Travel the Home Exchange Way blog

Getting 'under the skin' of your home swap destination: shopping for food in local markets

'As a child my parents rented holiday accommodation right across Europe and as an adult I've always preferred self-catering to hotels, for the space, for the freedom and because I love to cook and to shop for food. There's no point shopping for food when you're staying in a hotel so the great holiday pastime of wandering around markets is less purposeful.  Four years of home swapping has only increased this pleasure because we always swap basic store cupboard essentials so picking up two Dover Sole in the market in Bury St. Edmunds didn't mean I also had to buy a bagful of flour in order to get a spoonful to dust them. Our home swap partner in Bury was amused to learn that we were looking forward to returning to the market as much as we were to re-visiting the Abbey.

In Nice it's a joy to stroll through the bright colours of the flower stalls to reach the fruit and veg. We have sniffed and selected our way right across France! In Venice it's the fruits of the lagoon which captivate us in all their strangeness and here in the UK we find that different markets in different towns each have their individual personalities. Covered daily markets, weekly open air markets, they seem to help you to get "under the skin" of your destination.

But my favourite of all was in Barcelona, not la Boqueria (in photo) as you might imagine, interesting though that was, but the indoor emporium which was open every morning just around the corner from our exchange property. Here was a well- stocked neighbourhood market, fish glistening in icy piles, luscious salads and vegetables heaped like jewels, breads, meats and preserves of every kind, puddings and desserts to tempt and tantalise, and a sunny terrace to return to with our booty.

However, don't think I'm deprived at home in Tooting. Maybe it's less glamorous and exotic but we've got a large covered market here too!' - Sandra Newnham, London 

Editor's Note: Sandra and her husband have become very enthusiastic home exchangers during their first four years as Home Base Holidays members and Sandra is a regular contributor to this blog and our newsletter. See the couple's London home exchange offer (members: logon). Tempt them with the foodie delights in your area!

 

Adult child in home during a home exchange

Q:  If I do a long term holiday home swap with my home in London is it okay for my son to remain in the property whilst the persons stay at the property? - Roger

A:  It is fine to have your adult son in situ during the period of a long home swap but do make this very clear in your exchange offer and when in contact with other members, e.g. whether your son will be sharing the kitchen, a bathroom, etc with your guests, his age, how much time he will spend at home and whether he will be available to answer any questions they may have about your home or London while staying in your home.

Guest article: Home Security Tips Before Going on a Home Exchange

Many people would be wary of the idea of 'strangers' living in their homes. However, with a home exchange,  both parties will be living (temporarily) in each  other's  homes and this gives a great incentive to get to know each other well by regular communication in the run-up to the exchange dates. So, a home swap arrangement is more like having friends come to stay rather than strangers.

You may still be concerned about precious or valuable items being broken (editor's note: Home Base Holidays, established in 1985, has had no reports of theft during an exchange), or that your home exchanger will forget to lock your house. In either case, the possibility of this happening is pretty slim. Studies have shown that a home occupied is safer than one left empty while the homeowner is away. Not only that, but home exchange can be a wonderful experience! You have your own space for you and your family, and you’re able to feel more a part of whatever culture it is you are experiencing. But, before you leave your house to switch with theirs, there are a couple tips and tricks you should leave behind for your future guests—this way, you’re left with even more peace of mind.

Safety for Your Valuables

• There should be great communication between you and your future guests. You both should establish 'rules”' in the household for things that can and cannot be used.
• Leave any doors locked that you don’t want them going through—this could be closets, a certain bedroom, etc. If doing so, let your exchanger guests know in advance what will be specifically off limits.
• Any items that you own that you’re afraid of being broken, place in locked rooms.
• Write down a list of items for them that you don’t want moved. This could be TVs, bookshelves, tables or chairs, etc.
• Lastly, tell a neighbor or a friend you trust about your future guests, so they can keep an extra eye out for you.

Safety Guidelines that They Should Follow

• You have all of your favorite possessions locked away, and you’ve established a set of ground rules for them to abide by. Now, what happens when they leave your house?
• Most of the time, it’s easier to leave a 'manual' for your guests to read, and have handy in case they forget any sort of password that they may need.
• If you have a security system, you definitely need to leave a manual for them to read through. Make it easy though—leave out any sort of information they wouldn’t need to know; the simpler the directions, the better. Tell them the code to use, how to turn it off and on, and in case of emergency, the local fire department or police department phone number.
• Leave a set of keys with a neighbour or friend living close by and let your exchange partners know how to contact them in the unlikely event that they misplace your keys (leave a note by your front door as a reminder on how to lock up and other security precautions when they go out). 
• Let your guests know how to set timers for lights in or outside your home. Leave steps for them to take and follow when leaving the house, and when they are going to bed.
• Besides establishing these rules for the house, it is helpful to leave notes above any switches—saying what turns on what.
• If they’re borrowing your car too (this should be arranged well before they arrive), then leave a manual 'how to' for the car as well: how to unlock/lock your car, how to use the AC, tips on how to use the radio in the car, and how to adjust the seats/mirrors.

After creating these steps and guidelines for your future guests, remember that they’re expecting the same care for their home when you arrive. Home exchange is great  fun but be thorough in providing detailed information on security in your home. Happy vacation!

Naomi Broderick is a professional writer who is secure in her abilities and even more confident in her parenting. When she’s not juggling her three children in the front yard she writes for ProtectYourHome.com, a leader in home security.

The Home Exchange Newsletter - Home Swappers, July 2013

The July issue of Home Swappers Newsletter is now available. Topics:

• Featured listing: Seaview cottage, Isle of Wight - a stone's throw from the timeless English village of Bonchurch
• Member's home exchange report: a perfect introduction to home swapping!
• 20% discount on Home Base Holidays membership: see newsletter for code (ends 9th July)
• Book winners: 'The Promise of Provence'
• Member request: Spain to UK exchange needed this September  
• Exclusive offer: Join a second home exchange agency for free

Read articles in this issue in full and previous issues of Home Swappers Newsletter, in the Newsletter Archive. Subscribe to receive the newsletter as published.