Enjoy and have fun!
There you have it, ready to plan your next vacation with a home exchange? In this guide we have shared with you why home exchange is becoming more and more popular. There is the obvious benefit of saving money but other advantages include the opportunity to immerse yourself in a destination culture, having a kitchen for cooking and dining in, having your property occupied while you are away, and getting to know your hosts and visitors thus making new friends.
You now know about differing types of exchanges (Direct, Non-Simultaneous and Hospitality) so you can choose which is best for you. Over time you can explore each as different locations and times might lead to one type or another.
Home exchange networks and communities differ in their offerings. Determine what type of exchange you prefer, if a credit systems is advantageous for you, would you like assistance in finding and arranging an exchange, and make sure that they are easy and available for your communication . Your Membership Checklist in Appendix A is helpful tool for you to use to determine which Home Exchange network is best for you. You might consider joining more than one.
In arranging an exchange, there is a return on your upfront efforts in promoting your home. Communication, proactively in finding an exchange and reactive to enquiries will accelerate and smooth the process. Keep your communication clear and direct, honesty is the basis of trading and the best practice.
Once you have a trade agreement, you will want to prepare and ready your home for your guests. Think about how you would like to experience visiting another person’s home. Make it inviting and comfortable and your guests will be very appreciative. It is great fun planning for your vacation too. What will you do, sites to see, foods to eat, places to explore? Communicating with your host in advance will most likely give you the best result in gaining their knowledge on the local area.
Finally, if this is the first time you have considered house swapping you might be feeling slightly anxious. Don’t worry, there is a first time for everything and today there are thousands of exchanges happening all the time. Follow the recommendations in this guide and review the items to watch out for and you will reduce your anxiety and be well on your way to a great vacation with all the benefits of home exchange.
It has been a pleasure in creating this guide for you. We hope that you have enjoyed the helpful hints and recommendations, most of all we want you to HAVE FUN. Let’s start trading!