Home exchanges (or home swaps) have been around for a very long time, but recently they have been made much easier with the popularity of exchange websites. If you’ve heard about this unique approach to vacation homes but aren’t sure if they’re for you, here’s some helpful information that will outline the four biggest benefits.
1. Save Money on Vacation Lodging
The cost factor is definitely important. This is probably the number-one reason for doing a home exchange instead of renting a hotel room. While swapping homes is not 100% free, the costs involved are negligible. There is a small membership fee that you will pay in order to look at listings and list your own home on a home exchange site. You’ll need to pay for your own food and other daily necessities of life, but most of those would be normal for any vacation, regardless of where you are staying.
2. A Unique Perspective on Your Destination
Another big draw for many people is seeing a different side of that place you’re in. While anyone can go to a new city and stay in the biggest hotel in the middle of the downtown area, not many people can stay in a home in a quiet neighborhood that is far removed from the daily business and tourist activities surrounding most hotels. If you are looking for a comfortable home atmosphere, there is no better way to get that than staying in an actual home.
3. The “Whole Package” Concept
If you decide to exchange cars along with houses, the benefits are even greater. Rental cars can be very expensive, and you can never be sure of what you will get — or even if your car will be ready when you try to pick it up. The luxury of having a car available to you with no rental charges is a very valuable part of the home exchange experience. Not everyone decides to do this, but it’s certainly worth asking your home swap partner if they would like to.
4. Living Another Life for a While
Finally, home exchange allows you to escape into another life for a while, if that’s your goal. Going to another part of the world, stepping into someone else’s home and their life, can really give you a new perspective on things. Whether you are escaping from a stressful job or just need a break from things, there is nothing better than exploring new surroundings — nothing, that is, other than being greeted at the end of the day by a warm and comfortable house that is much more inviting than an impersonal hotel room.
This unique approach to vacationing is certainly not for everyone. Some people enjoy the full-service atmosphere of a hotel. But more often these days, travelers are looking for a more personal place to stay when they are away from home. When you have a warm, friendly, private place to go to at the end of the day, it makes your entire vacation feel more relaxed. Knowing that your home is providing the same type of experience for someone else is just icing on the cake.