Adult skinks are typically fed about every other day, depending on the size and caloric content of the meal. Feeding is enrichment for lizards and blue-tongues like to eat (hence the tendency toward obesity).

I wonder if you have considered a snake? It might provide you the reptilian encounter you are seeking and fit in with your away-from-home lifestyle better. Whatever you end up getting don't forget to get timers and thermostats so you can be assured your pet is comfortable while no one is there to check on it.