Sounds too good to be true? Well incredibly it’s not!
ENTER HOMEEXCHANGE.COM
Also known as house swapping, Home Exchange is aservice in which two parties agree to offer each other homestays (lodging in each other’s homes) for a set period of time. Since no monetary exchange takes place, it’s a form of barter, collaborative consumption and sharing.
Alexandra Origet du Cluzeau-Humbel from HomeExchange.com tells us, “The most popular destinations are Western Europe, North America and gaining traction are Australia, New Zealand and Scandinavia (Iceland being the home exchange world champion of penetration per capita). Eastern Europe is rising (lead by Croatia), South and Central America, Indonesia and Thailand, followed by Singapore .”
Hawaii
WHY HOUSE SWAP?
Because you can travel anywhere in the world almost for free! HomeExchange.com Founder Ed Kushins explains “Why would you pay when you can travel for a fraction of the price, with a choice of comfortable, welcoming accommodation options around the world.”
France
Alexandra tells us most Home Exchange members use the service because:
- They can live like locals, in areas where no hotel or touristic facilities would take you.
- They create friends around the world with exchange partners and neighbours.
- They find a “real” home, with toys, books, bicycles, a washing machine, a garden, videos, baby equipment… and a nice welcome meal or basket when you check in.
- They are able to save even more money while exchanging cars as well.
- They are able to cook at home instead of buying three meals a day out.
- They enjoy the insider’s tips and recommendations from their host.
- They find comfort knowing someone is ‘house sitting’ at home; watering the plants feeding the cat and preventing robberies etc.
Greece
Croatia
SO IS THERE A COST?
Yes, but a small one. An annual membership costs $150 to create a listing and profile.
How long can you exchange for?
“Essentially as long as you want with your agreed destination host. Most users of the service (42%) usually stay between two weeks to a month. Some families will experience a year in another country, with their children attending local schools to learn another language.”, Alexandra explains.
Take a peak at some of the homes available for exchange right now!
Endless Summer anyone?
Tell us in the comments below:
Have you ever used a Home Exchange service? We would love to hear your experiences….
Images via HomeExchange.com
