Vacation Exchange - A Travel Alternative!
New to exchanging?
Read on to learn the basics.
Finding a Vacation Exchange
Keep an open mind To increase your chances of finding a good and fair exchange, be flexible on dates,
destination, length of stay, and accommodation.
Start early It may be possible to find a last minute swap, but for a popular destination at a specific date,
you should put your listing up early. It may take up to six months or more to find a good match.
Be pro-active You need to post a vacation exchange listing. Be sure to describe the positive aspects of
your home but keep it honest. Your listing should include photos of your home. Listings without photos are often
passed over and ignored.
Review vacation exchange listings often. New listings appear daily. Once you identify potential swaps, make contact.
You cannot wait for the ideal home exchange to contact you. The more people you contact, the higher the likelihood
that one will result in a match.
Ensuring a Successful Vacation Exchange
Due diligence Due diligence is the key to a successful home exchange. You don't want surprises.
Ask for more photos, details about the neighborhood, and learn more about your exchange partner.
Map the address using Mapquest. Discuss details including car usage, computer use, phone bills, and the number of guests.
Get to know the family who will be staying in your home. Use e-mail extensively but don't rely only on
e-mail - speak to the person. And if you have concerns that aren't being addressed, don't go through
with the exchange.
Make sure you're covered Check with your insurance company. Your homeowners or renters policy may cover
accidental damage incurred during an exchange. If you're exchanging cars, make sure your auto insurance is in order.
Leave instructions Leave a list of emergency contacts such as a handyman, electrician, plumber, pool person,
landlord, neighbor, or friend. (Renters should clear the swap with their landlord.) Also leave instructions on
house quirks and appliances along with a list of tourist attractions, maps, and local restaurants.
Clean up Make sure your home is clean and tidy. You may also want to exchange house cleaners.
Remove and lock away valuables, financial documents, and objects considered irreplaceable.
Involve a friend Enlist a friend or family member to help with rides to/from the airport,
the key swap, inviting your guests over for drinks or dinner, and checking in on your home and guests
throughout the exchange.
And Finally
Many exchangers leave gifts for their guests - a bottle of wine, flowers, or local products.
And for many exchangers, the relationship cultivated from a vacation exchange lasts well after the swap is over.
