Budget travel ideas: House swap!

Budget travel ideas: House swap!

Have you always wanted to see the world but are worried you can’t afford to? Well, think again. Across the globe, thousands of retirees are making the most of their golden years by visiting foreign countries without paying a dime for accommodation. How do they do it? It’s simple—they house swap!

How house swapping works

Basically, house swapping involves using somebody else’s home while they use yours. If you feel it’s a bit risky to allow strangers to use your home, you can relax; there are a number of reputable organizations, like International Home Exchange and HomeExchange.com that coordinate house swapping so you always know what you’re getting on both ends of the deal. All you have to do is sign up for the website to gain access to list your own home and view thousands of listings from around the world. Some of the homes are luxury penthouses or lofts in major cities, such as London, New York or Singapore, while others are tiny cottages in Provence or apartments in midsize towns.

Through the websites, you can send secure emails to negotiate the details with the other homeowners. Some people ask you to feed the cat while you’re staying in their home, while others might want to swap cars as well as homes. If you prefer, some websites offer the option of hospitality exchange that allows you to be present to host your visitors’ stay, followed by a visit to their home in return. Ultimately, use your comfort level to dictate the terms of your agreement.

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