Home Exchanges 'Back Home' for Expats (+ ExpatWomen.com)

A British Home Base Holidays member, who lives with her family in a large house in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, gave an excellent reason for wanting to arrange a home swap when travelling back home to visit family:

'Our families are still in the UK (London and Portsmouth). We return to the UK every summer to spend time with the family. The home exchange we are looking for in London would be an "overspill from the in-laws house", as it would drive me crazy to be cooped in the same house as my in-laws for 6 weeks!'

She continued:

'We live in a very local neighbourhood, and if you want to experience Malaysian life, this is it!' See her full exchange offer and more photos, HE20372

As more and more people are either living in another country for a year or so, or are making permanent moves, so there is also an increasing number who want to have a base of their own rather than stay with relatives or friends when making trips 'back home'. Home exchange both saves money and provides a comfortable, private retreat from too much togetherness with relatives.

When I moved to England from Canada in 1968, 'home' seemed a very long way away (we came by boat!) and it was hardly surprising that at times I felt homesick. Today, expats have so much more support and sources of advice on integrating into a new country and culture. ExpatWomen.com is an excellent example:

'ExpatWomen.com is a free, global web site designed to help all expatriate women living outside of their home country. Our mission is to inspire your success abroad by providing you with a first-stop web site to share stories, network globally, develop personally and to find the best resources. Whether this is your first experience living overseas, you are a seasoned or returned expat, or you are about to embark on your big adventure, we have something for everyone. Membership is free and includes a monthly inspirational newsletter showcasing success stories, business ideas, book reviews, interviews, resources and more.'