subject: Holiday Exchange-perfect Money Saving Vacation By Home Swapping [print this page] For many of us interested in traveling a holiday exchange is a great option in comparison to staying in hotels or any other type of accommodation. Home swapping is an exchange of homes mutually between two home owners while holidaying abroad or in your country.
Benefits of Home Exchange
Home exchange provides great benefits to travelers; its a great approach to seeing new places and learning about their lifestyle and culture. Staying at the exchange partners home gives you opportunities to make new friends. Its very economical; exchanging homes helps you to use that extra money that you would have had to spend on hotel accommodation for something exciting. There is absolutely no rent charged in such a program. You dont even have to rent a car; you can use your partners car. Since accommodation is free, you can think of staying in the new place for a longer time. Besides, you can enjoy the comfort of spending your holidays in a home rather than in a congested hotel room. Your home and pets will be taken care of by your exchange partners family while you are away.
How do Swap Homes Work?
If you are on limited funds but wish to see places, swap homes are the ideal accommodation solution. There are numerous companies that operate home exchanges for a small membership fee. Its easy to promote your home and find exchange partners if you register with an agency. Anyone can participate in the exchange program; however, if you live in a leased house, you have to confirm with your property owner if he doesnt mind exchange partners living in the house for a limited period. Insurance companies also have to be notified of the program. Since you would have established some contact with your prospective exchange partners, you will have an idea about their nature and how well your home will be looked after.
Some Tips for a House Exchange
Before you agree on a house exchange, check out the ages and the number of people who will be using your home. When you agree to give your home, remember that you would be using your exchange partners home as well. Decide whether electricity and gas usage are included in the swap. Normally, telephone usage is permitted but not for international calls. Come to an agreement about laundry and other odds and ends. Its good to write a list of instructions for the family to follow; telephone numbers of your family doctor, pizza delivery, dentist etc can noted too. Since, the exchange is only under an agreement, trust and understanding is required on both sides.