House Swapping

[Charlotte Rowan]

Has anyone done this as a means of affordably and less touristy vacationing? Any success stories, horror stories or tips?

[Tammy]

Have you ever seen the movie The Holiday? It's two folks adventure on House Swapping.

Sorry, I have no real answers for your question.

[Auryn]

I have often wondered the same.
You see it in movies and what not but I've never actually met or spoken with someone who actually did it.
in theory its great but how do you know the person that comes to your house isnt a weirdo or jacks all your stuff, you know.

[Bonny Pearl]

i believe there are agencies that handle this.  if i were to attempt this i'd go through an agency. 

[Barret]

This isn't house swapping, but is an affordable way to travel and get a little local flavor, check out couch surfing. http://www.couchsurfing.org/ this is a non-profit group dedicated to help people find couches around the world to crash on, they have tips on staying safe while couch surfing etc. I have friends who have used it and had mixed experiences. Some people really enjoyed it, others felt a little weird about it, but no one I know has had a really bad experience Ie: stuff stolen, broken, fights, etc. Just thought I would throw it out.

[Charlotte Rowan]

I don't think most of the agencies really screen you, but there is a fee to join, so maybe that puts off people who aren't serious.

Ahh yes, couch surfing. I work in a study abroad office and every now and then I get a question from students about it. This makes me a little more leery, as I'm not too interested in actually being in the house with people I've never met... although maybe that's messed up, lol! We've talked about maybe giving house swapping a try next summer. I really want to go to Ireland, but I don't want to blow all of our savings on it!!

[RumbaRue]

My parents did it with a couple from England several years ago.
They said it was quite an adventure for both couples.
I know my dad got into a minor accident driving the other couple's car (backed into a post), but he paid for the repairs and no problems.
I understand the couple from England went to Disneyland etc. and both couples had a great time in both countries.
BTW- my parents met the couple on another trip somewhere which is how they got to be friends.