The Ultimate Guide to House Sitting in Europe
So, what is house sitting? House sitting is an exchange of services, where house sitters look after the homeowners’ house in return for free accommodation. Since starting our journey in Europe in 2014, GoTravelDaily has completed over 15 house sits in eight different European countries. These opportunities have ranged from luxurious weekend breaks to three-month long-term arrangements. As house sitting experts, we are here to guide you in finding your first house sitting jobs in Europe.
In This House Sitting Europe Guide, You Will Find:
- Why you should house sit in Europe
- How to secure house sitting jobs in Europe
- Best house sitting websites for Europe
- Specific house sitting guides for popular European destinations
- Do you need to speak the local language?
- How to travel around Europe on a budget
Why House Sitting in Europe is a Great Choice
House sitting in Europe can be a dream come true for many. Firstly, you get to explore Europe on a budget. Consider how much of your holiday budget is typically spent on accommodation—whether it’s in hotels, hostels, or renting apartments. By eliminating accommodation costs through house sitting, you can free up resources for other exciting experiences. Moreover, while other free accommodation options exist, such as Couchsurfing or camping, they often lack the comfort and amenities that house sitting provides.
House Sitting Offers Unique Benefits:
- Privacy: Enjoy the entire house instead of just a private room.
- Normal Living Conditions: Access fully equipped kitchens and laundry machines.
- Pets: Often, you will have furry companions to care for and love during your stay.
Experience Luxury on a Budget
Additionally, luxury house sitting opportunities abound in Europe. Many house sitters have experienced stays in homes with pools, saunas, or even luxury vehicles at their disposal. House sitting enables you to travel not just affordably but also luxuriously. It’s a unique combination that few other travel options can provide.
Authentic Travel Experience
Perhaps most importantly, house sitting allows for truly authentic travel experiences. You’ll have the chance to see how locals live, immerse yourself in their culture, and feel a genuine connection to the place you’re in—something that is often lacking when staying in hotels.
Getting Started with House Sitting
To get started, it’s crucial to gain house sitting experience. Start by asking friends or family if you can look after their homes and pets. This will also help you build references. Next, it’s time to explore platforms to find house sitting jobs. Our recommendation for the best house sitting website in Europe is TrustedHousesitters, the largest house sitting platform globally, which has served us well since 2013.
Explore Specific Countries for House Sitting Opportunities
House Sitting in Spain
Spain is an excellent place for house sitting adventures, with many opportunities available, especially for newcomers. We enjoyed a long-term house sit in a mansion by the beach, taking care of three adorable dogs for six weeks.
House Sitting in Portugal
House sitting in Portugal is also appealing, with a similar charm to Spain but often with less competition for house sitting jobs. Enjoy incredible weather, friendly locals, and delicious food.
House Sitting in Germany
In Germany, house sits are available across various locales, including both urban centers like Berlin and the picturesque countryside. It’s a great opportunity to connect with rural life, including caring for animals.
House Sitting in Italy
Italy boasts an abundance of house sitting opportunities with beautiful homes across cities like Rome and Venice, as well as tranquil countryside villas. Our experiences here have been delightful, from restoring a villa to enjoying traditional Italian foods.
House Sitting in Greece
House sitting jobs in Greece often come with amazing views and perks like access to olive gardens. We spent five delightful weeks in Athens caring for a cat and dog, all while experiencing the beauty of Greek culture.
Considerations for House Sitting in Europe
When seeking house sitting jobs in Europe, language barriers can arise. While speaking the local language can be beneficial, most homeowners in expat communities will communicate in English. Therefore, it’s feasible to succeed without fluency in the local language.
As you prepare for your journey, keep in mind that food costs in Europe can vary. Supermarkets often offer competitive pricing, and local markets present fantastic opportunities to buy fresh produce at reasonable prices.
Travel Tips for Exploring Europe
When it comes to traveling within Europe, consider the best transportation options. Flying tends to be inexpensive and efficient for crossing long distances, while trains and buses can sometimes be slower and more expensive.
Embrace the Digital Nomad Lifestyle
If you can work remotely, this opens up even more opportunities for living in different locations across Europe. A digital nomad lifestyle is not only feasible but enjoyable, with the right accommodation supporting both work and leisure needs.
Conclusion
House sitting in Europe with GoTravelDaily can be an incredible way to travel, save money, and experience authentic local living. If you’re looking for the perfect travel opportunity combined with the joys of caring for pets, this is an option you shouldn’t overlook. For any questions you might have about starting your own house sitting journey, feel free to reach out!
