How to Travel Without Paying for a Hotel: Inside Home Swapping and Pet Sitting Apps

Learn how to travel for less by swapping homes or pet sitting with strangers around the world.

Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss how house swapping and house sitting can cut your lodging costs to help you stretch your travel dollars further. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Rove's new Aeroplan transfer partnership, fresh perks rolling out on the JetBlue Premier Card, surprising findings from the 2026 J.D. Power North American Airline Satisfaction Study, IHG's new summer points promotion, and what slow bookings ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup could mean for travelers.

Then, joined by longtime Kindred host Bob Krinsky and Asheville-based Trusted Housesitters host Robert Barclay, they discuss what it's actually like to swap homes or invite a stranger to pet sit, with tips and tricks on choosing a platform that vets its members, building trust with potential sitters or swappers, and saving on the extras like pet care and rides to the airport.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• JetBlue Premier Review: $300 Credit, Lounge Access and More https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/jetblue-premier 

• JetBlue Plus Review: Bundle of Benefits, Reasonable Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/jetblue-plus 

• Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-reserve 

• American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-platinum 

Resources discussed in this episode:

• The Guide to Rove Miles https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/guide-to-rove-miles 

• The Guide to Air Canada Aeroplan https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/air-canada 

• Current Credit Card Transfer Bonuses: May 2026 https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/credit-card-transfer-bonuses 

• JetBlue Premier Adding Companion Pass, Enhancing Travel Credit https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/news/jetblue-premier-new-perks 

• The Guide to IHG One Rewards https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/ihg-rewards-more-value-for-the-frugal-traveler 

• Book These Hyatt Properties Now Before Award Costs Go Up on May 20 https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/news/book-these-hyatt-properties-before-may-2026-devaluation 

• Best Hotel Credit Cards for Free Nights https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/best-hotel-credit-cards-for-free-nights 

Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel. 

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