Home Exchange
Have you ever wanted to visit exotic locales, travel to Europe, or enjoy a long weekend a few hours away from home---for free? If so, you might want to consider home exchanging.
My family joined a Home Exchange network several years ago. Since then we have stayed in a breath-taking English mansion for two weeks, enjoyed a beautiful condo on a golf course in Naples Florida, visited the exciting city of Atlanta, Georgia, went to Disneyworld and stayed in a condo in Orlando, Florida, and enjoyed an October long weekend in the scenic mountains of North Carolina. Currently we are planning our summer trip to Scotland, England, and Spain.
There are several home exchange networks. Search the web for the network that seems to best meet your family’s needs. We prefer non-smoking residences. You may also choose “no pets,” add in a car exchange, etc.
Friends and family will either think it’s a wonderful idea, or state that they would never have another family stay in their home. We have never had a problem with the people we have exchanged homes with. The families treat your home with the same respect and care that you treat theirs. In fact, we have made several friends and long-term acquaintances through our correspondences.
Home exchanging is a fun and inexpensive way to see the world. Your family, large or small, will be able to enjoy many of the same amenities of home----kitchen, several areas to spread out, internet access, and washer and dryer.
You may not stay in the heart of a major city. Sometimes, the flavor of the area is in the outskirts and smaller villages. Our family keeps a scrapbook of our travel adventures.
For us, Home Exchanging is the best and only way to travel. See you in Scotland!
Your post reminds me of the movie The holiday in which home exchange is a major plot point.
No one would want to tackle my old farm house and all the animals that go along with it.
Although, the view of the old red barn and dairy might seem charming to some. They might not like the farm smells, though. I wouldn't trade my view of the meadows, hills, and Alleghenies for anything.
Sounds wonderful, Beth. I'm sure there are many people, and every child I know, who would love your home for an exchange.
I cannot imagine doing that. What an adventurous idea. How like condo sharing would that seem?