I have a friend who lives interstate she flies down and makes a holiday out of it, we coordinate.

I generally use my best mate. She lives at home still while saving for her own house so she loves to stay here a few nights to get away. Plus she loves sausage dogs and we have one so it's a win win for her 😂

No I know someone who does it & I know how they live

Haven't. But if we went away for for than a couple of weeks, I would. Partially because your house/contents insurance can be invalid if your house is empty longer than a specific period.

I'd only use a professional with references though. Strict rules & agreements. Anyone I've known who had used friends/family/friends of a friend has come to grief. One friend came home a day early to find her normally spotless house a filth pit, cupboards bare & they'd been smoking inside.