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Following my relationship ended, I naively thought holidays being a solo mother could be straightforward. I soon discovered they were often extremely costly, otherwise seemed only suitable for “conventional” families, or were so budget that I returned back even more knackered than when I started.

Early Holiday Attempts

The initial attempt, camping alongside companions, was fine up until the moment came to pack up the tent. Hours of wrestling with it under the sun later, I hated camping. Subsequently, an adventurous trip for solo-parent families. Rappelling and exploring caves were fantastic, but sleeping in a bunk bed ruined my spine. We attempted a low-cost all-inclusive in Tenerife, but the crowds of traditional families felt intense, and poolside chats with fellow women fizzled out because I didn’t come with a handy husband for their spouses to talk to. An excursion to Mallorca alongside a pal and her kids was wonderful, but the expense was eye-watering.

Finding Pet-Sitting

Later, last autumn, an acquaintance asked if we could look after her pets in Devon while she went to a ceremony. For one tranquil weekend, we walked on the beach, and curled up near the fireplace in the evening. This prompted to house-sitting for her associate in Dorset, which proceeded smoothly. Inspired, I paid an annual £99 fee to register on a pet-sitting website, through which, by caring for people’s animals, you reside in their homes free of charge. In just a couple of days, I secured a 10-day pet-sit within the county, caring for a retriever called Buzz during the time his owners were abroad.

Each day's strolls provided the chance to discover breathtaking nature spots.

It was our first assignment for strangers, but all anxiety dissipated as soon as we arrived at the gorgeous four-bedroom home and encountered the calm Buzz, who lived for tummy rubs. Each day's canine strolls gave us the possibility to explore stunning scenic areas, and, after we came home, we could unwind outdoors for important discussions about our favourite “Ghosts” characters from the television series. We avoided any pricey tourist traps to wander around – instead, we perused bookstores, treated ourselves to nail care, and embarked on kayak trips. I felt lighter and happier than ever for a long time, and could feel the connection alongside my child Polly strengthen daily. I’m not afraid to admit that I wept with happiness. Things felt achievable again.

Could House-Sitting Right for You?

Pet-sitting may not be suitable for all. Some people want zero duties on holiday apart from selecting their upcoming cocktail, aren’t into dogs or cats, or perhaps find it strange about sleeping in a stranger’s bed, clearing their dishwasher, and taking out the trash. But the soothing rhythm of ordinary living, with employment stripped out and fresh locations to explore, is perfect for me.

This prevents me from descending into complete inactivity, which leaves me experience restless and oddly empty. And, monetarily, pet-sitting is a life-saver for a solo mother. A 10-day break in a comparable house in the same region we stayed would set me back about £2,500 via rental platforms.

A New Perspective

Regarding residing in a another person’s home, I found it nourishing. Although house-sitting is a transaction, it is equally an act of trust between strangers and animals, which has unleashed the finest version of me – my calm, caring and balanced side, overflowing with appreciation for the people and places we encounter. I have lined up an additional short break away, looking after a sighthound within verdant Surrey, and, next year, I’d like to attempt house-sitting overseas. Thanks to a bit of innovative thinking, we can see the globe from the coziness of home – it just turns out to be someone else’s.