Mi Casa, Su Casa: Home Exchanges for Vacation
Its not a bad idea. It does work, It requires a lot of faith in the exchange partners but it can be the BEST way to vacation and really open up your possibilities. That is what Home Exchanges are all about.
Basically, you join of the several businesses that do home exchanges within their clientele. For instance, Homeexchange.com out of Hermosa Beach, CA., offers 41000 listings in 146 countries to do your "exchange with". Homelink International out of Ft. Lauderdale, FL., has listings in 75 countries. Once you join, for a fee, you simply search as to where you wish to go visit for 2-4 weeks, maybe more. You make contact with the homeowners in that country, make arrangements, guide lines, sign agreements, negotiate terms. You can even include your car. During the negotiation period, which can last many days, pictures can be sent, terms set, location details. Once both parties agree on all the terms, the largest expense is travel to that country or State, next is, buying local foods, language, getting around, if no car is provided. The worse problems arrive in the form of cancellations or cleanliness. But, seldom is there an issue about theft or damage because both parties have to trust one another with their home.
Some home exchangers have been to Paris and London numerous times, Australia, Hong Kong. Most of the places are nice and you know long before you go what the house you will be staying in is like, what it has, expectations, location. There are few surprises.
- Intervac Home Exchange - The original home exchange holiday service
Intervac - The original home exchange - HomeLink - home exchange house swap
HomeLink - house swap / exchange - with offices in 27 countries we know our members - HomeExchange.com
The premier international home exchange and home swap service