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Following my marriage ended, I naively thought vacations as a solo mother would be easy. I soon discovered they proved either outrageously expensive, or seemed exclusively suitable for “traditional” families, or else were far too budget that I returned back even more knackered than before I’d left.

Early Vacation Attempts

My first attempt, tenting with friends, went well until I had to dismantle our shelter. Hours of struggling with the tent in the heat afterward, I hated the outdoors. Subsequently, an adventurous trip for single-parent families. The abseiling and caving were brilliant, but sleeping in a bunkbed ruined my spine. We attempted a budget package in Tenerife, but the hordes of nuclear families were overwhelming, and poolside chats with other women died down since I didn’t come with a handy partner for their own spouses to talk to. A trip to Majorca with a friend and her children was brilliant, but the cost was eye-watering.

Finding Pet-Sitting

Then, last autumn, a friend inquired if we’d look after her pets in Devon as she attended to a ceremony. During a tranquil weekend, we strolled along the shore, and settled by the fire at night. That led to pet-sitting for her friend in Dorset, and it also went smoothly. Inspired, I subscribed with an annual £99 membership to register on a house-sitting website, where, by caring for people’s pets, you reside at their residences free of charge. Within a few days, I’d arranged a ten-day house-sit within the county, caring for a retriever named Buzz while the proprietors were abroad.

Each day's strolls provided the chance to discover stunning natural settings.

It was the initial assignment for unknown individuals, but all anxiety dissipated the moment we reached the beautiful spacious home and met the calm Buzz, who lived for tummy rubs. Our daily canine strolls offered us the possibility to venture into magnificent nature spots, and, after we came back, we were able to unwind in the garden for meaningful conversations about our favourite “Ghosts” characters in the BBC sitcom. We avoided any pricey overrated attractions to traipse through – instead, we browsed bookstores, indulged to nail care, and went on paddling excursions. I experienced lighter and happier than ever in years, and noticed my bond alongside my child Polly strengthen every day. I’m not afraid to say that I wept from joy. Things felt possible again.

Is House-Sitting Right for You?

Pet-sitting may not be suitable for all. Some people want no responsibilities on holiday other than selecting their upcoming cocktail, are not into pets, or feel odd about sleeping in a someone else’s bed, emptying the dishwasher, and taking out the trash. However the gentle rhythm of ordinary living, with work removed and fresh locations to explore, suits me perfectly.

It keeps myself from slipping into total inactivity, which leaves me feeling restless and oddly hollow. Moreover, financially, house-sitting is a life-saver for a single parent. A 10-day getaway in a similar-sized house in the same area we stayed could cost me about £2,500 on Airbnb.

An Alternative Perspective

Regarding residing in a stranger’s house, I discovered it enriching. Even though house-sitting represents a exchange, it is equally an act of faith among strangers and creatures, which has unleashed the finest version of me – my patient, loving and measured side, overflowing with appreciation for the people and locations we discover. I’ve already lined up an additional short break away, looking after a whippet in leafy Surrey, and, in the coming year, I hope to attempt pet-sitting abroad. Thanks to a bit of innovative thinking, we can experience the world from the comfort of home – it simply happens to be someone else’s.