Travel has never been more popular or more expensive at a time when inflation is still sticky. While rates for hotel rooms -- a big chunk of your travel budget -- were actually down about 5% in July 2025 compared to the previous year, it's still painful to swallow those pesky "resort fees." What's more, relying on credit card points and miles takes time (and money) to accrue. And if crashing with friends living in far-flung destinations is a pipedream, then explore the world of house swapping or pet
sitting.
HomeExchange offers more than 360,000 homes for owners or renters to swap in 155 countries, such as a three-bedroom apartment in Pamplona, Spain, or a four-bedroom house in Vannes, France, for an annual fee of $235. Set up a profile and listing and reach out to others for reciprocal exchanges -- simultaneous home exchanges or those for different dates. You can also earn points for future use by just hosting guests at your home, even if you are there. Kindred is a newer, more selective home swapping community where members earn credits for stays by hosting, only paying for cleaning and service fees. Since Kindred's founding in 2022, only 3,000 members have been approved, a fraction compared to the 25,000 that applied this past year.
If the swapping part of the equation isn't appealing, try pet or house sitting. Founded in 2010, TrustedHousesitters has grown its global community to more than 240,000 members, connecting pet owners with folks willing to pet sit for lodging. Both parties can take comfort in knowing that pet sitters undergo third-party background and ID checks and that homes include property insurance. Interested parties create a profile and sign up for an annual membership, which starts at $149. For travelers who are tired of Airbnb fees, TrustedHousesitters is a budget alternative to try.
Read more: Simple Tricks To Getting Extra Perks When You Check Into Your Hotel
The Pros And Cons Of House And Pet Sitting
So, what are the pros and possible cons of free-ish lodging? Along with the massive cost savings, reviewers note that the comfort of staying in a home with space, a kitchen, and laundry feels like a luxury. However, they also mention that homes may not be in the best condition, as chipped paint on walls or worn bathrooms can feel less than luxurious. Hosts themselves should factor in the time for that house cleaning they may do or pay for prior to the exchange to present their homes most favorably.
Assuming you enjoy caring for a Noah's Ark of possible pets — dogs, cats, birds, turtles, reptiles, fish, sheep -- you'll have responsibilities like feeding them, administering medications, making sure they exercise, and scooping poop. You can do it anywhere, spending time with a French Bulldog in Paris, a Golden Retriever in Berlin, or alpacas in Hawaii. Still, some sitters have griped about feeling exploited and wishing for some compensation, such as tips or grocery gift cards. It's also important for parties to communicate prior to the sitting so there's no confusion about expectations or even temperature controls. Otherwise, you may end up with a runny nose in a freezing mansion in Napier, New Zealand.Ultimately, if these travel hacks don't float your boat, another way to skip the hotel bill is to volunteer at your national park. Maybe you will staff the live cams at Yellowstone National Park or clean trails at Redwood National Park. If you are stationed more than 50 miles away from your home, you may be provided housing, such as in a dorm, yurt, or trailer.
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Read the original article on Islands.
