Start Planning for Summer Vacation

Yes, it seems like summer will never get here, but it’s really not far off.  For an interesting yet economical trip, consider a home exchange.  I know what you’re thinking.  I don’t want strangers in my house.  My house is not big or fancy enough.  Who wants to come here? 

Some locations are always top picks- beaches, ski areas, NYC.  But you’d be surprised how many people want to visit where you  live!  A number of websites are out there to help find a match.  Most charge an annual fee, but compared to the cost of a hotel, it’s miniscule.  You could also try Craig’s List, which is free.  Most websites allow searching by desired desination, or a reverse search, which looks for listers who want to come to your locale.  You can search by number of bedrooms, and other amenities.  Try Home Exchange, (the website used in the movie The Holiday) Digsville, or 1st Home Exchange.

My family exchanged with a family in California last summer.  We spent nearly 10 days in the Central California coastal area, while a teacher and her daughter stayed in our home.  We communicated via email several times beforehand, and left lists of ‘must do’ activities in our area for each other.  Here’s why this is great for families with kids:

• It’s CHEAP!  You pay for gas, food, incidentals.  But no HOTEL. 
• You have a full home to operate in, and wind down each evening without worrying about disturbing the old fogies next door in your hotel or trying to keep your kids quietly confined to a 100 sq foot room. 
• You have a full kitchen!  With a frige, stove, coffee maker, etc.  It’s cheaper and more convenient.
• You likely have access to a washer and dryer, which makes life easier when traveling with kids (especially if it’s summer and you’re doing outdoor or water activities)
• The home may have other bonus amenities, like a view, a grill, a pool or hot tub (our exchange home had a hot tub which was lovely for soaking in after a full day of sightseeing!)
• Someone is watching over your house, and possibly feeding  your pets (yay, no boarding!) and watering your plants.  A neighbor can drop in to introduce themselves to make everyone feel more secure if you like.

Give it a try- most exchange matching websites will allow you to browse even without registering, if you just want to take a look what’s out there!