Find Cheap and Free Accommodations Around the World by House Sitting

Would you like to see the world but you don't have the money to stay in expensive hotels? Do you love to travel but you have more time than money? Are you thinking of moving to a different state but you want to see how the locals really live before you go?

Housesitting may be the answer. All over the world people want someone to stay in their home and sometimes care for their pets while they are away for vacation or work. That person could be you.

The wonderful thing about house sitting, besides the free accommodation, is that you are living like a local. Many times, homeowners will introduce you to their neighbors or arrange for a local who can help you find what you need. This is great in any area, but particularly if you're in a country where you don't speak the language.

There are as many different house sitting situations as there are homeowners. Some simply want you to live in their home and are willing to foot the utility bills for your service. Some will ask that you pay the electricity, water, or heating for the duration of your vacation. Still others will offer a stipend in exchange for house maintenance or caring for their garden or pets. The wonderful thing is that you simply pick the situation that works for you. House sit positions are available for as short as a week-end and as long as a year or more.

There are many ways to find a housesit - advertise on craigslist, in a local paper, or join a housesit organization. http://www.squidoo.com/housesitting/ is a good resource which reviews the most popular online house sit organizations and also gives good advice on how to get the house sit you want.

Homeowners are looking for housesitters all accross the globe, but there are some places where it is more common. England, France, the USA, New Zealand, and Australia are common housesitting locations, though positions are available in the Carribean, Mexico, Canada, Spain, and even Hong Kong. If you have ever cared for someone's pet or watched their house while they were away, you already have the experience and references you'll need. If you haven't, get started today! Tell your friends, family, and co-workers that you want to watch their house while they're away on vacation in exchange for a written and verbal reference. Also, don't ignore people you know with pets. Many pet owners need someone to watch their furry friend while they have a weekend vacation and would be happy to give you a reference for your house sitting service.

Years ago, I wanted to travel but didn't have the money. I couldn't afford the travel costs and the hotel bills too, so my vacations were short and nearby. Now I've found out about housesitting as a way to take a cheap vacation and travel all over the world; I can't believe I didn't think of it before. Have fun and happy traveling!