In today’s episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Jessica Holmes—writer, author, and motivational speaker—who left a career as a major crimes investigator to pursue her passion for adventure and a more fulfilling, eco-friendly lifestyle.
Jessica’s love for travel goes back years, from backpacking across continents to embracing van life. But along the way, she became mindful of the environmental toll of constant travel and decided to find a more sustainable approach. That’s when she discovered housesitting—a way to explore the world at a slower pace, caring for homes and pets as she goes.
Jessica now travels the globe as a digital nomad, sharing her experiences and insights with those dreaming of a life outside the ordinary.
Tune in to hear about her fascinating career shift, her commitment to mindful travel, and her advice on creating a life of adventure on your own terms.
This is an episode for anyone who dreams of living fully, sustainably, and on their own path!
Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.
Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.
Thank you for your amazing support!
Show notes
- Who is Jessica
- Jessica’s current lifestyle as a full-time house sitter and writer
- The inspiration behind her book, The Housesitter's Guide to the Galaxy
- How her childhood on a farm shaped her love for the outdoors and animals
- Meeting her husband in her teens, who had a strong wanderlust, which influenced her to start traveling
- The role her teenage friendship (and eventual relationship) with her husband played in igniting her wanderlust
- Jessica’s early belief in a conventional life path and how it shifted over time
- Her university experience and how it transitioned into two years of backpacking
- Highlights from her travels, including the Trans-Siberian Railway, Trans-Mongolian Railway, and volunteering in China
- The challenges and joys of long-term travel, including bouts of food poisoning and cultural immersion
- The adjustment period of returning home after extensive travel
- How Jessica and her husband initially settled into traditional jobs but later questioned their lifestyle
- The impact of the pandemic in reigniting their passion for adventure and reshaping their future plans
- How they used maps and guidebooks during the pandemic to dream and plan their next moves
- The practicalities and challenges of transitioning to a digital nomad lifestyle
- How house sitting has become a cornerstone of their sustainable, low-cost travel approach
- The financial strategies that make their nomadic life possible, including frugal living and house-sitting exchanges
- Jessica’s husband’s transition to a fully remote accounting job and its role in their journey
- The emotional and logistical difficulties Jessica faced in leaving her career in police investigations
- Her resourcefulness in exploring digital nomad job options despite not feeling qualified initially
- The sense of purpose and freedom that fuels Jessica and her husband’s adventures
- Encouragement for others to take the first step toward a lifestyle they’re passionate about
- How Jessica handles accidental damages while house sitting
- The importance of open communication with homeowners
- Jessica’s memorable experience with a dog chewing her laptop
- The balance between honesty and homeowners’ leniency in house-sitting mishaps
- Why Jessica doesn’t feel compelled to snoop while house sitting
- How Jessica and her partner have adjusted to working and living in other people’s homes
- The routines that help Jessica and her partner balance house sitting with their careers
- Jessica’s approach to selecting house sits and prioritising space and comfort
- How Jessica manages anxiety while pursuing an adventurous lifestyle
- Practical tips Jessica uses to identify and manage anxiety triggers
- How journaling and therapy have helped Jessica cope with anxiety
- The role of support from loved ones in managing mental health
- Jessica’s advice for embracing adventure despite anxiety
- An overview of Jessica’s blog and podcast, including their focus on house sitting and slow travel.
- How Jessica integrates themes from her book into her podcast series
- Insights into sustainable travel and reducing environmental impact as a digital nomad
- Jessica’s focus on minimising flights and using alternative travel methods
- Why slow travel and longer stays are key to Jessica’s sustainable lifestyle
- How Jessica evaluates the environmental impact of homeowners’ travel plans
- Final words of advice
Social Media
Instagram @hitchedhikingandhousesitting
Blog www.hitchedandhiking.com
Book: “The Housesitter's Guide to the Galaxy: A Guide to Housesittng and Achieving Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Travel” on Amazon/Waterstones online