Keep Accommodation Costs in Europe Down – with a Home Exchange

In a recent post on Arthur Frommer’s blog, ‘The U.S. Dollar Has Dropped Sharply in Value Against European Currencies, So Seek Cheaper Lodgings’, he suggested looking at alternatives to hotels to keep accommodation costs down:

‘..... seriously consider the use of alternative, cheaper lodgings for your next trip to Europe. You should think about lengthening your stay in each European city to a week so that you can rent an apartment at a considerable savings. Even more effectively, you should consider the use of hostel accommodations....’

There are other alternatives to hotels including camping, couch surfing and, for those who prefer the comforts of home, home exchange of course!

 

Although the primary reason for some who choose to swap homes may be for cost savings, there are many more advantages, some of which can also save money. For example, your kitchen in a ‘real’ home is likely to be much better equipped than in a holiday property and so you more apt to prepare more meals at home (shopping for food in local shops and markets is a lot more fun than routine grocery shopping at home). It’s easy to have a substantial breakfast at home before setting out for the day, perhaps also preparing a picnic lunch to save on buying snacks that are usually expensive, and not always very healthy, at popular tourist attractions.

 

Families with young children often like to swap homes with other families with similar aged children, giving reassurance that the homes will be child friendly and there will be baby equipment, toys, books and games available to save packing so much; and not forgetting the likelihood of local playmates and a trusted babysitter as well as friends and neighbours to answer questions and help you make the most of your holiday.

Comments

[juka14]

Hi! I changed the url of my blog 'Beautiful Places', if you could change it in your blogroll in www.seebeautifulplaces.com I would be very grateful. thanks!

[Lois, Home Base Holidays]

Change made to url - thanks for letting me know.

[arun kumar]

thank u very much for your kind suggestion