Trusted HousesittersFree: All time (US$79 / year membership)

As the name suggests, the site Trusted Housesitters’ goal is to connect homeowners with trustworthy people who want to housesit for them while they’re away (usually for free). Typically, the housesitters’ task involves some pet care and carrying out a few chores like watering the plants or collecting the mail. In return, the sitters get to stay for free in the property, giving them the opportunity to “live like a local.” There are a few other housesitting sites available but if you’re looking for an assignment in Europe, Trusted Housesitters has the most listing and usage by far.

Website: www.trustedhousesitters.com

Photo credit: Trusted Housesitters