Swap Homes in Your Own Country and Beat the Credit Crunch

I have seen home exchange described as a '2009 travel trend' quite a lot recently, linking the continued growth in popularity of home swapping with a change in travel options to beat the major downturn in the economy worldwide. Home exchange, an idea around from at least the mid 1950's, is hardly a new 'travel trend', but it is true that the idea of swapping homes to save money on holidays is certainly on the increase.

One definite recent trend that we have noticed in Home Base Holidays, especially amongst our many UK members, is a change in destination requests. Of course, many members are still interested in exchanges abroad, but many are also looking for exchanges within the UK. In the past, swaps closer to home had often been primarily for short breaks but now many more are exchanging for longer holiday periods. This is hardly surprising with the recent downward spiral in the value of the pound, making exchanges, especially in the Eurozone and USA, much more expensive than in recent years.

There may be a misconception that a long established international service like Home Base Holidays (since 1985), with members in many countries, won't cater for the needs of people who want to arrange domestic exchanges. Nothing could be further from the truth! Yes, of course, when you browse our listings you may look longingly at luxurious homes in exotic locations that you may have to forego this year, but have a look at the large choice of attractive offers practically on your doorstep. It's easy to take for granted the many attractions close to your home but, with many people having to make savings on holiday costs, now is a perfect time to re-discover your own country.

Note on UK listings: Listings are divided by country - England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland. England is further sub-divided by county to make searches for all exchange offers in a particular area simple and complete. Browse listings.

Samples:

First photo: Faversham, Kent, England (HE19421), a 500-year-old Grade-II-listed two-bedroom house in Faversham, voted 'the best market town in Kent'. The house features oak beams, 18th-century bread ovens, wood stove, 2 computers with wireless broadband, a small herb and fruit garden, 6'6" Bluthner grand piano, Arts and Crafts antiques, plenty of books and DVDs, far too much cooking gadgetry, 1 car, and 3 bikes.

Second photo: Huntly, Highlands & Islands - Aberdeenshire, Scotland (HE10019), converted 19th Century mill house in heart of Scottish countryside on the Castle Trail in Aberdeenshire. Situated in a valley with lovely views of the surrounding hills & waterfall & stream which runs through the garden. The garden extends to about an acre & is a mixture of lawn, flower beds & woods stepped into the valley.

Comments

[Rachel Gawith]

The same idea is now being taken to the next level for permanent home exchange to beat the economic crisis and slow property market. I have just set up a property exchange service for those wishing to swap the UK for a place in the sun. Please visit http://www.thetravelbug.org for more details.