How to Share Your Residence With Travelers

Home exchanges are a way to vacation on a budget; the process involves temporarily swapping your residence with other travelers sharing similar exchange goals. Two families with similar schedules typically swap homes during their vacations. This swap enables them to save money on hotels, and sometimes on rental car expenses. Exercise due diligence by running a background check prior to allowing strangers to stay in your home unsupervised.

Instructions

1. Visit one of the home exchange or home swapping websites. These sites connect people interested in sharing their home with others of the same intent. These sites often include a nominal fee.

2. Visit Craigslist, and click on their "House Swaps" section. Listing your home in this section lets others know you are willing to share your residence.

3. Subscribe to a budget travel magazine and investigate available residence-exchange options. Review the listing of people who want to share your home.

4. Review the classified ads in your local newspaper. Locate the "Home Exchange" section, and review the requirements for listing your home.

References

• "The Expat Online Magazine"; Swap My Home? You Must Be Joking; October 2010
• "Frugal Fun"; Vacation Home Exchange - Trade Homes and Save; Maurice Clarke
• "Newsweek Magazine"; House Swapping Secrets Revealed; Joanna Goddard; October 2008
• "Budget Travel"; The Secrets to Happy House Swapping; Joanna Goddard; October 2008