"Swap House for a Holiday"
Home exchanging
as a means of affordable vacationing was conceived in Europe more than four decades
ago.
It began with teachers in the Netherlands and Switzerland swapping homes for their
summer holidays. Over the last twenty years it has really taken off and it is
estimated that in excess of 60,000 travelers worldwide will take an exchange vacation
this year.
Through a variety of means, thousands of homes located in European countries,
the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, the Caribbean and many
other places are listed as being available.
Their owners hail from all walks of life: retired couples who have considerable
flexibility when it comes to the timing and adaptability of their exchanges, younger
families limited by the constraints of employment and school vacations, and single
people of all ages, traveling alone.
A
lot of members chose to include a car as part of the exchange. Although not mandatory,
the benefits are enormous. It is much cheaper to exchange than rent for the period
of a vacation and with gasoline so much cheaper in North America than most European
countries, the bonus of a car makes an exchange offer so much more attractive.
People who have exchanged before speak of the comfortable home setting, usually
located in a neighborhood away from "touristy" areas and city centers. They were
able to unpack properly, eat when they fancied, had coffee, tea and snacks on
hand. Valuables did not have to be taken with them where-ever they went.
For families with children it makes travel affordable and more easily managed.
When families with children of similar ages exchange homes, all their facilities,
playthings and local playmates are part of the deal! For older people visiting
family for an extended period it provides an opportunity to preserve their independence.
People on extended visits also find they very quickly tire of constantly eating
out. With a home exchange they can "eat at home" as often as they choose and go
out to a restaurant occasionally.
As an exchanger you become a transplanted local - part of the neighborhood - and
for many people, this transcends everything. Long term friendships are forged
and remain there to be built upon year after year.
Okay, So Tell Me More About Home Exchange
We
recommend Exchangehomes.com
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