In Ireland, there are no small savings. When it comes to travel, the costs add up quickly, whether in terms of accommodation, food or paid visits. So it’s important to be smart, to discover the country without breaking the bank on costs of all kinds. Fortunately, there are a number of good ideas, often unknown to travellers, that can significantly reduce the bill! One of them is free accommodation! (Yes, yes, it’s possible!). If you’re interested, here’s an overview of the best solution available today!
It’s a new practice, and one that’s beginning to take root among smart travelers. Pet-sitting is the latest trend, allowing you to stay in a home without spending a cent (apart from the cost of food and upkeep)!
The principle is simple: Irish people who want to go on vacation, and who own pets, post an advert. They inform us of their future dates of stay, and launch an appeal to find pet-sitters for their animals.
The offer is as follows: in exchange for taking good care of their furry (or scaly) beasts, you can stay in their homes… and free of charge, please!
All you have to do is pay the usual charges: water, electricity and food, and take care of the upkeep of the premises.
There’s something for everyone, and all you have to do is walk any dogs, look after cats, rabbits, fish or gerbils, and make sure they’re in good health.
Let’s face it: the work involved is generally quite straightforward, and will save you a lot of money on accommodation! Admittedly, it won’t be like a hotel or a B&B where the welcome is clearly designed for travelers, but the compromise remains more than interesting!
There are many Ireland-focused sites offering pet-sitting in exchange for a place to live. But one of the most famous is Trusted House Sitters.com (please note that our post is not sponsored).
On this platform you’ll be able to view numerous ads from Irish people who would like you to look after their pets in exchange for accommodation. Some of our homes are large. These are often pretty houses in the heart of the Irish countryside, providing the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding area in between pampering the animals.
Families are often accepted (within the limits of a reasonable number of people), and the experience is perfect for getting the most out of your trip, without breaking your travel budget!
Don’t hesitate to consult the ads in advance: you’ll discover some real nuggets.
Another alternative, similar to pet-sitting, is Wwoofing! But this time, it involves working on a farm, where the investment is more substantial: in exchange for your labor, you can enjoy room and board. An alternative less suited to families with children, but more suitable for young couples who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves (whether to tend the fields, sheep, horses or other more demanding tasks!). Interested? Find out more about wwoofing in Ireland.
