GOING on holiday can often be expensive – but it doesn't necessarily have to be.

The costs of a week-long holiday abroad – even staying in a holiday rental or locally-owned house – can quickly add up.

Yet Australian couple Christopher Ojala and Andrew Redfern have holidayed repeatedly without paying a penny for their accommodation.

The pair are house-sitters, who have travelled across the UK, the US, New Zealand and Mexico, all by way of caring for strangers’ homes.

Christopher who manages the house-sitting Facebook group House Sitting World, said: "House-sitting gives you a completely different perspective, compared to going somewhere as just a tourist.

“You get to see new places from a local’s perspective.”

As it's a win-win situation for both parties, money rarely changes hands.

Instead of paying for a service, it's a system built on trust between strangers.

In addition to sharing their homes, some owners are also eager to introduce guests to other facets of their lives, so they're able to truly live like a local.

Still, house-sitting's biggest sell might be its affordability — but it's not just an activity for the broke backpacker set, with people of all ages jumping at the chance to house-sit for strangers.

It's also a budget-friendly option for families, particularly during holiday periods when campsites are booked out and hotels charge peak seasonal rates.

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House-sitter Nancy Mcallister regularly explores new places alongside her partner and his six-year-old son.

She said: "It's a beautiful way to be able to travel."

The couple house-sit often and have even done a beachside house-sit during the school holidays in their home city in New Zealand.

For her partner's son, it doesn't matter that they are staying in the same city.

Nancy said: "He just thinks it's somewhere different. There are different toys and it makes it a fun kind of holiday."

Ultimately, caring for other people's pets is a serious commitment and house-sitting isn't for everyone.

But those who do it tend to love it so much that they almost don't want anyone else to know about it.

Nancy said: "My partner, is like, 'You shouldn't be telling anyone about this'."

It's a secret she wants to share, though. She added: "House-sitting can open up doors for world travel that you would have never imagined."

"BEAUTIFUL WAY TO TRAVEL"

While some house-sitting groups ask for a joining fee, some groups can be accessed for free.

Once you've found a potential house, you should set up a virtual or in-person meeting with the homeowners and their pets.

At the very minimum, speak on the phone so that both parties have the opportunity to ask any questions.

It often doesn't matter if you don't have any previous experience. In lieu of house-sitting references, offer to supply personal or professional referees.

Even without references, your services will be sought-after if you plan to house-sit over a school holiday period.

Although most people would snap up the chance to get free accommodation, a love of animals is a must.

Be sure to ask homeowners about daily routines and responsibilities, as well as how long they're comfortable for their pets to be left alone.

If you envision long days spent at the beach or in nearby art galleries, bypass the horses and dogs, and look for a cat instead.

A woman has revealed the first thing you should do when you stay in a holiday home.

You can rent an entire pub for you and your mates – with a fully-working bar inside.

See inside the world's most expensive Airbnb in the world – with heated infinity pools, private spa and eight butlers.

A version of this article originally appeared on news.com.au and has been republished here with permission.

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