house swapping for holidays

[Talou1]

Hi, didn't know where to put this message but know it will be seen in here. With the cost of holidays in school term time has anyone considered/done the above? We are looking into it as a way of going on holiday home or abroad but a bit nervous about it. Just wondered if anyone had any experience of this good or bad? Ta.

There is actually a House Swapping topic on here somewhere.

Ta Portofino,can you remember where you saw it?

Yes we've been doing it for 4 years, we are on a French website (we love France) and go there every summer. They have houses for swaps all over the world - mostly Europe but also North America Australia. It's fantastic and we've had so far only very positive experiences in beautiful locations - Provence, the mountain, the sea... but you have to be flexible on a lot of things.

We also had 3 exchanges for short breaks in the UK. This is more hard work as you have to get your house ready for the exchange and it's not worth it for a weekend.

The website we use is www.trocmaison.com

Yup - used to use intervac (for 4 years) and then another one who's name escapes me - never had any problems, just fab cheap holidays. Don't do it now but only because have very little time and more money whereas used to have tonnes of time and zilch money!

thanks blueberry, do u find it easy to get people who want to come to yours? I will check out the web as i think its a great way to see new places, just feels weird that strangers will be in our house but then i guess i'll be a stranger in theirs so it works both ways!

We've done a few swaps and have really enjoyed the experience. we went to Normandy with switchome.org for 2 weeks and got to Disneyland for 2 nights. We also did one with a family about an hour away but as Blue berry said it is too much hassle for a short stay. we did 10 days this summer near Legoland which was through NCT and loved it.
I think its a great idea

yes shushpenfold, know exactly whaty you mean about time... and what's money!?

Here you go!

I'll swap Brussels for Derbyshire/Yorkshire with at Easter with anyone who can live with cat/lodger and doesn't expect spotlessness

We live in London and ten minutes walk from a station on the Central line, and so many people want to visit London. We have a huge amount of offers every year from families all over Europe - so many people want to visit London.

I'm not very precious about my house and my stuff - we are a bit of a shrine for Ikea stuff and most of my furniture is second hand or very cheap.

You should always check with your insurance first though.