I was recently asked by Keith Huang at the Wall Street Journal for tips on doing home exchanges. Here's the article, which appeared on 1/23/2006:
TRAVEL: THE BASICS OF HOME EXCHANGES
HOME EXCHANGES ARE increasingly popular among travelers, offering a way to save money and live like a native. In this vacation alternative, two parties swap homes for a designated period of time at no cost to either.
Online home-exchange services are making the practice easier. About 30% to 40% of those who use such services are 55 and over, and some cater specifically to older travelers.
If you're interested but unfamiliar with home swapping, here's a sampling of frequently asked questions about it.
Q: What are some of the benefits of home swapping?
A: Perhaps the greatest draw, apart from saving money, is the opportunity to live as a local resident in a place that's completely foreign to you. Participants can introduce themselves to next-door neighbors and immerse themselves in local culture. Other benefits can include the use of household amenities, such as a washing machine (which lessens the need to pack a lot of clothes), Internet access, or the use of a full kitchen to prepare food instead of eating out.
Q: What are some of the factors to consider about home swapping?
A: One of the biggest downsides to home swapping -- besides having to thoroughly clean your own home before you leave -- is the amount of due diligence and coordination that it can take, says Jessica Jaffe, a representative for Intervac, a home-exchange service. She says most Intervac USA clients spend four to six months preparing for their swap. Also, participants should be flexible with their vacation destinations since many locations, such as Italy's Tuscany region, have seen recent demand outweigh availability. "If you're only fixated on one place, you're going to lower your chances of getting an exchange," she says.
Q: How can I guarantee that my home won't get trashed by the occupants?
A: Unfortunately, there are no guarantees -- the success of a home exchange depends largely on mutual trust. Participants should spend ample time researching a potential home swap and also communicate with a potential home swap's references: "Talk to someone who's gone through what you're about to go through," Ms. Jaffe says. But above all, before opening your home, participants should check their homeowners insurance policy to determine liability in the event of an accident.
-- Keith Huang
I would add to the last answer that in Intervac's 53 years of being in business, we have never received a serious complaint of theft or damage. But we recommend that first-timers do ask for references if they are nervous, since most of our members have done exchanges already.
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