A solo traveler has revealed her ‘ultimate hack’ for scoring free accommodation in every country while traveling through Europe.
Molly Cochranefrom New Zealand, was planning to travel around Europe for several months and was convinced there were better options than expensive AirBnbs and overcrowded hostels.
The woman, in her mid-20s, discovered ‘Trusted House Sitters’, a platform where people list their homes to search for available house and pet sitters while on holiday.
Molly said she stayed for free in ‘several beautiful houses’ for most of her trip, in cities including London, Edinburgh and Bristol.
“It’s so good, I’ve stayed in beautiful places and taken care of people’s pets,” she said in one video.
Molly also revealed that she enjoyed having the company of pets as a solo traveler.
‘I spent a week looking after someone’s cat in Edinburgh, and now I’m in Bristol looking after someone else’s dog. The following week I’m going back to London to look after two dogs.
‘If you’re traveling for an extended period of time and aren’t sure where you want to live, this is a great way to experience the area without having to book an AirBnb for a month because it’s so expensive to do so.’
However, Molly cautioned that you should only sign up as a pet sitter if your itinerary fits the needs.
“You’ll know if taking care of a pet actually fits into your itinerary, so I just wouldn’t apply for something that doesn’t fit your plan!” she advised.
The people who hire house sitters may not want someone who is out sightseeing all day and is only home at night.
The traveler added: ‘Everyone is different! Cats are easier to leave at home all day, but dogs need a little more attention.’
Molly Cochrane, from New Zealand, has been traveling around Europe for several months and was convinced there were better options than expensive AirBnbs and overcrowded hostels
The website requires an annual membership fee of $120, but Molly claimed she “definitely got her money back” and that she “didn’t spend a dime” on accommodation.
“It’s so beautiful, and it’s such a step up from a hostel,” Molly said. “I’m living a luxurious life and it feels so good.”
Many revealed they also used Molly’s travel hack and recommended others try it.
“I’m doing this for a month as I travel through Europe this year. One of the people for whom we provide pet sitting even offered us his holiday home in Spain!’ one traveler shared.
“Currently sitter in Hackney for the cutest dog and an even cuter apartment,” another added.