We all need a host sister for our travels

Let's be honest, how amazing is that feeling of not having to worry about accommodation while planning a trip? Having a friend or relative who can host you is a game-changer, helping you save money and invest in other aspects of your vacation. Unless you have London Tipton’s phone book, finding someone willing to host you anywhere in the world is nearly impossible. But we said nearly... Today, it's important to note that more and more people, especially women, are overcoming fears and stereotypes by embarking on solo travel. Having a sister to rely on in every city we visit would be ideal, providing a bed, a warm meal, and local travel tips. And what if we told you that you might just meet a host sister for your next itinerary?

Who are the host sisters?

There are many online resources and communities that provide support and advice for women who want to travel solo. One of these is the private Facebook group Host a Sister, a women-only group currently boasting 705,251 members. To be accepted and access the opportunities this community offers, you must request to join the group. Sisters offer accommodation for companionship or because they have a free apartment, while others seek hosts to travel the world by making direct requests. At the heart of it all is the concept of sharing, but here’s what you can expect from this group:

• Creating friendships: The platform allows women to connect and build friendships both while traveling and in everyday life.
• Cultural exchange: host sisters can share their homes for free, offering hospitality to other female travelers and experiencing an authentic cultural exchange.
• Travel support: Members can find free accommodation with local sisters, receive travel tips, find travel companions, and arrange meetups.
• Empowerment and safety: The community provides a safe space where women can share experiences, advice, and mutual support, with a strong focus on travel safety.
• Humanitarian aid: In emergencies, such as the war in Ukraine, Host a Sister has mobilized to provide aid and support to female refugees.

In summary, Host a Sister is a female support network promoting friendship, cultural exchange, and safety among women travelers worldwide. To get started, simply create a post offering or requesting accommodation and wait for the magic to happen. Recently, as we know, the hilly and wooded areas around Los Angeles (the San Gabriel Mountains and Santa Monica Mountains) have been affected by severe wildfires. In response, the community has stepped up to provide accommodation and support for many women and their families.

Online Couchsurfing: a popular practice

Remember when Amanda and Iris in The Holiday sought an escape from their daily lives and heartbreaks through a home exchange? There’s a real story behind the site they used. Born in the early 2000s, Couchsurfing is an online platform that connects travelers (surfers) with hosts worldwide. The idea is simple: hosts offer free accommodation, whether a couch, a room, or just a sleeping bag space. In return, surfers get to stay for free, immerse themselves in local culture, and form friendships with locals. So, it’s not just about saving money on accommodation but about having a transformative travel experience filled with cultural exchanges and unforgettable adventures.

How it works for pet owners

In today’s digital world, many new platforms and Couchsurfing-style options are spreading rapidly. Among the most viral on social media is TrustedHousesitters, which is based on a reciprocal exchange: pet owners get free pet and home care while sitters (those taking care of the pets) get the opportunity to travel and stay for free. Some social media users claim they have stayed in luxury villas in Manhattan thanks to this program. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Purchase an Annual Plan: Pet owners buy an annual subscription to access the platform.
2. Create a Listing: They create a detailed post with pictures of their pets and home, specifying the dates they'll be away.
3. Find the Perfect Sitter: They receive applications from interested sitters or can directly search for verified and reviewed sitters.
4. Travel with Peace of Mind: They leave their pets at home with the sitter, knowing they’ll be well cared for.
5. Stay Updated: Sitters provide updates and photos during the stay to keep owners connected with their pets.
6. Leave Reviews: After the stay, owners leave a review, helping build the sitter’s reputation.