Many of us who love to travel have a home that we care about, pets we love as if they were children, and plants that we nurture everyday. All these things enhance our homes, but prove difficult to take care of while we’re away for an extended period.
So what happens when you have the itch to travel but so much holding you to your house? So many of us have been there, and that’s why I have some trips on how to care for your beloved 3Ps (place, pets, and plants) while you’re off seeing the world!
Using Your Loved Ones
First, let’s assume that it’s not convenient to ask your friends or family to visit your home regularly enough to care for its ongoing needs while you’re away. While this is often everyone’s first place to go to, it’s not always feasible or possible, especially if you’re traveling with your friends and family!
Fortunately, there are now many solutions for these situations that are all too common for us travelers.
Airbnb
If you have no pets, you can have somebody stay at your place and even earn money for it! And believe me, every host is comfortable with watering your plants; it’s only a small favor to ask for. If you can’t arrange to meet your guests in person, either leave a key somewhere safe and secret or ask a neighbor or friend to hand the keys over to them.
This is a great way to make sure you’re home is being looked after while having your own adventures. Plus, you’re giving other travelers a place to stay on their journey.
Housesitting
What if you need someone to look after your house and pets while away? Well, housesitting comes in handy when you have pets, and you want to travel. Be it cats, dogs, horses, or even chickens… it doesn’t matter; there are always people who are comfortable caring for your pets and would like the opportunity to visit your city or village, especially if the cost of accommodation is basically free. Some owners ask their housesitters to even pay the utility bill, but I wouldn’t worry about it too much; it’s more hassle than worth it. It’s common to ask for basic maintenance of your place (taking care of your pool or garden, for instance) and to keep it clean.
There are several websites through which you can find guests, and each of them has certain security measures. You should, however, always arrange at least a Skype call with your potential visitor. And, of course, your pets should be of the type that is comfortable with strangers and your first priority when picking a house sitter.
Hacks and Tricks
If no one is staying at your house while you’re gone long term, you should take some standard precautionary measures like turning off the water supply and all power outlets. If you are away for a considerable amount of time, you should have someone collect your mail to prevent your mailbox from filling up too much. Also, it might be helpful to have timed power outlets that can turn lamps/TVs on for a few hours a day to help make it look like the place isn’t empty.
If you’re traveling for less than two weeks, your plants should be able to survive quite easily. For a vegetable/herb garden that might be outside on a balcony or a windowsill, you can use self-watering pots. Indoor plants can be moved from their sunny spots into an area with less sun and watered well before your departure.
With the social media boom, burglars are becoming more refined and can learn about your being away by your excited announcement of going on a vacation. If you have the need to let your circle of friends know, at least keep your profile accessible only to friends.
