By now you’ve probably seen or heard of one of the many reality television shows featuring swapped wives and families. In the end, each of these families does something that isn’t usually featured on the show - the wives or families in question have swapped homes with complete strangers.

This isn’t really an issue in the show’s we’ve been watching, but it brings one great thought to mind. What if we could vacation in a far away place, even a foreign country, for less by simply swapping homes with someone from that area? A world of possibilities has just opened up!

How House Swapping Works

No doubt about it, vacations are expensive. There are always transportation, hotel, and food expenses. Only if there is enough leftover do we get to really set an entertainment budget. Imagine being able to explore other parts of the world by simply being open to sharing your home. You could arrange to stay in someone else’s house while they stay in yours.

You have a couple of options when it comes to house swapping. The first is a house hospitality exchange. It isn’t quite a swap, as you’ll be in the home during your guest’s stay, acting as a host and perhaps even as a tour guide. In exchange, you’ll later stay at the other person’s home in exchange for the same benefits. This is a great option for those who aren’t quite comfortable with leaving people alone in their homes or for those who are simply social butterflies.

The second option is the house exchange, or house swap. Both homeowners choose a time for their vacation and simply switch houses. We should clarify, however, that a house exchange doesn’t have to involve a house. You might trade your house for a yacht or even an RV. It all depends on what you and the person are exchanging with have in mind for your vacations.

How to Prepare for a House Swap

Finding the perfect person to swap homes with is often the most difficult part of the process. You feel as though you’re leaving your home and valuables open to strangers but, while this is partly true, you’re not going to choose your exchange partner blindly. There are dozens of websites on the Internet where you can meet and chat with potential home exchange partners.

You’re going to start by making a list of places you’d like to visit. Once you have an idea, start searching for homes in those areas and send an initial inquiry to the homeowner. Your first inquiry should be relatively short and sweet, only expressing interest and letting them know where you live and what type of home or accommodation you are offering.

You’ll get down to the dirty details about your family, home, and nearby accommodations in your second response. This is where you’re going to describe anything and everything that a person staying in your home can expect to enjoy. You may even decide to speak to your potential house swap partner over the phone. Regardless of your method of communication, remember that all agreements regarding the use of the house must be put in writing. This is to protect both parties.

Once you’ve decided on a date and made all of the final arrangements, you’ll need to prepare your home. The most important thing you should do is store your valuables in a safe or off-site. Otherwise, take all of the steps you would take before leaving on a regular vacation, such as stopping your newspaper service, having the post office hold your mail, and mowing your lawn.

You will need to make a few extra preparations before your house guests arrive. If you’ve arranged to have them take care of your pets, for example, you’ll need to leave very specific instructions on how to do so. You’ll also need to do a little extra cleaning, make some space in your drawers and closets, and stock up on toiletries and cleaning supplies. Your guests won’t be familiar with your area, so leaving a list of emergency contact numbers of handy local amenities would be an appreciated perk.

The Benefits of House Swapping

House swapping provides families with an incredibly unique opportunity. The cost of lodging is one of the most expensive parts of any trip, next to transportation, and often severely limits the destination or entertainment choices when planning a trip.

Perhaps you want to visit other parts of your own country. Success stories abound. One couple listed their small California apartment and immediately began getting offers from around the world. Some were closer to home, in places like New Orleans and Oregon, but others came from further away - from Africa, Iceland, and ultimately from their perfect destination spot in Australia.

Whether you plan on leaving your home for a weekend, weeks, or even an extended stay of a few months, house swapping will immediately open up an entirely new world of opportunities. Visit far away lands, explore new cultures, make new friends and have fun!

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