How do I travel for FREE

mountain view

People often inquire about how I explore and travel to stunning destinations as frequently as I do.

Well, let me tell you, reaching this point in my life has been a journey in itself. It took years of hard work and dedication. But the rewards of this effort have been worth it, as I now find myself blending work and travel seamlessly.

Over the years, I’ve built a thriving digital marketing business that affords me the luxury of working from anywhere and enjoying flexibility with my work hours. Nowadays, all I need is my laptop and a good internet connection, and I can work from any corner of the globe. Naturally, this lifestyle has merits and demerits – being a digital nomad is exhilarating, but it can also be costly and occasionally distracting.

girl in nature gorge
In my obsession to travel a lot and to mitigate the expenses associated with this lifestyle, I’ve tried various strategies:
  • I experimented with “woofing,” a work exchange program where travellers work on organic farms in exchange for accommodation and food. However, it didn’t suit my needs since I often had to fulfil my business commitments and felt constrained by the woofing schedule.
  • Then, I found out about housesitting. This opportunity opened the doors to travel to places at no cost, allowing me to stay in one-of-a-kind homes while looking after pets or plants when homeowners were away. As time passed, I realised that housesitting offered more than cost-free travel; it granted me access to non-touristy spots, enabling me to immerse myself in each place’s culture genuinely.
dog in the forest
housesitting pet sitting girl with puppy
dog with ball
Listed below are all the things I like about housesitting:

Unique Travel Experience: I get to live like a local shop at neighbourhood markets and cafes. Housesitting allows me to deeply connect with local culture and explore hidden gems off the beaten path.

Cost Savings: made me say BYE to extravagant hotel or Airbnb bills and welcome complimentary lodging into my life! My primary expenses are travel and groceries, so I have more resources to explore, savour local cuisine, and indulge in exciting activities.

Furry Friends: Many housesitting opportunities involve caring for pets and being a solo traveller; they provide companionship during my stay.

Flexible Options: With many housesits worldwide, I  can curate my dream itinerary, selecting destinations and durations that suit my preferences and schedule.

girl in nature adventurer
If you want to find out more, you can check out the TrustedHouseSitters platform, which is the one I use to find my stays! 
I also have a discount code for you if you join: HIKINGHACKS25, you will get the 25% off 🙂 

Catch you Outside,

Elena

housesitting house france
housesitting puppy dog
housesitting house france

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Hey I'm Elena!

Passionate Italian hiker and adventurer. Food lover. From hiking tips to showing hidden gems, I strive to educate people on respecting nature and discovering Italy like a local. After 12 years spent in Australia, I am back in Italy with a mission: to showcase to the rest of the world the hidden gems, mountains, and various trekking opportunities this country offers.

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