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After the marriage concluded, I thought holidays as a single parent could be easy. I soon realized they were often extremely costly, otherwise appeared only suitable for “traditional” families, or were so budget that I came back even more knackered than when I’d left.

Early Holiday Attempts

The initial attempt, tenting with friends, went well until I had to pack up our shelter. Four hours of struggling with it under the sun later, I developed a dislike for camping. Next, an adventurous trip for solo-parent families. The abseiling and caving were fantastic, but resting in a bunk bed wrecked my back. We tried a budget all-inclusive in Tenerife, but the crowds of nuclear families were overwhelming, and poolside chats with other ladies fizzled out since I wasn’t come with a handy partner for their own husbands to chat with. A trip to Mallorca alongside a pal and her children was brilliant, but the expense was staggering.

Finding Pet-Sitting

Then, last autumn, an acquaintance asked if we’d house-sit her dogs in Devon as she attended to a wedding. For one peaceful couple of days, we strolled on the beach, and settled by the fire at night. That led to house-sitting for her friend in Dorset, and it proceeded smoothly. Inspired, I subscribed with an annual £99 fee to join a pet-sitting platform, where, in exchange for caring for people’s pets, you stay in their homes free of charge. In just a couple of days, I’d arranged a ten-day pet-sit within the county, looking after a labrador called Buzz while his owners traveled overseas.

Each day's walks provided the chance to explore breathtaking nature spots.

This marked our first assignment for unknown individuals, but any nerves vanished the moment we reached at the beautiful four-bedroom house and encountered the calm Buzz, who thrived for tummy rubs. Our daily canine strolls gave us the opportunity to venture into stunning nature spots, and, once we came home, we were able to unwind in the garden for meaningful discussions about our favourite “Ghosts” characters in the BBC sitcom. There were any expensive overrated attractions to traipse through – rather, we browsed bookstores, indulged to manicures, and went on kayak trips. I experienced more carefree and more joyful than I had in years, and could feel my bond with my daughter Polly deepen daily. I’m not afraid to say that I cried with happiness. Life seemed achievable once more.

Is House-Sitting for You?

Pet-sitting isn’t for everyone. Some people want zero duties during vacations apart from selecting their next beverage, are not fond of pets, or find it strange about staying in a someone else’s bed, emptying the dishwasher, and putting out their bins. But the gentle rhythm of ordinary living, with employment stripped out and fresh locations to investigate, suits me for me.

It keeps myself from slipping into total idleness, which leaves me feeling restless and oddly empty. And, monetarily, pet-sitting is a life-saver for a solo mother. A 10-day getaway in a comparable house in the same area we visited could cost me back approximately £2,500 on Airbnb.

A New Outlook

Regarding residing in a stranger’s home, I discovered it nourishing. Although house-sitting is a exchange, it is equally an expression of trust between unfamiliar people and animals, that has brought out the finest version of me – my patient, caring and balanced aspect, full of appreciation for the individuals and places we encounter. I have scheduled an additional four days away, looking after a whippet in leafy Surrey, and, in the coming year, I’d like to attempt house-sitting overseas. Due to a bit of innovative planning, we can experience the globe from the coziness of home – it simply happens to be someone else’s.