My #1 Remote Working, Solo Travel Budget Hack + 5 Reasons Why You Should Do It TOO!
I wanted to travel the world but was on a tight budget. I had read books like Eat, Pray, Love, and watched women courageously embark on solo adventures on their quest for healing.
Thirsty for the same growth and better relationship with myself, I heartbreakingly left my relationship and my home with nothing but my laptop and 2 carryons. Out the door and off I went.
I’ve backpacked through countries solo before, but this was going to be different. I wouldn’t be going to vacation in a spot or pop around. I was determined to know the community, build a life wherever I landed, however many times I relocated, and help others learn to do the same.
This one hack that made all the difference was this: Housesitting.
Here’s why:
1. I saved a TON of money - thousands of dollars. All I had to take care of was my plane ticket, own groceries, their pets and their home. Sometimes, I’d even get to take care of their car! The essentials were already established.
2. They’ll have the best, if not better recommendations than the tour books. While building their lives there, your hosts get a general lay of the land, an understanding of the lifestyle and culture. You adopt location knowledge quicker and general best community practices quickly.
3. Your safety is their priority too. Oftentimes, my hosts would introduce me to their friends so I’d settle in more quickly and have a local lifeline should an emergency happen. They’ll point out spots to avoid and all the info you need to keep safe.
4. You won’t be alone with an animal around. One of the hardest things about traveling solo is the loneliness that often comes with it. During this season of healing, these animals became my emotional support animals as I rebuilt trust and love within myself. Oftentimes, they were right there with me to comfort me while I endured the grieving process.
5. You get on a schedule fast, because the animals have a well-established schedule and will make sure you know it, too. I remember being gently patted on the forehead by a 17-year-old cat every day by 7am. I could count on it.
Wandering the world is such an experience. To travel on your terms, alone, with no agenda but to heal, build a life, and enjoy it is a gift I hope every person gives themselves once in their lifetime.
The app I used to do this is TrustedHousesitters.
Use this link to join with 25% off.
*Written by me, a human, not Chat GPT or other AI :)