We'd like to spend 6-8 weeks in Europe (esp. Italy, France & Switzerland) to really explore the areas that we've just glimpsed on tours and/or cruise ships. It seems like the best way to do this is to have a "home base" and set out from there, and an economical way to do this would be through a home exchange. It would be helpful to hear from others who've done this and get specific websites or agencies that are reputable. Advice gratefully accepted!
Posted by
West Coast, California, USA
485 posts
I've also been interested in home exchanges. Does anyone have a good organization they like to work with? I've heard of homeexchange.com, but are there others that are reputable?
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
235 posts
I've done it before and I highly recommend it. Mine was arranged through a friend, so I couldn't comment on this particular agency. Obviously make sure your valuables are secured and you have homeowners insurance. Try to arrange your travel schedule so you can meet the exchangers at the beginning of the trip. You'll want to discuss smoking, of course. Most people would not travel thousands of miles with the intention of trashing your house.
Whether or not to loan a car is usually the biggest decision. While Piedmont is a nice town, your exchangers will want to see Monterey, Yosemite, etc. The guys who had my apartment in San Francisco rented their own car, so I never had to make that decision.
On an extended trip, a housing exchange can save you thousands of dollars and you will feel more like a local.
Posted by
Arizona
29 posts
My husband and I have exchanged through homelink.com. We spent a month in a small town in France, it was great. We are doing our second exchange this September in England. I chose this site because it has been in existence for over thirty years.
Posted by
West Coast, California, USA
485 posts
FYI.... the link posted above should read www.homelink.org
Posted by
Fredericksburg, TX, USA
75 posts
We have used www.homeexchange.com and have never had a bad experience. You can go to their site and look at the entries without becoming a member, but to contact any of them or list your own place you have to join. If you don't get an exchange the first year, the second year is free. Most exchangers seem to want only 2 weeks or so, but you might find something for several months. Home exchange is a very economical way to travel if you don't mind someone in your home or even using your car. And it's a great way to enjoy different areas just like a local.