There are three basic types of international home swapping. You can do a simultaneous exchange, where the international home owner lives in your house while you live in theirs. You can also do a non-simultaneous exchange, staying in someone's second home or vacation home. The third option is a hospitality exchange, which means that you're a guest in someone's house while they're still at home. Each has its own pros and cons, so you'll have to decide which is right for you.
5 Tips to Make Your International Home-Swapping Vacation a Success- Be Prepared for a Different Kind of Vacation: A home-swapping vacation doesn't come with the usual amenities. You won't have a concierge to tell you where to go or maid service to clean up your room. However, if you're willing to make these concessions, you'll get something much better in return: living like a local in your chosen destination. You'll mix with the neighborhood, meet new people and enjoy a slower paced vacation instead of dashing from one tourist trap to the next.
- Work Out the Details in Advance: It's important to set expectations with the people you will be swapping homes with well in advance of the trip. Decide on details such as how you will exchange keys, cleaning of the home before and after, and basics such as whether food and linens will be provided.
- Locate the Closest Hospital and Emergency Services: Ask your host, or research on your own, the locations of the nearest hospital and phone numbers for poison control, police, and the fire department. You should also know how to call for an ambulance in case of an emergency (dialing 911 does not work in all countries). If the international home owner will be staying in your home as well, provide the same information for them.
- Ask for Local Recommendations: Your host know all of the best restaurants, local hot spots and things to do in the area. While it can be fun to discover these things on your own, ask for a list of the "must-sees" to save yourself some time.
- Keep Your Safety in Mind: Home swapping requires an exchange of trust as well as houses, so typically there are very few problems with theft or vandalism. However, it's always a good idea to remove temptation by storing valuables in a safe place. In return, show the same care and respect for the home you're visiting as you would for your own home.
If you're ready to try international home swapping on your next vacation, get started by visiting a home swapping service such as HomeLink, Love Home Swap, or GuesttoGuest. For a fee, these services can help you find a home available for exchange in your desired destination and facilitate the home swap with the owner.
Image from Barterquest.com
