Vacation rentals are a good way to save on travel costs, but doing a house exchange can really make your travel dollars go farther. When you exchange homes with someone else, your accommodations become virtually free, and usually, use of a car is included, reducing your transportation costs too.
Chances are, you'll eat a lot more meals "at home," and it's easier to accommodate any special dietary needs or preferences you may have.
Best of all, you'll feel like a local in the place you visit, whether you're going to the South of France or South Carolina. There are houses you can swap almost everywhere.
How to do a house exchange.
Several house exchange agencies have been in business for 40 or 50 years. You can find them online. If you're serious about doing it, sign up with one of the services - the cost is usually around $100 for a one-year membership.
Decide where you want to go and then search the service's database for houses you can swap with. Some agencies have booklets showing their properties. Others have them online only.
The easiest house exchange is a simultaneous one - you stay in someone else's house while they stay in yours. You'll have to coordinate your schedules, so it helps to plan well in advance.
Since you'll probably stay some place for at least a week, make sure there's a lot to see and do in the area. Using the home as a base and then doing day trips in the area is a good strategy.
If your home is in a popular place that lots of people want to visit, you'll have no trouble finding other owners to trade with. If it's located somewhere remote or not well known, it could take you a while.
Arranging the exchange.
Create a short list of properties that you like - it's always a good idea to have a few in mind. Then contact the owners to see if they're interested in your place. It's smart to include lots of photos. But be careful not to misrepresent your home.
Explain what there is to do nearby, and don't overlook something because you think it's obvious. It may not be to someone from abroad. Include what is within walking distance and what's a short drive away.
Get all the details spelled out before you make a commitment. You'll want to know things like if a car is included, and if there's a computer you can use, and what your guests are willing to do, such as water the plants or care for the pets.
Call your insurance agent to make sure your home and car are covered. In most cases they are, and many insurance companies prefer having someone in the home to leaving it vacant.
Don't leave any valuables in your home. Give your house a thorough cleaning or hire someone else to do it. And leave your exchange partners plenty of detailed information about the area, how things work in your home, and who to call if they should have a problem.
Then relax and enjoy having a home away from home in some place you've always wanted to go.
Learn tripplanningguide.com/house-exchange-basics-for-adventurous-travelers more about house exchange here. Or find tripplanningguide.com/is-a-vacation-rental-right-for-you Or vacation rentals here.
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