4 Not-so-Typical Spring Break Destinations for a Vacation

March 6, 2015 by admin Posted in Vacation Suggestions

Spring Break is in full swing in many parts of the country, and one of the most popular destinations for Spring Break is the beach. The beach is great to spend a day at, but if you’re looking for new places to go this year, we’ve got several not-so-typical spring break destinations for 2015. If you’ve got kids under 12, college students, or just need your own grown-up Spring Break, try a few of these places where we have vacation homes available for a house exchange.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a great place to visit any time of year, but now you can enjoy some good food and a fun atmosphere without too much bad weather if you go on spring break. Go out on a ghost tour or eat your way down Bourbon Street, whatever you do, you’ll have a great time staying in one of our vacation homes in New Orleans on a home exchange. Music fans can’t miss this destination, the birthplace of Jazz.

Sedona, Arizona

There are multiple places that are just right for a spring break in Arizona, but we think we should recommend vacationing in Sedona. Not only will the weather be warm, but just think about a night in a hot spring, and days spent browsing some of the unique shops in your area. If you love hiking and being outdoors, the majestic beauty of the landscape won’t fail to impress you!

New York City, New York

There’s never a wrong time to visit New York City, and if you don’t want to be at a crowded beach, here’s your chance! Our NYC vacation homes will make sure you’re near all of the hot attractions, including Broadway shows, museums and more. From watching tapings of The Tonight Show, strolling in Central Park, and finding a must-have toy at FAO Schwarz, NYC is perfect for any age on spring break.

Seattle, Washington

This caffeinated city has plenty to keep you busy all day and night on a spring break. Arranging a stay in one of our Seattle vacation homes lets you see this vibrant city like a local, trying all of its coffee shops, markets, landmarks, the zoo, and plenty more. Go in May, and you can enjoy Museum Week too.

Our company is unique when it comes to house swapping! If you own a vacation home, and would like to do a house swap, contact us to learn more about direct and indirect house swaps. Start at your home, and go anywhere with us! You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest too.

4 Romantic Destinations for a Winter House Swap Getaway

December 19, 2014 by admin Posted in Vacation Suggestions Tagged exchange homes, house swap, house swapping, new zealand

House swapping can be one of the romantic trips you’ll go on, if you choose the right destination! We’ve got the perfect places for a romantic winter getaway in 2014 or 2015! You’ll find the areas below have exchange homes that you’ll find yourself never wanting to leave. This winter, find some romance and relaxation at the following locations. They’re all part of The Vacation Exchange, a travel network that lets you leverage a stay in your vacation home for a stay in another party’s vacation home.

Wyoming

Yes, Wyoming is romantic! Just imagine the scenery that awaits you on a house swap in Wyoming. We have Wyoming vacation properties in Jackson, Jackson Hole and more. You could take a trip to the see the majestic Yellowstone National Park, which features an abundance of wildlife, or indulge a little shopping in some of Wyoming’s quaint small towns, browsing for antiques and more. Want some adventure while staying at one of our exchange homes? Head out on the slopes, then end the day with a cozy fireplace crackling and cups of piping hot chocolate!

New Zealand

New Zealand received a lot of attention from the Lord of the Rings films, and the views are amazing. Picture yourself enjoying yourself in one of our vacation properties available for house swapping, headed to the beach. That’s right, the weather in December in New Zealand is nice and sunny! You can have a splash in the water, and catch some rays on the gorgeous sand. Imagine a barbecue for two grilling out on the beach, or playing golf as a duo. Love wine? New Zealand has some great wine trails!

Photo used under Creative Commons from Sarahtz

St. Kitts

St. Kitts is a top destination for honeymooning, but you can make a vacation to remember when you go on a house swap. Our St. Kitts and Nevis vacation properties bring all of the comforts of home right to you, so you can focus on your vacation. The area is small, but there’s plenty to do, like snorkeling, exploring the rainforest, and fishing. If you’re an adventurous sort, you can beat going to a volcano! Mount Liamugia is a 3,792 dormant volcano that you can explore on a guided tour. Several activity options including horseback riding and four-wheeling are also nearby. While the folks back home are stuck inside due to snow, you’re out exploring a volcano with your sweetheart. Could it be better? That’s the beauty of house swapping.

Illinois

Illinois has a certain appeal in the winter. The streets of Chicago look magical, with lights and snow, but there’s also Galena. It’s a big destination for weekend getaways, and our Galena properties are perfect exchange homes. Maybe you take in a bit of arts and culture, with a stop at one of the area’s galleries, or maybe a show at the Diamond Jo Casino. We have homes in resorts that offer plenty of ambiance and activities for a couples weekend of fun! Horseback riding, spas, and more are available when you on a house swap today!

The Vacation Exchange has properties throughout the world, just waiting for you! Come try a bit of relaxation in a quaint cottage or tear up the slopes at a cabin tucked high in the mountains. Our properties are all vacation properties that are completely second homes!

A Winter Without Snow: Best Hot Climates for a December Vacation

December 4, 2014 by admin Posted in Vacation Suggestions Tagged home exchange, house swap, vacation destinations

If you’re currently in a cold climate, you might be wishing for a holiday exchange in warmer temperatures. At The Vacation Exchange, we have properties in some of the best hot climates around the world. The snow may blow and the ice may come in your hometown, but you’ll be comfortable in a t-shirt and shorts when you head to some of these destinations on a vacation house swap. Here are five picks for hot climates this winter.

South Africa

The Kirstenboch National Botanical Gardens – Photo used under Creative Commons from Flickr user mariya_umama_wethemba_monastery

Recommended by The Lonely Planet and Conde Nast, South Africa is a great destination for a house swap this winter. Our exchange homes are available in areas including the Western Cape, Western Province, and Umlodti. South Africa’s winter is in June and runs to August, so if you’re looking to depart for a warm climate in December, it should definitely be on your list! Several of our Cape Town properties are available year-round, and feature amazing views and more. Capetown is a popular pick, and you might consider visiting attractions like Cape Point Nature Reserve or the Kirstenboch National Botanical Gardens while there.

The Bahamas

A classic for vacation for good reason, The Bahamas are a great place to visit during a winter vacation. Our Bahama vacation homes are only second homes, they are not regular residences, and thus, they offer a great place to retreat from the cold. The area is perfect for fans of deep sea fishing, diving, and other aquatic sports. Some of our exchange homes even have a dock attached. Visit areas like Nassau or Harbour Island are great for a house swap this winter. There’s activities galore, and don’t forget the great restaurants! Swim with sting rays, catch some rays on the beach, and just relax.

Australia

Ever wanted to visit Australia? December is one of the warmest months for Australia, so it’s a great destination for a holiday exchange. The continent is a good place to watch wildlife and do sight seeing at attractions like the Sydney Harbour Opera House or Blue Mountains National Park. Our vacation homes in Australia include locales like Sydney and Queensland. Stay for a while in Melbourne and try attractions like the Opal Mines, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Royal Exhibition Building. South Australia is fun as well for a vacation and you can head out on the Fleurieu Peninsula, located 45 minutes away from Adelaide. There’s surfing, animal farms, canoeing, and plenty more for you or your family to do you when you stay at one of our exchange homes.

Belize

Watch any vacation-home hunting show on HGTV, and you’ll see a number of episodes shot in Belize. Why? Belize is appealing for a vacation because it’s full of lush natural beauty and has a great climate. The Belize vacation homes available in the network so you can have a home swap in Cayo, San Pedro or Stann. Besides the breathtaking wildlife such as wild toucans, jaguars and more, Belize has multiple Mayan ruins to visit and climb – if you can stand the steep stairs! These ruins include Xunantunich and Cahal Pech. Whether you want a guided tour or just want to visit the structures at your own pace, Belize has options for your wishes on a holiday exchange. Want to do more in Belize during your trip? Try visiting some of the beautiful botanical gardens, underground caves, or even the butterfly ranch. For those who want a taste of adventure, there’s rafting, canoeing, ziplining, and all kinds of outdoor recreation.

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

How about a warm weather vacation that doesn’t require a passport or a long flight? Yes this is Florida, but it’s a gem of vacation place, especially for families. Why go to Destin when several of our Santa Rosa Beach, Florida vacation homes are just as splendid as a Destin condo? Most of our properties are three or more bedrooms, plus have pools and easy beach access. You could even walk to Seaside, the famous Victorian-style beach town where the movie The Truman Show was filmed with Jim Carrey. If you want to leave the beach for awhile, there’s golf courses, chartered fishing services, and charming shops. Don’t forget to try a visit to seafood restaurants while you’re there! Once you’ve wound down, you can start your next day off with a fun lesson in sandcastle building, and learn how to sculpt sand into captivating scenes on the beach. The waves may wash away your work, but the memories will last!

If you look out your window and see frost, it may be time to get away this holiday. Consider having a vacation in some of these great sunny and enjoyable areas this winter!

Please visit The Vacation Exchange Network’s site to join our home swap network, to learn more about how home exchanges work, or see all of our properties at great destinations all over the world. You can also follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook!

Skip the Mona Lisa and Try These European Gems

November 18, 2014 by admin Posted in Vacation Suggestions Tagged england, ireland, spain, united kingdom

When you plan a vacation in Europe on a holiday exchange, you may put on your list several tourist destinations, such as the Louvre or Buckingham Palace. While both of these places are fun and interesting to visit, you may have visited them before, and want something new. If you’re looking for a new destination for your European vacation exchange, try some of these hidden gems!

Gloucester Cathedral

: Photo used under Creative Commons from Flickr user ell-r-brownr

If you are on a home exchange in England, consider visiting Gloucestershire. You’ll find the country beautiful and quaint, with a number of things to see or do. For instance, you can visit the Gloucester Cathedral, which has stood for nearly a thousand years. Being witness to this much history is a great way to spend the day. Visitors are welcome to attend a service or event put on by the church, with a coffee shop available for guests to relax with a cup of tea or coffee. You’ll see architecture and art that dates back to the middle ages while you tour the grounds. One highlight of your trip will be seeing the Great East Window in person, which features an entire wall of glass from the 1350’s. It once was the largest window in the world, and features depictions of popular Christian figures including Jesus and Mary. There’s also more recent art as well, because the cathedral regularly commissions new works from artists.

Wilton’s Music Hall

If you’re visiting London, take a trip to a unique hidden gem known as Wilton’s Music Hall. It’s the largest music hall in the world and is an operating performing arts venue. Thanks to its faithful supporters and volunteers, the heritage of the hall is preserved with loving detail. The sightseeing tour is less than 10 pounds, and highlights the magnificence of the building. You’ll learn about the history of the building, including its original life as a pub and how it survived the London Blitz. In December, an Arthur Conan Holmes-inspired show known as “Mrs. Hudson’s Christmas Corker” will be available. Definitely seek this spot in Graces Alley. Some visitors online have remarked they had trouble finding it, so ask a local if you need to, but be looking out for signage!

Freightliners Farm

London has gardens aplenty, but have you ever visited a working farm? Freightliners Farm is an urban farm with chickens, sheep, cows and more. It’s also a charity, and works to educate its visitors about horticulture and sustainable living. The name of the farm comes from the fact that the animals once lived in railway goods vans, but now they live in proper farm buildings. You can find workshops and other events at the farm, and it’s a favorite with school age children.