Backpacker Explores Australia for Free by Pet-Sitting, Saves $15K

Hailey Learmonth, a Canadian backpacker, discovered an unconventional way to travel Australia for free while saving a hefty $15,000 — all thanks to pet-sitting. From January 2023, Learmonth spent over a year caring for people’s pets in exchange for free accommodation, staying anywhere from six days to three months at a time. Talk about trading dog walks for dream destinations!

Her adventure took her to Brisbane and the Gold Coast Hinterland, where she looked after dogs, cats, chickens, and even cows. She lived rent-free, saving thousands not only on accommodation but also on nights out and, as she put it, "booze." A win-win scenario, right?

Starting with a profile on Trusted House Sitters, Learmonth quickly found herself matched with homeowners needing her services. "It was a crazy experience," she said, recalling her stint on a rural farm. She spent days exploring a 40-acre property with the farm’s dogs, who paddled in a dam while cows curiously tagged along. Oh, and breakfast? Fresh eggs straight from the farm chickens. That sure beats hotel buffet lines.

While pet-sitting kept her housing costs at zero, Learmonth also worked freelance as a social marketer and picked up coffee shop gigs to maintain a steady income. All her earnings went into savings, allowing her to splurge on road trips, Airbnbs, and fancy meals when her friend joined her toward the end of her travels.

Now back in Canada, Learmonth isn’t done with her pet-sitting escapades. She plans to use this budget-friendly trick again for her upcoming summer travels, proving that frugal travel doesn’t mean boring travel.

For those eager to follow in her footsteps, Learmonth suggests joining services like Trusted House Sitters, trying Campervan Relocations for cheap transport, and finding remote jobs that include housing. Clearly, the possibilities are endless when you’re open-minded and resourceful.

"It’s a really cool way to experience remote-working and explore a new area," she said. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to save money while cuddling adorable pets?