Travel the Home Exchange Way blog

Home Exchange Request: England 25 March - 25 April

"I have travelled extensively in the past as the typical tourist, staying in hotels, B&Bs or hostels. But since joining Home Base Holidays I have discovered a new and exciting way of really getting to know a place.

Home exchange has allowed me to explore in depth individual areas, whilst being in comfortable and secure surroundings away from the tourist trails.

Right now I am on a long trip after my retirement. I have been in Windsor for two months on exchange and am about to go to France, where I have two organised exchanges. I was to return to my final exchange in Richmond in March for a month, but due to plumbing problems in this property I now find myself 'homeless'!

I am hoping someone is able to offer an exchange in England, near to London if possible, from March 25th-April 25th (when I return to Australia).

My home in Australia is a holiday home, on the beautiful surf coast of Victoria. This can be a non-simultaneous exchange, as I'm sure packing up and heading to Australia at such short notice is not going to happen.

If you are interested in this exchange or are able to assist, please have a look at my listing in Aireys Inlet. I am open to offers." Kind regards, Tilly

Aireys Inlet, Victoria, Australia

Cottage surrounded by Australian bush situated on the Great Ocean Road. Surf beaches, river, walking tracks. Ideal for younger children or those who like quiet, relaxation and the beach or bush walking.

House is set on 2 acres of land and is very comfortable with cottage decor. Close to golf course, cinema. Kangaroos and native parrots on grounds. Read the full home exchange offer and see more photos.

If you are already a member, log on to view Tilly's listing, HE20255, and contact her as soon as possible if you may be able to offer her your home for the set dates she needs. If you aren't yet a member, and Tilly's offer is of interest, either join now or contact us (subject line: Tilly's Offer).

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? Make Your Home Exchange Offer Look Inviting - Literally!

A little extra thought when deciding which photos to include in a home exchange listing can make all the difference between an offer that may not catch a reader's eye and hold their attention however attractive, and one that stands out from the crowd. Home Base Holidays members are generally handy with their digital cameras and most photos look very professional indeed. As looking at the photos is one of the pleasures of my job, I'll keep an eye out for some that I particularly like and share them on the blog occasionally.

Some homes, of course, like people, are naturally photogenic. But, don't dispair if you home isn't 'conventionally' beautiful. Just as with people, with thought given to the best angles, unusual shots and good lighting, your home too can be an eye catcher. All home exchange offers with photos look more appealing than those without so, if you haven't already added photos to your listing, get snapping, log on and add them! And if you're ready to join but waiting for a sunny day to take photos, that's fine; add any photos you have as soon as you can and replace those you want with better ones later.

Many members include photos of their dining rooms or kitchen diners, generally very tidy with the table free of clutter but, looking at the two that follow, doesn't setting the table (or perhaps just adding an attractive centre piece or flowers) really make the scene much more inviting? Can't you imagine sitting down to dinner in either of these attractive homes?

Rutherglen, Lanarkshire, Scotland

We live in a semi detached bungalow on the outskirts of Glasgow which is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. We are within one hours drive of Loch Lomond, Edinburgh and Stirling and a short flight will take you to Ireland, The Scottish Highlands and Islands and all destinations in England. Read the full home exchange offer and photos, HE21091

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Our modern tudor style home is situated on Sydney's beautiful northern beaches. The home has all the modern conveniences you could need, as well as a pool with spa. The kitchen is brand new and state of the art. We have many beautiful beaches a short drive away, including famous Manly beach which is a 15 minute drive away. Read the full home exchange offer and see more photos, HE22017

Another inviting photo from the home above in Sydney!

Swapping Homes to the USA? Be Aware of New US Travel Regulations

Now that the pound sterling has plummeted still further against the US dollar and most other major currencies, we are already seeing more interest in home exchanges to the UK and the rest of Europe from American Home Base Holidays members (who can come here now without feeling they maybe should pretend to be Canadians!).

However, home exchangers travelling to the USA must be aware of the new US travel regulations. It's now essential to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) online before buying flight tickets.

Please check the ESTA website for information and application form.

Holidays in Britain: 'Cheap holiday accommodation - what about a home swap?'

I was pleased to come across the blog, Holidays in Britain, via the post published yesterday,'Cheap holiday accommodation - what about a home swap?' Although Holidays in Britain is a relatively new blog, the author, Paula, is promoting the attractions of Britain at just the right time when many people living here are cutting back on travel costs by re-discovering the attractions on their doorstep while the weak pound is encouraging a growth in visitors from the rest of Europe and abroad too.

Read about the purpose of the blog and do contact Paula if there are any aspects of holidays in Britain that you would like her to cover.

And thanks, Paula, for mentioning Travel the Home Exchange Way in your article!

One example of the many attractive new home exchange offers at Home Base Holidays this week:

Stamford, Lincolnshire, England

Our home is a stone house built in 1841 and is within 5mins walk of the centre of Stamford. Stamford is situated 100 miles north of London and retains much of its old world charm and its distinguished appearance is popular with tourists and movie directors alike. The town boasts 30 pubs, most serving real ale and a good number of restaurants many of which are within walking distance.

Situated within ½ mile is Burghley House, a fine mid 16th century Tudor stately home. Stamford is an ideal base for visiting its bordering counties and London can be reached in less than an hour by train from nearby Peterborough.

See the full home exchange offer and more photos, HE21994

Month Long Home Exchange Wanted in Central London

'We are interested in a home exchange in the UK, especially a month long stay in a downtown location in London, ~ within walking distance of the museums, nightlife etc. We really do focus on month long exchanges in downtown big city settings but..... many exchange offers are shorter &/or for beach or country life which, frankly, is not particularly of interest currently. We had great month long stays in Athens, Rome, Amsterdam, NYC & Vancouver so far but London & Barcelona - two top priorities for us - continue to be elusive. Any "insider" ideas? - cheers, Doug & Kaye' 

(home for exchange in Tucson, Arizona, HE14523).

Doug and Kaye are long time Home Base Holidays members who are very experienced home exchangers. When I first received their message I was a little puzzled as, being based in London (as is our sister site, Guardian home exchange), Home Base Holidays has a huge choice of attractive home exchange offers in the city and surrounding counties. But, although there are members living in central London (some with to die for flats overlooking the Thames), the majority of Londoners, especially families, live in the suburbs and so this is where the widest choice of homes available for exchange are located. With good public transport from anywhere in London, it hardly seems an issue when you live here and can usually reach the West End in half an hour or less.

The term, 'suburb', may be off putting to people from some countries who may associate suburbs with soulless dormitory areas where people live but are reliant on cars to get to anywhere interesting. Not so with London suburbs which are generally self contained, distinct 'villages' with a full range of shops, restaurants, parks and leisure facilities. My Canadian visitors are often pleasantly surprised at how much there is literally around the corner from our house in north London - a large Turkish supermarket, Greek bake shop, cafes, restaurants and pubs of every description, two large parks - a typical suburb with many opportunities for home exchange visitors to really get to know the area and the rich mix of people from all over the world who have made London home.

However, it's understandable that visitors still prefer, if possible, to arrange a swap to a home within walking distance of well known London attractions (i.e. the benefits of staying in a central London hotel without the cost and more space and facilities, especially for longer periods). Not too many members can consider an exchange for as long as a month at a time unless retired or with a flexible job that allows lengthy holidays or that can be carried on remotely from a home anywhere with internet access.

I've given Doug and Kaye some suggestions on checking the new London listings often and what to look for to determine the locations of homes in relation to places they want to visit. Most members give a very good description of their areas, distances to well known sights and commuting distance by train, bus or Tube. When known, the postal codes are also included in London listings as this can be useful for members who want to exchange to a particular area, perhaps to be near family or friends. I will help Doug and Kaye (and any other members who have questions) about the locations of any London homes currently listed.

And now to the couple's own very attractive offer to entice any London readers who fancy some Arizona sunshine:

Modern South-western USA city living yet set in authentic Wild-West, Native Indian & Spanish Colonial charm! Home (town home, 1 floor, wheelchair accessible) has cheery vaulted ceilings and spectacular mountain views. Small yard with citrus & shade trees & cactus garden, leads directly onto 1/2 mile long community cactus park and nature trail that borders 'arroyo/washwildlife corridor. Spectacular panoramic views of rugged Catalinas mountains, lush Sonoran-desert and manicured 36-hole golf course with 3 restaurants etc. Only 5 minutes away are major shopping malls, trail-heads for hiking/biking/horseback riding. Superb high-desert climate with 345 sunny days and starry nights. 2-car garage (Buick & Volkswagen available). Read the full home exchange offer in see more photos, HE14523.