Sit Stay Trips

14/08/2024

Help!

On the left hand side are apps we use when we travel domestically by car.
On the right side I'm starting to collect apps I'll use when we travel internationally. Some apps work for both of course.

What other apps should I add for international travel?
What travel apps can't you live without?
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We're Barb and John of Sit.Stay.Trips. We are retired travelers who pet sit. We started traveling extensively after we both retired 7 years ago. We were not professional pet sitters. We just loved animals.
We have used pet sitting to explore new cultures and locations for days, weeks or even months, all while significantly reducing our accommodation costs. You see, we exchange free pet sitting for free accommodations.

Pet sitting has connected us with amazing pet owners and their pets in some incredible locations. We love animals and having the pleasure of their company is a great benefit. Their owners know they are having a comfortable, stay at home experience.

Follow us as we explore the world, one pet sit at a time.
If you think you'd like to be a traveling pet sitter or just want to learn more about it, visit our website.
Link in our bio.

08/08/2024

Anthony Bourdain was and is an inspiration. He is one of the main reasons we started traveling. Watching his shows made us realize there's a great big world out there with so much to discover.

Now preparing for our 6th pet sitting trip and our second time to Europe, each journey has changed us. Changed our thoughts, our beliefs and our lives.

Travel isn't always pretty. Social media shows all the beautiful landscapes, all the incredible food and all the adorable pets. It doesn't always show the frustrations, the uncomfortable times and sometimes the heartbreak that comes along with being a traveling pet sitter. But all of it, good and not so good, makes us who we are today.

Go out and find your adventure.

We're Barb and John, retired travelers who pet sit. We started traveling extensively after we both retired 7 years ago. We have traveled throughout Europe and the USA.
We have used pet sitting to explore new cultures and locations for days, weeks or even months, all while significantly reducing our accommodation costs. Pet sitting has connected us with amazing pet owners and their pets in some incredible locations. We love animals and having the pleasure of their company is a great benefit. Their owners know they are having a comfortable, stay at home experience.

02/08/2024

We're at that starting point.

Our tickets are purchased. We have lists of what to take, what to buy and what to do in our home before we leave it to a very good friend to stay in while we're gone.
But the most important part of our trip is the pet sits. Going through all the posted sits, cross referencing dates, location, responsibilities and pets. Applying for sits, meeting potential hosts on video calls, making the difficult decision to pick one pet sit over another and yes, the disappointment when you're not picked. 😞

We've written a whole series on becoming a traveling pet sitter. You need to put in a little work in the beginning but with each pet sit you become better. Better at choosing the right pet sit, better at logistics, better at understanding your hosts and their pets.

We know so much more now than we did the last time we went to Europe to pet sit. We had no idea what to expect and yet, it turned out to be one of the best years of our lives.

Europe, here we come.... again!

We're Barb and John of Sit.Stay.Trips. We are retired travelers who pet sit. We started traveling extensively after we both retired 7 years ago. We were not professional pet sitters. We just loved animals.
We have used pet sitting to explore new cultures and locations for days, weeks or even months, all while significantly reducing our accommodation costs. You see, we exchange free pet sitting for free accommodations.

Pet sitting has connected us with amazing pet owners and their pets in some incredible locations. We love animals and having the pleasure of their company is a great benefit. Their owners know they are having a comfortable, stay at home experience.

Follow us as we explore the world, one pet sit at a time.
If you think you'd like to be a traveling pet sitter or just want to learn more about it, visit our website.
Link in our bio.

as p,

28/07/2024

It's happening....

Our first sit confirmed.

We're Barb and John of Sit.Stay.Trips. We are retired travelers who pet sit. We started traveling extensively after we both retired 7 years ago. We were not professional pet sitters. We just loved animals.
We have used pet sitting to explore new cultures and locations for days, weeks or even months, all while significantly reducing our accommodation costs. You see, we exchange free pet sitting for free accommodations.

Pet sitting has connected us with amazing pet owners and their pets in some incredible locations. We love animals and having the pleasure of their company is a great benefit. Their owners know they are having a comfortable, stay at home experience.

Follow us as we explore the world, one pet sit at a time.
If you think you'd like to be a traveling pet sitter or just want to learn more about it, visit our website.
Link in our bio.

as p,

11/07/2024

We've been featured in AARP!

We were lucky enough to be selected to tell our story along with other pet sitters and we couldn't be happier!

https://www.aarp.org/travel/travel-tips/budget/info-2024/pet-sitting-bartering-services.html

We're Sit.Stay.Trips.
Barb and John, retired travellers who pet sit. We started traveling extensively after we both retired 7 years ago. We have traveled throughout Europe and the USA.
We aren't your typical tourists. We leverage pet sitting to explore new cultures and breathtaking locations for days, weeks or even months, all while significantly reducing our accommodation costs.
Pet sitting has connected us with amazing pet owners and their pets in some incredible locations. Our love for animals ensures they receive top-notch care and a comfortable, stay at home experience while their owners are away.
Follow our story as we explore the world one pet-filled adventure at a time.

09/07/2024

As traveling pet sitters, the logistics of travel and coordinating pet sits can be stressful. In our new blog post, "Where To Go and How To Get There", we share our insights on coordinating our pet sitting trips.

We're Sit.Stay.Trips.
Barb and John, retired travellers who pet sit. We started traveling extensively after we both retired 7 years ago. We have traveled throughout Europe and the USA.
We aren't your typical tourists. We leverage pet sitting to explore new cultures and breathtaking locations for days, weeks or even months, all while significantly reducing our accommodation costs.
Pet sitting has connected us with amazing pet owners and their pets in some incredible locations. Our love for animals ensures they receive top-notch care and a comfortable, stay at home experience while their owners are away.
Follow our story as we explore the world one pet-filled adventure at a time.

05/07/2024

Expectations.
As a pet sitter, what are your expectations of hosts?
As a pet owner, what are your expectations of a pet sitter?

For a successful sit for both parties, clear expectations before a sit starts is key.
We have a page devoted on our website to expectations, what a pet owner can expect from us and what we expect from a pet owner/host. We ask that each prospective pet owner reads and agrees to the expectations.
We have also written a blog, "Let's Get Together", concerning expectations and what a pet sitter should be concerned with prior to a pet sit.

Communication is key to a successful pet sit. Agreeing on expectations from both the pet sitter and pet owner is a great way to ensure success!
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We're Sit.Stay.Trips.
Barb and John, retired travellers who pet sit. We started traveling extensively after we both retired 7 years ago. We have traveled throughout Europe and the USA.
We aren't your typical tourists. We leverage pet sitting to explore new cultures and breathtaking locations for days, weeks or even months, all while significantly reducing our accommodation costs.
Pet sitting has connected us with amazing pet owners and their pets in some incredible locations. Our love for animals ensures they receive top-notch care and a comfortable, stay at home experience while their owners are away.
Follow our story as we explore the world one pet-filled adventure at a time.

18/06/2024

"Be careful who you make memories with. Those things can last a lifetime" - Ugo Exe

Never a dull moment with this guy.

When we were pet sitting in Louisiana, I told John I may need his help to unload the top loading washing machine. I'm short and it was very deep. Sitting down at my laptop, I received the above text for help, I hurried out to the laundry room and found this. My brain couldn't figure out what the heck happened, John then sneaks up behind me laughing.
What a guy.
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We're Barb and John, retired travelers who pet sit. We started traveling extensively after we both retired 7 years ago. We have traveled throughout Europe and the USA.
We have used pet sitting to explore new cultures and locations for days, weeks or even months, all while significantly reducing our accommodation costs. Pet sitting has connected us with amazing pet owners and their pets in some incredible locations. We love animals and having the pleasure of their company is a great benefit. Their owners know their pets are having a comfortable, stay at home experience.

as p,

25/05/2024

Interested in passive income while you travel?

We have a new blog post explaining how we use our home to create passive income.

So many people have asked us, “How do you afford to travel for as long as you do?” We use pet sitting to drastically cut our trip expenses and we rent our home to cover our house expenses.

Utilizing short term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) to cover our home expenses allows us to visit dream destinations, spend weeks instead of days exploring new places, meeting new people while not having to worry about how much you’re spending.

If you’re comfortable with strangers using your home while you are off on your next great adventure, you’ll be rewarded with money to take care of expenses at home and possibly on the road too. This could lead to longer trips and less stress.
Link in bio.
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We're Sit.Stay.Trips.
Barb and John, retired travellers who pet sit. We started traveling extensively after we both retired 7 years ago. We have traveled throughout Europe and the USA.
We aren't your typical tourists. We leverage pet sitting to explore new cultures and breathtaking locations for days, weeks or even months, all while significantly reducing our accommodation costs.
Pet sitting has connected us with amazing pet owners and their pets in some incredible locations. Our love for animals ensures they receive top-notch care and a comfortable, stay at home experience while their owners are away.
Follow our story as we explore the world one pet-filled adventure at a time.

# passive income

18/05/2024

Curious about travel and pet sitting?
We've got you covered!
Visit our blog and read our Traveling Pet Sitter series. We explain how we got started and the steps to take in the road to becoming a traveling pet sitter. We explain the sign up process, How to stand out among all the other pet sitters, how to find the perfect pet sit and how to get that coveted 5 star review from your host!
Link in bio.
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We're Barb and John, retired travelers who pet sit. We started traveling extensively after we both retired 7 years ago. We have traveled throughout Europe and the USA.
We have used pet sitting to explore new cultures and locations for days, weeks or even months, all while significantly reducing our accommodation costs. Pet sitting has connected us with amazing pet owners and their pets in some incredible locations. We love animals and having the pleasure of their company is a great benefit. Their owners know they are having a comfortable, stay at home experience.

07/05/2024

My happy place.
So many times we've thought of what it would be like to sell our home and travel full time. Seeing all these happy couples who have sold everything, bought an RV and traveled full time seems so romantic and adventurous.
But....
I'm a nester.
As much as I love to travel, I love to have a home to come back to. A home full of all my things, a home where I can garden, a home where I know my neighbors and spend time with them on our deck or around the fire pit. A home that welcomes visits from family and friends. A home to grow old in.

Travelers come in all shapes and sizes. Different dreams, ambitions and goals. "Home" can look very different to different people.
Here's to all the travelers 🥂 May you always find your home.
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We're Sit.Stay.Trips.
Barb and John, retired travellers who pet sit. We started traveling extensively after we both retired 7 years ago. We have traveled throughout Europe and the USA.
We aren't your typical tourists. We leverage pet sitting to explore new cultures and breathtaking locations for days, weeks or even months, all while significantly reducing our accommodation costs.
Pet sitting has connected us with amazing pet owners and their pets in some incredible locations. Our love for animals ensures they receive top-notch care and a comfortable, stay at home experience while their owners are away.
Follow our story as we explore the world one pet-filled adventure at a time.

05/05/2024

That lazy, Sunday feeling.

as p, #

02/05/2024

Want to know what to look for in a pet sit? Part 4 of our Traveling Pet Sitter series, "I See You!" goes into detail on the specifics of a Host's pet sitting listing. What you need to know before accepting a pet sit and what are the "red flags" to help you avoid a sit that may not be acceptable to you.
Link in bio
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We're Sit.Stay.Trips.
Barb and John, retired travellers who pet sit. We started traveling extensively after we both retired 7 years ago. We have traveled throughout Europe and the USA.
We aren't your typical tourists. We leverage pet sitting to explore new cultures and breathtaking locations for days, weeks or even months, all while significantly reducing our accommodation costs.
Pet sitting has connected us with amazing pet owners and their pets in some incredible locations. Our love for animals ensures they receive top-notch care and a comfortable, stay at home experience while their owners are away.
Follow our story as we explore the world one pet-filled adventure at a time.

08/04/2024

We're pet sitting in Austin. Last night we went to the and today the eclipse! Austin is in the path of totality. The experiences pet sitting gives us is truly amazing!
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We're Sit.Stay.Trips.
Barb and John, retired travellers who pet sit. We started traveling extensively after we both retired 7 years ago. We have traveled throughout Europe and the USA.
We aren't your typical tourists. We leverage pet sitting to explore new cultures and breathtaking locations for days, weeks or even months, all while significantly reducing our accommodation costs.
Pet sitting has connected us with amazing pet owners and their pets in some incredible locations. Our love for animals ensures they receive top-notch care and a comfortable, stay at home experience while their owners are away.
Follow our story as we explore the world one pet-filled adventure at a time.
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05/04/2024

The last post in our series, "Traveling Pet Sitter", is "Home Sweet Home". How to turn your sit into a 5-star review! What to do and not do when you arrive for a pet sit. We cover tips for making your pet sit stress-free and successful.
Link in bio.

01/04/2024

Everyone meet Baci! This is our second time taking care of this sweet girl. Baci loves: eating, hanging out in her cat tree in front of the window and getting brushed. Baci does not like: being told what to do 😉
We are loving our time in Austin!

29/03/2024

So we're gaining some followers and I thought I'd introduce ourselves. We're Barb and John. We officially retired 7 years ago. This photo was taken the day we set off to Europe for 1 year.

John came home one day from running errands and asked me if I would like to move to another country. Needless to say, I was taken aback as we were in the middle of renovating a house we bought the previous year. We compromised and decided to live overseas for a year and rent our house.

And that my friends is how our adventures in traveling pet sitting began.

When researching just how we would "move" overseas, I found pet sitting. It was perfect! We could travel more and see more of the world all the while enjoying the company of pets. We also would be staying in a home, not a hotel so we would really get to take in the experience of being a local. Our pet sits could be anywhere from 5 days to a month so it would give us time to relax and enjoy the area.

We began pet sitting in Europe and we did spend a year there. Since then we have done 4 domestic trips in the US that have lasted between 3-4 months each. We love road trips and to be able to drive through the US has been incredible!

Right now we're in Austin Texas for a 3 week sit. Austin is one of our favorite US cities and this is the second sit for this host. We love repeat pet sits! Added bonus, we're here for the April 8th eclipse and Austin will be in the path of totality!

Thank you so much for following us! We love meeting new people and sharing our adventures in pet sitting!

28/03/2024

Romania. Have you been?
We first went to Brasov and loved it. We then spent 3 months in an Airbnb in Oradea. While there we visited Cluj and Timisoara.
We loved our time in Romania. Romania is also very inexpensive compared to other Western European countries. We lived like kings on less than $1600 a month which included the Airbnb, food, entertainment, travel, eating out and transportation costs. There was a bit of a language barrier but younger people know English and pointing and hand gestures go a long way! 😊
If you've been to Romania we'd love to hear about your impressions.

19/03/2024

"Let's Get Together". Continuing with our Traveling Pet Sitter Series, we talk about the excitement of getting that first pet sit and meeting your host and pet(s). We also provide a little insight into what we were feeling when we first started pet sitting. Spoiler: we're introverts 😊
https://wix.to/8hdRVEw

sitstaytrips.com

Part 5 of our Traveling Pet Sitter Series. Pick Me! Pick Me! You just received your first reply from a potential host! In our last post, “ I See You”, we talked about how to look for and find pet sits. Now it's time to talk about what comes next. Once you apply to a pet sit, the host will review...

14/03/2024

Dreaming about Austin Texas.
We leave in less than 2 weeks for a 3 week long pet sit in one of our favorite cities, Austin! Staying in a great home in a walkable neighborhood full of great music venues and restaurants. Wonderful accommodations in exchange for taking care of and loving an adorable kitty. What a life!
What are some of your favorite places in Austin?
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sitstaytrips.com
# cats

13/03/2024

Become an expert in choosing the perfect pet sit! Part 4 of our Traveling Pet Sitter series, "I See You!" is out! From pets to responsibilities, we've got you covered.
sitstaytrips.com/post/i-see-you

12/03/2024

Waiting on our next blog post.
Don't worry little guys, it'll be out this week!
We'll get into how to pick a pet sit and what to look for in finding the perfect pet sit for YOU.

sitstaytrips.com

11/03/2024

Saw this sign in Edinburgh Scotland. 🤣

sitstaytrips.com

01/03/2024

We just published Part 3 of our Traveling Pet Sitter series, "Why So Serious".
Looking to stand out as a traveling pet sitter? Learn how to make a lasting impression and win those pet sits in our blog post on becoming a traveling pet sitter.
https://wix.to/rGsPcvl

sitstaytrips.com

Part 3 of our Traveling Pet Sitter Series. Blend In or Stand Out After reading Got What It Takes? you have decided that you would make a great traveling pet sitter! So now lets move on to how to make yourself stand out among all the other sitters out there vying for the same pet sits that you are. B...

28/02/2024

Those western USA sunsets ❤️ Where are your favorite places for sunsets?

sitstaytrips.com

28/02/2024

Part 2 of our Traveling Pet Sitter Series, "Got What It Takes? We introduce you to Miss Cranky and we ask the tough question, "Is being a traveling pet sitter right for you?"
https://www.sitstaytrips.com/post/got-what-it-takes

23/02/2024

Completed!
Winter Trip 23-24. From November 15, 2023 until February 20, 2024 we traveled 6144 miles, completed 8 pet sits, and had a blast!!
Asheville NC -Orlando FL-Ft Myers Fl- Wicksburg AL- Austin TX- Houston TX- Lafayette LA- San Antonio TX- Tucson AZ- Phoenix AZ- San Diego CA- Laguna Beach CA- Tucson AZ- Hawker Heights TX- Asheville NC.

Photo highlights coming next!

sitstaytrips.com

22/02/2024

We just published our first post in our series "Traveling Pet Sitter". We'll share how one little question started our adventures in pet sitting! We'll explain how we found traveling pet sitting and the daunting task of pet sitting overseas. Give us a read!
justmove2017.wixsite.com/sit-stay/post/let-s-go

sitstaytrips.com

17/02/2024

Everyone, meet Stella! Stella does what she wants when she wants. Sister to Rocky, Stella rules the roost.

sitstaytrips.com

17/02/2024

Everyone, meet Rocky! He's got a heart as big as Texas. Rocky loves long walks and chasing squirrels. He and his sister Stella are our last pet sit before we make the journey home to Asheville. It's been a fantastic 3 months on the road!
sitstaytrips.com