Travel the Home Exchange Way blog

Climate change & travel: benefits of home swapping

We are very aware that our home swap community encourages people to travel and so, as a responsible business, Home Base Holidays always urges members to use the service thoughtfully, limiting air travel especially, to drastically reduce the effects of travel on global warming. The wild fires that have affected vast areas of Canada and USA in recent weeks should serve as another wake-up call. Reducing the effects of climate change can no longer be delayed by governments whatever the cost, and we must all do our part to reduce our carbon footprint.

‘Tourism is not just a victim of global warming - it also contributes to the problem’                                                                                              - Sustainable Travel International

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A growing number of Home Base Holidays members are discovering the pleasures of home swaps closer to home. Home swappers have always tended to prefer unique experiences (not merely sitting on a beach for two weeks every year!), whether it be swapping a rural home for a flat in the city to visit museums and the theatre or, as city dwellers, seeking out rural locations to enjoy fresh air, quiet open spaces, country walks and pubs. Although cost savings are a factor for those on a tight budget in choosing home exchange over expensive hotel rooms and holiday rentals, this is certainly not the only reason that swapping homes has become increasingly popular over the last few years (Home Base Holidays has been operating a home exchange service since 1978 and were pioneers in promoting the advantages, never more important than now).

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How home swapping can reduce your travel impact on the environment:

1. Use your home as a resource when it would otherwise be left empty while you are away
2. Stay in a real home from home rather than contribute to the development of more hotels
3. There are no rental costs so stay longer and travel less often, especially to long-haul destinations
4. Retired or working from home? Swap homes for longer for a change of scene or to visit family
5. Look for homes in areas where a car is not needed and, if possible, travel there by train
6. Wash bedding and towels as needed, not every day as happens in many hotels
7. Support small businesses by shopping locally for food, crafts and regional specialties
8. Swaps closer to home are easier to arrange than international exchanges without the need for air travel.

"Actually, there are also deeper layers of thought to the home exchange idea. When you think about global waste and conservation, the idea of combining resources with other people on the globe has more merits than those you experience on a personal level. Think of all the hotel sheets and towels that are washed every day; of the low-paid hotel workers (often foreigners); of the huge and wasteful industry that has grown around the needs of people who want to experience a holiday in a different country."  - Ruti Singer (from 'Home Away From Home')

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Add 'local to you' options to your home swap offer: As well as giving details of local attractions, provide information on getting there by public transport If you have bikes you could share, give details and also whether there are safe bike lanes in your area and cycling/walking trails If there is little public transport in your area and you offer to swap cars, is yours electric and are there convenient charging points nearby? Do you have good local food markets? Many people, switching to a more plant-based diet, would love to buy fruit, vegetables and baked goods from local sellers Are there cafes and restaurants close by offering a variety of vegetarian options (much more appealing than fast-food chains)? Do you have memberships to local sports or arts clubs that you could share?

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Join Home Base Holidays - start your home swap adventure! Sign up to the Home Base Holidays 2-week free trial and start planning your home swap holiday. You'll find thousands of tempting home swap offers, including country cottages, city apartment, houseboats and homes by the sea. Search home exchange holiday offers

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Useful Resources: websites and articles

• Sustainable Travel International
• Nature: Rethinking travel in a post-pandemic world
• David Suzuki Foundation: Air travel and climate change
• Friends of the Earth: Responsible travel – eco tips for getting around
• DW Made for Minds: Climate change - Is eco guilt changing the way we travel?

Our first home swap: exploring the Scottish Highlands

Kinlochleven lies at the eastern end of the beautiful sea loch, Loch Leven

Our first home swap exploring the Scottish Highlands "We have just come back from our first ever home swap holiday - leaving London in the evening on the Caledonian Sleeper with very comfy bunks and waking up in the Highlands was a great way to start. We used the local buses and the Traveline Scotland app to get about. The buses were extremely reliable and frequent enough to make exploring the local area without a car possible. Our 'swapees', Jimmy and Anne, are experienced home swappers and provided us with all the information we needed to make the most of the area. Their lovely flat in Kinlochleven was a very comfortable base for the four of us to enjoy our holiday. On the practical side the Co-op just a few minutes from the flat, the Chinese take away, local taxi (to seafood restaurant) and the buses, as mentioned, meant we had no practical problems. In terms of our take home memories - walking out form the village to quiet peaceful mountainside and then also being there for the weekend of the pre-65 motor-cross (our choice to be there for that!). Walking in and around Glencoe and learning some more of the history including visiting the Folk Museum in the village and the visitors centre up the glen was great; a trip along the other side of the loch to Lochleven Seafood cafe - best oysters ever in the hot seafood platter - was definitely 'worth a detour' - and the loch seen from "the other side" is possibly even more beautiful. By way of summary: we saw waterfalls (Inchree Waterfall was a lovely afternoon); walked moors, ate excellent food; went on a sea loch cruise from Fort William and learnt a little more about the Highland history. If you want to explore further afield you probably do need a car and if you use public transport you do need to plan a bit so you don't miss the buses you want. Anything we would have done differently? We should have allowed more than the 90 minutes we had before closing for the West Highland Museum. We returned to London rocked to sleep on the train and came back home to find everything in perfect order. We trust Jimmy and Anne had as good a time in London (if very different) as we did in Kinlochleven. Many thanks for a wonderful first swap." - Sue & Dave (Lancaster, UK)

Our home swap highlights: Walking in the wonderful Scottish Highland countryside Eating amazing seafood Seeing the Pre-65 motor-cross

Photos from the Highland home swap

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Home Base Holidays members' offers:

Central London, England (HE26664) 3-bedroom house with roof garden in London's Islignton. Five minutes walk from Angel Underground station (zone 1) and one minute to the main bus routes for central London. View Home Base Holidays offer	Loch Leven, Scotland (HE37747) 2-bedroom flat in the west Highland village of Kinlochleven. Surrounded by stunning mountains, lochs and rivers which offer a unique range of activities including walking and climbing. View Home Base Holidays offer

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Home Base Holidays: join for free and start home swapping Sign up to Home Base Holidays two-week free trial or select a full membership (6-month membership is just £29 and 1-year at £49). Home swap guarantee: second year free if you do not arrange a swap during your membership.

Expat life? Exchange homes for visits ‘back home’

Expat life? Home exchanging can be an excellent option when visiting 'home'

Living overseas? If so, home swapping can be an excellent way to arrange comfortable free accommodation when returning ‘home’ to visit friends and family. Having a home 'base' can be especially welcome if you are staying for several weeks and would perhaps feel uncomfortable about imposing on friends or family for a lengthy period.  

Having your own place gives you the space and freedom to relax and get back into being a local again. Often it's the simple things we miss about our home country – just the simple day-to-day way of life. As an expat, some of the small things you miss can’t easily be lived while staying in a hotel or even with family if you feel anxious about disrupting their routines. You are there on holiday, but you are not a tourist. You want to be able to cook a meal at home, have your friends over for coffee or dinner, do the shopping and spend quality time with your family in the same way you would if living there.

As well as the huge savings on accommodation, by swapping homes, you can shop for food in your favourite shops and markets, cook at home with familiar ingredients, and pack lunches for day trips. The savings on eating out all the time will add up too. You might be able to enjoy longer visits or even plan trips back home more frequently.

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Visiting 'home' with your kids

Living as an expat, as time goes by you may be more and more settled in your new country. If you have young children, they will be growing up, making friends and possibly becoming fluent in a new language, but it’s always nice to keep them in touch with your culture too. Taking your kids back to visit relatives in your native country can feel very important and home swapping makes doing so more pleasant and affordable. Staying in a real home in a real neighbourhood will give children growing up in another country a better feel for the culture you grew up in.

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How home swapping works: First you'll need to sign up to a home swap club such as Home Base Holidays. You'll add your own home to the site, search home swap offers and then contact other members to plan your home swap accommodation. By swapping homes there are no hotel or rental fees and so you'll enjoy free accommodation.

 

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Home Base Holidays: join for free and plan your home swap holidays Search home exchange holiday offers in over 90 countries through Home Base Holidays. Sign up to Home Base Holidays two-week free trial or select a full membership (6-month or 1-year).

Coronation invitation lost in the post? Visit London by swapping homes instead!

London is getting ready for King Charles' Coronation on the 6th May

With Union Jacks already up on many streets in the city, London is gearing up for the Coronation of King Charles III on 6^th May. All we need now is for the sun to return for the big day!

• Information about The Coronation Weekend events

If you haven’t had an invitation to the Royal bash, London is still an amazing city to visit in spring (or any time of the year!) with its dozens of beautiful parks to relax in between visiting the famous attractions, theatres and museums.

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Swap homes and enjoy free holiday accommodation in London Home Base Holidays is based In London and has a very large choice of up-to-date home exchange holiday offers throughout the city, everything from city centre bijou apartments to large Edwardian family houses in the leafy suburbs, all connected by good public transport.

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    Small selection of London home swap offers to tempt you:

Greenwich, London (HE39872) Luxury apartment with panoramic Thames River views. View home swap offer	Richmond, London (HE26435) Spacious family home in Twickenham, just 300m from the river. View home swap offer

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Hampstead Heath, London (HE39315) Stylish home just two minutes from the open spaces of Hampstead Heath. View home swap offer	Wimbledon, London (HE41521) Family house in Wimbledon with lovely garden (+ two lovely cats!). View home swap offer

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Forest Hill, London (HE41913) Four storey semi detached Victorian house close to excellent public transport. View home swap offer	Baker Street, London (HE24680) Light spacious Art Deco apartment next to beautiful Regents Park. View home swap offer

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Spitalfields, London (HE34200) Cosy apartment next to the fabulous Spitalfields Market. View home swap offer	Camden Town, London (HE26796) Attractive four storey town house in Camden next to Regents Canal. View home swap offer

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Search home swap offers in London

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Join Home Base Holidays: enjoy fabulous budget friendly holidays Cut the cost of your next holiday by choosing to swap homes. Sign up to Home Base Holidays Start home swapping: browse home swap holiday offers

Travel Q&As from first time home swappers | #traveltips

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How much does it cost to arrange a home swap?

Q: Please could you advise me of any additional costs involved when a home exchange has been agreed, i.e. any costs to yourselves or to the exchange home owners. Many thanks - Robert

A: Other than the cost of Home Base Holidays membership (£29 for six months or £49 for one year) and the cost of travel and travel insurance, there are no additional costs when taking part in an exchange. However, it is important to inform your home insurance provider to make sure that your policy will remain valid for the duration of your exchange (some insurance providers charge a small premium to cover the period). Also, some members use cleaning services and key exchange services, but these are totally optional and the vast majority of members do not use such services.

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Is my house suitable for a home swap holiday?

Q: Hello, I'm interested in doing a house swap via Home Base Holidays but what state does your home need to be in to do this? My home is comfortable, liveable, functional and furnished. However it is also full of my family's personal stuff. To what extent is the property meant to be devoid of this, and what assurance does one have that one's stuff will be safe if it remains? - Peter

A: The vast majority of homes listed for home exchange are members' primary (and usually only) residences. Real lived in homes contain furnishings and lots of personal items. Indeed, it is the family items like books, photos and keepsakes that make home exchange a much more personal experience than staying in a generic rental or hotel room (the photo is of a cosy, inviting cottage offered for exchange in the Cotswolds). Just ensure your home is clean and tidy in preparation for your exchange guests' stay.

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Can you swap when you rent your property?

Q: I am very interested in home swapping as it seems like such an excellent idea. I live in a two bedroom apartment in Crouch End, North London which I think would be a great location for someone wanting to visit London. However, I do not own the apartment but rent it and so am not sure if I can still take part in a home swap. Do you have any advice?  - Kathy

A: Thanks for getting in touch and great to hear that you're interested in home swapping! Many people that rent their homes do take part in home swaps. However, it is very important that you first get your landlord’s permission before searching and agreeing an exchange. Many landlords will understand that their property is more secure when occupied than left empty for a period. If your landlord agrees then you're good to go! However, it is also very important to check that your home and contents insurance if will cover the period when your home swap guests will be staying there. 

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Can I list my holiday home for home swapping?

Q: I have a holiday home in the UK and a house in Italy. I’ve had a look at your website and like what I see. Can I register my holiday home for exchange or does it need to be my main residence? – Kim

A: Absolutely! You can add either your main home or your holiday home on the Home Base Holidays website. Many members do list their second homes and during the registration there is a “Second home” tick box to indicate that you are listing a second home (in the search results second homes appear with a small round “2” icon). Listing a second home often gives more flexibility as it usually means that you can be more open with your dates than when swapping your primary residence. Therefore, many second home owners are able to consider non-simultaneous exchanges where you swap at different times as well as the traditional simultaneous exchanges where you and your exchange partners swap at the same time.

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What should I do about clean towels and linen for my guests?

Q: Do you make up the beds with clean linen or do you leave the clean linen next to the beds? Do you have to tell your home swap guests that they are welcome to use your clean towels, soap, shampoo, etc. or is it assumed that they will (also for us when we're in their home)? I want to make sure that I am a good home swap host and a good home swap guest and don't want to make any first time faux pas! - Eva

A: Unless you are really going to be pushed for time on the day you leave home (in which case let your exchange guests know or, better still, arrange for someone to come in to make beds before their arrival), leave all beds that will be used by your exchange guests ready made up with clean bed linen. They may be tired after a long flight and won't want the hassle of having to make their own beds. Leave additional clean bedding plus extra towels, indicating in your 'Instructions' where such supplies are stored. Soap should be left on sinks but most people will bring their own personal items like shampoos, etc; but do let them know if you are happy for them to use anything of yours.

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Looking after pets during a swap?

Q: I am very interested in home swapping but wasn't sure if having a pet would be a problem (I have a very friendly cat called Tony!). Ideally it would be great if the guests staying in my home could feed my cat and give him the odd tickle under the chin - I just hate going away and leaving him in a cattery. Is pet care something people might do when home swapping? - Janice

A: Hi Janice, great to hear that you're interested in home swapping. You can let Tony know that many members are very happy to look after pets during their home exchange. When you join Home Base Holidays you will see tick box options for “Pet care required”, “Pet care offered” and “Pets welcome”.  It really can be an excellent option for many pet owning members as it saves on pet care costs and it’s nice to know that your pets are being looked after at home.

Many members would find it an added bonus to swap with a home that has a pet. However, it is important when discussing a potential swap to right away let the other member know that you'd require pet care; for some members, especially those with allergies, looking after a pet (or even staying in a home where a pet has been) would not be possible.

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Can I arrange a longer term home swap?

Q: I was looking at the Home Base Holidays website and really like the idea of home swapping. My wife and I are now retired and are hoping to spend several months in Australia visiting our son in Melbourne and also with the thought of moving there at some point in the not so distant future. Do members arrange longer duration home swaps of say three to four months or is it more for people looking to arrange shorter holidays? Look forward to hearing from you. - Tom & Ann

A: Thanks for getting in touch and great to hear that home swapping appeals to you! The majority of home swaps do tend to be either short breaks such as long weekend getaways or holiday swaps of one to three weeks. However, there are many members that arrange long term home exchanges that can be anything from one month to one plus years. Arranging longer term home exchanges can be a great way to visit family or friends living overseas such as in your case, or, if you yourself are an expat living overseas, a great way to visit your native country while still enjoying your own space. Longer term exchanges can also be an exciting option for digital nomads, writers or any other location independent workers whose only work restrictions is a good internet connection.

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Join Home Base Holidays: start home swapping Enjoy free holiday accommodation by arranging a home swap. Sign up to Home Base Holidays Start swapping: browse home swap holiday offers

Preparing for a summer home swap holiday

Home swapping is a great way to enjoy a fabulous holiday this summer but at a fraction of the cost. Through Home Base Holidays you'll find many tempting home swap offers including country cottages, city apartments and homes by the coast. Shown below are a few tips to help you find and prepare for a summer swap.

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1. Add your home swap offer: sign up to Home Base Holidays

Sign up to Home Base Holidays so that you can add your home swap offer and then start contacting other members to discuss a swap. You'll include details about your home, location and when and where you are looking travel. 

Home Base Holidays has a two-week free trial to get you started. A full six month membership costs only £29 and there are no additional fees to pay. Sign up for free and start planning your spring and summer swaps!

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2. Be proactive: start contacting members to discuss a summer swap

The most successful home swappers are usually the most proactive. So, once you've added your home swap offer, don't just sit back and wait to be contacted; search home swap offers and spend some time sending out enquiry messages to members whose homes/locations look of interest.

Note: it's important to reply to all enquiry messages you receive even if just to say "Thank you, but the offer is not what I am looking for".

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3. Communications is key: discuss all details of the proposed swap

Communication really is key to successful home swapping and so be sure to discuss all details of the proposed home swap with the other member and don't be afraid to ask any questions that come to mind no matter how minor they seem. Thankfully, problems during a swap are extremely rare and the majority of issues reported tend to be things that could have been easily avoided with better communication (e.g. difference in house keeping styles, pet allergies, etc). Even once your swap has been agreed, stay in contact with your swap partner regularly in the lead up to your travel dates.

Schedule a phone / Skype call with the member you're planning a swap with - this can provide reassurance and give you a further chance to discuss details of the proposed swap.

 

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4. Preparing your home: clean and declutter

Home Base Holidays members understand that they are staying in a real home and not a show house but do make time to thoroughly clean and declutter your home prior to your guests' arrival so that your home is nice and welcoming. Ensure that your guests have enough sets of clean towels and sheets for their stay (prior to the swap, discuss and agree what to do with dirty towels and bedding). Clear some space in the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen so that your guests can unpack their luggage and have space to put away food during their stay.

Think about safety: Do you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors fitted? Also, read our Covid cleaning guidelines.

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5. Welcome pack: put together a folder of useful information

Most Home Base Holidays members create a welcome pack for their guests' arrival. Include in your welcome pack information about local attractions and recommended restaurants, nearby transport, useful information about your home (e.g. how to turn on/off the alarm, etc), useful phone numbers (e.g. taxi firms) and emergency contact details (e.g. a friend/neighbour's number, an emergency plumber, etc).

This photo shows the Welcome pack and tourist information available to guests staying in Mario and Lorraine's home in Malta (member HE33093).  View their Home Base Holidays offer

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6. Insurance: contact your home insurance provider

Before agreeing a home swap, contact your home insurance company to confirm that your home is covered during the period of the home exchange. Most insurance companies will agree that your home is more secure occupied than if left empty as with most traditional holidays. However, do contact us if you have any difficulties agreeing cover for the period of your home swap.

Car swap? If you have also agreed to exchange cars it is essential to contact your car insurance company to ensure that your exchange guests will be covered on your insurance.

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Start planning a home swap holiday Sign up to Home Base Holidays two-week free trial or select a full membership (6-month membership is just £29 and 1-year at £49). Search the latest home swap holiday offers