Meet Emma Truscott, the globetrotting freelancer who’s been living rent-free for the past three years, saving a jaw-dropping £12,000 annually! How does she pull off this incredible feat? Through her genius travel hack: house-sitting!
Originally from Cornwall, Emma embarked on this journey back in July 2022 during a trip to London. By caring for people’s homes and pets while they’re away, she scores free accommodation around the UK and Europe. This house-sitting gig comes with perks: discovering hidden gems, living like a local, and saving big on living expenses. Plus, she gets to enjoy luxurious dining experiences and adventures with all the cash she’s saved.
As a freelance writer and virtual assistant, Emma works remotely from the comfort of strangers’ homes. She raves about the lifestyle, saying, “It’s not like backpacking—you’re in a cosy home where you can kick back, do a big grocery shop, and settle in.”
Despite the minor downside of occasional travel days between homes, Emma has no plans to swap this adventure-filled life for a stationary one. She dreams of using her savings for trips to Sri Lanka and rescheduling a South American adventure. With an app helping her find house-sitting gigs, she’s channeling her income into fun, pursuing work she loves, and embracing the freedom to take creative risks.
In 2025 alone, Emma’s fixed costs were astonishingly low. She spent just £22 on bills (yep, that’s right!) and a modest amount on business expenses. Her travel savvy extends to enjoying experiences like festivals, indulging in luxury groceries, and keeping shopping budgets in check—all while her flights and daily transport remain surprisingly affordable.
Emma’s story proves that with a bit of creativity and savvy planning, you can live the dream travel life on a budget. Ready to pack your bags and give house-sitting a go? Let Emma’s incredible journey inspire your next adventure! 🌍✈️🐶