Learn About Holiday Home Exchanges

It is an interesting alternative for those who want to travel in a different way and, above all, cheap. In recent years, home exchanges have become one more way to search for vacation accommodation. How do you do it? Is it a reliable option? We tell you everything!

Home Exchanges: How They Work

Basically, it consists of two people from different places agreeing to leave their house for each other during specific dates. It is by mutual agreement, since for a certain time both will live in each other’s house. It can be a week, several or even months.

With home exchanges a new way of traveling has been born. It is one that allows you to know the country and feel part of it. You can immerse yourself in a common neighborhood, which gives you a deeper contact with that destination and with its ways of life.

All this,  without forgetting a series of economic and social advantages that we must consider if we want to embark on this adventure.

Why have home exchanges become fashionable?

Very easy. Every time we travel more and we have more desire to know new places. But it sometimes comes at a high cost. Therefore, we have to organize our economy so that travel is as cheap as possible. And so new forms of accommodation have emerged, such as this one or the so-called  poshtels .

And we don’t just save. Do not forget that the house will be more equipped and will have many more comforts. For example, at home we will have the opportunity to cook and eat there, something that means extra savings.

In addition, it has become a good alternative due to the social advantages that we have. Home exchanges allow us to discover the destination from the point of view of one more inhabitant. That is, we will enjoy a closer contact with other customs.

Basic tips for exchanging your home

Exchanging a home has become an increasingly used option, especially by families traveling with children. The equipments of the houses allow to live in a more comfortable way and facilitate the care of the little ones. If you’re thinking about doing it, take a look at these basic tips :

1. Leave mistrust behind

The first doubt that assails us is the fear of what may happen in our house. The affection we have for our home is enormous, that is evident, but we have to think that the feeling is reciprocal.

When two people exchange their homes, there is a general tendency to take good care of each other’s accommodation. Something logical, if we think that this is precisely what we expect the other person to do in our home.

Therefore, we advise you to leave mistrust behind. Behave in the same way that you want others to behave in your house. There is no reason to be afraid, in addition, this whole business is very organized.

2. How to start exchanging our house

The exchange of houses finds its great expansion through the Internet. On the Internet we have access to all the information we want and, therefore, advertising our house on the Internet is the best way to search and offer housing.

In addition, there are specific platforms for home exchange. The advice is to take a look at the most important and with the greatest impact. What’s more, doing it through them offers you more guarantees than risking doing it on your own.

On these platforms you must provide photographs and answer a series of basic questions. Questions such as the characteristics of the house, if pets are accepted, if you can smoke, etc.

Along with the offers and requirements of your house, you will also have to include with which places you are willing to exchange. In addition, you will have to indicate on what dates your house is available, so that there is an easier way to agree with other people.

3. How to find our home in the destination

That same information that you have provided about your home is what you will find among many others that are also offered for exchange. You can search by destination or by dates.

Once you start receiving offers or you become interested in other homes, the most convenient way to close a deal is through a video call. This way you will have direct contact with the person before the well-known exchange of keys.

Home swaps are common and cheap, but it takes one more factor: advance notice. If you are thinking of exchanging your home, we advise you to plan it in advance, since if something fails you have more time to look for an alternative.

Before leaving your home, remember to leave it well equipped and instructions for using the electrical appliances in case guests need them. And that’s it! It only remains to start the adventure.