We’ve had a few sits cancel on us recently (we are in the US and the homeowners were going to either Florida or Hawaii), but the most recent cancellation is for a sit that was supposed to start in 4 days. They had to cancel because their trip to Uzbekistan was cancelled. Not much they can do about that, but it still sucks all around.
Trying to see this as an opportunity rather than an inconvenience, but I keep thinking “I’m going to be homeless in four days”!
If you have a sit coming up, it might be worth checking in with them to ask how they are feeling about their upcoming travels.
And if you have a premium membership, check the fine print. You can’t get reimbursed for accommodation unless you book your last minute hotel in the same city where the house sit was supposed to be.
So to take advantage of this premium benefit, we would have to fly to another city where there is literally nothing but this house sit, find a hotel, rent a car, and live there until we figure out our next steps. And then fly to that next destination as I’m 100% sure nothing will come up in Silver City, NM in the next two weeks, if ever.
Sorry to hear about your sit cancellations, it’s certainly a more difficult time, even though restrictions have eased for many, things can change so suddenly at the moment. Having that positive approach is great and I admire you for it, but I know also that “impending homeless” worry as full-time sitters… we had that several times last year, so do feel for.
Backup plans for us full-timers are so important and like you we’ve adopted a plan of checking in regularly to get a sense of what happening in the minds of our owners. We are fortunate we have found a long term sit now, but at some stage we will be back on the road. Sound advice re insurance fine print… always a good idea for any insurance to read the T&Cs ahead of needing to use it.
As a homeowner I am always concerned if I have to cancel a sit. Obviously, in 2020 and 2021 things got pretty dicey and sits were canceled both by me and by sitters. However, I am more than happy to have sitters stay at the house both before and after the sits if that helps them work out different sits. I also would be happy to have sitters stay at the house after a sit was cancelled if they need a place to stay until they get their sitting schedule redrawn.
We have profiles on lots of other platforms, all with reviews and verifications, so we can react quickly. We hope for the best, but plan for the worst ;).
All my sits have gone as scheduled (knock wood, spin around three times on one foot or whatever works). One 70 year old HO spent nearly 3 months in France doing a grand solo tour. My current HO’s have been traveling since November, two South American countries and now playing paddle ball on the beaches of Turks and Caicos. All have have been successful in accomplishing their holiday goals and staying well. Only minor delays in flights.
The only cancellations have been on my own personal holidays go figure but everything always seems to work out.
I just ride the wave and paddle on when necessary!
Being so new to the world of THS, we prefer to have wiggle room between each sit for leisure travel. I’m thinking if we have cancellations, we will certainly seek an alternative, or simply plan a short diversion before the next scheduled sit. Let’s all hope that in 2022, there are more HOs who are able to keep their vacation plans, without interruption!
Hi @Edna_fernandes welcome to our community forum and to TrustedHousesitters , thank you for joining in the conversation. Cancellations do happen and unfortunately the world is still dealing with COVID which can change many well laid plans.
The advice is good communications, discussing what either party will do in the unlikely event of having to cancel or indeed any emergency situation and always have a plan B.
Our Membership Services Team & Forum team, as well as other members will always give help, support and advice to find a solution to any member’s changing circumstances.
Welcome again and please ask any questions you may have and we look forward to sharing in your TrustedHousesitters journey.
