There are different options for traveling cheaply and living abroad, but one of the best and most inexpensive options is house swapping. Here are some basics before you dive in…
How it Works
The basics of home swapping are simple and straightforward: you offer your home to a fellow traveler to stay in and you stay in theirs. Most times this is done simultaneously, although not always.
Resources
If you are wondering about safety and availability of such options then don’t worry, there are a number of formal home exchange membership networks in existence. Joining these networks means that you will have to pay a membership fee. The benefits of joining such networks are great- connecting with thousands of members worldwide, endless possible locations and time periods, ranging from a few days to long-term exchanges of months at a time.
The Perks
Home swapping gives travelers and expats the opportunity to save a considerable amount of money that they would have otherwise spent on accommodation.
Over and above the monetary considerations, staying in a local home or apartment adds to the complete living experience. A homely atmosphere that allows you to blend in with the locals, feel the energy of the place and enjoy life among the natives is a perk for many. Living among the natives also opens up possibilities for friendship, networking and building a support system away from home.
Home swappers and locals themselves are your best source of information for extensive knowledge about the local area, with lots of insider’s tips about favorite restaurants, little-known art exhibits, or other hidden treasures and spots in their city that a typical tourist would never have access to.
Living in a real home gives you the luxury of a real kitchen and your savings on eating out are tremendous simply because you can cook and store food items just like you did at home.
Practical Precautions
Not everything about the home swapping business is entirely enchanting. Remember, it does involve opening up your home to strangers, which is why it calls for some precautionary measures…
• Become a member of a large reputed home swapping network or organization; this will provide you with information on background checks and screening applications
• Always ask for references from potential exchangers
• Check with the references that they provide
• Keep valuables and personal documents under lock and key
• Be frank with the home swappers about your expectation with regard to cleaning up and maintenance
• Talk to people over the phone and if possible meet them before you let them in so you can get to know them better
• Keep your home neat and tidy so that people will be comfortable
A lot depends on where you live and what sort of a home you have in the first place. People will get in touch with you based on this. Have realistic expectations, use common sense and trust your instincts to make the house swapping experience a pleasant one on both sides.
More Expat Resources
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