How you can escape over summer for free
Holidaying in some of Australia’s hottest destinations for free sounds like a pretty good way to spend your summer, and now one company is making it a reality.
Savvy travellers can now jetset for less by swapping hotels for housesitting adventures, thanks to new housesitting website Your Home My Home.
This housesitting movement is fuelled by a growing community of pet lovers who are trading expensive kennel stays for live-in housesitters to care for their pets.
The win-win exchange sees home owners inviting housesitters to live in their home rent free – paying little or no bills – in return for the sitters service of minding their home and pet.
“As a Home Owner you register for free and list your house, holiday dates and requirements via Your Home My Home,” founder Rebecca Nankervis said.
“From there, the ad is shared with our network of housesitters, who have paid an annual subscription in exchange for the privilege to get in touch with you.
“After contact is made, home owners work with potential sitters to work out a time to meet and ascertain their suitability to care for their home and your pets – and so your journey begins.”
Your Home My Home was launched in May this year, and has already facilitated over a hundred housesits. Nankervis puts the success down to the cost saving benefit for both parties.
“If you’re a holiday maker, we offer a home away from home, except the accommodation is free! And, if you’re a homeowner, you have the promise of a responsible house or pet sitter for free,” she added.
Holiday periods are incredibly popular – for both housesitters and home owners alike.
And, if you’re looking for a free holiday over Christmas, Nankervis offers her tips on the site’s most attractive housesits available:
Byron Bay Hinterland
A small village nestled in the hilly country near Byron Bay, Clunes is home to just over 500 people.
A short drive to the foothills of Mt Warning in one direction, and the beaches of Byron Bay in the other, the property sits on 36 acres. Here, accommodation can cost north of $500 a night.
Barwon Heads Farm House
This housesit is a short drive to popular BarwonHeads, the coastal township on the Bellaraine Peninsula and home to the popular television series, Seachange.
Coveted by Victorians for its quiet river banks, surfing beaches and some of the country’s best golf courses, Barwon Heads is the perfect place to unwind over Summer.
Avoca Beach
A five minute drive to holiday and resort hot-spot, Avoca Beach, this housesit offers the stunning contrast of wooded hills and white sandy beaches.
Avoca Beach stretches between two spectacular rocky headlines, and offers a peaceful retreat for surfers, fisherman and families alike.
Nankervis says an influx of housesits is expected over the next two months catering for the Christmas holiday period, and would-be housesitters should register on learn as soon as they become available.
For more information visit: www.yourhomemyhome.com.au.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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