| For some, the idea of a typical package holiday | | | | exchange, then all that's left to tend to are the |
| can seem stressful and rushed. | | | | matters of arranging air tickets and travel |
| However, many holidaymakers are participating in | | | | insurance. |
| a growing trend of 'house exchange' holidays. | | | | The period in between can be useful, allowing you |
| The concept is simple: for a small fee (usually | | | | time to ensure the property is clean and tidy for |
| around £30) you can register with one of | | | | your fellow exchangee, as well as giving you the |
| the many house exchange agencies online. | | | | opportunity to compile a mini-guide to the local |
| After registration you can input the details of | | | | area, providing telephone numbers of services |
| where and when you'd like to visit, post some | | | | such as local taxi firms, doctors surgeries and |
| pictures of the different rooms in your property, | | | | garages - as well as arranging details such as |
| list details of the local area and travelling times to | | | | travel insurance and currency exchange for |
| train stations and attractions, and wait for a | | | | yourself. |
| response to arrive in your inbox. | | | | If you are looking to participate in a house share, |
| House exchanges can be arranged at times which | | | | it is important to let your home insurance |
| suit both owners, enabling the opportunity to live | | | | company know of the details of the exchange, |
| rent-free for an agreed period. Homeowners are | | | | for your fellow exchangee will be classed as a |
| welcomed to take part, but those in rented | | | | non-paying guest, however theft claims may |
| accommodations should first check with their | | | | prove difficult if there's no indication of forced |
| landlords before signing up. | | | | entry. |
| So, say you wanted to visit New York in May, by | | | | Because of this increased risk, it is important to |
| signing up to such agencies you have the | | | | establish a relationship of trust with whomever |
| opportunity to search from a wide range of other | | | | you'll be exchanging with. It is advisable to try and |
| properties available for house exchanges. | | | | build contacts with a number of different property |
| And who knows? You may very well find | | | | types in the same area, which in turn could lead |
| someone in the city who wants to visit England. | | | | to leaving yourself with other options should you |
| After establishing contact with the other party, | | | | face complications with an arranged swap. |
| information and other photographs can be | | | | However, with the right amount of planning and |
| arranged in the weeks leading up to the swap. | | | | an element of trust, a house share holiday can be |
| E-mail and telephone communications between | | | | a rewarding experience for both parties involved, |
| parties help to build a relationship of trust - which | | | | allowing you to experience another country and |
| is vitally important, after all you are leaving your | | | | culture, saving money on hotels in the process |
| home in the care of another - and once both | | | | and have a general feeling of homeliness during |
| parties are happy with the details of the | | | | your visit. |