Another way to travel: exchange your home and live different experiences.

Maybe you don't contemplate it much now because we are still in the midst of the battle against Covid. But every day that passes is less and less, and soon you will be back to traveling and accumulating experiences.

By then, we're getting ready and taking note of ideas. Have you heard that you can you can exchange your house?

It is a modality that many travelers have already tried. The first time, with nerves for the novelty. But there is a consensus among users: the more you try it, the more interesting you find this new way of traveling and getting to know new places.

Want to know more?

Not just for vacations: home exchange can be a year-round option

Maybe when you've been thinking about this idea of exchanging your house, you had vacations in mind. I just want to tell you that is not the only possibility.

Imagine that you you would love to move to a new city, in another country, but not permanently. A couple of months would be enough. Exchanging your home may be the solution.

Or maybe you are thinking of moving for good, but you would like to get to know the city first. The best way is to live there for a few weeks.

So you get in touch with the day to day life, the people, the weather, the shopping, the subway... They can tell you all that, but there's no way to check it out. but there's no way to check it out in situ. Again: exchange.

If you telework, then you already have a golden opportunity to travel while still travel while keeping your work commitments.

And, of course, vacations. Normally, people who resort to home exchange tend to coincide with the profile of travelers that escape from overcrowded tourism and value the local experience.

In addition, you can have ample options. By going to another family's home, you can look for one that is look for one that is like yours. If they have children, there will be toys. Or they will allow you to travel with your dog, if they also have animals at home.

 

To learn about other people's experiences, I recommend you to visit the HomeExchange blogone of the most used exchange platforms so you can start to get to know how this works. contact to know how this works.

Can you safely exchange your home? Yes, but not crazy about it

I confess: exchanging my house was one of my pre-pandemic plans. So I haven't tried it yet... but I have spent a lot of time researching how it works, and its pros and cons (there are all kinds).

Exchange platforms bring the parties together and facilitate optimal understanding.acilitate optimal understanding.

In addition, they collect the opinions of other users. They are usually very reliable, reading them counts a lot when making a decision.

In case there is a problem, you can report it to the platform. report it to the platform. However, before you start exchanging houses, I recommend that you read the "fine print" so that you know what they will and will not take care of in case there is a problem.

The greatest guarantee of security in this type of collaborative platform is that it is in the best interest of all parties to make it work. all parties have a vested interest in making it work.

Whether you play the role of traveler or host, I'm sure you'll put your best foot forward. you will do your best to make everything go smoothly. And the same goes for the other party.

5 very basic tips for a good home exchange experience

Going to someone else's house (and the same when other people come to your house) is a living experience that has nothing to do with other types of vacation rentals.

Here you will find the personal stamp of its owners everywhere: the shelves with books, the way the kitchen is organized, the decoration details...

 

I have come up with 5 very basic tips to make everything go smoothly:

1. State your needs

Make sure that the exchange you are requesting matches what you need. In other words, don't show up with your dog if you haven't made sure that your destination is pet friendly. pet friendly.

Or order the car if you have not arranged it before. It is possible to do so, but communication must be very clear to avoid misunderstandings. to avoid misunderstandings.

For example, in my current situation, I have already booked a couple of houses where there are children. Although I will of course bring my own things, I will be grateful if they have a crib and kitchen utensils to feed my little one.  

 

2. Be flexible

The willingness and attitude to solve the little things, counts a lot for a happy ending. Always remember that it is not a hotel (for that you have other options).

So, if you are warned that a faucet has been tampered with or that the door lock has a trick, take it as a matter of course. Surely your house also has its "little things" (mine does, at least).

3. Make yourself at home

In every way, mainly to take care of it as if it were your own. take care of it as if it were really yours. So that it doesn't look like Attila has passed by.

From there, enjoy and take advantage of the house and your hosts as much as you can, if you meet them.

4. My home, my rules

If they tell you that you can not smoke inside the house or that the pool is closed until a certain date or that after a certain time you can not make noise ... No matter: comply with the house rules.

The neighbors are not to blame for the fact that you are on vacation. I have had a tourist apartment nearby and I know what it is like when the guests are not civilized. 

5. Say thank you

Do you love it when others appreciate appreciate that you've gone out of your way to make them comfortable? Then do the same. A nice note, a small surprise gift... create beautiful moments and you will you'll leave a mark.

In addition, the owners will give you a good evaluation in case you decide to repeat the experience in another house and in another country. 

And now, tell me, would you consider exchanging your home as an option to travel? What would attract you the most to this modality? Have you already done it?

You see I am thinking about doing it, so I would really like to know your opinion.