The Ultimate Life Hack: Retiring Early Through Global Housesitting
A New York woman has revealed her extraordinary secret to saving a fortune while travelling the globe completely rent-free for over a decade. Bianca Rappaport, 34, alongside her husband Paolo, 45, has perfected a lifestyle that allows them to explore the world while building substantial savings, with plans to retire by age 45.
A Decade of Adventure and Savings
Their journey began in June 2016, sparked by a book Bianca encountered about ten ways to travel the world for free. Since then, the couple has roamed across 20 nations and five continents, caring for more than 50 pets in the process. This unique approach has allowed them to amass an estimated £300,000 in savings, money that would have otherwise been spent on rent and bills.
The key to their success lies in meticulous planning. They typically stay in one location for at least two months and arrange their house-sitting assignments three to nine months in advance. This strategy has taken them to an impressive list of destinations, including Italy, Spain, Japan, Thailand, Mexico, and the UK, among others.
Building a Business and a Better Way to Travel
Bianca, who travels with only a 40-litre carry-on backpack, quickly evolved from a house sitter to a digital nomad, running her business remotely. In 2024, she founded Wanderwell Club, a company dedicated to helping others achieve sustainable travel and financial freedom.
She passionately believes that house-sitting offers a solution to over-tourism through a sharing economy. "They need someone to look after their pet and make sure the house is okay while they're gone, and you have somewhere wonderful to explore," Bianca explained. This model provides an authentic local experience, with homeowners often sharing insider tips on the best farmers' markets and introducing sitters to their neighbours.
The financial benefits are undeniable. The couple spent approximately $10,000 (around £7,599) for both of them in the first half of 2025, covering health insurance, flights, transport, and food, all without feeling deprived. "I worked out that compared to if I stayed in Brooklyn, I am going to retire two decades before I thought I would," Bianca stated.
Beyond the financial gain, she values the profound cultural immersion. "It really helps you slow down travelling and get to know a place from a local's perspective," she added. From an 18th-century winery carved into volcanic rock to following a cat from Bangkok to Rome, their adventures are as unique as they are financially savvy. For Bianca, this is more than a travel trend; it's designing a life of freedom, long before traditional retirement age.
