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DISCOVER EUROPE’S MOST LUXURY DESTINATIONS – AND HOW PET SITTING CAN UNLOCK THEIR CHARM FOR LESS
Dreaming of strolling the streets of Paris, soaking in Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, tasting the delights of Amsterdam, or exploring the rich culture of Basel in Switzerland? Europe is home to some of the most beautiful, luxury —and expensive—destinations in the world. But what if you could experience these iconic places, bond with locals (and their pets), whilst avoiding the steep price tag of accommodation? More and more people are turning to house sitting with fury and feathered friends, to help travellers turn their bucket-list vacations into affordable, pet-friendly adventures.
TrustedHousesitters, the leading pet sitting platform, has revealed the most expensive European destinations for accommodation along with details on how you can travel the world house sitting.
Here are Europe’s Top 5 luxury holiday spots, and why they’re worth every penny:
1. Switzerland (Basel) – Average accommodation cost: £208 per night
Iconic sights: Basel has earned its notoriety as an art lover’s paradise, with Art Basel attracting hundreds of celebrities each year. Whether it’s visiting one of the 40+ museums, or the charming Old Town, with its medieval buildings and cobbled streets, perhaps even strolling along the banks of the Rhine River there’s something for all art and culture lovers.
Local delicacies: Sample Basel’s famous läckerli, a spiced, nutty gingerbread, or indulge in the city’s vibrant café scene with fresh pastries and hot chocolate.
Pet-sitting perk: Stay in one of Basel’s beautiful homes while caring for a local’s pet, giving you time to explore the artistic treasures and cultural richness.
2. Netherlands (Amsterdam) – Average accommodation cost: £253 per night
Iconic sights: Wander through Amsterdam’s network of picturesque canals, visit the world-famous Rijksmuseum, or explore the Anne Frank House. This vibrant city is a blend of history and modernity, where you can ride a bike along the canals by day and relax in a cosy café or coffeeshop by night.
Local delicacies: Enjoy Dutch treats like stroopwafels or hearty bitterballen with a cold local beer, and don’t forget to sample some haring (raw herring), a traditional snack.
Pet-sitting perk: Swap expensive hotels for a canal-side home while caring for a local’s cat or dog, offering you the chance to live like a true Amsterdammer in this enchanting city.
Trusted Housesitters
3. Iceland (Reykjavik) – Average accommodation cost: £210 per night
Iconic sights: Iceland is a land of extremes—visit the geothermal Blue Lagoon, witness the Northern Lights, or explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Golden Circle. Reykjavik, the capital, is a gateway to adventure.
Local delicacies: Savour Iceland’s fresh, locally-sourced cuisine, like lamb stew, skyr (a yogurt-like dairy product), or freshly caught Atlantic fish.
Pet-sitting perk: Stay in a warm Icelandic home and experience the country's natural wonders while caring for a local pet. Enjoy long walks with a friendly dog through volcanic landscapes or along black-sand beaches.
4. France (Paris) – Average accommodation cost: £301 per night
Iconic sights: Explore the City of Light and its landmarks—the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. The city of love, art and fashion has so much to offer.
Local delicacies: Paris is synonymous with culinary excellence. Enjoy flaky croissants in the morning, feast on escargot, or sip wine and eat cheese whilst indulging in a classiccoq au vin at a bustling Parisian bistro.
Pet-sitting perk: Why pay sky-high prices for a Parisian hotel when you can stay in a local chic apartment, with the added bonus of caring for a charming French cat or dog?
5. Italy (Venice) – Average accommodation cost: £368 per night
Iconic sights: Venice is pure romance, with its maze of canals, iconic gondolas, and award-winning architecture. Explore the magnificent Piazza San Marco and the grand Basilica, or get lost in the quieter alleys to discover hidden gems like artisan workshops and quaint trattorias.
Local delicacies: Feast on Venetian seafood dishes like sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines) or indulge in a rich plate of risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto). Pair your meal with a glass of local Prosecco to complete the local experience.
Pet-sitting perk: Trade Venice’s steep hotel prices for a local home, where you can enjoy the tranquil beauty of the canals, far from the typical tourist crowds.
With accommodation costs running sky-high in these luxury European destinations, house sitting offers an exciting alternative while lowering costs. By looking after the property and pets, you are provided with accommodation for the duration of your stay and a full immersion into the local culture with the company of a pet. Angela Laws, Head of Community at TrustedHousesitters spoke about the findings:
“Whilst some of locations are must visit places, they can often feel inaccessible financially. We offer the chance for people to take on the responsibilities of house sitting and pet sitting, whilst also getting to live like a local in these breathtaking places.”
When considering an international sit experience, it’s also important to follow the official visa and immigration requirements of the country you intend to visit. With this pet sitting experience, one is provided a deeper, more authentic travel experience, living like a local in some of the most beautiful places in the world.
Ready to start your pet sitting adventure? To read more about travelling Europe pet sitting visit https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/sitters/best-ways-to-travel-in-europe/.
The only thing left to do is decide where you’re doing first!
