WANT to travel the world but don’t have the funds?
A savvy woman has revealed how she stays around the globe completely for free – including recently spending one month in Hawaii – and anyone can do it.
Lucy Carpenter, who posts under @lucymcarpenter, doesn’t pay a single penny in accommodation thanks to being a house and pet sitter.
She explained how she typically uses Trusted Housesitters, where she applies to look after people’s home and pets while they are away.
The site has enabled her to stay for free around the globe, and she admitted her Hawaii solo month was her “favourite memory of 2025.”
She added that she doesn’t get paid for her stay, but it is “free accommodation” for people looking for a budget friendly way to travel.
Lucy explained: “You choose where you want to go of course.
“In this case, I knew I wanted to go somewhere further away that required a flight. “My first 5 trips, however, were near where I live so I was able to drive.”
Thankfully the Hawaii clients left her their car to use, and she was able to work remotely during her stay.
Despite travelling by herself, Lucy said she thankfully doesn’t get lonely.
She added: “I’m very independent so I don’t get lonely often but I made amazing friends when I was there!”
Thanks to sun-soaked beach days and cuddles with the home’s adorable dogs, she shared how she didn’t want to leave at the end of her stay.
Lucy explained that although Trusted Housesitters is beneficial to both people looking for free travel, and hosts looking for free pet care, there is a fee for the site.
She wrote: “You pay around $130 (£96) for the yearly membership and after that you can travel anywhere in the world with a free place to stay.
“It’s completely worth it if you are looking to travel on a budget. It will pay for itself over and over again.
“I’ve taken 6 trips to some amazing places and have stayed in beautiful homes.”
Lucy said that while you pay for your own transport there and food during your stay, often hosts are extremely generous.
She explained: “You buy your own groceries while staying there but it’s up to the host on what they welcome their sitters to use in their house.
“All 6 hosts that I’ve had have been incredibly generous and gave me access to anything in their kitchen and pantry.
“That is typically how it works. But it’s common sense to respect any boundaries they might have.”
Lucy concluded that she’s so glad she signed up for the site as it’s given her the “coolest experiences.”
Many people rushed to the comments to give their views on her experience, with one saying: “this is my family friends full time job she just hops countries.”
Another added: “Goals but I’m afraid that I’ll get kidnapped.”
And a third commented: “Trusted Housesitters is fantastic.”
If you are signing up for Trusted Housesitters in the UK, there are three options of membership available: a basic one for £8.25 a month, a standard one for £10.75, and a premium one for £16.60 – all billed annually.
How much can you earn as a house sitter in the UK?
THE amount a house sitter can earn in the UK varies depending on a number of factors.
However, the national average salary for a house sitter in the United Kingdom is £23,952, according to Glass Door.
The rates can depend on factors such as:
- Location
- Length of stay – some long-term assignments of three months or more can charge a lower fee than shorter assignments.
- Pets – if the owner has animals that you need to look after the fee may be higher, particularly for dogs which require more work than cats
- Property size – the bigger the property the more care and upkeep may be required, depending on the terms.
