In an article, 'Bargain holidays: go your own way', published recently in the Business section of The Times, journalist Mark Bridge explains how you can wipe out much of the cost of conventional travel. Home exchange is included as a great way to save on the costs of holiday accommodation. A quote from the article: 'If staying with a stranger does not appeal and you are a homeowner, a home swap could be a comfortable alternative. ... Listings give a description and photographs of each home, plus the owner’s availability for travel and preferred destinations. Other members whose requirements mirror their own, can offer a rent-free exchange. Homes in Europe, the US and former British dominions, such as South Africa and New Zealand, are best represented. Their four-bedroom house in Thames Ditton, Surrey, is two miles from Hampton Court Palace and a 20-minute train ride from Central London and attracts regular offers. He says that some of the best have been from expatriates keen to visit family in the South East. "We no longer book hotels," he says. "Cost is part of it, but we also like entering a community. One small drawback is the last-minute rush to make the house presentable."' See the family's full home exchange offer and more photos, HE19083 And read the article, 'Bargain holidays: go your own way' on TimesOnline.Lois Sealey, of Home Base Holidays, which charges £29 a year or £39 for two years, says that location is key – a mansion owner in Florida may be happy to swap for a small flat in Central London, for instance. John Onken, 41, an architect, joined the scheme in 2000 and has used it to make regular trips to Europe and the US with his wife and two children.
Hi Liberty Lana
I'm sure your house in Santa Cruz would be popular for an exchange. Hope you decide to join Home Base Holidays soon!
http://www.homebase-hols.com
Posted by: Lois | February 03, 2008 at 06:02 PM
Hello, I have a small house in Santa Cruz California on the beach no to far from San Francisco and I like to exchange w/ sambody in Paris or Roma
Posted by: Liberty Lana | February 03, 2008 at 05:53 PM
Nice photos. It seems you are very lucky and get to travel quite a bit.
Posted by: SilkRoad | January 28, 2008 at 11:43 AM