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Jul 28, 2019 • 6 min read
Accommodation can often be the most expensive part of a holiday, so savvy travellers are always on the hunt for cost-effective solutions. Home swapping is one such approach, and while it’s a decades-old practice, it’s becoming increasingly popular as we seek out opportunities to live like a local and avail of the home comforts you miss out on in a hotel room — and at a fraction of the price of one, too.
As Airbnb comes under scrutiny for driving up rental rates, cities including Barcelona, Paris, and New York are cracking down on the site, and tourists may be looking for other affordable options. Here’s everything you need to know about making your first swap.
Understand the Costs of Home Swapping
No swap is completely free; however, they can be a great way to cut holiday spending significantly. To begin, you’ll need to pay membership fees for a website such as HomeExchange.com or LoveHomeSwap.com. Many sites offer a free trial, after which rates vary from a $15 pay-per-night plan to an annual fee, typically around $120-$150. Once you join, you can list your property, explore available homes, and contact homeowners to request swaps. If they accept, it’s up to both parties to agree on the details. In some cases, you won’t pay anything other than the membership cost, but occasionally swappers may require a cleaning fee; moreover, if it’s a long stay, you may need to negotiate utility bills.
Communication is Crucial
Before confirming the swap, it’s essential to contact your exchange partner via emails or phone calls to ensure both parties are comfortable with the swap. Some sites even offer an integrated translator for chatting with hosts or guests overseas. Simon Woodroffe, an entrepreneur who swaps his houseboat in Chelsea, London, through LoveHomeSwap.com, says that correspondence is a fun part of the process. ‘I’ve made some good friends,’ he notes. ‘Because no money is exchanging hands, there is a different atmosphere. People are very nice and not demanding, always expressing gratitude.’ Ryan Wolffe, an architect who has swapped his home in Beaver Creek, Colorado, 15 times through HomeExchange.com, emphasizes that this personal touch distinguishes swapping from other home-sharing platforms. ‘With Airbnb, many times you can book without even talking to a person; however, with a home exchange, you get to know the person first.’
Different Ways to Swap
Traditional swaps are simultaneous; you go to their home while they come to yours. However, if you can’t agree on dates that suit both parties, you can arrange a non-simultaneous swap, where you visit their home at a later time. Some sites, such as HomeExchange.com, allow you to use ‘guest points’ if the person doesn’t want to stay at your home but is willing to let you holiday in theirs. During a non-simultaneous swap, the host typically stays with friends or family.
Clearly Set Expectations
It’s important to communicate your expectations regarding what is acceptable in your home and what you expect when staying in theirs. Ensure your property description and images are accurate, and don’t hesitate to ask questions: do you need me to take the bins out/feed your pet/water the garden? Discussing cleanliness expectations upon arrival and departure is also crucial. Ryan typically agrees that both parties will hire a professional cleaner before the swap, and he has created a ‘how to use our home’ booklet, outlining house rules and tips on the local area. Additionally, consider keeping one room locked for storing valuables or moving them out of the property for the swap. ‘That’s the primary difference between home exchanging and Airbnb: it’s a different level of trust,’ Ryan asserts. ‘Trust that people will respect your home as you respect theirs.’
Embrace the Perks of Home Swapping
Swappers sometimes trade cars to save on car hire fees; however, you’ll need to confirm that your insurance policy allows others to drive your car and discuss costs in the case of an extra premium. Simon notes that he’s even swapped friends, and has been invited to drinks with local neighbours. Amanda Starling, a stay-at-home mom from Georgia, who has swapped her holiday home in Tennessee 20 times through LoveHomeSwap.com, emphasizes that swaps are ideal for large groups. ‘If you want to treat your family or your kids’ friends, you have much more space, and it won’t cost you extra. If you have small kids and trade with someone who has small kids, you’ll often see ‘we have toys’ in the listing. It’s perfect,’ she states.
Travel Further for Longer
The money saved on accommodation often allows swappers to travel further afield and extend their trips to genuinely explore the area. Simon has visited Bali, Italy, South Africa, the Bahamas, and the French Alps, usually staying for 10 days or more. ‘The great secret of travelling is to go to one place and stay there, rather than rushing from one tourist spot to another. Getting to know one place is where the magic happens. Swapping is effective for that,’ he notes. Ryan recalls family trips with his wife and 15-year-old daughter to Hawaii, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean, in the latter case arranging back-to-back exchanges in Bonaire and Grenada for an entire month of travel. ‘It’s so much more comfortable, and consequently, you feel like you want to spend more time,’ he explains. ‘We typically choose more exotic locations since we save the cost of a hotel.’
Be Realistic About Offers
The owner of a luxury villa on a tropical island may not be interested in swapping with your suburban home, so tailor your search accordingly. ‘Sometimes people write to us with a one-bedroom flat in a less desirable area of Venice. Do they genuinely expect that we’d swap with them?’ Simon questions. Ryan adds, ‘Living in a desirable location certainly helps — we live near ski resorts, which has definitely been advantageous for us.’
Maintain a Positive Mindset
Home swaps allow travellers to truly live like a local, rather than being confined in a hotel filled with other tourists. Don’t let minor frustrations deter you from enjoying the adventure — figuring out local grocery stores and essentials is part of the fun. ‘Look at it as a unique experience,’ Amanda suggests. She also recommends being open to unexpected destinations. ‘I had never heard of Rancho Santa Fe, California, until I received a swap offer. My friends and I decided to give it a chance, and we had an incredible time. It turned out to be a beautiful town that I would have never visited otherwise.’
