here are the 21 eco friendly travel gifts you’ve been waiting for.

Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links that will cost you nothing extra but offer me a little commission for any purchases made. These commissions help me continue to offer helpful tips. Thank you so much for your support.

1. Travel Jewelry Case

A travel jewelry case is a great way to keep jewelry organized. It can be used as a go-to storage solution when traveling, or while at home.

There are many different types of travel jewelry cases on the market: some have compartments for favorite pieces, while others come with several interchangeable inserts that organize by color or type of material (gold vs silver).

There’s no wrong answer here—it’s all about what works best and how often the case will be used.

2. Bamboo Utensils

Bamboo is a great choice for an eco-friendly utensil set because it’s renewable, biodegradable, and sustainably harvested.

It is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world and can grow up to 35 feet per year.

In addition to being renewable, bamboo’s versatile nature makes it an excellent sustainable material—it doesn’t require pesticides or fertilizers to grow.

Instead, it harnesses natural resources from its surroundings (i.e., sunlight and water).

3. Reusable Straws

Reusable straws are great eco friendly travel gifts. They can be used when traveling and can reduce waste while radventuring.

These straws are small items that can be kept in a purse or backpack while out exploring. It comes with a cute little brush making it easy to clean too.

4. Bamboo Toothbrush & Zero Waste Toothpaste

A bamboo toothbrush is biodegradable and compostable.

The handle is made from a renewable resource, making it a good alternative to plastic toothbrushes that will land in a landfill for years to come.

It’s also a good alternative to plastic toothpaste brushes, which typically come in wasteful packaging.

Bamboo is actually an incredibly strong and durable material that can be used for anything from flooring to furniture.

This makes it the perfect material for any sustainable product you might want to give as an eco friendly travel gift.

A nice addition would be to also include some zero-waste toothpaste!

5. Shampoo Bar & Soap Bar

Shampoo bars and soap bars are two of the most popular eco-friendly travel gifts. They are also great for those who have all types of hair.

Shampoo bars come in a variety of sizes, scents, and colors. They can be used for long periods since they last a long time too.

They are great for travelers because they’re small enough to fit into any bag or luggage compartment.

They also don’t take up space in your liquids bag at the airport. If you’re like me, I never can fit all of my products in that small plastic bag.

The bars won’t melt if left out in hot conditions so they are good for even extreme environments.

Showering with soap might seem strange at first, but it’s easy to get used to.

6. Silicone Refillable Travel Bottles

Silicone refillable travel bottles are a convenient, eco-friendly gift for any travel lover.

They are made from food-grade silicone, which means they’re not only reusable but also dishwasher-safe.

These lightweight bottles can be filled with any liquids needed like shampoo, conditioner, lotion sunscreen, etc. They come in plenty of colors to match any traveler’s style.

The silicone material is durable so you don’t have to worry about these bottles cracking or breaking in transit if they are accidentally dropped at the airport.

7. Reusable Collapsable Cup With A Lid

Reusable collapsable cups are a great idea for traveling.

They’re lightweight and compact, so they can fit in a backpack or suitcase easily.

The lid snaps into place over the cup, and you can fill them with ice to keep drinks cool. They are even dishwasher-safe.

To make cleaning easier, include one of these awesome silicone brushes that will get into tiny nooks and crannies.

8. Reusable Water Bottle & Water Filter

To reduce my plastic consumption, I always travel with a reusable water bottle.

Nalgene water bottles are my favorite because they are lightweight, practically indestructible and come in lots of different colors.

Depending on your friend’s travel destination, drinking water from the tap might not be safe though.

In these situations, they might have to buy bottled water. Sometimes filtering your own water is a good option.

It’s not practical to carry around a large filter system of course so a reusable filter bottle can help solve this issue.

LifeStraw water bottles are my favorite for this, it’s a high-quality brand.

9. No-Waste Travel Kit

A no-waste travel kit is a great gift for anyone who wants to make giving sustainable travel gifts easy.

These kits have a variety of different bottles and containers that your friend will be able to fill with their favorite products.

They are a great option if you have someone that is a little picky because they can customize it how they would like.

It is also good to get a leakproof kit so they can put it in their suitcase without worrying about getting the contents wet by accident while traveling by air or sea!

10. Silicone Bags & Wax Wraps

If you’re looking for a gift that will do more than one thing, look no further.

Silicone bags are reusable and waterproof, making them perfect for storing food or keeping electronics dry.

They can be washed in the dishwasher and reused again and again.

The silicone bags also come in handy when traveling by train or plane, since they help prevent your belongings from getting wet during heavy rainstorms.

Include some wax wraps too which work well as a replacement for single-use aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

11. Travel Towel & Washcloth

Travel towels and washcloths are perfect for those who travel light.

They take up less space in a bag, dry faster than regular towels, and are biodegradable so they don’t add to the problem of microfibers polluting the environment.

Travel towels can also be used as beach towels if you find yourself with no other options.

12. Tote Bag

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly travel gift that screams sustainability, one of the best things you can give is a sustainable tote bag.

However, it’s important to remember that some bags are better than others.

For example, gift them a durable bag like this one that can be used for a wide range of things.

Getting something versatile means they will need to purchase fewer items in the long run.

This is great for someone pursuing a minimalistic lifestyle. Alternatively, if your friend loves to hike, get her or him an Osprey hiking backpack—one they’ll use again and again.

Look for lightweight bags with multiple compartments so they can carry all of their stuff around in style.

13. Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are one of the most useful organizational tools for travelers.

They reduce the effort of packing and repacking when you’re on the road, as well as reducing wrinkles and keeping clothes from getting lost and messy in suitcases.

Packing cubes are also great for saving space in luggage since they can be compressed more than conventional bags or containers.

This means that your friend will have room for more items in their bag, which will make traveling easier (and less stressful).

Additionally, when not being used for travel purposes, packing cubes make excellent storage items—they take up very little space on shelves or under beds when empty!

Though packing cubes aren’t usually made of sustainable material, they will help to organize and compress items, which should help to eliminate the need for many different suitcases.

14. Alternative Laundry Soap

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly gift for the traveler in your life, look no further than their laundry needs.

Laundry detergents and fabric softeners can be toxic to aquatic life, so load up on a biodegradable travel laundry soap that won’t pollute the water supply.

For clothes that have been exposed to dirt or germs during travel, a specific wash bag will keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones.

15. Books About The Destination

One of the best things you can give your friend is a tool to educate themselves about their upcoming destination.

There are so many books available that can teach about local history and traditions, wildlife, flora, etc.

Personally, I love physical books but as a traveler, I really appreciate having digital content to consume instead.

It takes so much weight off of my shoulders – literally from my backpack, books are heavy!

If you want something that’s eco and travel friendly, ebooks and audiobooks are the way to go for sure!

16. Travel Insurance

Purchasing travel insurance is important for everyone so they are covered in case of emergency.

Purchasing this eco friendly travel gift is a great way to ensure that your loved one stays fully covered in case their travels don’t go as planned.

If a trip gets canceled, interrupted, or lost entirely due to an unforeseen circumstance, your recipient will be covered.

There is no paper or packaging involved because it’s completely digital, so it’s a great zero waste that’s thoughtful and practical.

I recommend using SafetyWing for the most affordable coverage!

17. Travel Art Prints, Sketches, Calendars From Local Artists

If you want to give a gift that truly supports your friend’s eco-friendly lifestyle, consider something like travel art prints, sketches, or calendars from local artists.

It’s a great way to support their love for the local environment and economy.

Plus, most people treasure artwork that reminds them of special moments in their lives, so it’s sure to be appreciated.

Check out Etsy’s marketplace, it’s filled with beautiful prints made by independent artists using sustainable materials like recycled paper stock or soy ink inks (which are better for our bodies than traditional petroleum-based inks).

18. House Sitting Membership

Get your friends an eco friendly travel gift without any waste involved. A house-sitting membership is the best of both worlds.

You’re giving your friends the ability to stay for free in cool travel destinations all around the world, while at the same time providing them with a totally digital experience.

I recommend gifting a membership from the largest, most reliable online platform, TrustedHousesitters.

19. Work Exchange Membership

A Work Exchange membership is a great gift because you’re giving your friend the ability to exchange their help for free travel accommodation (and sometimes food & activities).

There is no paper or packaging; this gift is completely digital.

Work exchange platforms list different hosts and what they are looking for in exchange for their help.

Your friend will be connected to work exchange hosts that they can help while traveling or living overseas.

They will get access to thousands of exchange opportunities, complete with real-time ratings and reviews.

Your recipient can use the site to book their next trip! You can get a work exchange gift membership here on Workaway and Helpstay.

If you want to get one through Worldpackers, you will have to set up the account on your friends’ behalf because they don’t have a gift membership option.

How To Pick Sustainable Travel Gifts Abroad

Buying local products is an easy way to support local economies, reduce the carbon footprint of your trip, and help keep waste out of landfills.

However, if you’re not careful about what you’re buying, it can be a lot more harmful than helpful.

For example, don’t buy souvenirs – typical ones that is. This might seem obvious but many people don’t realize it.

They can support local communities by buying things like coffee beans or herbs instead of trinkets that will end up at the bottom of their drawers.

The truth is those small purchases add up over time and will have a bigger impact than just one big item bought once in a while.

Try to focus on quality over quantity. If nothing else, this practice will help a home to feel less cluttery and more welcoming when friends come over. 

20. Easy-To-Pack Food Products

Dry ingredients like coffee beans, tea, dried herbs, spices, etc. are easy to pack because they don’t take up much space and don’t weigh that much.

You can even buy them in bulk so that you have enough to last months or years!

The best part? Most spice blends are made with local ingredients and fair trade ingredients, meaning that you are supporting small businesses when buying these products.

This makes them a perfect gift for those who want their purchases to help out communities around the world.

PS some countries do not like travelers bringing back organic matter (food, dirt, sand, etc) from other places because it can spread diseases to agriculture or natural environments. The US is well known for this so please keep that in mind.

21. Locally Made Souvenirs

The best souvenirs are the ones that support artisanal craftsmanship, fair wages, and small businesses.

Locally made souvenirs can also be eco-friendly if they use recycled materials or can be easily broken down into compostable items like paper or fabric.

In addition to being great souvenirs and supporting local economies, this type of gift can also help travelers feel more connected with their destination.

Final Thoughts On Sustainable Travel Gifts

Hopefully, these ideas have helped you find the perfect eco friendly travel gifts for your friends.

I’m sure they will appreciate anything that you end up giving. Which of these sustainable travel gifts was your favorite? Let me know in the comments.

If you’re looking for more gift inspiration, make sure to check out these amazing gifts for van life or road-tripping.

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For the adventurous person in your life, whether they are your friend traveling abroad for an extended time or someone moving abroad permanently, your gift should be something that will help them on their journey.

It’s best to get them travel-related items like luggage or headphones, while also keeping in mind that the item should be lightweight.

If they’re going camping, hiking or backpacking, you can give them even some practical things like a raincoat or hiking sandals. Here are 20 amazing gifts for someone going abroad!

Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links that will cost you nothing extra but offer me a little commission for any purchases made. This helps me continue to offer helpful tips and information. Thank you so much for your support.

Affordable Gifts For Someone Going Abroad

Picking the right gift means you need to think about the person and your relationship with them and what you know about them.

What do they like or dislike? Do they have any specific hobbies? Have they mentioned that they need any particular item for their journey?

How close are you to them? This last one is essential because it will most likely dictate how much money and time you want to spend picking a gift for them.

Here are some smaller, more affordable presents that would be a good option for someone who is more of an acquaintance or work friend.

1. Sustainable Tote Bag And Compact Towel

What’s a better gift than one that keeps on giving? A reusable tote bag is a great choice for friends or family going abroad because it can be used in a variety of ways.

Perhaps they’d like a tote bag to carry their groceries home or equipment for work.

You could choose to give your friend or family member a compact towel along with the reusable bag – because who doesn’t want to dry off their hair quickly after stepping out of the shower?

It’s perfect for travel because it dries quickly and doesn’t take up much space.

2. Journals Or Sketchbooks

Travel journals or sketchbooks are great gifts for someone going abroad because they give people the opportunity to record their thoughts, feelings and observations.

When you go on vacation or travel somewhere new, it can be hard to remember what you’ve done and seen when you get home.

If the person receiving this gift loves to write down their thoughts in journals then they will be able to have a really enjoyable experience writing about their trip while they’re still experiencing it!

There are many different kinds of journals that you can buy that help with this goal.

Some have blank pages where people can write any kind of text – others come with different categories such as “what I learned today” and so on.

Some even come with special illustrations inside them (such as animal sketches) which may inspire creativity even further.

My favorite kind are vintage leather style journals like this one and this one.

If your friend enjoys art or sketching then maybe consider getting them one of these creative sketchbooks – there’s nothing better than seeing an artist’s mind at work through their artwork.

3. Travel Book On Their Destination Or Mode Of Transport

Good travel books are perfect gifts for someone going abroad and who also loves to read.

You can find travel books at any major bookstore, or you can order one online with just a few clicks of your mouse.

Make sure to check out these inspirational slow travel books that I carefully picked out for those who love slow traveling. 

Save some time searching by jumping directly to a search based on your friend’s destination:

• Books for traveling Africa
• Books for traveling Europe
• Books for traveling the Middle East
• Books for traveling Asia
• Books for traveling Australia/Oceania
• Books for traveling North America
• Books for traveling Central America
• Books for traveling South America
• Books for traveling the Caribbean

4. Portable Water Purifier

Having a portable water purifier/filter means that you can clean so many liters/gallons of water per cartridge.

They are usually small enough to fit in your pocket or backpack, so your friend can use it while traveling.

When hiking or camping, just fill up the bottle with water from a stream and use the portable water purifier and filter to make sure it’s safe for drinking.

This greatly reduces the risk of getting sick while camping.

5. Earplugs, Eye Mask, Travel Pillow

There’s nothing worse than trying to sleep when you’re traveling.

Sometimes it’s tough to find a comfortable position, and if even if that can be managed, there are usually people talking in the background.

If your friend is going abroad for any length of time, consider getting him or her some eye masks and earplugs to make sure they get quality rest wherever they are.

A good travel pillow should help with neck support while sleeping on airplanes or buses.

It should be nice and soft so it doesn’t create pressure points that would wake up your friend when they shift positions during the night.

A travel pillow like this one works well because it has a memory foam core as well as adjustable.

Personally, I love this inflatable pillow because it takes up less space and weighs way less than a traditional foam neck pillow.

I’ve been using a similar one for 6 years – it has seen so many flights and bus journeys but it’s lasted all that time.

The best eye masks come in different colors so there’s something for everyone – from those who enjoy bright colors (like me) all the way down to those who prefer something more subtle like black.

Here’s one of my favorites, you can get it in black, gray, or a cute shade of pink. If you are looking for a combination of all three, check out this complete rest kit.

6. Passport Holder

A classic leather passport holder is a stylish way to keep a passport, money, credit cards, and other important documents safe while traveling abroad.

It can be clipped onto a backpack or purse so there are no worries about losing it.

It’s also a plus to buy one because your passport is not always recognizable with a cover on it, which could protect it by keeping it a little incognito.

If you’re looking for a holder with cute designs, check this one out and this one.

7. Compact Reusable Utensils, Coffee Mug, etc.

If your friend or loved one is moving abroad, they’re going to be somewhere new and unfamiliar.

It’s good to have a few items that make life easier wherever you go. The best tools are the ones that are small, lightweight, and can be used for multiple purposes.

• Compact reusable utensils: You never know where you might find yourself eating a meal with friends or family when living as a foreigner! This stainless steel set from Finum includes fork, spoon, knife and chopsticks—all in one little case that takes up very little space in your bag.
• Eco reusable coffee mug: If they love coffee as much as I do, then this portable travel coffee mug will be a welcome gift on their journey overseas!
• Ultra-durable water bottle: The Nalgene brand of water bottles are BPA-free, almost indestructible, and leakproof. Though they aren’t fancy (not insulated whatsoever), they are good for someone who needs something simple, long-lasting, and can brave all elements!

8. Compact House Decorations

If your friend is following a nomadic lifestyle, they won’t want extra items weighing them down.

But if your friend is going to live abroad for an extended period of time, it might be nice to give them some house decorations that they can use once they settle in.

However, if they are going abroad and settling in one place for a while, it might be difficult because you don’t want to give them anything large or heavy because it will be harder to transport.

Both fairy lights, posters, scratch-off world maps are great gifts for someone going abroad because they can easily be put up and are lightweight and easy to pack.

This is my favorite scratch-off map, I always take it when I move to a new country.

If you purchase some specialty, handmade throw pillowcases, they can be packed easily and then filled with pillow stuffing when they arrive at their destination.

The most important thing to keep in mind is whether the gift is lightweight, easily packed, and unique enough to be worth transporting around the world.

For unique, handmade items made by local artisans, check out the online store Etsy, they have fabulous stuff.

Higher Priced Gifts For Someone Going Abroad

If you are closer to someone going abroad, you might want to get a more expensive gift for them.

There are so many present options for a friend moving abroad or someone traveling abroad, it might be hard to pick.

Here are some ideas for durable, high-quality gifts for someone going abroad.

9. Long-Lasting Outdoor Gear

If you’re looking for something that’s compact, lightweight and durable, look no further than long-lasting outdoor gear.

These items can be used in any weather and are perfect for cycling, hiking, camping or backpacking.

Examples of long-lasting outdoor gear include:

• Lightweight umbrella
• Waterproof boots – for the city or for hiking
• All-terrain hiking sandals – Chaco brand is the best!
• Waterproof raincoat – Berhaus brand is extremely good quality
• Backpacking/hiking/day trip bag – nothing can compete with the Osprey brand 

10. Power Bank

A portable power bank is a must-have for any traveler, especially long-term ones.

With a power bank, your friend can charge a phone and other devices on the go without having to worry about finding an outlet or charging station.

Power banks come in various capacities—so you need to choose one that works for the length of their trip and the type of device(s) they’ll be using it with (e.g., smartwatch, tablet).

Make sure before buying a power bank that it’s compatible with both their phone and other electronics!

11. Portable Wifi Hot Spot

You know when you’re traveling, or even just out and about, and you have to keep checking your phone for important texts or emails?

Well, that’s annoying. And if you’re abroad and don’t have access to a stable connection, it can be downright impossible.

A portable wifi hotspot is a small device that connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth or USB and extends its mobile data signal—your friend will never have trouble staying connected again.

Portable wifi hot spots are small enough to fit in a pocket or purse and weigh only a few ounces at most.

They’re also much cheaper than data plans from a mobile carrier ($10-$30 per day for unlimited 4G LTE service).

Most models even come with an app so the battery life can be tracked.

12. Portable Translator

It’s a good idea to learn even just a little bit of the local language before traveling to a new place. It helps with making friends and getting around easier!

Of course, becoming fluent overnight is impossible so don’t underestimate the power of Google Translate to help.

Many people use it to translate signs, menus, and websites. That’s great for more common languages because it can be pretty accurate.

Unfortunately, it needs to have a stable data connection or alternatively have pre-downloaded an app that has offline translation.

It gets a bit trickier if translation is needed for a language that is not as common because online translators won’t do very well at those.

Living in Albania means that I found out quickly how bad google translate is for Albanian.

Getting a portable translator will make your friend’s life so much easier.

Instead of worrying about data connection, offline downloads, and just general translation reliability, they can focus on enjoying their time and being present in their surroundings.

A translator can be a little expensive, which is why many people opt to just struggle with other subpar alternatives.

But this is exactly why it makes a great gift – it’s something that someone could really use but wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves.

13. Noise-Canceling Headphones

Noise-canceling headphones are a great gift because they can be used to block out the noise of an airplane, train, or bus ride.

They can also be used to sleep soundly in a hotel room if the hotel is too loud with their guests, or construction workers outside.

They’re also great for focusing during work or while sharing a living space with others.

14. Luggage Set And Luggage Scale

Though it’s a more expensive gift, they will really appreciate having a sturdy set of bags to transport their belongings to their new home or homes.

I highly recommend the Briggs and Riley brand. I own a set myself and they last forever.

They are extremely high quality and one of the only luggage brands to give you a lifetime guarantee.

If any of your bags break, they will fix it or replace them if fixing isn’t an option. Purchasing a Briggs and Riley suitcase is a meaningful investment for your friend going abroad.

If you want to get only one bag, that would still be helpful and you can always include a lightweight luggage scale so they can always make sure they adhere to the different weight requirements of international airlines.

I have this one, it has worked well for years now.

Digital Gifts For Someone Going Abroad

The best way to ensure that your gift for someone going abroad will be useful to them is to make it take up zero space in their suitcase.

Nowadays there are so many digital gifts that you can give. Unfortunately, many people don’t think of them right away.

It is sort of a newer idea and also some of the joy of gift-giving is physically opening a present.

But, if it’s up to me, I would prefer to get something that someone can actually use, rather than a present that they will have to donate or give away because they don’t have space for it.

15. Online Travel Magazine Or Audio Book Subscription

A subscription to an online travel magazine like Condé Nast Traveler is also ideal if you don’t want to give a physical item.

It’s easier than ever before to get magazines through your email inbox every month.

Audiobook subscriptions like Audible are another option if you don’t want to give anything physical at all.

It’s a great way to be learning something new while taking transport to the next destination.

16. House-Sitting Membership

House sitting is a great way to “travel for free” aka, saving money on travel accommodation.

If you get a house-sitting membership as a gift for your friend going abroad, it means that can find house sits in many countries around the world.

It’s a great way to meet locals and learn about the culture. They don’t have to be an expert at gardening or painting walls.

Just maintain the place as if it were their own home, take care of any pets, feed any fish and water plants.

An individual doesn’t need a lot of experience to become a house sitter – read more about what exactly a house sitter does.

If you want to jump straight to purchasing a memmbership, I recommend going with the largest, most reliable house-sitting website, Trustedhousesitters.com.

17. Work Exchange Membership

What is a work exchange? The main gist is that someone swaps their time for free accommodation and food and sometimes other perks too.

A work exchange membership is another great gift for anyone who wants to travel affordably while also making a difference in the world.

It allows a traveler to swap their time for free accommodation, food, and other expenses.

But how does it work? You can purchase a gift membership on one of the many websites that offer work exchanges.

Your friend that is going traveling would then create a profile that describes where they would like to go, when, and what kind of help exchange they are looking for.

Then they would message hosts from all over the world to inquire about the volunteer opportunity.

With a yearly membership, your friend can send unlimited messages to hosts or other work exchangers.

For example, I helped at an eco-tourism villa in Montenegro for 1 month, volunteered at a hostel in Budapest, Hungary, and helped with a language exchange in Tunisia.

A lot of people want longer periods such as 6 months or 1 year but many want shorter ones like 2 weeks at a vineyard or helping out in a hostel.

There are many options so this is great if your friend is very open-minded and adventurous.

The best work exchange platform for beginners is Worldpackers, use my code ‘MAPTREKKING’ or this link to get $10 off.

They don’t have a specific gift membership option but you can always purchase it under your friend’s name. 

18. The Gift Of Language (Rosetta Stone)

Having a portable translator is best for convenience and portability.

However, if your friend is moving abroad and settling permanently in one place, then learning the language fully is the best option.

Rosetta Stone is a program that helps a person learn a language quickly. It is available on a lot of different devices, including computers and phones.

This means that your friends can use it to learn a new language even if they are traveling with just their phone.

It’s also a good option for taking up zero space in the suitcase—one less thing to worry about packing!

19. Spotify Or Netflix Gift Card

Spotify and Netflix gift cards are great gifts for someone going abroad.

Both are good entertainment options for people who love to travel, especially if they’re going somewhere with limited internet access.

You can choose from a three-month subscription or even a year-long membership, depending on how long you think your friend will be traveling for.

If you want to give them some specially curated music, use Spotify to create some playlists with all their favorite songs.

And if you want to give them something fun while they’re going abroad, Netflix has tons of movies and TV shows that can be pre-downloaded on a device.

20. Amazon Gift Card

If you’ve made it this far and still haven’t found something suitable, well you might as well just give up!

Just kidding, when in doubt, you can always get your friend an Amazon gift card so they can choose.

Honestly, some people are incredibly picky, so there’s no shame in letting them pick what they want.

Final Thoughts

I hope these gifts for someone going abroad have inspired you! Hopefully, it helped you find the perfect gift.

No matter what you end up choosing, I’m sure they will appreciate it and know that you are wishing them all the best on their exciting new journey.

Check out these practical gifts for road trip lovers in your life – ps all of them are under $40!

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House sitting is a great way to get free accommodation while traveling. So what do house sitters do?

A house sitter cares for a home while the owner is away, usually while also physically living in the home.

This allows you to stay in a new place without the high cost of renting an apartment or house.

You can also enjoy the social aspect of making friends and staying in local areas. 

What Do House Sitters Do?

House sitting is also much less expensive than hotels, hostels, and Airbnb rooms, while still giving you all the privacy you need as an independent traveler.

Though each house sitting opportunity is unique, here are 9 things that house sitters do.

Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links that will cost you nothing extra but offer me a little commission for any purchases made. This helps me continue to offer helpful tips and information. Thank you so much for your support.

Care For pets

One of the biggest answers to ‘what do house sitters do?’ comes down to maintaining the well-being of pets.

Caring for a host’s pets usually is one of the main house sitting responsibilities that a housesitter holds.

This can involve anything from walking a dog to changing litter boxes, and everything in between.

Before taking on a house-sitting job with pets involved, it’s important that you’re comfortable with how they behave around people (and other animals).

It’s also important that they’re comfortable being handled by strangers like yourself—and that they know how far they can go when it comes to interacting with others.

If you don’t feel confident about handling certain pets just yet, let your client know so they can let you know if there are any particular challenges with their animal(s).

Also, make sure that you’re aware of any specific house sitting duties regarding the animal(s) before accepting a house-sitting assignment!

For instance, some dogs might not be well-behaved around cats or other dogs; some cats may not be okay around children; some reptiles may need special lighting or heating requirements; and so forth.

These things should all be discussed before signing on for an assignment so there aren’t any surprises later down the road!

Can’t wait any longer? If you’re interested in becoming a house sitter ASAP – you need this guide, 6 easy steps to become a house sitter!

Take Care Of Plants

For some of your house sitting duties, you may be asked to water the plants in the home, but you should still ask the homeowner for specific instructions.

This is because each plant has its own needs and requirements.

Some plants need more sunlight than others, some need to be fertilized regularly while others are content with less attention and care.

The type of potting soil used will also affect how often a plant needs watering based on its size and root depth.

In addition to watering the plants, make sure to keep them free of pests by inspecting them regularly for signs such as yellow leaves or mold growing on the surfaces of leaves.

If there are pests present then you should remove these using organic methods such as spraying with soapy water or gently rubbing off ants with a damp cloth before they have had time to harm your house sitter’s home!

It is also important that you check if any of these plants require repotting every few years – this will help ensure their health as well as make them look beautiful!

Tending To The Pool, Garden, Etc.

Depending on your house sitting responsibilities, you might have outdoor tasks to complete. The property could have a lot of space with certain features.

It’s good to be prepared to care for things like a pool, fountain, garden, lawn, etc.

If you’re lucky enough to have a house sit that has these amenities, it’s important to know how to take care of them.

This is especially true if your host has spent considerable time and money on these things.

In addition to providing maintenance services like cleaning swimming pools and planting flowers in the spring or summer, it’s also important to maintain the appearance of all other areas of the home as well.

This means raking leaves in fall and shoveling snow in winter (if applicable).

Collect mail, Clean Up Trash & Other Miscellaneous Tasks

During your house sitting jobs, you might be asked to collect mail and newspapers for the host.

You’ll also need to take out trash and recycling to the curb, as well as sweep the floors, mop kitchen floors, and clean bathrooms.

This is a huge help because it means that when the homeowner returns home they don’t have to worry about these tasks!

Cleaning windows is another house sitting duty that you may take on during your time at someone else’s property.

Windows can get dirty very fast in areas where there are trees or heavy traffic due to dirt being kicked up onto them by cars passing by.

Vacuuming carpets is yet another common house sitting responsibility to perform while taking care of other people’s homes.

Look After The House

What do house sitters do in general? If you’re a house sitter, it’s important to make sure your client’s home is well-kept and everything is in order. This means:

• Keeping the place clean and tidy
• Make sure all areas of the house are secure (doors locked, windows secured)
• Being aware of any problems that could affect the status quo (leaky faucets, malfunctioning appliances)
• Stocking up on food supplies so that there’s no need for frequent trips to the store

Of course, if your client doesn’t live in their home full time or is only going away for a short time (say, 10 days), then some maintenance tasks may be unnecessary or not needed at all!

Giving The Appearance Of Occupation

If you’re house-sitting for an entire week, it can be helpful to leave certain lights on to give the impression that someone is staying in the house.

This is fine as long as it does not exceed your owner’s electricity allowance or cause them any discomfort.

If you aren’t staying there, frequent visits are necessary to create this impression.

Arrive And Leave On Time

Arriving on time is a sign of respect for the homeowner, and it also shows that you are a reliable worker.

When there’s an emergency, either with your pet or the home, it’s helpful to have someone who can be counted on to show up when they say they will.

As long as you’re able to communicate clearly with the homeowner, if there is a change in plans—like an unexpected delay or even cancellations—it’s okay to ask if they would still like you around longer than originally planned.

Be A Good Houseguest

• Be respectful.
• Be tidy.
• Be quiet.
• Be clean—you’re still a guest, even if you don’t have to pay rent.
• Be friendly and polite with your hosts.

You should also try to be as self-sufficient as possible.

Make sure your hosts know you’re coming; buy groceries and cook meals for yourself; clean up after yourself; take out the trash when it’s full; get extra toilet paper from the bathroom closet when you run out of TP… things like that!

Be Flexible / Open-Minded

Being a house sitter means you have to be flexible with your schedule.

It also means you’ll need to be open-minded and willing to explore new things—including taking on a job that might not seem like your usual style.

As a house sitter, you need to be flexible with your schedule and open-minded about the people you’ll meet.

You might be asked to do things that are outside of your normal routine, but it’s important to remember that this is part of the experience.

House sitting may not be the most glamorous job, but it’s a great way to experience life in another country.

It can also be a fun and rewarding way to meet new people and experience new lifestyles.

Final Thoughts On House Sitting Duties

House sitting is a great way to make some money and get to travel.

It’s also an interesting way to meet new people, spend time with animals, and get a feel for different places around the world.

I hope this article has explained typical house sitting duties and answered your question of what do house sitters do!

If you’re thinking about starting, check out this full guide to house sitting.

You’ll find all kinds of information here including:

• Is house sitting safe?
• What are the benefits of house sitting?
• What are some tips for finding house sitting opportunities?

Want to browse worldwide house sitting but don’t know where to start?

Create a free account on TrustedHousesitters and browse the opportunities around the world that are waiting for you. It’s the biggest and most well-known house sitting platform!

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Wondering how to become a housesitter?

If you’re a responsible, trustworthy person who loves animals and doesn’t mind staying in other people’s homes while they’re away, then house sitting might be for you.

Maybe you’ve thought about becoming a housesitter before, but you don’t have any direct experience.

How do you go from “I’d like to do this someday” to securing a real sitting job with a homeowner who trusts that you’ll take good care of their pets or plants? I’ve got some answers!

Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links that will cost you nothing extra but offer me a little commission for any purchases made. This helps me continue to offer helpful tips and information. Thank you so much for your support.

Why Becoming A Housesitter Is A Good Idea

Want to see the world, travel on a budget, and live like a local? Becoming a housesitter is one of the best ways to do all of these things.

Here’s why:

• You can travel for free (ok not exactly, there will always be some associated costs). One of the highest costs when traveling is accommodation, so having your accommodation provided for you can save you thousands over time if you stick with it.
• You get to live like a local in incredible destinations around the world. This will give your stay abroad much more authenticity than staying in an impersonal hotel or hostel dorm room would provide!
• It’s a meaningful way to help people out while traveling – not only are you getting free lodging but also providing peace of mind and security by watching over their pets or homes while they are away!

How To Become A Housesitter With No Experience

Now that we’ve established why you want to house sit, let’s talk about how.

So let’s say you’re an experienced traveler with a lot of wanderlust but haven’t had much opportunity to practice your skills as a house sitter.

If this is the case for you, don’t worry!

There are plenty of options for getting started on your path towards becoming a housesitter without having any experience whatsoever.

For example, the best house sitting platform doesn’t require any previous experience.

The Trustedhousesitters platform makes it easy for both homeowners and house sitters alike to connect through their profiles safely.

If this sounds like something that might interest you, check out some of these tips for Trustedhousesitters below:

• Make sure that whatever neighborhood or area interests you since you’ll be staying there for an extended period
• When you’re creating a profile on TrustedHousesitters, make sure it is thorough and informative.
• Make sure to answer all questions honestly as well as adding relevant photos/videos/links when prompted.
• They are looking forward to seeing what makes YOU unique! This will help them match potential hosts according to what works best based on how long they need someone.

Still need some more guidance on how to become a housesitter? No worries at all. Check out this easy step-by-step guide to becoming a housesitter!

1. Decide How Long You Want To House Sit

How long do you want to house sit? This is the first question that needs to be asked, as it will determine what to do next.

If you’re just going on vacation, then short-term/temporary housesitting might be more suitable for you.

However, if this is a career change or something that will take up most of your time and energy, then long-term/residential housesitting might be better suited.

Becoming a housesitter is perfect if you want to start being a slow traveler!

2. Decide Where You Want To House Sit

Once you’ve decided how long you’d like to house sit, it’s time to decide where.

Your main decision here is whether or not you want to do more house sits in a particular location/area.

If so, then choose a country that has plenty of house sitting assignments and makes sense for your schedule.

For example, if you’re looking for something longer-term (three months or more), then you will need to think seriously about the cost of living in that place.

How is the currency exchange for you? Are groceries expensive? How affordable is it to go out to eat or go to do activities?

If this is going to be your first time house sitting and/or traveling abroad solo and independently, I recommend choosing a country where there are plenty of sites and places to see as well as activities available.

What I mean is things like museums, national parks, historical sites, etc. that interest you enough that they’d make up for some potentially boring days that you might have.

Also, don’t forget about safety! You should feel comfortable walking alone around town at night without fear; otherwise, pick another city or region instead.

3. Research House Sitting Websites

The next step for becoming a housesitter is to start researching house sitting platforms.

There are many house sitting platforms out there and some are better than others.

Some platforms only offer sitting jobs in certain countries while others may have a wide range of options.

You can also try to use groups on Facebook to find house sitting opportunities or forums like Reddit.

It is important to do your research before choosing a platform and ensure that it is going to be suitable for you and your location as well as ensure your safety when going through the process with them.

If this is your first time becoming a housesitter, it might be best to go through a trusted platform to ensure that you are getting the best experience possible!

Check out Trustedhousesitters because they have more house sits than all other platforms around the world combined!

4. Create A Profile On A House Sitting Platform

The next step is to create a profile on a house sitting website. A house sitting profile is your first point of contact with homeowners, so be sure to make it as attractive as possible.

The most important thing to remember when creating your profile is to keep it clear and concise so that it is easy for homeowners to see what you have to offer them.

Remember that house owners are looking for people who are willing to learn and practice the art of being a good house sitter.

If you can demonstrate this in your description, they may be more likely to choose you over other applicants!

Here are some tips on how best to do this:

• Have at least one photo of yourself that shows off your personality (but don’t go overboard)
• Describe any experience or skills relevant to the kind of housesitting work you’d like to do
• List any interests or hobbies relevant to the type of housesitting work you want to do

5. How To Become A Housesitter If You’re Using A Public Forum

If you are using a public forum, then you will need to contact homeowners by email, phone, or social media.

When contacting the homeowner, ask them about general duties that they will expect of you, such as:

• Feeding animals
• Watering plants
• Managing mail and other packages while they are away on holiday etc.

Ask if they have any special house sitting requests:

• Do they require any specific training for their pet(s)? (for example, a cat who needs medication twice daily)
• Ask how long they need someone: If possible, try to find out what days and times are best suited for them so that you can plan your schedule accordingly. 
• Finally, ask them to send photos of their home & pets so that it doesn’t come as such a shock when you meet face to face!

6. Craft A Great House Sitting Application Message For Homeowners To Review

To get the most out of a house sitting platform, you need to make sure that the homeowner really understands who you are and what your goals are.

There’s no point in taking a risk by sending an unfocused application message.

One of the most important tips for how to become a housesitter is to be professional.

When writing an email to a potential house sitting opportunity, it’s important not to be rude or overly casual in tone.

This isn’t something that’s out of line with other forms of business communication; if anything, it’s more important when writing personal messages!

Your professionalism will not only show through in your language but also in how quickly you respond to queries from homeowners (and how well-written these responses are).

How to be a successful house sitter – be polite!

Homeowners appreciate courtesy above all else in their interactions with potential house sitters so keep this in mind when crafting correspondence with them—don’t forget that they’re people too.

Of course, there will always be exceptions but as a rule, we highly recommend using “please” and “thank you.”

It goes without saying that spelling mistakes should be avoided at all costs!

Final Thoughts On Becoming A Housesitter

I hope these tips on how to become a housesitter have been helpful! Becoming a housesitter with no experience is very possible.

So what do you think – are you ready to take the plunge?

Create a free account on TrustedHousesitters and browse the opportunities around the world that are waiting for you!

Learn why house sitting is the best way to afford slow traveling!

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If you’re looking for a slow travel experience but can only find articles listing expensive slow travel tours, you’ve come to the right place!

Slow travel shouldn’t have a huge price tag. In fact, most times traveling slowly will help you to save on travel costs since you aren’t moving around as much.

Since the world shut down from COVID-19, the slow travel trend has been growing.

At this point, many big travel bloggers have written at least one article along the lines of ‘what is slow travel’ or ‘why you should try slow travel’, to get in on the action.

And if you’re wondering why ‘slow travel tours’ cost so much? Well, in my opinion, they are using ‘slow travel’ as a buzzword to attract more people to their tours.

If you’re looking for some actual answers about how to have a slow travel experience that won’t break the bank, well I have a solution for you.

I want to show you that a slow travel experience doesn’t have to cost thousands if you know where to look!

Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links that will cost you nothing extra but offer me a little commission for any purchases made. This helps me continue to offer helpful tips and information. Thank you so much for your support.

What Is A Slow Travel Experience?

Defining slow travel can be difficult because it can mean something different to each individual.

You can think of slow travel as a mindset, you can do it anywhere and there are no set parameters that tell you if you’re doing it wrong.

Generally, as a slow traveler, you should be doing your best to make conscious decisions to travel better.

‘Traveling better’ means that you are trying to lessen your environmental impact from transport, opting to boost the local economy rather than international tourism businesses, etc.

So when you’re trying to find a slow travel experience, you need to think about whether slow travel principles match up with it.

You ask some of the questions below to weed out the bogus experiences or tours that have the ‘slow travel’ buzzword slapped on them.

• Is it a local travel company that is run by local people?
• Is the experience/tour guide a local?
• Does the experience contribute to over tourism (like taking you to take you to obvious tourist sites)?
• Does it give you the chance to take your time to be immersed in the culture?
• Is it an experience that respects the local environments?
• Is it an experience that helps you to learn about the culture respectfully?
• Does it include transport that has a high environmental impact on the earth? (Planes & cruise ships have the highest damage)

What’s Keeping You From Slow Travel Experiences?

A huge issue that many people have with the idea of ‘slow travel’ is that they don’t have enough time. It makes sense too since usually, we associate the term ‘slow’ with time.

Not Enough Time

It’s true that many individuals have only two weeks of holiday/vacation per year, and of course many don’t have any vacation time at all.

But what most don’t realize is that ‘slow travel’ can be done regardless of how much time you have.

Even if you go on a day trip or weekend getaway, slow traveling during that means that you don’t rush through every activity that your destination has to offer. 

Instead, you enjoy fewer experiences, so you can appreciate what you’re doing and where you are.

This will help you have high-quality experiences that you remember later on, rather than a high quantity of only subpar experiences that you’ll forget later on.

Not Enough Money

There’s still a huge misconception that travel is expensive. So the idea of taking a few weeks to slow travel might sound very privileged, especially when most people think of travel accommodation as staying in a hotel or Airbnb.

If you did that for two weeks, it could set you back hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Fortunately, nowadays there are many ways to avoid high travel costs without sacrificing your happiness. And no I’m not just talking about staying in 16 person hostel rooms!

Since the two biggest travel expenses are transport and accommodation, it makes sense to say that if you can greatly reduce or eliminate one of these, it opens up more possibilities. 

That’s why, if you’re wanting to do a slow travel experience, but can’t afford it, I think house sitting is for you!

Why House Sitting Is The Most Affordable Slow Travel Experience

House sitting allows you to cut out one of the largest travel expenses, accommodation. Not only does it give your wallet a break, but it also means that you could be staying in places that are way better than crowded dorm rooms in hostels.

I’m talking about beautiful mountain villas or city center apartments. It comes in especially handy if you want to slow travel somewhere with a high cost of living like New York City or London, or countries like Iceland or Norway.

House sitting is a unique slow travel experience because you are looking after a local’s home (and sometimes pets) in exchange for a free place to stay.

It’s a great deal if you don’t mind putting in a little bit of extra effort.

Plus, without all of your money going towards accommodation, you can now focus it on other things. It’s perfect if you are wanting to stretch your funds to cover a longer period.

Related – What are the duties of a house sitter?

House sitting is also great for slow traveling because it means you will usually be in a local neighborhood where prices are bound to be lower. This also means you’re supporting the local economy by eating at local restaurants and purchasing food at the local grocery stores.

House sitting gives you a bit of a jump start into the local culture since you can get advice when talking to the house owner. Having that automatic connection can open up a world of possibilities and adventures. Locals always know the best food spots and hidden gems! 

Related – How to become a house sitter with no experience

House sit opportunities can have a time commitment of anywhere between a single weekend to 6 months or even a year! Normally, they are around 1-2 weeks though, which is perfect for someone thinking of doing a house sit on their vacation time.

It’s also worth mentioning that house sitting is a great alternative to volunteering with work exchanges. Many work exchange projects can be physically intense and require you to help up to 25 hours a week. House sitting is a good option since it isn’t as physically strenuous and usually requires less time.

TrustedHousesitters

So what do you think… is house sitting the slow travel experience you’ve been looking for?

If that’s you, we always recommend the TrustedHousesitters platform, because it’s seriously amazing. They have more house sitting opportunities than all other house sitting websites in the world combined!

When you sign up for a membership, you get access to unlimited house sits worldwide and free verification for your profile. Confirming your identity helps keep the site safe and makes it more likely for you to get house sits too. 

TrustedHousesitters also have an easy-to-use mobile application and great customer support. Their one-year membership costs $120 / €99, which is the same price for 1 night in a hotel or maybe a weekend in an Airbnb. As long as you do at least 1 house sit, it will be worth the cost.

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