Home exchange is a way to trade between travelers and swap where you stay in their home while they stay in your home. Don’t worry it’s not going to part of some reality TV show like Wife Swap. It is part of the great sharing economy that is now helping families across the world save from the high fees of hotels, taxes, and travel expenses. Homes, bungalows, apartments, condos are all listed on home exchange marketplaces for people who want to experience the world and not be locked down in one location. One great thing about it is the experience of living like a local if you choose not to be in a touristy area.
You are enabled to list your home and to search other homes where you would like to stay in these marketplaces. They normally facilitate the trade between you and the other homeowners. You are expected to pay an annual membership fee for this service but if you consider the cost of a hotel rooms you may save quite a bit of money. Once you decide on your destination and family you would like to exchange homes with you communicate with them to discuss specifics. Your personal email is not involved so that you will not be spammed by some business that is acting like a homeowner. You then move on to the next step of agreeing to each others terms and prepare for travel and getting your home ready for visitors to enjoy.
American Airlines has one of my favorite miles programs out there so this is pretty exciting to get an easy 500 miles added to your account especially if you need some activity in the account. All you need to do is fill out a 1 or two minute easy survey on Facebook that awards 500 American Airlines AAdvantage miles.