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After the marriage ended, I thought holidays being a solo mother would be easy. Quickly discovered they were often extremely costly, otherwise seemed only designed for “conventional” families, or else were so cheap that I returned home even more exhausted than when I’d left.

Initial Holiday Attempts

My first endeavor, tenting with friends, was fine up until the moment came to dismantle our shelter. Four hours of struggling with the tent in the heat later, I developed a dislike for the outdoors. Subsequently, an adventurous holiday for single-parent families. The abseiling and exploring caves were fantastic, but resting in a bunkbed wrecked my back. We attempted a low-cost all-inclusive in Tenerife, but the hordes of traditional families felt intense, and pool-side conversations with other ladies fizzled out since I didn’t come with a handy partner for their own spouses to chat with. A trip to Mallorca with a friend and her children was brilliant, but the expense was eye-watering.

Discovering House-Sitting

Later, the previous fall, an acquaintance asked if we’d house-sit her dogs in Devon while she attended to a ceremony. During a peaceful weekend, we strolled along the shore, and curled up near the fireplace at night. That led to house-sitting for her associate in the region, which also went well. Inspired, I subscribed with an annual £99 fee to join a house-sitting platform, where, by looking after people’s animals, you stay at their residences without cost. In just a couple of days, I secured a ten-day pet-sit in Sussex, caring for a retriever named Buzz during the time his owners traveled overseas.

Each day's walks gave us the opportunity to explore stunning nature spots.

It was our first sit for strangers, but all anxiety vanished the moment we arrived at the gorgeous four-bedroom home and met the calm Buzz, who lived for belly scratches. Each day's dog walks offered us the opportunity to venture into stunning nature spots, and, after we returned home, we were able to unwind in the garden for meaningful discussions about our favourite “Ghosts” personas from the television series. We avoided no expensive overrated attractions to traipse through – rather, we perused bookshops, treated ourselves to manicures, and went on paddling excursions. I felt more carefree and happier than ever in years, and could feel my bond with my daughter Polly strengthen every day. I’m not hesitant to say that I cried with happiness. Things felt possible again.

Is Pet-Sitting for You?

House-sitting may not be suitable for all. Certain individuals prefer no responsibilities during vacations apart from choosing their upcoming cocktail, aren’t fond of pets, or perhaps find it strange about sleeping in a someone else’s bedroom, clearing their dishwasher, and putting out the trash. But the soothing rhythm of everyday life, with employment stripped out and new places to explore, is perfect perfectly.

This prevents myself from slipping into total inactivity, a state that leaves me feeling restless and strangely hollow. Moreover, financially, pet-sitting is a life-saver for a single parent. Ten days getaway in a comparable house in the same area we visited could cost me approximately £2,500 on Airbnb.

An Alternative Perspective

As for residing in a another person’s house, I found it enriching. Although pet-sitting represents a transaction, it’s also an expression of faith among strangers and creatures, which has unleashed the finest version of me – my patient, loving and balanced side, full of gratitude for the people and places we encounter. I’ve already lined up an additional short break away, looking after a sighthound in leafy Surrey, and, in the coming year, I hope to attempt pet-sitting overseas. Thanks to a bit of innovative thinking, we are able to see the globe from the comfort of home – it just happens to be someone else’s.