I first heard about this a year ago when a friend of my husband’s house swapped with a family in Venezuela. They came back raving about how well it had gone and the bonuses of swapping with a family was all the new toys available and not having to bring any.
Then I read about it in Grazia (as I’m sure have some of you). An estimated 1.6 million of us will try house-swapping as a holiday this year. This looks set to be next big thing after glamping, so if you’re holidaying on a budget this could be right up your street with no hotel costs and just your flights to pay for.
You can swap cars, bikes, ski kit too.
How does it work?
There are several sites set up with plenty of homes all over the world to exchange with. All you need to do is check them out and pay a joining fee.
Once you’ve joined they put your house details up and you can start your search for a house you’d like to swap with.
When you find somewhere you like open up communication by email. Get to know each other (sites suggest an email exchange of 20-30 emails ) and get a feel for the people you’ll be swapping with. You are of course entitled to decline anyone you’re not sure of.
It is also recommended that you inform your insurance company of your exchange
Your house should be left clean and tidy ready for your swappers. Lock away any precious items and valuables.
For more information check out the sites below
I’m definitely considering this for next years holiday, just thinking of all the money we could save.
Hook up with Mumzine