vacation trends: how about a house swap?

Looking for a different way to experience a new or favorite destination? Feel like it would be great after a long day of sight-seeing to kick back and relax in a comfy home surrounded by local neighbors, local shops and local cuisine?

A trend has been accelerating over the past few years that provides you with the opportunity to live in a global neighbor's home for a period of time, while they do the same in your home. This exchange can be done for a fraction of the cost you would pay for renting a hotel room while also giving you a way to "live like a local" while you're visiting your desired destination.

Several vacation "house swap" agencies now have websites where you and others can list your home, complete with photos, descriptions and amenities. Most of the agencies charge a fee sometimes a quarterly or annual fee amounting to usually less than $100 year and allow you to swap as many times during the paid for period as you like. Some even offer that if during your first full year of membership, if you don't make an exchange, you get another year for free. Once you've signed up you can search the website for places that appeal to you, and you can initiate a conversation to find a match.

Agencies generally have ample testimonials,  ratings and reviews of homes,  so you can see what others have experienced and, whether you are delighted  or disappointed by any swap, you can voice your opinion. Some agencies have policies that allow banning a member from the services if they misrepresent a home. Others get less involved and let disputes be resolved by the parties themselves. Be sure you understand the rules and requirements of any agency you choose to join.

One of the challenges is finding someone who wants to travel where you live at the same time as you want to go there. Some people have a primary home and a vacation home,  and often, the vacation homes have more frequent availability. Nevertheless, if you can plan ahead you can put out the word well in advance and give other parties the opportunity to see if they might like to come and visit your hometown. We've seen circumstances where some matches work so well, the parties continue to swap and encourage their friends to join in the fun.

Because this is a popular trend, some agencies are developing specialties such as those for families, singles, eco-minded travelers and so on. Do some searching and you're bound to find one that meets your interests. Be sure to check the testimonials and read about the members' experiences so you can get a feel for which group would be best for you. Some members include their computers, cars, RVs, bikes, boats, and whatever else as part of the deal. You may just need to bring your clothes and a toothbrush! Just be sure you are clear about what you want and expect on both sides of any exchange.

Some people have a pet to care or plants to water for as part of the deal. If you don't mind feeding fluffy or walking fido, this can add a wonderful aspect of "homeyness" to a vacation there's no real way to experience otherwise.

Also, remember that there may be peak times of interest where finding the place you are looking for can be at a premium. While the Montreaux Jazz Festival, the Monaco  Grand Prix or the Kentucky Derby may be your event and destination of choice, they're probably those of a host of others, so be sure to get your requests in early.

Don't be concerned if you feel your home is "nothing special." Remember, people who are interested in home swaps are generally looking for a real local experience. You might have just the perfect place for someone who would rather make a snack out of the fridge anytime they want than  spend time waiting at a restaurant or hotel to be served. And you might be more interested in exploring neighborhood street fests than going to typical tourist attractions. In any event, this idea appeals to a growing array of global citizens, so you will definitely not be alone in your quest.

Here are a few of the various agencies you can use as a starting list to check out the idea of house swapping vacations.

HomeLink International: http://www.homelink.org

HomeForSwap.com: http://www.homeforswap.com

International Home Exchange Holiday Service: http://www.intervac-homeexchange.com

Home Exchange: http://www.homeexchange.com

International Home Exchange Network: http://www.ihen.com

Global Home Exchange: http://www.4homex.com

Green Theme International Home Exchange: http://www,gti-home-exchange.com

Singles Home Exchange International: http://www.singleshomeexchange.com