How One Adventurous Traveler Spent a Year in Australia Without Spending a Dime on Accommodation

A resourceful traveler embarked on an exciting journey across Australia, achieving remarkable savings by leveraging pet-sitting opportunities. Hailey Learmonth, originally from Canada, saved an impressive $15,000 while exploring the beautiful landscapes Down Under.

In January 2023, Learmonth discovered the possibility of traveling for free after searching for budget-friendly travel options online. She began her year-long adventure by becoming a pet-sitter, allowing her to stay in the homes of various pet owners without any housing costs.

During her time in Australia, Learmonth cared for a variety of animals, ranging from dogs and cats to more unconventional pets like chickens and cows. She enjoyed accommodations across locations such as Brisbane and the Gold Coast Hinterland, with stays lasting anywhere from six days to three months.

Exploring Australia While Saving Big

This innovative approach not only helped Learmonth save money but also allowed her to discover some of Australia’s most underrated destinations. By avoiding typical accommodation expenses, she redirected those funds toward experiences, dining, and local attractions, making her travel both enriching and affordable.

“Dog-sitting is definitely the way to go if you are trying to save money,” said Learmonth, emphasizing the financial benefits she experienced during her journey.

Setting the Stage for Adventure

At the onset of her travels, she created a profile on Trusted House Sitters, a platform connecting pet owners with individuals offering house-sitting services. Thanks to this platform, Learmonth quickly found multiple pet-sitting assignments.

Reflecting on one of her most memorable stays, she remarked, “It was a crazy experience. I’ve never lived that rural before, especially not on a farm.” This period highlighted the joy of exploring rural life and managing chores involving animals.

<0h4>A Life on the Farm

During her time at a 40-acre farm, Learmonth explored scenic landscapes alongside the farm’s dogs. She fondly recalled, “We’d go to this dam and they’d paddle in the water. The cows would follow us down and everything!” Such experiences enriched her travels and deepened her appreciation for rural Australia.

She also relished the farm’s fresh eggs for breakfast, which added a unique culinary touch to her daily meals. Survival in such settings equipped her with skills in animal care and farm life.

Combining Work and Travel

To maintain a steady income during her travels, Learmonth took on freelance projects and picked up shifts at coffee shops. This approach allowed her to earn money while enjoying the perks of rent-free living.

“All in all, I saved around $15,000, and I was able to use the money to go on road trips that I wouldn’t have been able to afford before,” she explained. Her careful budgeting enabled her to save for excursions, enhancing the overall richness of her Australian experience.

As her journey neared its end, she used her savings to treat a friend who visited, opting for nicer accommodations and memorable dining experiences. “I was lucky enough to have my friend visit me toward the end of my time there, so I used the money to stay in nice Airbnbs and go out for nice meals,” she shared.

Planning Future Travels

Now back in Canada, Learmonth is already looking ahead to her next travel escapade scheduled for this summer. She remains committed to using the same dog-sitting strategy to mitigate accommodation expenses.

“It is always an option, especially as I work remotely,” she said. “I am still thriving in the area of cheap travel.” This approach allows her to experience new environments while managing her professional obligations seamlessly.

Practical Tips for Budget Travelers

Through her experiences, Learmonth has gathered valuable insights for anyone interested in budget travel:

Explore house-sitting and dog-sitting options using platforms like Trusted House Sitters to enjoy complimentary living arrangements in exchange for pet care.
Consider campervan relocations, which offer travelers the chance to move a van from one location to another for a nominal fee. Flexibility with timelines and openness to alternative destinations can enhance your travel experience.
Seek employment opportunities that provide housing. Such arrangements can significantly cut housing costs while still allowing remote work.

Traveling on a budget is possible, as Learmonth has demonstrated, highlighting creativity and resourcefulness as key ingredients to enjoying thrilling adventures while keeping expenses low.

Embarking on Future Adventures

As she reflects on her previous year of travel, Learmonth’s journey serves as an inspiration for those eager to discover the world without breaking the bank. Her story is a testament to the endless possibilities when travelers embrace innovative solutions like pet-sitting. This approach not only fosters a sense of community but opens doors to unforgettable experiences, all while saving money.