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After the marriage ended, I naively thought vacations as a solo mother would be easy. Quickly discovered they proved either outrageously expensive, otherwise seemed exclusively designed for “conventional” households, or else were so budget that I came back even more knackered than before I started.

Early Holiday Experiences

The initial attempt, camping with friends, was fine up until the moment came to pack up the tent. Four hours of struggling with the tent under the sun later, I hated the outdoors. Next, the adventure holiday for solo-parent households. The abseiling and caving were fantastic, but sleeping in a bunk bed ruined my back. We attempted a budget all-inclusive in Tenerife, but the crowds of nuclear families were overwhelming, and poolside conversations with other women died down because I didn’t accompanied by a convenient husband for their own spouses to chat with. An excursion to Majorca alongside a pal and her children was wonderful, but the cost was staggering.

Finding Pet-Sitting

Later, the previous fall, an acquaintance inquired if we could house-sit her pets in Devon while she attended to a wedding. For one peaceful weekend, we strolled on the beach, and curled up near the fireplace at night. This prompted to house-sitting for her friend in Dorset, and it also went smoothly. Inspired, I paid an yearly £99 fee to join a pet-sitting website, where, in exchange for looking after people’s pets, you reside at their residences free of charge. Within a few days, I secured a ten-day house-sit in Sussex, caring for a labrador named Buzz while his owners traveled overseas.

Our daily strolls gave us the opportunity to explore breathtaking nature spots.

It was our first sit for unknown individuals, but any nerves vanished as soon as we reached the gorgeous spacious house and encountered the gentle Buzz, who thrived for belly scratches. Each day's canine strolls offered us the possibility to venture into magnificent scenic areas, and, after we came back, we were able to relax in the garden for important discussions about our preferred “Ghosts” personas in the television series. There were no pricey tourist traps to wander around – instead, we browsed bookstores, indulged to nail care, and went on kayak trips. I experienced more carefree and more joyful than I had in years, and could feel the connection with my daughter Polly strengthen every day. I’m not afraid to admit that I wept with happiness. Things felt achievable once more.

Is Pet-Sitting for You?

Pet-sitting isn’t for everyone. Some people want zero duties on holiday other than choosing their upcoming cocktail, are not fond of dogs or cats, or perhaps feel odd about staying in a someone else’s bedroom, emptying their dishwasher, and putting out the trash. However the gentle pace of ordinary life, with employment stripped out and new places to investigate, suits me for me.

It keeps myself from descending into complete idleness, a state that leaves me feeling restless and strangely hollow. Moreover, monetarily, house-sitting acts as a life-saver for a single parent. A 10-day getaway in a similar-sized house within the identical region we stayed could cost me about £2,500 on Airbnb.

A New Outlook

As for staying in a another person’s home, I discovered it enriching. Although pet-sitting represents a transaction, it’s also an expression of faith between unfamiliar people and creatures, which has brought out the finest version of me – my patient, loving and balanced aspect, overflowing with appreciation for the people and places we encounter. I’ve already lined up another four days away, caring for a sighthound in leafy Surrey, and, next year, I hope to attempt pet-sitting overseas. Due to a bit of creative planning, we are able to see the world from the coziness of a home – it just happens to be another person’s.