House Swapping

Nurses World Magazine

September/October 2007

Hotel accommodations for an extended vacation can get pricey in a hurry. That's why some traveler's have opted for home exchange, a simple idea that allows more people to travel for less. Paired up with residents from another state or even country, homeowners essentially "trade houses" - you visit my town, I'll visit yours.
 
There are lots of information sources about this trend in travel planning. Some require membership fees, others do not. Free sites include www.1stHomeExchange.com, and even www.craigslist.org.
 
Honesty is the name of the game when profiling your home for prospective travelers. Do you have pets? What's the neighborhood like? What's nearby? Uploading current photos is usually required.
 
Don't "exchange" with anyone who hasn't given the requisite information, has no reference or just makes you uncomfortable. Also, check your homeowner's policy to confirm the terms of your coverage for short-term exchanges. When swapping, have a friend or neighbor check in on your guests while you're away. It's a friendly gesture and a smart one, too.