Home exchange - a great way to see the world!

This is a blog about home exchange, based on our experiences with this great way of vacationing. We have done 10 home exchanges so far, the 11th is coming up very soon, and we already look forward to start planning ahead for next summer. Home exchange has lots of advantages; it provides you with free accommodation so that you can spend your money on something else instead (or save it...), it's comfortable and convenient, you see much more than other tourists get to see, you live like the locals, you have a home away from home to unwind and last, but not least; when doing simultaneous home exchange somebody is looking after your home while you look after theirs. They will water your plants, take in the mail etc, like you will do for them.

For families with children, home exchange is even more great. Instead of staying in a small, cramped hotel room, you have a spacious home with everything you need, a kitchen, washing machine, bikes, television, toys and often a graden to play in as well. If you have small children and swap wih a family in the same situation, you have access to baby equipment as well.

For pet owners, home exchange also is very convenient. While you are away, your home exchange partners will feed and look after your pets.

For senior citizens, home exchange is a great way to see the world without spending a lot of money. You are free to travel at any time and can combine several exchanges in a row. If you have a home loaded with antiques, a not secured pool or not "child proof furniture", you can exchange with other adults only or families with older children/teenagers.

If you are the lucky owner of a second home / holiday home, you can exchange your second home only, or both homes. This makes non simultaneous exchange possible, and you are a lot more flexible and have more options.

Home exchange is also a great way to get to know so many nice people and even make new friends. Our impression is that home exchangers are open minded, friendly, hospitable and reliable people. We have so many great experiences with home exchange behind us and look forward to even more!