Currently almost half of housesits on THS platform are based in the US (3408 US vs 7135 global). Presumably some portion of US housesits are completed by non-US housesitters. We completed a hearty handful of housesits, over a 4.5 month jaunt, in Western US last winter. Happy days and delighted to meet some wonderful American Pet Parents.
But times are changing. US$ is historically strong, elevating various costs. Many international media outlets report that US politicians seem determined to upset Canadians, Europeans, British and pretty much everyone else outside the US. Canadian airlines report a material decline in airline tickets to the US. No political comments or views intended.
Curious on whether non-US housesitters have altered, or not, any plans to explore or execute US housesits.
We are a Brit Turk pairing who don’t do sits in the US despite having visited a dozen times or so as tourists. Partly because there are too many more exciting (for us) countries to visit instead, and then when you add visa challenges, border entry issues, cost of living & the size of the landscape, it’s just not that appealing. The latest “announcements” just cement our plan to sit elsewhere on the planet #lifestooshort
I’m American and am thinking I might sit exclusively in the U.S. going forward, a change from previously. That’s because I tend to easily get U.S. sits and I can travel abroad as a tourist, without responsibilities. Saves me time looking for and applying for sits abroad, too.
I sit only when telecommuting and not having to deal with a significant time difference while working will also be better for me.
We’ve always wanted to do house sitting in the U.S. from time to time, but we’d like to combine it with traveling brefore or afterwards. And to be honest, the costs are just insane compared to Europe, Asia, Africa. Prices starting at 160 euros per night seem absurd to me, even though the country itself is, of course, beautiful.
Before COVID, we visited the U.S. several times over the years. The politics don’t bother me personally, and I have no problem saying that because I lean libertarian. That’s why I generally only go to places where I’m treated well as a “tourist.” We don’t have a permanent residence, so we’re tourists of the world.
It is less appealing as it seems unstable at present. Hope that changes as I’m grown up with the idea that americans - although sometimes loud were very friendly and hospitable towards everybody and the US the friend of the world.
I’ve done several sits in the US, but no more. The cost of everything is sky high and the tipping culture is crazy. It’s a great country with wonderful people, but just too expensive for me.
I’m UK-based and have given up on the US, sadly. Yes, it’s partly the cost of daily life. But also the fact that almost all sits in America need you to have a car. I’d have to rent one, which would add a lot to the bill.
I do see lots of U.S sits which are very appealing. But then I have to do a stern Reality-check…
There’s not one tiny weeny element of political
motivation in my statement. I just don’t fancy the USA as a destination for sitting and Trump hasn’t added to its appeal. #simpleas
I’m American and if I didn’t need to be in the US, I wouldn’t. I’m currently in London, but I fly back to Chicago in a week and need to be in the US for the next few months for some family events. I spend a lot of time in Europe/UK and love it. Things are cheaper, especially groceries, and I really enjoy not having to drive everywhere. There are great things about the US and beautiful places to visit, but the fact is things are unpredictable at the moment and it may not be the best time to visit.
@Huronbase: what about your Toronto sits? Also, your profile indicates dual American/Canadian citizenship. I recall that you utilized your time in Toronto to access medical appointments.
Well, I am an US citizen and am happily sitting in Europe for the year playing the Schengen shuffle. I will admit that I am staying longer than intended for the peace from news at home.
I find it curious that the winners of the election are the ones who are hyper-sensitive to any perceived criticism. I thought the original post here was mostly a statement of curiosity, not highly political.
I’m a Canadian who usually does a couple of sits in the US every year, but I won’t be applying for any this year and turned down a wonderful repeat sit (the HOs were understanding and not really surprised).
On the other side of things, I am also hearing a few stories of US sitters getting declined for non-US sits because they’re from the US. Curious if any HOs here are making that decision as well.
I’ve just lost my job/career/livelihood–along with tens of thousands of my colleagues (and no I’m not a Fed) as a result of the regime’s evisceration of the economy. Would appreciate hearing some tips from you regarding appealing and relatively affordable destinations.
@JohnT, thank you for the comment. Appreciated.
The thread asked housesitters about their plans for future housesits. Simple curiosity.
It consciously neither presented nor sought comments on political matters.
THS Forum prohibits external weblinks but statement in regards reduced airline ticket sales can be easily and objectively verified from recent public statements by major Canadian airlines (e.g. headline “WestJet reports a 25% decline in U.S. travel”).
@GotYourBack I am a Canadian sitter who’s been a member for 10+ years. I plan to not do any sits in the US while the current president is in office.
This week I also received an email about the restructuring of a competing US house sitting website. I had been a member of that site many years ago. I sent a polite message back to say that I would not be joining as I did not intend to do US house sits for the next four years. I was surprised to receive a prompt message back saying they understood and supported my position.
We def won’t be applying for any US sits when visiting fam up in Canada next year nor fly via LAX . Thought about applying for a Chicago & Ny Marathon lottery spot then doing a sit after but not for the next few years.
were very friendly and hospitable towards everybody and the US the friend of the world. 
. Thought about applying for a Chicago & Ny Marathon lottery spot then doing a sit after but not for the next few years.