We’ve just returned from an immensely enjoyable week in Victoria, BC. While there, we explored many breathtaking hiking trails, had some magnificent beach time, bought our groceries at local farmers’ markets, took in a couple of IMAX films…and had a restful and rejuvenating stay.
Okay, I know what you’re thinking— “these people are traveling fools! Do they ever stay home?” We love our home, and we do stay here…sometimes. As our retirement allows us the time and flexibility to travel, and there are many people and places that we want to see, we take advantage of this freedom whenever we can (while we can)! Adding to this, our travel tastes are simple, so we have been able to get around quite affordably. Since retiring, all but two of our excursions have been road trips. For accommodations, we have been fortunate to be able to stay with friends/family, find low-cost roadside motels and to use home exchange.
In fact, our recent trip to Victoria was a home exchange (and our fall trip to Palm Desert will be one as well). We became part of this network over twelve years ago when we were living in Beijing. A friend of mine, who was an experienced home-swapper, tried to describe it to me. “The best thing about it is not the money saved…it’s something more than that..”, she just couldn’t find the right words to explain. After doing our first exchange (2004), I knew exactly what she meant. For one thing, it was the space– not being confined to a small hotel room and not being tightly surrounded by tourist traps. It was also the freedom– especially the freedom to read my book in peace, as the television blared out Richard’s favorite shoot-em-up kind of movie…in another room. It was the ability to buy fresh, local produce and prepare this in a proper kitchen (not being restricted to endless restaurant meals). Even more importantly (at least for us), it was about being part of a neighbourhood and being able to have more genuine local sights and experiences right outside our front door. However, the money not drained away by accommodation costs and constantly eating out should not be overlooked…you can save heaps.
Started by Ed Kushins in 1992 as a printed mail-out, homeexchange.com (the site that we use) has grown into a vast social network. It was one of the early businesses to adopt “collaborative consumption” (Source).
Is it safe? Experienced, credible home exchange organizations put several tools and guidelines in place to help with safety and security for all of their home exchange clients. For example, homeexchange.com includes 24/7 on-line member support, detailed member profiles, private/secure messaging systems, comprehensive home exchange agreements, verification of phone numbers/email address/social media accounts as well as verified reviews.
Along with these features, insurance companies generally welcome clients using home exchange as, statistically, break-ins are reduced when a home is occupied (Source).
It is also important that the individuals taking part in the exchange use due diligence. It is highly recommended to meet with your insurance agent and verify that your coverage is adequate. It is also important to take ample time to establish clear communication with potential exchange partners.
My husband and I have completed fourteen very successful home exchanges to date. We have our fifteenth exchange coming up shortly plus one ‘in the bank’ (they’ve stayed at our place in Beijing, now we just need to find the time to get to Panama!)
Do I recommend home exchanging for others? We have loved our home exchanges, and this method of accommodation has worked out very well for us. That being said, I recognize that this type of arrangement is not for everybody. If you are interested in the concept of home exchange, I highly recommend investigating it, looking around, asking questions and seeing if this is something that you feel comfortable trying. If it is, again I stress the importance of taking your time in the process. If you feel rushed or pressured by another party, or if your gut just says “no,” my advice is to skip that exchange and wait for another one that feels right for you. Homeexchange.com currently offers 65,000 listings in over 150 countries. With a bit of flexibility, your options should be plentiful!
Feature Photo: Victoria, BC: a relatively short drive from our home…but we felt like we were worlds away.
Photos Below: Previous Home Exchanges (many on which one or more of our other family members joined us).
Maroochydore, Australia, 2006
Phoenix, Arizona, 2012
Six Fours les Plages, Southeastern France, 2014
Vancouver, BC. Due to the extreme generosity of our home exchange partner, we enjoyed numerous stays here.
To list only a few!! We also had home exchanges in: Paris, Prague, Bangkok, Las Vegas, Ladner (BC), as well as in three different accommodations in Vancouver (BC).
This is great information – thanks! We’ve considered home exchange and may do so in the future. In fact, it’s one of the (many) reasons we are concentrating on getting rid of “stuff.” Airbnb can offer some of the advantages you listed (space, kitchen, etc.), but the prices can start to equal a hotel when you add in fees.
You mentioned a fall trip to Palm Desert… that’s not too far away from me. Maybe we can arrange a meet-up!
LikeLike
Hi, Janis – I definitely recommend giving http://www.homeexchange.com a try. And I would LOVE to meet up when we are in Palm Desert this October. I will send you our details by email.
Donna
LikeLike
We love Home Exchange, too! For all of the reasons you listed, but most importantly to be able to have down time with our daughters. As they were growing up, I just hated having to get them up and out of a hotel room early in the morning, just to get a healthy breakfast. Home Exchange changed that – nice cups of tea and coffee for the adults, and breakfasts right away for the little ones. Highly recommended!
LikeLike
Hi, Catherine – We totally agree. Richard and I both wish that we had discovered Home Exchange when our children were smaller.
Thanks for sharing this. Wishing you a great school year ahead.
Donna
LikeLike
Great article and good to have more publicity about the idea. Home exchange is such a great way to travel and although it is becoming a more popular way to vacation it does still surprise me when people say to me that they have never heard about home exchanging or if they have that they would never consider this way of travelling.
We love it which is why we set up our website HomeExchange50plus some years ago as a retirement project to keep us busy in retirement and to let us travel more.
Cheers
Brian
LikeLike
Hi, Brian – I look forward to viewing your website, http://www.homeexchange50plus.com/index.php. Thanks so much for sharing this link – and for commenting.
Donna
LikeLike
Donna, thanks for writing about your experiences with Home Exchange. I know that some professional organizations, like teachers’ associations and universities have supported home exchange programs for a long time (e.g., for faculty members on sabbatical, or teachers doing exchanges in other countries). However, I have never really looked into it. It is good to hear that you have had such a great experience with it.
Jude
LikeLike
Hi, Jude! Great minds think alike — I was just commenting on your blog. We have had a fantastic experience with home-exchange. If you think it might be right for you, I highly recommend giving it a try.
Donna
LikeLike
Hi Donna, thank you so much! We are glad you had a great experience and we wish you many happy Home Exchanges! 🙂 We’ll be sharing this blog post with our Community and I’ll write you personally to continue to collaborate – We’d love to feature your story on our blog.
Kindest regards,
Roser ~ HomeExchange.com
LikeLike
Thanks, Rosner – I very much look forward to collaborating with you further.
Donna
LikeLike
Something I’ve never considered, didn’t actually know there was such. Sounds like you all are pros though. Thank you Donna for attending the #WednesdayAIMLinkParty. I shared your post on FGPT.
LikeLike
Hi, Dee – Richard and I have had truly wonderful home exchange experiences.
Thanks for sharing this post.
LikeLike