My wife and I just had a fantastic three week vacation if Paris, France and the only way we could have ever done it was because of home exchange and most especially ExchangeHomes.com. I had never heard of it until one of my fellow teachers told me about it. Essentially, it’s when you trade homes with a family that lives in the city you want to go to. I was a little skeptical at first, but boy am I glad I did it.

We are both teachers and so we don’t make a ton of money (to put it mildly), and my wife has been wanting to go to France since the day I met her. But with the horrible exchange rates, I didn’t think we could do it. With airfare and lodging and transportation and eating out every meal, it gets expensive. But home exchange saved us.

We traded our two bedroom home for a two bedroom apartment in the Marie de Clichy neighborhood on the outskirts of Paris. It was a little ways from downtown, but it was two blocks from the Metro and we had no problem getting around. They even loaned us their car, but we only used it a couple of times to go sightseeing in the French countryside.

It was a marvelous experience. Getting around on the Metro was a breeze, and we got to see France up close and personal. We went shopping at the local bread, cheese and grocery shops and saved a ton of money eating in and packing our lunch.

But the best part of it was the people. We made friends with one of the neighbors and they had us to dinner one night and took us to some places that don’t show up in any guide book.

We are already planning our home exchange for next year – London.

Submitted by a member

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No-one ever pretends that setting up a successful home exchange is easy. To the contrary, if you don’t live in one of the more sought after locations, it can be a challenge. But a challenge is not an impossibility, quite the opposite, a challenge if viewed positively can be enormous fun!

There are a few points to remember which will often make the task a great deal easier:

1. Use your favorite word processing program to carefully set up a generic email that you can copy and paste into the text box provided in the programmed contact form. This will allow you to send out multiple home exchange inquiries with very little effort on your part.

2. Every city/town/neighborhood has its attractions. Make sure you include all the positive features about yours. If your list is small, take a trip to your visitor’s bureau and ask for brochures, pamphlets, etc. If there is no visitor’s bureau, drop in on a local motel or hotel, all of them have a display in their lobby containing all sorts of local promotions.

3. Don’t limit your contacts to members who list your corner of the world as their desired home swap destination. Pay more attention to age group and family size compatibility and send your attractively worded contact email to everyone living in the area you are hoping to visit. Members may have never thought of vacationing in your town, but that doesn’t mean they won’t consider it.

4. Pay particular attention to members who list their home exchange destination as “open to offers”. You will need to sort the listings under that criteria when you are searching for “who wants to come to me?” otherwise you will miss them, but they are the true gems among your home swapping opportunities. Very often they are long standing, experienced home exchangers who have exhausted their lists of preferred destinations. Now they are simply waiting to see what new offer piques their interest and if you take the
trouble to send out attractive, well thought out opening contacts, it could be yours!

5. You will make your home swap offer much more attractive if you include the family car as part of the deal. Car rental prices are becoming increasingly expensive by the month, inflated not only by the rental companies but also by a list of petty taxes and surcharges that are completely beyond their control.

For your own peace of mind, always stipulate that all drivers have to be 25+ and don’t be afraid to regulate the number of miles the car can be driven. Also, check with your insurance company although there are seldom problems provided the exchange is for 30 days or less.

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3 reasons I consistently hear from people why (in their opinion), home exchanging would be impossible for them!

• I couldn’t possibly trust strangers in my own home.
• Yes you can. Your exchange partners will be trusting you to live in their home responsibly and ethically so why should they be any less trustworthy than you? Home exchanges aren’t arranged in one day, after a couple of emails. In fact arrangements and discussions leading up to those arrangements frequently extend over several weeks, dozens of emails as well as several phone calls, instant messages, etc. Eventually this all culminates in the exchange of a written and signed agreement. In short, you get to know each other very well. You certainly are not “strangers”.
• Also, provided you’ve found your exchange partners through a legitimate home exchange company that charges a Membership fee, all their personal information will have been been verified and recorded. In short, they are who they say they are. It’s extremely unlikely that anyone is going to provide their personal contact information to pay for a membership then travel hundreds, maybe thousands of miles to rip-off your new blue-ray player.

• I don’t live in an accepted tourist area. No-one would ever want to exchange with me.
• Yes they will. A great many home exchangers enjoy experiencing new lifestyles and exploring places off the beaten track. In fact they actively avoid the usual tourist traps, in favor of more stimulating places. They are seasoned travelers, often professionals, and their prime consideration is to experience the true day-to-day living of a country or location.

• My home is small and “ordinary”, nothing like some of the homes I’ve been looking at on home exchange sites
• You may be surprised. Go back to some of those sites and do a search on homes already on offer in your area. How do they compare? Are there a lot of homes listed? If there are it must be a popular location. Are there very few? Scarcity could work in your favor as well. Published photographs will give you a reasonable idea of the neighborhoods where the homes are listed; are they more up-scale than yours? If not, this could be to your advantage.

  How do the homes listed compare for size? Are they similar in appearance? How do the homes that are actually listed compare with the average home in the same general area?

  If, when making an unbiased comparison, your home home appears to come somewhere in the middle, maybe not as grand as some, but definitely better than others, there is no reason at all why you shouldn’t expect to home exchange successfully. If, on the other hand, all the other homes still appear to be better, what steps can you take to implement improvements? A coat of paint … another bed … some shrubs and pretty flowers in the front yard … a theme park pass … tickets to a sports venue?

  Put yourself in your potential exchange partner’s shoes and ask yourself what you would like to do if you were visiting your location for the first time. Arrange for the necessary passes / tickets then make their existence VERY clear both in your home exchange listing, and in all the inquiry emails you send out.

With all three points I’ve listed, positive thinking and a small helping of ingenuity is the answer!

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Several clubs have recently begun experimenting with short, 6-month membership options which could be attractive to people completely new to the concept of home exchanging. Possibly the shorter commitment gives them more confidence, if they later decide that home exchange isn’t for them after all, their up-front commitment has been much less.

So, following this line of thinking, ExchangeHomes.com has recently restructured its memberships to include a 6-month option.

Below is a detailed chart showing the new ExchangeHomes.com membership prices.

Click Here for details about the Multi Club option

Cost of each additional home listed is as follows:

Once you’ve paid your Membership Fee, there are no further costs or charges.

To explain: A one (1) year Home Exchange Membership, with ExchangeHomes ONLY, listing one (1) property, will cost you $39.00.

Listing two (2) properties will cost you $54.00. Broken down: $39.00 for your first listing, plus $15.00 for your second listing.

Listing one home with the Multiple Club option will cost you $45 for the first home, plus $17 for each additional home.

We GUARANTEE that if you don’t arrange an exchange during your first year’s Membership, we will extend your listing for a second year completely free of charge! Click here for more information.

Payment Options

Our SSL Secure Server capable of up to 256-bit encryption combined with the strongest identity authentication standard available today, allow you to use your credit card online to pay for your membership with complete confidence.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. We also accept PayPal.

If you would prefer not pay by credit card or PayPal, we also accept checks, money orders, and traveler’s cheques. The only stipulation being that they must be in US dollars, drawn on a US bank

   Or, log in as normal to your Member Admin to RENEW

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Looking for a way to circumvent unreasonable honeymoon expenses? Perhaps it’s time you considered putting your house on the market.

Not for sale, of course; but rather, for exchange. No nascent practice, people have been swapping their houses for nearly six decades. According to ExchangeHomes.com, home exchange has “been around since the 1950’s, when teachers in Europe began swapping homes as a means of affordable travel during the long summer school vacations.” This ever-burgeoning practice would eventually come revolutionize low-budget international travel, as home exchanging networks gained momentum in recent years.

For honeymooners, this is cause for considerable celebration, especially for those, er, imprudent couples who exhausted their funds on the wedding itself. Therefore, instead of abandoning that incredible European itinerary or unprecedented Australian getaway, honeymooners can list their home on the internet, and commence their home exchange pursuit. Honeymooners can search a myriad of home listings with appropriate dates, destinations, and amenities, and contact those prospective candidates whom they feel are satisfactory.

Typically, there is a small annual fee for the home exchange service, and most prospective exchanges require membership. But information is confidential, and the actual services incredibly safe; in fact, many home exchange programs have yet to see a single perilous encounter. This is probably attributed to home exchange’s common objective-to travel abroad, travel safely, and most importantly, travel cheaply. In addition, home exchange functions much like a dating service; honeymooners can build relationships with potential partners, achieving sufficient levels of comfort prior to swapping homes.

Though a honeymoon in another person’s home may sound unusual, in actuality, more than 50,000 people participate in home exchanges each year. It may turn out to be an incredible experience-especially if it’s in a coveted destination you couldn’t otherwise afford.

Enid Glasgow is a travel writer who writes about [http://www.exotichoneymoonvacations.com/]honeymoon vacations with Big Five [http://www.bigfive.com/]luxury tours.

There is a definite and growing tendency for aspiring home exchangers to seek exchange partners via classified ads such as Craigslist. Is this a good idea? Absolutely not!

I know the immediate reaction to that statement—well, that’s just sour grapes, coming from a home exchange company owner, but I assure you that’s not the case. For their own safety and security, I cannot emphasize enough that home exchangers need to find their exchange partners via an established, reputable home exchange company—ANY company, but preferably one charging a fee, no matter how small.

Why is that important? Because paying a fee immediately authenticates the personal information provided by whomever is purchasing the membership. These transactions are usually managed by one of a handful of very large credit card merchant account providers, NOT as most people imagine, by the home exchange companies themselves. Each transaction is verified by mega-million dollar programming, hence fellow home exchange members can be absolutely confident that the personal information associated with the listings they are viewing is absolutely genuine.

In the highly unlikely event of any problems, the home exchange company will have 100% verified records of every member on their books, a fundamental reassurance you can never achieve when you seek out home exchange partners via classified ads.

The very idea of home exchange means you will be saving hundreds, probably thousands of dollars—even more if a car exchange and pet minding are included. So, why would anyone be so niggardly as to begrudge often much less than $100 to join a genuine, upfront home exchange membership club with all the reassurance that provides? There are dozens of clubs for you to choose from, some, such as ExchangeHomes.com have been in business for 20+ years. Pay the fee and join one or more, I promise you won’t regret it, it’s a solid investment!

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The question I am repeatedly asked is, “Why should I not be worried about having a stranger in my house?”

My immediate response is always the same, “Why should your potential exchange partners not be worried about having you in THEIR house?”

Be rational and pause for a moment to think: Why should you assume your home exchange partners are joining a home exchange agency for the sole purpose of moving into your home and robbing it, yet you expect them to see you as pure innocents looking for nothing more than an affordable vacation?

ExchangeHomes.com has been continually involved in home exchanging since 1986—that’s 23 years at the time of writing! During those 23 years I’ve never had a single report of theft, vandalism, malicious mischief, or anything else that could even vaguely categorized at a criminal act associated with home exchanging.

Mutual trust has to be the fundamental principle of successful home exchanging, so if you are someone who lacks that inerrant ability, it’s likely that home exchange probably isn’t the best travel solution for you.

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On several occasions recently it’s been suggested to me that the current economic climate is working against home exchange, rather than in its favor. Airlines, hotels, cruise lines and even cities such as Las Vegas are digging deep into their pockets offering travel incentives never before imagined. To a certain extent today’s travel bargains are doing home exchanging no favors, but I don’t think they will succeed in tempting away the seasoned home exchangers who understand and appreciate all that home exchange has to offer.

The way I see it, there are two distinct types of home exchangers:

1. Those who prefer to vacation in a family home with the plethora of benefits that offers.
2. Those who had used it purely as a means of saving money.

In all likelihood the latter will be enticed by the glitzy ads for $39 airfares, Orlando hotels from $32/night, and cruise deals from $199 (even I’m tempted to look further into the cruises!), but the seasoned home exchanger has already grown to enjoy all the benefits and comfort of vacationing in a proper home rather than a cramped hotel room, or at best hotel suite. Instead, these savvy folk should be able to take advantage of the cut-price airfares to set up an even better home exchange deal.

I agree, there are some unbelievable hotel bargains being touted right now, they are even being featured in news programs, but at the end of the day a hotel room will always be just that—a hotel room. Home exchange will, without question have the edge when it comes to comfort, convenience, and when all else is done, sheer quality of life.

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By Guest Author Sarah Wells

At first, airlines started charging passengers for a second bag of checked luggage. Now, some are even charging for the first. If you are taking an extended vacation, these extra fees can quickly add up. So how do you eliminate them?

For starters, you must know that the fees exist. An increase in fees is not something an airline wants to shout from the rooftops. Most travelers showed up for their flights to learn, for the first time, it would cost $30 roundtrip for their only suitcase. Imagine the anger. Although these fees are well-known now, you still need to look for them. Know if your airline charges you a fee for your first or second suitcase and how much.

As for how you can avoid or lessen the impact of these extra baggage fees:

Pack your carryon bag full. Most airlines outline rules and restrictions for carryon bags on their websites. You should know ahead of time how big your bag can be and how much it must weight. Use a ruler and a bathroom scale to ensure you are just under. If traveling for a two to three day trip, you can get away with using your carryon bag alone, provided you pack wisely.

Speaking of packing wisely, do it. Only bring what you need. Having four pairs of shoes for your trip to Hawaii is nice, but do you really need them all? You should be able to get away with a pair of sandals and sneakers. Also, research your hotel or resort ahead of time to see what you are supplied with. Is there a curling iron and hair dryer in your room? If so, don’t waste valuable space by bringing yours from home.

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It may only be June, but I’m already beginning to receive emails and phone calls from people who feel they may have left it too late to arrange a home exchange this year. This may not be the case, particularly for those whose travel plans stretch into August and September, and especially for those who have the ability to be flexible with their hoped for home exchange arrangements.

Their best options in likely home swap partners are retired members; folk who are not tied to work schedules. Another possibility would be among entrepreneurs and the self employed; people who have the ability to set their own timetables. You should also add members who have indicated that they are “open to offers” to your list.

On the other side of the coin, it’s probably unlikely that members who have listed specific vacation dates and destinations will have the means to work with a inquiries from last minute exchangers. Similarly, home exchangers with children will have probably finalized their arrangements already.

But—having said all this, it never hurts to send an email inquiry, you’ve nothing to lose and you could be pleasantly surprised by a response!

Equally as important as finding a suitable home exchange, is a warning that you should never be hasty in setting up and finalizing the arrangements. A simple rule of thumb to follow is, never agree to a home exchange if time constraints have prevented you and your exchange partners from fully discussing and agreeing upon every issue that’s been raised. Simply put, those are the exchanges that tend to go wrong, not necessarily because of any bad intentions from either party, but because of misunderstandings.

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Even if you opt for cheap travels, it should remain fun and exciting. The way to enjoy your cheap travels is to travel smart. One of the most important considerations when traveling is money. You can save money by selecting cheaper accommodation and airfares.

And on your travel, it is extremely important to keep your travel money safe. Most seasoned travelers and travel experts recommend keeping valuables in a hidden wallet or travel pouch, either wrapped around your waist under your clothes or hung around your neck under your shirt.

Another great travel tip is to reduce the chance of theft by keeping majority of your cash in the hotel’s safe. Take out enough for each day to pay for necessary items. When using credit cards, make sure that the establishment or shop looks alright. Credit cards provide valuable consumer protection and the best currency exchange rates as well.
By Guest Author Lizzie Scott

Here is one very valuable travel tip to keep a lost or stolen wallet from bringing your vacation to an abrupt end. Many seasoned travelers pack an extra wallet in their suitcase or backpack. This wallet will contain only a credit card or two and perhaps an ATM card. That way, if you lose your primary wallet, you still have access to ready cash for the rest of your cheap travel.

It is also a good idea to make an itinerary and leave it at home with family members or a trusted friend. This way, they can contact you in the event of any emergencies. You could also keep copies of your identification papers, travelers check numbers, and a photocopy of your passport, at home.

Some travelers carry their passport with them all the time. The reason for that is because the passport provides an additional piece of information and that is important if your wallet is lost or stolen while on your cheap travel. Since it is impossible to board a plane these days without ID, having an extra form of ID can make your life a lot easier.

Another travel tip is to make several copies of your important travel documents – flight reservations, hotel confirmations, rental car receipts, etc. Put each copy in a different place – one or two in different parts of the suitcase or backpack, one in your back pocket, one in your purse or carry-on, etc. Also record important phone numbers in the address book of your cell phone for easy access.

Always remember to have the basic medical information such as blood type, allergy (if any), medications, etc. If you need your medication frequently, don’t pack them in your checked luggage. Instead, always have them with you in your hand-carry luggage.

With these important travel tips, you should be on your way to enjoying safer and smarter cheap travels.

Free travel tips for everyone. Discover cheap travels and go to your dream travel destinations at http://cheap-travels.blogspot.com.

By Guest Author – Mike Simonds

Traveling is inevitable part of our lives and there are so many uncertainties associated with travel that it becomes imperative that we seek suitable travel insurance before starting our journey. Since most of us are oblivious about the nuances of such insurances or we simply practice complacency; these result in our failure to trim down the price which we can so easily do and avail a really cheap travel insurance deal.

There are few things if we keep in mind then we can get the cost of the insurances significantly lowered.

Do not go overboard in estimations Many companies claim to provide exaggerating sum on various covers that are embedded in the travel insurance cover like medical expenses, personal liability, cancellation, baggage, cash and legals. And in most of the times these figures are inflated so as to increase the premium. It is better to do a decent cost estimation which will surely bring down the insurance policy coverage amount and save some bucks on the premium.

Get the covers that are reasonable and necessary

It is foolish to get the cancellation coverage for a flight that is really cheap. Because even in case of the cancellation all you would get in return through the coverage will be peanuts. Likewise you must weigh and give serious thought to things you really need to include in the coverage.

Plan in advance

It is good to plan your journey well in advance and to garner the maximum coverage you must also avoid last minute cancellations due to illness or any other unavoidable circumstances. If possible it is to book an entire tour package and to use your credit cards in the transactions. This will be of great assistance in gaining the maximum return if the travel arranging company or the airline companies goes bust.

Compare, compare and compare

This may require some efforts but comparing various insurers can be the most productive option because this will enable you to permeate some real cheap travel insurance quotes.

About the Author

Mike Simonds is expert in writing articles on comparison i.e. cheap home insurance quotes, compare financial services etc. To know more about cheap life insurance quotes visit NextGenCompare.co.uk