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Following the marriage ended, I naively believed holidays as a single parent would be easy. I soon realized they proved either outrageously costly, otherwise appeared exclusively suitable for “traditional” families, or else were so cheap that I came home even more knackered than before I’d left.

Early Holiday Attempts

The initial attempt, tenting with friends, was fine up until the moment came to dismantle our shelter. Hours of struggling with the tent in the heat afterward, I hated camping. Next, the adventure trip for single-parent families. Rappelling and caving were fantastic, but resting in a bunkbed ruined my spine. We attempted a low-cost package in Tenerife, but the crowds of traditional families felt intense, and poolside chats with fellow ladies died down since I didn’t accompanied by a handy husband for their spouses to talk to. An excursion to Mallorca alongside a pal and her kids was wonderful, but the cost was staggering.

Discovering Pet-Sitting

Then, last autumn, a friend asked if we’d look after her dogs in Devon as she went to a wedding. For one tranquil couple of days, we walked on the beach, and settled near the fireplace at night. That led to pet-sitting for her friend in Dorset, which also went well. Inspired, I subscribed with an annual £99 membership to register on a pet-sitting website, where, in exchange for looking after people’s animals, you stay in their homes free of charge. In just a couple of days, I secured a 10-day house-sit within the county, caring for a labrador named Buzz while the proprietors were abroad.

Our daily walks gave us the chance to explore breathtaking nature spots.

This marked the initial assignment for unknown individuals, but all anxiety vanished the moment we reached the gorgeous spacious house and met the gentle Buzz, who thrived for tummy rubs. Each day's dog walks gave us the opportunity to explore magnificent nature spots, and, once we returned back, we were able to relax outdoors for meaningful conversations about our preferred “Ghosts” characters in the BBC sitcom. We avoided no pricey tourist traps to wander around – instead, we browsed bookstores, indulged to manicures, and went on paddling excursions. I felt more carefree and happier than ever in years, and noticed my bond alongside my child Polly strengthen daily. I don’t afraid to admit that I cried with happiness. Life seemed achievable once more.

Is House-Sitting Right for You?

Pet-sitting may not be for everyone. Some people want zero duties during vacations apart from choosing their upcoming cocktail, aren’t fond of dogs or cats, or find it strange about staying in a someone else’s bedroom, emptying the dishwasher, and taking out their bins. But the soothing rhythm of everyday life, with employment stripped out and new places to investigate, is perfect for me.

This prevents me from slipping into complete inactivity, a state that makes me feeling restless and oddly hollow. Moreover, financially, house-sitting is a life-saver for a single parent. A 10-day getaway in a comparable property in the same region we stayed would set me back approximately £2,500 on Airbnb.

An Alternative Perspective

Regarding staying in a another person’s home, I found it enriching. Although house-sitting represents a transaction, it is equally an act of trust between strangers and animals, which has brought out my best self – my patient, loving and measured aspect, full of gratitude for the individuals and locations we discover. I have lined up an additional four days away, looking after a sighthound within verdant Surrey, and, in the coming year, I hope to try pet-sitting overseas. Thanks to a bit of creative thinking, we are able to experience the world from the coziness of home – it just happens to be someone else’s.