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House Sitting Travel Adventures – Savvy
Ever wandered what kind of house sitting travel adventures you might be able to enjoy if you prepared for your trip? In this article Joann McRoy share some details of her preparation her trip to take up a long term housesit assignment in Southern France. Discover house sitting travel adventures: how to combine affordable housing, pet care, and epic road trips in Europe — tips for house sitters
House Sitting Travel Adventures: How to Road Trip Europe Between Assignments (Affordably + Stress-Free)
One of the best perks of house sitting is that it opens the door to affordable, meaningful travel. Your accommodation is covered, you get to experience local life rather than tourist life, and you often stay in places you might never have chosen on your own. But here’s a secret that seasoned sitters know:
The journey between house sitting assignments can be just as memorable as the sit itself.
The Ultimate Guide to House Sitting Travel Adventures Across Europe
Photo credit – Joann McRoy
Hitting the open road in Europe gives you the freedom to go at your own pace—pause for a coffee in a tiny mountain village, pull over for that wow-worthy sunset, or wander down roads that don’t show up in guidebooks. But, like any great adventure, a little planning helps everything go smoothly.
So, before you start your engine to set off on the open road, here’s what you need to know about road tripping between house sits—from costs and quirks to those unforgettable views waiting just around the bend.
Low Emission Zone Stickers: Don’t Start Your Trip With a Fine 🚗🛑
Photo credit – Joann McRoy
In many European cities, you’ll need a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) sticker to prove your vehicle meets pollution standards. Ignore this, and the fines can be surprisingly steep.
Where you’ll need them:
- France — Crit’Air sticker
- Germany — Umweltplakette
The good news:
These stickers cost just a few Euros.
The not-so-good news:
Delivery can take up to six weeks, so order early.
👉 Pro Tip: Only apply through official government websites. Several third-party sites exist solely to overcharge you. A great resource to check requirements by city:
www.urbanaccessregulations.eu
Summary of Costs for our House Sitting Travel Adventures This Trip
Photo credit – Joann McRoy
Journey from Uk to Manciet France, via La Rochelle for 1 night stop over in a Volvo XC60
- Eurotunnel Folkstone – Calais for 1 Car no bike rack £118
- Fuel 1100km/683 miles £120
- Tolls in Class 1 vehicle £80
- Accommodation 1 night in La Rochelle £54
- Monthly budget for food, fuel and days out £1200
💡 Pro Tip: Joining a reputable network like HouseSit Match gives you access to trusted homeowners and verified listings, making it easier to build your reputation as a reliable long-term housesitter.
Toll Roads: France, We Need to Talk 💶
Photo credit – Joann McRoy
European motorways are often wonderfully smooth and scenic—but not always free. Tolls do add to your house sitting travel adventures. And France is the toll heavyweight.
For example, driving from Paris to Marseille can cost around £70 in tolls for a standard car.
Your options:
| Route Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Toll Roads (Autoroutes) | Fast, easy, relaxing | Not cheap |
| Free Roads | Save money, more local experiences | Slower, more stops & traffic lights |
Total sanity-saver if you have a right-hand drive car:
Get an electronic toll tag (e.g., Emovis Tag or Bip&Go). No reaching across the car. No fumbling for tickets. Just… beep and go.
Photo credit – Joann McRoy
Fuel: The Golden Road Trip Rule ⛽
Never buy fuel on the motorway.
Ever.
Service stations near the motorway can be shockingly more expensive.
Better Strategy:
Exit into the nearest town → Look for supermarket fuel pumps.
They are almost always the cheapest.
Helpful tools:
- Fuel Flash
- Cheap Refuel
- RAC fuel comparison charts
Pre-Trip Essentials: Avoid Roadside Surprises
It’s not glamorous, but it’s necessary:
Check your car insurance
Make sure it covers:
- Driving in Europe
- The full length of your trip
- More than just third-party coverage
Carry the required road safety kit, which usually includes:
- Reflective vest for every passenger
- First-aid kit
- Spare bulb kit
You can pick up a ready-made European Driving Kit from the AA or Halfords in the UK.
Photo credit – Joann McRoy
This Is Where the Magic Happens ✨
Once you’ve sorted the stickers, sorted the tolls, and filled your tank sensibly, the house sitting travel adventure really begins.
This is where your house sitting travel adventure becomes something special.
The road becomes a ribbon of discovery:
lavender fields stretching across Provence, quiet Alpine lakes glowing at sunset, castle towers watching over hillside vineyards. You can pull over wherever your curiosity tells you to.
If you’re travelling by campervan or motorhome, park4night.com is brilliant for finding free overnight spots with views that hotels would charge a fortune for.
If you’re in a car, Booking.com or Hostelworld often offer loyalty discounts the more you use them.
Photo credit – Joann McRoy
💡 Pro Tip: Joining a reputable network like HouseSit Match gives you access to trusted homeowners and verified listings, to help you start your own house sitting travel adventures.
Why Road Travel Between Housesits Feels So Rewarding
It’s not rushed.
It’s not packaged.
It’s not expensive.
It’s slow travel, shaped by you—not timetables or tour groups.
You’re not just passing through—you’re participating. House sitting travel helps you do that.
And when you finally arrive at your next housesit, you bring more than your suitcase.
You bring stories, unexpected detours, and those small magical moments that only happen when you give yourself time to explore.
House Sitting Travel Adventures — FAQ for Housesitters
1. What are house-sitting travel adventures?
House-sitting travel adventures combine caring for pets and homes with the freedom to travel affordably. As a housesitter, you stay in real homes instead of hotels, often in incredible locations, which reduces costs and creates more immersive travel experiences.
2. Do I need previous experience to start house sitting?
No — many new housesitters begin with little or no experience. However, having references, completing a background check, and creating a strong profile will significantly increase your chances of being selected. Volunteer pet care experience also helps.
3. How do I find house-sitting assignments that suit my travel plans?
Platforms like HouseSit Match allow you to filter sits by location, dates, duration, pet type, and property features. Many housesitters plan long-term travel by stringing together several assignments in nearby countries or cities.
4. Are house-sitting assignments usually free accommodation?
Yes — most sits offer free accommodation in exchange for pet and home care. This is what makes house sitting travel adventures so cost-effective. Some homeowners even include use of a car, bikes, or other amenities
5. How long are typical house-sitting opportunities?
Assignments vary widely. Short sits can be just a weekend, while long sits can last weeks or months. Many housesitters prefer longer sits to reduce moving around and to enjoy a routine.
6. What expenses should I expect while house sitting?
Your main costs are usually transportation, food, and personal travel expenses. Accommodation is typically free. It’s a good idea to set aside a small budget for unexpected travel or optional activities between sits—like a road trip, a city break, or exploring new regions.
7. Can I travel between house sits without spending much?
Yes — many housesitters take advantage of the gap between assignments to enjoy budget-friendly travel. Road trips, camping, backpacking routes, and off-season deals can make your house sitting travel adventures even more affordable.
8. How can I start my own house sitting travel adventures?
Join a trusted platform like HouseSit Match, create a full profile, browse active assignments, and begin applying. Once you complete your first sit and earn positive reviews, you’ll find it easier to secure more sits—opening the door to long-term travel and unforgettable adventures.
9. How can I make my housesitter profile stand out?
Include:
clear, friendly photos
a concise personal introduction
experience with pets or home care
verified ID and background checks
honest descriptions of your skills (gardening, pet meds, remote work, etc.)
A strong profile builds trust and increases your chances of being chosen.
Final Thoughts on House Sitting Travel
Whether you’re new to house sitting or already planning your next assignment, consider the journey as part of the experience. Road travel between sits isn’t just a way to get from A to B—it’s one of the richest, most flexible, and most affordable ways to explore Europe and a great way to connect your house sitting travel adventures.
This is your house sitting travel adventure.
Make it one worth retelling.
BIO
Joann and Mark McRoy are a retired Brits who love travel. Joann has started to blog about her housesitting experiences right here on the HouseSit Match blog. When not living in Manchester, England Joann and Mark travel around Europe by pet and housesitting. Read about their travels on this blog.
FURTHER READING ON HOUSE SITTING & AFFORDABLE TRAVEL
At HouseSit Match we like to share useful blogs and practical advice about our housesitters’ experiences, housesitting and pet sitting like this one on house sitting travel adventures. We hope you find this small selection of our blogs on house sitters and house sitting in Europe useful.
Mastering the long term housesit – 12 Top Tips
Housesitting in Spain – Here’s what I love
Things to do when house sitting Algarve properties
Housesitting Ile de France – Discover living like a local
