First, you are probably wondering what house swapping is.
Home exchange, also known as house swapping, is an alternative means of travel accommodation, through which two parties agree to swap their homes for a set period of time, with no monetary exchange taking place.
In other words, you find people who live in an awesome location you would like to visit, who would like to visit the awesome location in which you reside. You chat it up, set dates, and vacay for free. Often times never even meeting the people you are swapping with (unless you would like to). These sites are completely legitimate and each have their own ways of verifying participants identities to ensure everyone has a safe, enjoyable trade. Make sure you start looking ahead of time, since this is a trade, both parties would like to know well in advance when and what will be traded.
There are many sites that help you make these connections.
are some of the more popular ones.
Important things to know about home swapping.
For starters, while the actual vacation is free, the membership to these sites is typically not. On the scale of how much a vacation home would cost, its as close to free as you can get. However, it’s not exactly free.
Also, home swapping is not for everyone. There will be randoms in your home for however long you agree on, which some people are not okay with.
There are three kinds of house swapping. One, is a “simultaneous exchange“. Which is pretty self explanatory, you both swap at the same time and return at the same times. The second is a “non-simultaneous exchange“, which would be they are at their personal home, and you stay in their second, or vacation home. The third is called a “hospitality exchange” which is more similar to couchsurfing, in that the owners are still home while you stay as their guest.
Be clear on specifics of the trade. You don’t want to expect things that haven’t been discussed, simply because it seems standard to you. Things such as cleaning services, fridge stocking, linens, how to exchange the keys. (TIP: HomeLink offers a beginners guide to help you get on your feet of you decide this is something for you.)
Renters can apply too. Don’t think just because you don’t own your home or have a house, that you can’t participate. A place to sleep is a place to sleep, no matter how you are paying for it.
Trade the whole kit and kaboodle! When discussing the infrastructure of the trade, why not set up trading cars. If you are flying to your destination, both parties would need a ride. Sure. that’s risky, and not for everyone. But if it suits your fancy, save that cash for a rental car for an awesome excursion or spa day!
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