What if the key to your dream lifestyle was sitting right in front of you, wagging its tail?

Imagine waking up in a cosy cottage in the Somerset countryside with two spaniels at your feet, then finding yourself weeks later cuddling a cat in South Africa, all while your accommodation costs add up to less than £1 per night. This isn’t fantasy, it’s the reality of housesitting, and it could be yours too. 

In this completely updated edition, Jessica Holmes shares the insider secrets that she’s learned from over 35 housesits across eight countries and two continents, caring for more than 65 pets – from cats and dogs, to chickens and guinea pigs, and even one parrot (who took a strong dislike to her husband Tom).

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This isn’t just another travel guide, it’s your roadmap to freedom.

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Whether you’re dreaming of escaping the 9-to-5, travelling the world sustainably, or simply wanting more furry friends in your life, this book will show you exactly how to make housesitting work for you. From crafting the perfect profile that gets you chosen over hundreds of other applicants, to handling the logistics of international pet care, to navigating everything from visa complexities to what happens when a dog gets sick in your care.

Inside, you’ll discover:

~ How to stand out in an increasingly competitive market ~

~ The art of reading listings like a pro (and avoiding red flags) ~

~ The do’s and don’ts (for housesitters as well as homeowners) ~

~ Real stories – hilarious, heartwarming, and occasionally hair-raising ~

~ The secret to creating genuine connections across continents ~

~ Practical hacks for life on the road ~

More than just low-cost accommodation, housesitting offers something priceless: the chance to live like a local anywhere in the world, create meaningful connections with both pets and people, and discover that freedom doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

The world is waiting. The pets are ready. All you need is the courage to lose sight of the shore.

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Jessica Holmes is a full-time housesitter, writer, and senior editor at Nomad Magazine. She has spoken at festivals and events about alternative living and sustainable travel, and continues to live nomadically with her husband Tom, a campervan named Geoff, and whoever’s pets they happen to be looking after that week.