Top 10 Reasons Savvy Travelers Are Trying Home Exchange
Nicole Frank is one of the leading experts of the home exchange community. Nicole has been an avid home exchanger since childhood and has completed dozens exchanges around the world with her family. Nicole’s "Key to Home Exchange" appears weekly on RoofSwap.com with do’s and don’t regarding house swapping and tips and advice on a wide array of travel topics. Have a question for Nicole or want to share some insight of your own? Visit our Member Forum section and post your comments and questions.
1) It's the Economy: According to AAA, the average couple spends $250 per night on lodging and food when they travel. That adds up to $3500 over the course of a two-week vacation. Double or triple that if you travel with your kids or visit an expensive destination like New York City. Home exchange can cut that expense to zero.
2) Home Exchange is Healthier: A week of eating three heavy restaurant or resort meals per day means you bring home more than souvenirs from your travels. With home exchange, you can have an easy, healthy breakfast at home, pack a tasty lunch and even heat up a simple dinner. Home exchangers don't just save money on meals out, they avoid adding extra pounds.
3) Room for Your Family to Spread Out: Even if you wanted to pay for two hotel rooms when you travel with small children, they won't want to sleep away from you. With home exchange, everyone can have a private bedroom but parents are close enough to soothe bad dreams.
4) Keep It Clean: The hotel staff will make your bed, but will they do your laundry for free? Many exchange homes come with a clothes washer and dryer so you don't bring home a suitcase full of dirty clothes.
5) Wheels Where You Want Them: Renting a car on vacation can run $400 per week or more. Home exchangers often swap cars as well.
6) Gear to Go: If your swap partner lives near the beach, expect to find beach towels and toys you can borrow for free. Home exchangers with lakefront property may have a kayak you can use.
7) Kids' Stuff: Home exchangers with children often swap with other families with kids. New toys to play with make home exchange exciting for all children.
8) Travel with Babies Made Easy: If you have ever packed a portable crib, stroller, car seat and so on for your baby you know that no one needs more gear when on vacation than the smallest member of your family. No problem for home exchangers: many swappers have baby equipment or can borrow it from friends or neighbors for you.
9) Communications: Do you have high-speed internet access at home? Many of your swap partners will too. You can also find free local and/or long distance calling at your swap home, something few hotels offer.
10) Home Exchange is a Richer Travel Experience: Hotels isolate a traveler from the people who live in that region. Home exchangers have instant neighbors and even friends who can share insiders' tips.
