Looking at houseswapping - where would you go?

[chicaguapa]

I'm planning a couple of breaks for 2014 and considering going down the houseswapping route. But I'm struggling with ideas of where to go. Part of me thinks it's an opportunity for a cheap break so we should choose northern Europe and drive there for petrol & ferry costs only. But the other part thinks that of the accommodation is free, we have extra money to fly somewhere.

Looking at February half term, Easter & May half term. Any inspiration? I'm looking here at the moment but haven't joined. www. Homelink.org.uk

We have been members of www.homeexchange.com for many years and have had fantastic swaps with Europe and the US. A few tips for first timers;- most swappers plan well in advance, especially the US where arrangements are made almost a year in advance as they get so few holidays they make very detailed advance plans. Also this means that the best places are often gone by say Jan/Feb for the summer months. How many offers you get will primarily depend on where you are located and how attractive your home is (from photos and description as much as the house itself). We are lucky to be located in Edinburgh which means we turn away hundreds of offers each year and can afford to be choosy but another location may not be as well known or traditionally attractive to tourists. However, we have swapped with people in what could be considered obscure locations but they suited us due to having friends in the area or interest in a particular sport/ activity/historic feature of the area.
You need to be more flexible in terms of location and dates than you would be if you were "picking your own" holiday from a brochure. Also you are expected to do a bit of legwork for your swap partners such as finding out information on local events/ activities of interest - for example this summer we clinched a swap where the family was looking also at another city because I got them lots of information on English language classes and kids summer camps in our area which is what they were interested in.
For half terms in particular you need to consider whether the dates match up with other countries if you are looking for a family house swap- it may be that you need to look at the information online about school terms as it varies enormously.
Overall though, it is absolutely the best way to travel- you get to stay in some fantastic places and generally have much more space, facilities and convenience than you would have in a holiday apartment. We have met most of our house swap partners face to face which has been a bonus but not always possible or necessary. You do need to spend some time cleaning at the end of your holiday and also prepare your own house to a good standard but it is a small price to pay for the savings you make.

Thanks 3nations. That looks like a nicer site than Homelink with a bit more info and nicely laid out. And a bit cheaper too. We live between the New Forest and Winchester so I'm sure with the right photos and blurb we should be able to find someone who'd like to visit our area.

I can do planning holidays well in advance. Sounds like it could be fun! I think we might try for an exchange to Bruges for next year as it's on our list of places to visit but 2 bed apartments are around ?150 a night.