HOME EXCHANGES | marmaladetravel

Home Exchanging - a Primer

We find most people are really interested in the fact most of our travelling is done through exchanging homes with other families. Here are a few common questions we get asked.

Also read Laurel's webpage Howtohouseswap.com for some excellent tips on gettting started.

Is it safe?

There is no doubt that there is a very large factor of trust involved with exchanging homes. Our best advice is to use your common sense and trust your instinct. Make sure you research your guests by finding them on Google if at all possible, and communicate with them often before you make a final decision. Use the online tools we all have available to ensure as much knowledge as possible is learned about them. This would include using Skype and Google Maps.

Can I lock stuff away?

Yes, you can. Some people choose to take valuables over to friend's house, or maybe store them in a locked room or attic. That is certainly acceptable and prudent. For the record, theft through house exchanges is extremely rare. Although I might pack away a couple of my favorite mugs (I wouldn't want them accidently broken) I have not felt the need to lock up my valuables.

How about cars?

Yes, many home exchangers enjoy trading cars and we have done it twice now, with great success. You must work out the details and check your insurance first however. Once again trust is involved. Although problems are few and far between make sure you feel right about the people you will be lending your car to. If you have any reservations best to say "no thanks!" and rent one yourself.

House cleaning?

Communication is the key. If you want your floors waxed before you come home, make sure you let them know. Generally leave your house (and theirs) as clean as you can and expect them to do the same. Details like whether you want them to strip the bed before they leave your house must all be worked out well ahead of time.

Where can I travel?

Virtually anywhere. Besides Europe and North America, there are many unusual places to visit where people would like to swap houses with you. Some examples include Turkey, Panama, Iceland and the Bahamas.

What if they cancel?

Cancelling a trip at the last minute is certainly something that might happen, although rare. Luckily many home exchange sites have an insurance program that reimburses you for such an event. Homelink is one that comes to mind.