There’s an “ask the host a question” (or something like that) button which we always use to ask if they are willing to host us. It seems rude to book a stay in their home without writing to them first…
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It is definitely not rude to book a stay without writing beforehand (in fact, that extra “step” would annoy many) but most Airbnb hosts appreciate a greeting and a bit about the travel WITH the booking request.
The only times I’ve sent an inquiry before booking has been to ask for clarification on something, e.g., “your listing does not include Wifi; is that an error?” Nope, turned out that there was no Wifi. The host’s response, “oh but we have DVDs and books!” told me she does not know why Wifi is important!
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Dang I did a sit for a week, my first sit and I was exhausted after a few days not being in my home. It was enjoyable but sleeping in a different bed for days -tiring. How do you do this ongoing for so long and not miss “home”?
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There’s a “contact host” button at the end of the listing usually.
For the past 3 years, we’ve being gone about 6-8 weeks (a couple times a year) before we really miss being home in our own bed again. I think we may cut that back to 4 weeks once we get back to international travelling.
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@Provence - as others have said there is a 'message host ’ button so you can have any discussion you want with the host before booking.
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Hi @Libby2019 - We have been ‘on the road’ now for just over a year. I find the travelling between sits days really exhausting so we aim for 4-week sits if possible. Then fill in any gaps with shorter stays. We are currently on the second of three one week stays which makes me feel like I am in a whirlwind of packing and unpacking! To be honest I don’t miss anything about ‘home’ - technology means that we now see family and friends more than we ever did when we had a permanent address.
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It suits some people, others find it very stressful. We are full time sitters and find the life fantastic. Visiting different parts of the world, getting to know stuff in your own country is our idea of heaven.
I got my first passport in my 40s so now I’m definitely making up for lost time.
I don’t particularly like short sits but sometimes they are necessary to fill in the gaps but anything from 2 weeks to 6weeks suits us. It gives us time to get to know the animals and the area. Beds are sometimes an issue. I have slept on the floor once as the bed was just too soft. Another gripe can be hobs and ovens, it takes time to get used to them. But otherwise life’s good. We go with the fliw and adapt to whatever is out there.
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“Home” is wherever I am. It’s a feeling not a place.
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Hi @Libby2019 you have received some great input from our members …
A pet and housesitting lifestyle is one we choose for many reasons, I have experienced every kind of bed/mattress imaginable, even the odd sofa or two.
Test driving the lifestyle with a short sit is a very wise thing to do … just as with everything in life there are pros and cons, when the positives outweigh the negatives we know we’ve made the right choice.
I’m glad you found your first experience an enjoyable one, what pet were you looking after and where was the sit?
Good luck on your journey.
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@Provence Those of us not having a permanent residence (by choice) know that it’s an amazing way to live. We are on vacation all the time. 
But I understand that it’s not for everyone.
I’ll just stick with Airbnb for now.
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Thanks for raising this Rebecca. This is something I have wondered myself. I cannot add anything to what has already been said but appreciate the ideas
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@Rebecca_R - A handy hint for finding the cheapest hotel in an area is to use google - ‘google maps’ then click on .hotels’. Then filter to a low price - This will show the current lowest prices in any specific area
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Thank you @Colin I just tried it out, and it’s great!
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It would be great if Sitters had the ability to let us know if they are looking for a sit in a certain area in between sits! I would love to be able to be help out a sitter and take an extra trip! Maybe THS could add this feature ?
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There is another site that allows Hosts to offer space to travelers. It’s usually one night and sitter has to be an active member and apply.
Something to ponder.
I agree wholeheartedly! @Benning91
And, who knows, it could lead to a future house-sit.
I have a few free nights in Nashville very soon (Nov 5-8) and I would love to give a local host a chance for a last minute trip!
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HI @Benning91 thank you for your feedback, this has been proposed a number of times and is also being discussed internally …
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I have loved using Couchsurfing.com for over a decade. I search members that have been active in the past 30 days. Then, I select 30 year olds or older. Finally, I read profiles. I only contact people I feel a connection with in some way. Check out my CS profile: Cheri Isabella.
Couchsurfing has group pages. There are 2 pet sitting groups. I cared for 2 cats over 6 weeks in beautiful Padova, Italy for CSer Lorella while she visited India. That was 10 years ago and we are still friends.
There is WWOOFing, Helpx, and WorkAway if you are interested in bartering labor for room & board.
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Before the Internet if I needed inexpensive accommodation I stayed at a YMCA/YWCA. I’ve also stayed in church guest houses. You don’t need to be a member of the church in most cases as they are designed to provide people, especially solo travellers, with safe places to stay. They are basic, but reasonably priced. No idea about Wifi as that didn’t exist the last time I stayed in one. I’ve also heard that some colleges/universities offer low-cost accommodation in their dormitories during school holidays. I have friends who found rooms in homes through different associations that they’ve belonged to, even when the trip had nothing to do with the organization. All of these require research, but that might be worth it.
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