Would you consider swapping homes with another family?

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   Happyboomernurseposted 14 years ago

   In these tough economic times it can be hard to afford family vacations. Some families are using the internet to link up with other families willing to swap homes for a simultaneous vacation, or to swap a vacation home for a non-simultaneous vacation. Have you ever done this, or would you consider doing it?

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      Druid Dudeposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      What kind of brain dead idiot would want my dump, even if it is three blocks from a public beach? Let me know, cause I could use a break. Cool area, just bured out on it.

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      1. 86

         Happyboomernurseposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Did you say three blocks from a public beach? Hmmmm.....there might be someone out there willing to exchange. (smile).

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2. 0

   Home Girlposted 14 years ago

   Not everybody live in a palace, you know...

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3. 73

   tritrainposted 14 years ago

   Yes.
   
   I live in a cardboard box.
   
   Who will switch with me?

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      Home Girlposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Cardboard with internet connection?

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         Happyboomernurseposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Ah yes, whether or not the box has internet connection could turn out to be a deal maker or breaker. Good question Home Girl.

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4. 71

   Cagsilposted 14 years ago

   Would you consider swapping homes with another family? No!
   
   Why would I want anyone to spend time in my home? Even, if it was only temporary, such as vacation.
   
   It's absurd that other people would want to spend time in someone's home, without having an altered motive.
   
   It would make no sense, because the amount of stuff the average person collects, prides themselves on or care about, could possibly end up missing because strangers entered the home and decided they were no longer honest enough to leave without taking something from it.
   
   Nope. Keep your home and I'll keep mine. Therefore, I can never be accused of stealing, even if I did not and I don't have to worry about people taking things of mine either.

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   1. 86

      Happyboomernurseposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Cagsil,
      You bring up some important points Cagsil.
      A swap only works if both parties are responsible and trustworthy and there's no way of knowing that in advance.

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5. 60

   ArefinShamsposted 14 years ago

   never ever

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6. 81

   CarolineChicagoposted 14 years ago

   I think we'd consider it--but I doubt anyone would want to swap with us. We have a 125 pound dog & 2 cats. We've rented lake cottages and a vacation home before. It would be a lot like that. I think the best bet is to put away in storage what you would worry would be stolen. Depersonalize the place a bit. Heck, if someone in France would like to swap, we'd at least be open to discussing! : )

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7. 96

   wannabwesternposted 14 years ago

   I have considered doing this when we lived in Arizona. I know that vacation swapping is popular and I'd be thrilled to do it when I get older and have fewer children at home. With young children I'd be concerned about them breaking something precious and that would lesson my enjoyment of the arrangement.
   
   I think the downside of swapping might be the naggling feeling of being someone's houseguest, even if they are not home. For me, at this point in my life I'd feel content to get a hotel for short vacation stays, but would definitely consider doing this when I retire and my home is hopefully paid for. We would like to live in Europe for three months during the year when we retire, and I could see some advantages to this arrangement.

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      Happyboomernurseposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Your three month dream for the future sounds awesome.

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   SomewayOuttaHereposted 14 years ago

   ..i considered it at one time...wanted to spend a couple of months in france...there are/were agencies that set it up properly...i've known a few people that have done it and were quite happy with the results...
   
   ...many times, i've gone away and let folks i know use my place while vacationing where i live...the odd time something was broken...but...it all worked out...i had someone looking after my home and pets while i was gone..and they got to enjoy the place where i live...

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   1. 86

      Happyboomernurseposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for sharing your experiences. Glad that the odd time where something was broken got resolved to your satisfaction.

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9. 0

   Home Girlposted 14 years ago

   Mine, it's all mine!!! No intruders,please!
   
   

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   1. 86

      Happyboomernurseposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Great photo. You don't have to worry about trespassing from me. (smile)
      Love your sense of humor.

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