If you've found a terrific destination at the right price, but the home exchange members you've contacted aren't planning a trip at the moment, remember to talk non-simultaneous. Perhaps the home you're interested in swapping is a second or vacation home, sitting empty: you can offer to use it now in exchange for your home at a later mutually convenient date. Or take advantage of extra space, like Nicole from the northern part of Germany, does. She says her large house allows for arrangements that don't take place at the same time, giving both parties more freedom – and potentially, more savings.
With an expenditure of time for research and planning, you can stand to save a bundle when you travel by home exchange.
With grateful acknowledgement to Helen Bergstein, founder and owner of the award-winning home exchange service, Digsville Home Exchange & Hospitality Club, and the many Digsville members for access to their comments, stories and interviews.
Stephanie Olsen is a freelance writer who has lived throughout North America and Europe. She's online at www.familylifeabroad.com
