Beyond the traditional bed and breakfast stays, there are arrangements that existed prior to the Internet, but have flourished with the targeted reach and faster communication online services provide.
For example, arranging a home exchange before the Internet might have required a lot of letter writing or very expensive long-distance calls. At Web sites such as the aforementioned HomeExchange.com, you click on a country or state where you want to go, find an interesting listing and then send a privacy-protected email to the owners.
The fee is on the high side at $100, but after it's paid, there are no further charges. Other sites will charge a fee with each exchange.
As you shop for a swap, consider too that prices and quality of data bases vary greatly. There might also be deposits involved in the short term.
On some sites, you simply post a message that reads "going to London September 20-27, prefer two bedroom flat in Picadilly area. Willing to exchange two bedroom apartment on Chicago lakefront. Contact..." Someone from London contemplating a trip to the Windy City sees the message, a dialog begins, and perhaps a home exchange is born. An identical match on dates is rare, so it helps to have some flexibility built into your travel plans.
Let's say no match for travel dates is possible. Another variation might involve hosting guests from London, free of charge, with the understanding that they will do the same at a later date when you visit England. This is usually termed a hospitality exchange. Some people prefer this approach, which obviously takes away the element of concern about leaving your home in the hands of strangers.
Yet another way would be to housesit for a London homeowner while he or she goes to, let's say, Rome for the week. That homeowner has no plans to visit Chicago, so no "swap" occurs.
Important: You must practice due-diligence with these options. Good swaps or exchanges do not occur by chance. Find out about phone and Internet usage (rather than assuming you are welcome to use these services), key exchanges, parking arrangements, even kitchen privileges.
Don't leave anything up to chance or make broad assumptions. This is especially important if you'll be traveling to another country, where cultural expectations could shape the arrangement as much as the owners' preferences.
Another technique that is growing in popularity is renting vacation homes in resort areas. Click "next" to read how this trend could fit into your next trip.
