The idea of staying in another person’s home and they stay in your home is known as a house exchange. Obviously, the most important advantage is that you pay nothing for the accommodation. In some cases the exchange is simultaneous, i.e. both parties stay at each other’s home during the same period. However, one of the unique advantages of The VacationExchange Network is that members offer their second home for exchange and the house swap can be non-simultaneous. So you stay in their home at a different period than they stay in your home. The Vacation Network Exchange offers a marketplace for those who are interested in making the swap. You can choose from a long list of members from all parts of the world.
The advantages of a house exchange are many. You save money since you do not pay for the accommodation, you get a chance to live the life of local and experience the feeling of being a local, a not tourist. The question is does home exchange work? Before joining any network, it is always recommended that you browse the listings on the website and insure there are properties where you would like to arrange an exchange. On most websites there are criteria which you can fill select to filter properties that you might wish to visit. A step by step process involves signing up as a member on the website. Once registered you can start contacting other members. Always get to know the other member and never hesitate to ask for more information. You should feel comfortable with the other member before allowing them to use your home as they should feel comfortable with you before you use their home. Often, an agreement letter is available on the website which makes both sides more comfortable about the exchange and avoids misunderstanding that may happen.
