Home swapping is a great way for people to enjoy free holiday accommodation. It’s also a great way for expats to visit friends and family in their native country. Here are some reasons why:
Not imposing on friends and family
During the first few months after having moved abroad, you may find it easy and even cozy to spend your vacation at your friends and family’s house. But, as years go by, you will soon realize things change: people moved on, they get married, have kids, your family situation changes. As a result it can sometimes start to feel a little uncomfortable to impose your stay on them by spending weeks at a time in their home. Arranging a home swap near to your family and friends is an ideal way to return ‘home’ but have the space and freedom of your own house or apartment.
Living like a local
Isn’t this what you missed about your home country? When you are an expat, you miss the most insignificant things, and these experiences can’t easily be lived while staying in a hotel. You are there on holiday, but you are not exploring it as a tourist. You want to be able to cook a meal at home, have your friends over for coffee or tea, do the shopping and spend quality time with your family in the local way.
Saving money
In addition to the huge savings on accommodation, by arranging a home swap you can save even more money by doing day to day things in your home swap home that wouldn’t be easily possible from a hotel room. For example, you can cook at home, prepare sandwiches for day trips, and invite friends over instead of meeting out. Although they might seem small, these costs all add up. By cutting out accommodation costs while enjoy the comforts and convenience of a real home you might end up being able to stay longer or even plan trips back home more frequently.
The culture
When living as an expat, you may settled there with your family in your country of residence. Your kids might go to school there but it’s allows nice to be still keep them in touch with your culture. Talking your kids back to visit relatives in your native country can feel very important and home swapping makes doing so a more pleasant and affordable experience. Plus by staying in a real home in a real neighbourhood they will hopefully get a better feel for the culture you grew up in.
Not yet an expat but thinking about it?
If you’re tempted to move abroad but are nervous to take the plunge – home swapping can be a great way to get a feel for a new countries life style before you commit. Many home swaps are arranged for shorter periods but there are also plenty of people looking to exchange homes for longer periods such as 3+ months. As mentioned, you’ll be staying in a real home in a real neighbourhood and so should get a chance to test whether it is a place you could see yourself moving to permanently as an expat.
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Home Base Holidays: travel the home exchange way
Interested in home swapping? Check out Home Base Holidays for thousands of exchange travel offers worldwide.
