And if you did, did you get good results? Did you have any problems? My husband and I are considering trying it out in an effort to save money on hotel expenses but fear something will go wrong. I've read the reviews online and some of the posts on this website from several years ago but would love to hear of people who have used the service and if they found it was worth it. Thanks for your feedback! :)
Posted by
Portland
3601 posts
We haven't used that particular outfit, but we have used Intervac and Homelink with excellent results. In any house exchange there's a leap of faith. Homelink has an advice list, and the others probably do, too. Two things that stand out in my memory. 1st ask for lots of pictures. 2nd if anything sounds at all dubious, drop the negotiations. I would add a couple more. It's very common for Europeans to own vacation homes. These can be apartments in high-rise buildings in beach towns filled with the same. Unless that appeals to you, check carefully to be sure of what's being offered. You probably won't get anything in Italy. From our experience and what we've read on the members' chat line, it's common for Italians to list their vacation homes as bona fide exchanges. However, somewhere in the process they send a message that for some reason they can't do an exchange, but they have a place for rent. Just wasting your time. E-mail me if you want more information.
Posted by
Hendersonvlle, NC
486 posts
We used Homelink and had two fabulous exchanges, both in the U.S. (could not find one convenient in Italy where we wanted to go this year).
In both cases, the exchange couple were wonderful. One in the Outer Banks of NC last spring just sent us a Christmas card. The other was in Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia.
You have to have an attitude of trust (but of course, since you are staying in their house, if there is any problem in yours, you know where they live).
I would not do an International Exchange until you have a few domestic ones under your belt. Also, do an experienced exchanger first as it really helped us to have someone who knew the ropes. There are so many things to consider such as cleanup, thinking about possible problems, writing up instructions for the other people, whether you want to exchange cars, etc.