A couple quit their corporate jobs and now lives rent-free by house-sitting worldwide since 2018.

A couple quit their corporate jobs and now lives rent-free by house-sitting worldwide since 2018.

Traveling the World for Free: A House-Sitting Adventure

Image Source: Insider

Are you tired of the mundane 9-to-5 routine? Dreaming of traveling the world while saving money? Well, Fran Cassaniti and Marco Ilagan found a way to do just that. In 2018, they left their jobs at Accenture to embark on an incredible journey of exploration and adventure. But what sets them apart is their unique approach to accommodation. Instead of paying for hotels or hostels, they live rent-free in other people’s homes, all while taking care of their beloved pets. Not only have they been able to satisfy their wanderlust, but they managed to save an impressive $50,000 each year in accommodation. Let’s dive into their captivating story and discover the secrets behind their unconventional lifestyle.

Love Across Continents, Travel in Their Hearts

Fran Cassaniti, a travel enthusiast from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Marco Ilagan, a globetrotter from Chicago, Illinois, were not your ordinary couple in a long-distance relationship. Instead of relying solely on virtual connections, they were determined to share their love in person all over the world. Whether it was in India, Thailand, or Brazil, they would meet in different countries to spend precious time together. But soon, the couple realized that they both wanted more than just transient moments of togetherness. They yearned for a life of continuous exploration, adventure, and freedom.

Breaking Free: The Leap into Full-Time Travel

After a year of dating and another year of meticulous planning and saving, the couple made the life-changing decision to quit their corporate jobs, bid farewell to their rented apartments, and set off on their grand adventure in January 2018. Initially, their journey took them to Ilagan’s home country, the Philippines, before they ventured to Hawaii six months later. However, they soon discovered that the constant moving from hotel to hostel was hindering their ability to run a successful life-coaching business while on the road. They needed a solution that would provide stability, save money on accommodation, and allow them to fully embrace their entrepreneurial aspirations.

Discovering House-Sitting: Unleashing the Power of Hobo Homeowners

It was during this time that Fran and Marco stumbled upon a digital nomad couple on Instagram who had been house-sitting for two years. Inspired by their story, they decided to give it a try. They joined TrustedHousesitters.com, a platform that connects homeowners with trustworthy house sitters. Within just 15 days, they were accepted for their first house sit in Anchorage, Alaska, where they cared for a dog and a cockatiel named Tweetie. Here began their love affair with house-sitting, a lifestyle that has since defined their incredible journey.

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Wandering Wonderland: The Magic of House-Sitting

Since that first house-sit, Fran and Marco have been entrusted with the care of 25 homes across the globe. Their experiences have been nothing short of extraordinary. From a retreat in Utah with two majestic Alaskan malamutes overlooking a breathtaking mountain range to a tranquil beach retreat in Grenada where they looked after two contented German Shepherds, every house-sit has gifted them with unique memories and unforgettable moments. In Grenada, they truly found their dream home, where they could witness stunning sunsets over the ocean from their terrace and indulge in the abundance of fruits from the garden. The allure of house-sitting allowed them to immerse themselves in diverse cultures, all while providing comfort and care for their furry companions.

Aligning Goals: Travel, Business, and Personal Aspirations

Fran and Marco’s journey is not one of aimless wandering. With clear intent and careful planning, they align their travel destinations with their personal, business, and travel goals. They spend an extensive amount of time each year outlining their objectives, breaking them down into smaller milestones, and setting weekly targets to stay on track. In 2022, their focus was on exploring Europe, while 2023 will see them journeying through Central America. Their discipline and dedication have allowed them to bring structure to their nomadic lifestyle and maximize their time in each location.

A Day in the Life: From 9 to 5 to Wanderlust and Freedom

Gone are the days of monotonous office routines. Fran and Marco have crafted a new daily rhythm filled with vitality and purpose. Each morning, they begin with a workout, meditation, yoga, and journaling. Afterward, they take care of the pets they are entrusted with, embracing the responsibilities and joys of being temporary pet parents. They then dive into their coaching calls for their site, “Map The Unknown.” This venture offers courses that help people shape the lives they desire, creating a purposeful balance between their own aspirations and the opportunity to inspire others. To facilitate scheduling across different time zones, they utilize the online app Calendly, ensuring seamless availability for their clients.

Trust and Compatibility: The Cornerstones of Successful House-Sitting

While the majority of their house-sitting experiences have been blissful, there have been a few challenges along the way. Fran and Marco firmly believe that establishing a strong connection with the homeowners is vital. On rare occasions, they have turned down house-sitting offers when surveillance cameras aren’t turned off or when the relationship with the host seemed incompatible. However, these instances have been few and far between, as the couple’s genuine passion for their role as caretakers has created lasting bonds built on trust, respect, and shared values.

From Credit Card Miles to Endless Skies: Traveling for Free

Fran and Marco have managed to make their travel escapades even more affordable by eliminating flight expenses. In 2014, Marco stumbled upon a blog post revealing the secret to scoring free flights using credit card points. Since then, he has strategically applied for and utilized credit cards, accumulating points and miles to cover the cost of their air travel. By carefully monitoring their credit card usage, paying off their bills diligently, and avoiding excessive credit applications, they have successfully funded their flights, allowing them to soar across borders without breaking the bank. However, they urge others to be mindful of fees and to cancel cards when necessary to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Uniting Love, Adventure, and Dreams: The Road Ahead

Fran and Marco’s remarkable journey continues to unfold, with each passing day adding new chapters to their story of love, adventure, and dreams. To further reduce travel expenses and broaden their horizons, they invested in an RV, which awaits them in storage in Texas whenever they desire to embark on lengthier journeys. Whether it’s driving the RV through Mexico, where they got engaged amidst the breathtaking landscapes, or exchanging vows on a sandbar in Belize, their nomadic lifestyle has allowed them to create memories that will last a lifetime. Currently nestled in Costa Rica, they have once again embraced their caretaker roles, looking after two dogs while pursuing their goals and savoring the exquisite beauty of the country.

As Fran Cassaniti and Marco Ilagan continue their extraordinary journey, they serve as inspiration for those yearning for a life beyond the ordinary. Their story beautifully interweaves love, travel, entrepreneurship, and the art of embracing the unknown. Their unwavering commitment to their aspirations and their willingness to embrace unconventional paths have not only enriched their own lives but also empowered others to reimagine their own possibilities. So, dare to dream, think outside the box, and maybe one day, you too can traverse the world while house-sitting your way to a fulfilling and extraordinary life.

• Aria Yang
• contributor 2023
• Thought Leadership