If you're anything like me and you love exploring different places and seeing the uniqueness of all these countries and destinations that the locals wake up to every day, but you don't always like to follow the tourist trail, here's your official permission to wander off the set path!

Today, I want to inspire you to travel more.

I hear you… aside from time, usually cash is the number one the thing that stops you in the tracks of planning and actually jumping on that plane…

One day, after many nights booked in hotels, hostels and guesthouses – I thought to myself that there has to be a better way to travel long term! And why didn't I you think outside of the box earlier? One of my friends had told me about house and pet sitting a while ago but I didn't really jump on it, I thought it would be too difficult to get started.

The benefits are obvious though. You connect with home and pet owners who need someone to care for their home and pet while they travel, and in return, you get free accommodation in your chosen destination. Sometimes you even get to drive their cars. No rental car needed. Soo simple!

But there's a little more to house and pet sitting that really should make you consider it as a viable way to travel more and go to all the many places you want to visit. No matter if they are called expensive, unreachable or not affordable.

One of the things I've learned as a nomadic traveller is that travelling light is a must. House and pet sitting really makes you appreciate the concept of only taking what you absolutely need, because, well, everything else is taken care of!

Usually, you stay in homes that are fully furnished and equipped with all the conveniences of real home. You'll have a full kitchen and washing facilities, so all you need to do is turn up and enjoy your stay.

I've used a number of services to travel all over the world. Now I spend a whole lot more time in Australia and therefore discovered Mindahome to scout housesitting gigs around the country.  Such an awesome way to see and live in different places.

I have housesitted in Darwin, near Sydney, Brisbane and in about 15 different suburbs along the Gold Coast. Way to travel with a local perspective!

I am always on the lookout for new destinations and by signing up for a house and pet sitting service you can basically browse house and pet sitting positions online, any time.

Some house and pet sitting services also offer daily email updates about the latest positions listed. It really helps you plan ahead for future travel destinations, or gives you inspiration to journey to a place you hadn't considered before – especially when the place you're staying is free!

Of course, I have the email alerts activated so I get all the new sits straight into my inbox without having to even search around online.

What I love about house and pet sitting is that you can generally find positions anywhere around the world! You'll find that some house and pet sitting services also have services in multiple countries, so very convenient!

Having international scope for house and pet sitting positions has given me more opportunities to travel to new places and experience it from the eyes of a local.

Additionally, to all the houses I have looked after in Australia, I've stayed also in homes in the US, Netherlands and France – shopped locally and been able to just enjoy life as a local! Because who really gets to stay for free over New Years in Paris looking after a sweet cat or scout all the trendy places in Amsterdam in spring while looking after two ragdolls!

If you've planned to tour a country for an extended period, being invited back by home and pet owners for future house and pet sits is totally possible and can also ease the stress about finding positions to fill gaps in your travel plans.

It helps you save money on accommodation and the owner knows that they'll get a house and pet sitter who is reliable and understands their home and pet's personality and needs.

Sometimes loving and leaving the pets you care for can be one of the hardest things about a house and pet sit, so being invited back will also give you a chance to visit your fur-friends!

So if you haven't tried house and pet sitting – take the leap.

It's guaranteed to save you money on accommodation and offer you more homely experiences than you'll ever find in a hotel room. The added bonus – a few fur-friends and the chance to live like a local in places all around the world.

Have you considered housesitting?