this is one thinga column that collects tips on how to live your life.
After graduating from college, I wanted to travel for a few months and secured a part-time job that I could do remotely. I didn't want to bunk in a hostel or work shifts at a random cafe that was open late. (Thanks to my EU passport, I would be in Europe, and my job was state-based.) Paying for Airbnb throughout the trip would have eaten up way too much of my salary. Masu. I started planning my trip when a friend sent me a video of a couple traveling around the world using his Trusted Housesitters app and taking care of their dogs along the way.
As an avid dog lover, I thought this was perfect. I paid him a little over $100 to create an account and started browsing housing listings from all over the world. I decorated my profile with pictures of myself and the various dogs in my life and applied to opportunities across the ocean. I had set up three gigs for him before I left America. He was scheduled to spend about 10 days in Scotland and Wales, followed by three weeks in Amsterdam.
Just like setting up drinks on a dating app, you need to be cautious and watch for red flags when talking to potential hosts. My stay in Scotland was less than ideal for a number of reasons. This situation could have easily been avoided if I had listened to my instincts and turned down the job. (This app does background checks and gives both parties the opportunity to leave a review, so you won't use it without knowing anything.) But the other dog sitters were great. One experience went so well that I returned to Amsterdam again last fall to dog-sit my adorable Maltipoo, Pretzel, while my parents got married and went on their honeymoon.
I chose to sit abroad for a long time, but there is also the option of just seeing my furry friends in the US for a weekend. (Keep in mind that you may need a work or tourist visa if you're going overseas.) I just checked the app and, as of this writing, there are locations including Austin, Atlanta, and Boulder. Opportunities are available in cities.
Of course, you are responsible for caring for someone else's dog. It takes some planning, you can't leave your pet alone all day, and the owner won't pay you. However, free accommodation feels like a fair exchange to me. I also like that many dog sitting locations are in residential areas, so you can experience local life no matter what city you're in. Plus, you can spend time with cute dogs.what can you think of Better?
