Traveling Solo: When someone thinks of traveling alone, there is a bit of nervousness in the mind. Especially if a woman is going alone to a new city or country, then the concern about safety increases further. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or hostels at such times, but did you know that there is a better and safer way?
This method is called house sitting – that is, taking care of someone’s house and pets, and in return staying there for free.
Kelly Hayes-Wright, who is an experienced house sitter and world traveler, adopted this method while traveling alone to different countries of the world for about 12 years at the age of 50. Not only did she stay safe, but she also experienced different cultures and places closely, and saved a lot of money in her travels.
What is House Sitting and Why is it Useful in Solo Travel?
House sitting means that you stay in someone’s home while they’re away and take care of their pets. In return, you get to stay in the house without paying rent or hotel fees.
Not only does this method save money, it also gives you the opportunity to stay in a local neighborhood, where you can live like a local, not a tourist.
9 Ways House Sitting Makes Me Feel Safe
Below I’ve detailed the ways in which house sitting has made my trips safe and enjoyable.
1. Staying in Safe Areas
Most hotels and hostels are located in tourist areas where pickpockets and thugs are often active. If you go out alone at night, the risk can increase.
But while house sitting, I stay in areas where locals live, which is relatively safer. Here you stay away from the crowd and don’t attract much attention.
For example, when I was house sitting in London, my house was far from the main tourist area, but I could easily travel around by bus and train from there.
2. Saving Money – No Solo Supplement
One big problem faced by solo travelers is the solo supplement. This means that even if a hotel room is for two people, the single person has to pay the full rent.
This is not the case with house sitting. Here you do not have to pay any rent for staying, you just have to take care of the house and the pet responsibly.
I have stayed in houses for weeks, whose rent could never come in my budget. For example, during the 2012 Olympics, I stayed in a beautiful house in London for 2 months and took care of a cat. At that time the hotel rates were sky high, but not a single rupee went out of my pocket.
3. Private and Secure Wi-Fi
It is not safe to use public Wi-Fi such as cafe, hotel or airport internet. This can lead to theft of your data and passwords.
House sitting gives you personal Wi-Fi in your home, which reduces the risk while doing banking or other personal work.
4. Security of Valuables
In hotels, especially budget hotels and hostels, your room can be accessed by many people – staff, cleaning staff or other guests. But during house sitting, it is only you in the house, and it is much safer.
However, this does not mean that thefts cannot happen at all. I always asked the owner about the security of the locality beforehand and kept my things – like laptop, passport and jewellery hidden.
5. Local Tips and Information
One of the big advantages of house sitting is that you get a chance to connect with the house owner beforehand. They can give you information about their favourite restaurants, places to visit and public transport.
At times, they even gave me their museum passes, travel cards and club memberships, which made my travel experience even more special.
6. Making New Friends
Traveling alone can sometimes feel lonely. When I house sit, I often ask the owner to introduce me to their friends. This way I’ve made friends with locals in many places, with whom I’ve had coffee, explored local markets, and explored hidden spots.
Once on the French island of Reunion, a new friend took me snorkeling with humpback whales – something I probably would never have done on my own.
7. Free Parking
If I rent a car while house sitting, I can park it in the home’s driveway. Sometimes owners even lend me their car to use, which reduces both expense and hassle.
8. Own Kitchen
Having a kitchen is a huge benefit when house sitting, especially for people with food allergies or special diet needs.
A friend of mine who is a house sitter says – “Ever since I started house sitting, I feel secure in my food as I can cook for myself.”
9. Wash Your Clothes
The fear of losing or ruining clothes in the laundry is eliminated as there is a washing machine at home. I can wash my limited clothes regularly and maintain freshness for a longer time.
Why is House Sitting Better?
- Saves hotel costs
- More secure environment
- Experience of local culture
- Opportunity to spend time with pets
- Facility to stay in one place for a longer time
Tips for Women
- Always talk to the owner on a video call first
- Ask about safety of the neighbourhood
- Stash your belongings in a safe place
- Write down emergency numbers at home
- Get acquainted with neighbors
