By Kelly Anne Fitzpatrick on June 30, 2012 in
What if when you went on your next vacation, you could take along all the comforts of your own home? Just imagine, private bedrooms for every member of the family, an eat-in kitchen to prepare your own meals, easy access to laundry, a car, and a million other small everyday conveniences. Oh, and did we mention it's free? Of course, there's a catch. A stranger is going to be in your home, sleeping in your sheets, driving your car, and eating off your plates. For those who haven't seen The Holiday, that's the gist of home exchange.
A home exchange is a mutual agreement between two homeowners to swap houses for a set period of time--typically for a vacation. Depending on the exact agreement of the switch, that could also entail swapping cars, pets, and even pals with your vacation home's owners, says The Daily Mail. It can make round-the-world trips shockingly affordable, and allows you to experience a new destination as a true local--exploring someone else's neighborhood, trying out their recommendations, and soaking in the culture.
That said, home exchange isn't for everyone. The idea of a stranger snooping through your medicine cabinet and underwear drawer can be too much for some home owners to handle, and it certainly makes the pre-vacation to-do list lengthy (imagine preparing for guests while also packing for a long trip).
How can you tell if a home exchange is for you?
- Are you an adventurous traveler? A home exchange is not a hotel. There is no maid service, and dropping your towel on the floor will not get you a new one. You likely will not be extremely close to your host city's greatest sites, and you'll probably still cook many of your own meals (at least, if the motivation to exchange homes is financial). If you want to experience the city like a local, home exchange is a great option, but it's not ideal for vacationers who want a carefree stay.
- Is your home already guest-ready? HomeExchange.com's blog recommends freeing up space for your guests to put their things and leaving pantry staples for them to cook with. Obviously, you'll also want to leave your home spic-and-span, and provide plenty of bed linens and towels. Any small repairs that you've put-off around the house will have to be dealt with before guests come calling, too. These small tasks can add to your to-do list and your expenses.
- Are you willing to spend some money? Home exchange is not completely free. In addition to the price of membership at a home exchange website, you may also need to supplement your home or car insurance to cover others. Preparing your home for guests could cost a pretty penny, and you'll still need to buy your own groceries at your destination, pay travel expenses, and cover any incidentals associated with your guest home (think: carpet cleaning for that wine spill or replacing the flat you got in someone else's car).
Making the exchange happen
If all of the above is a-okay, it's time to move on to the "how." Unlike hotel websites, you do not actually purchase a home exchange from a home exchange website. These sites simply help you find the right home exchange, while all of the specifics are up to you and your co-exchanger.
Many of the older home exchange services have been around since before the internet and used to exist as printed catalogues of homes. Today, though, almost all home exchanges are done through websites. HomeExchange.com is the largest, according to FindTheBest, and is very well established, but a review at ApartmentTherapy reveals that a high number of listing won't necessarily yield a successful exchange.
Choosing a home exchange website depends a lot on exactly what you're looking for, says KnowYourTrade.com. For example, there are specialty clubs for luxury homes, which are pricier but also offer services like concierge exchange booking. If money is tight or you're not certain you want to exchange, look for a free club, and if you are concerned about privacy, you should choose a club that's "closed," or accessible to members only. KnowYourTrade.com allows you to see all home exchange clubs at a glance and organize by factors like specialty, price, and member numbers.
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