🔗 Share this article

After my relationship concluded, I thought holidays as a single parent would be straightforward. I soon realized they proved either extremely expensive, or appeared only suitable for “traditional” households, or else were so budget that I returned back even more knackered than when I’d left.

Initial Holiday Attempts

The initial endeavor, tenting with friends, went well up until I had to dismantle our shelter. Hours of wrestling with it in the heat later, I developed a dislike for the outdoors. Subsequently, an adventurous trip for solo-parent families. Rappelling and caving were fantastic, but resting in a bunk bed wrecked my back. We tried a budget package on the island, but the hordes of nuclear families were overwhelming, and pool-side chats with fellow women died down because I didn’t accompanied by a handy husband for their own spouses to talk to. An excursion to Mallorca alongside a pal and her kids was brilliant, but the cost was eye-watering.

Finding House-Sitting

Later, the previous fall, an acquaintance asked if we could look after her dogs within the county as she went to a ceremony. During a tranquil couple of days, we walked along the shore, and settled by the fire at night. This prompted to pet-sitting for her associate in Dorset, and it also went smoothly. Encouraged, I subscribed with an annual £99 fee to register on a pet-sitting platform, where, in exchange for caring for individuals' pets, you stay in their homes free of charge. Within a few days, I secured a 10-day house-sit within the county, looking after a labrador named Buzz during the time his owners traveled overseas.

Each day's walks provided the opportunity to explore breathtaking nature spots.

This marked our first sit for strangers, but all anxiety vanished as soon as we arrived at the beautiful spacious house and encountered the gentle Buzz, who lived for tummy rubs. Each day's canine strolls offered us the possibility to venture into stunning nature spots, and, once we returned home, we were able to relax outdoors for important discussions about our favourite “Ghosts” characters in the BBC sitcom. There were any pricey tourist traps to traipse through – rather, we browsed bookstores, treated ourselves to nail care, and went on kayak trips. I experienced more carefree and happier than ever in years, and noticed my bond with my daughter Polly deepen daily. I don’t hesitant to admit that I cried from joy. Things felt possible again.

Could Pet-Sitting Right for You?

House-sitting may not be suitable for all. Some people prefer zero duties on holiday apart from choosing their upcoming cocktail, are not fond of pets, or perhaps find it strange about staying in a someone else’s bedroom, emptying their dishwasher, and taking out the trash. However the soothing rhythm of ordinary living, with work removed and fresh locations to investigate, is perfect for me.

It keeps myself from descending into complete inactivity, which makes me experience twitchy and strangely empty. Moreover, financially, house-sitting is a lifeline for a single parent. Ten days break in a similar-sized house in the same region we visited would set me back about £2,500 on Airbnb.

An Alternative Outlook

As for residing in a stranger’s home, I found it enriching. Although pet-sitting is a exchange, it is equally an act of faith among strangers and animals, which has brought out the finest version of me – my calm, loving and measured aspect, full of appreciation for the people and places we encounter. I have scheduled another short break away, caring for a whippet within verdant Surrey, and, next year, I hope to try house-sitting abroad. Due to a bit of innovative planning, we are able to see the globe from the coziness of home – it simply happens to be someone else’s.