How This Desert Witch Stays Places for Free When Traveling
I am currently typing this from a table facing a large window with a view of desert landscape and the Catalina mountains in the distance. There is a babbling dipping pool outside beckoning me to dip my feet despite the colder temperatures, and well the sun is shining. I don’t have much on the agenda today except go on a hike nearby and finish up some work things. Sounds like a dream? Well, it certainly feels that way!!
An Oro Valley dream, that is. Oro Valley is a suburb in the north of Tucson. And I’m staying in a large three-bedroom adobe-like house in a peaceful neighborhood at the foot of the mountains. This house is backed up to protected land so no nosy neighbors lurking in (unless you consider a bobcat carrying his prey a nosy neighbor).
What if I told you that I was staying here, alone, for the low price of nothing? What if I told you I also got to use the Subaru parked in the garage? And eat and drink anything in the cupboard?
You might think, “well that’s nice of your parents.”
Guess again.
My parents are lovely and will come to visit me while I’m here, but have nothing to do with this arrangement.
Nope.
The reason I can call this magical place home for three weeks is that I am a trusted house sitter. That’s right. People entrust me with their house while they are on holiday. That means I also have to take care of plants, bring in the mail, and snuggle their pets (a bonus if you ask me!!)
This time I am in charge of snuggling a 14-year-old Chihuahua mix who is wrinkled and gray and has stairs to get up the couch and the bed. His breath stinks but he is awfully stinking cute so I don’t mind.
Not all house sits are for this long or include the use of a car. But if you are looking for an affordable way to travel the world, you might also consider joining the site, especially if you are a digital nomad who has flexibility with moving around.
There are different plans you can buy but the cheapest is around 100 per year, a great deal even if only use it for one night.
And the best part — is the friends (furry and otherwise) you’ll make along the way. You are staying in someone’s home, so it’s much cozier than a hotel. You get exposed to different foods, ways of life, and books, I LOVE to scan people’s bookshelves :)
So, if you are ever wondering how I am able to afford to travel the world, here’s one of my little not-so-secrets.
Happy housesitting!!