Q: Are there any security measures we should take when arranging a swap? As everything is done on e-mail can we reassure ourselves everything is bona fide? Are there ever any 'scams' and is there any way we can avoid them? – Millie C.
A: Home Base Holidays has never had any scams reported involving home swaps (only a couple of ‘too good to be true’ New York city rental offers a few years ago that fortunately were reported and blocked before any members lost money. Note: we don’t accept rental only listings and no money changes hands with a direct home swap).
Take your time before committing to an exchange (your potential exchange partners will have the same initial concerns as you do until they have got to know you and so will understand that you will want to ask questions on various aspects of the proposed exchange before agreeing to go ahead).
Most of your arrangements will likely be done by email via your member area for convenience (and to keep a record of what you have agreed) but many members arrange a time for a phone call or two in the run-up to their exchange dates (Skype is a popular and cost-free way to do this).
For reassurance, you may wish to offer to supply personal references to potential exchange partners in return for the same. If you are a first-time exchanger, you could also try to exchange with members who have exchanged before as they will be able to supply references from, or put you in touch with, previous exchange partners who can answer any questions you have; you will see ‘experienced exchanger’ in the profiles of such members. There is also a Trip Report function available; you can access these reports on past exchanges when viewing listings (a good number of experienced exchangers have added trip reports to their listings).
If your exchange involves flights, agree to buy tickets at the same time and share your receipts (members who have paid a substantial amount for flights are very unlikely to change their minds about an agreed exchange).
“We have just returned from a holiday in Ludlow, a beautiful town in a stunning English county. This wasn't a swap but a rental because Ludlow is a town I really wanted to visit but I hadn't managed to secure an exchange. And here I come to the point of this piece: with home exchange you won't always get exactly what you think you want. Sometimes, if there's somewhere you really want to go, you may have to holiday by more conventional means. Sometimes you may go somewhere you'd never really considered and will have a fabulous time.
So what if you've listed your home and seem to be getting nowhere? Firstly, take a look at your listing and be realistic about how it comes across. Think about properties you like the sound of. Are their owners writing in a way that's more appealing than you are? What are your pictures like? Shots of your area are all well and good but people can find those on the internet. It's what your home looks like that they're really interested in. Make sure you are truthful about the number in your party. It's annoying to see three people as a header and then read down and see you want to bring four more. Make sure you fill in your profile. When I see ‘details to be added later’ I look elsewhere.
Then be pro-active in your search. Don't expect members to contact you. Send out some requests, and do it in a personal way so that the recipient knows you've looked at their listing and it's their property you're interested in. Be friendly, honest and open in your approach. If you hear nothing (and I'm sorry some members are tardy responders) try again after a couple of weeks. If your dates are fixed then send your messages out in good time or use the ‘last minute offers’ section.
Finally, be open minded. One of our favourite home swaps was to Oxford, normally a day trip destination for we Londoners but it was lovely to walk a different route into town each day from our riverside apartment. Another surprise was Frome (in photo). We thought, ‘Why not? There's a railway station there.’ It turned out to be the most delightful town with an amazing medieval centre and an unusual church.
Broaden your thinking, get looking and get messaging. I'm sure you'll find a swap you love. We have found about twenty!” - Sandra Newnham
Click here to see Sandra’s home swap offer in London.
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is one of Britain's most exciting tourist destinations with a fascinating mix of ancient and modern architecture, plenty of insightful museums and galleries and stunning scenery in a priceless setting. Edinburgh, also called "the Athens of the North", is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a great variety of fine restaurants and shops and numerous sights and attractions. But despite being such a great place to explore it is also one of the most expensive places in Britain. That’s why we create this budget-friendly guide to discover Edinburgh without breaking the bank.
Things to do
Edinburgh offers plenty of things to do which are absolutely free of charge.
Head to the famous Royal Mile. It is home to the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the skyline of the city and was built on the summit of the castle rock in the early twelfth century. Along the Royal Mile there is also the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which is the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, the iconic St Giles’ Cathedral and the Scottish Parliament building.
Visit the museums and galleries. Edinburgh has a huge range of museums and galleries, which are free to enter. Visit the Museum of Edinburgh, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery or the Writers' Museum without spending a cent.
Climb up Arthur’s Seat. Take in the ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel before the steep climb to the rocky summit with its incredible views.
Recharge your batteries at the beach. Edinburgh city beach, Portobello Beach, retains its traditional seaside charm despite its urban location. Stroll along the promenade and treat yourself with a delicious crepe or ice cream and take a refreshing swim in the water.
Discover Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Edinburgh's beautiful Old and New Towns have with 4,500 listed buildings the highest concentration of World Heritage Sites in the world.
Cheap (free!) accommodation
Especially during high season hotels in Edinburgh can be very expensive. Even if you don’t stay close to all main attractions room prices tend to be quite high. One great alternative is to arrange a home exchange in Edinburgh. It is a great way to save money and to experience a city with totally different eyes. When arranging a home exchange in Edinburgh you agree to swap homes for a set period of time with another person or family living in Edinburgh. A home swap in Edinburgh is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy your stay and have a really authentic experience and see the city like a true local. Besides enjoying free accommodation, choosing to swap homes brings many additional benefits: you have the space, comforts and luxuries of a real home and, in your exchange partners, you have a fantastic resource of tips and advice.
If you're interested in arranging a home swap in Edinburgh then check out the Home Base Holidays website (www.homebase-hols.com)
Transportation
With the Lothian Buses you can get pretty much everywhere in the capital and beyond and reach all the main attractions. And with an all-day ticket for only £2.50 it is a total bargain. Plenty of sights are also in walking distance which makes strolls enjoyable.
Food
Eating out during your holidays can get pretty expensive. To save some money and to take a break from the city’s hustle pack up a picnic and relax in Princes Street Gardens. Enjoy stunning views of Edinburgh Castle while eating your lunch. Edinburgh also has plenty of cheap restaurants and pubs, which offer lunch specials.
Looking to arrange a home swap in Edinburgh? How about this...
Stylish 3-bed home in Edinburgh
Award winning, architect designed house with garden in Edinburgh. Minimal, open plan space with polished concrete floor and wood burning stove. 3 beds upstairs one with loft sleeping area and study downstairs.
Q: Do I get points for letting someone stay at my apartment? - Jane C, Melbourne
A: Home Base Holidays does not operate a points system (as such systems seem unnecessarily complicated).
Q: How long are these points valid for please? So if I cannot use up all the points I get in one year – how long do they last before they expire?
A: As there are no points, there is no expiry date.
Q: Can I do more than one house swap a year? Does this change the pricing or costs in any way?
A: Once you have paid your one-off six month or one year membership fee, you are free to arrange as many swaps as you wish without any additional charges (many members use the service for weekend breaks as well as longer holidays) during your membership period. You will be sent a renewal reminder when your membership expiry date is getting close.
Q: Can I list more than one apartment with my membership?
A: Yes. Once you have joined and added your first apartment, you will be able to add a second listing at no additional cost (from a link in your private member area).
Q: How many photos can I put on your site showing off my property please?
A: Add as many photos as you wish – there is no limit.
Home Base Holidays Helping provide travel tips and advice on arranging your home exchange holidays. Do get in touch if you have any questions about home swapping or if you are interested in contributing to the blog.
