Posted on Wednesday, 29 March 2023

If Nancy Meyers' rom-com The Holiday is anything to go by, temporary house swaps are an effective way to meet someone very attractive from the other side of the Atlantic.

But ending up in a loving embrace with a Cameron Diaz or Jude Law lookalike (delete as appropriate) is far from guaranteed on your home swap holiday.

The history of house swapping holidays

The first organised house swap holidays – home exchanges – originated in the 1950s, through a group of academics who wanted to travel internationally on a limited budget during their summer holidays.

Founded in 1953 in Switzerland, this first ever house exchange network, Intervac International is still active today (albeit, through the developments in technology, the process of arranging a house swap has naturally changed somewhat since those early days!).

Back then you would select your preferred locations from a catalogue and letters had to be exchanged over several months.

Today there are a number of house swap websites.

This instant access to searches worldwide, has contribute to an increase in the popularity of house swap vacations around the world. 

House swap holidays - The benefits

When you opt for a home exchange holiday, what you might get, if you do your homework, is effectively a free stay in a comfortable home somewhere nice: Think, a holiday home swap in the UK could land you with a stay in a cottage on the Cornish coast, a city break in a flat in a trendy part of London, or bolthole in the Cotswolds.

Of course, the person or family with whom you switch houses for a holiday will need to find your property (and its location) as interesting as you find theirs. But the grass is often greener - so while you might think your two-bed in Essex is a little dull, for someone from the Scottish Highlands, the house swap holiday might mean London's world-class theatres, museums and nightlife are within easy reach.

Considerations to arranging a house swap holiday

Sorting out a great house swap holiday requires a certain degree of research and planning.

If you’re looking to arrange your first exchange, here are some tips for making the process for house swap holidays as smooth as possible.

1. Arrange your house swap as early as possible

Since the Coronavirus pandemic, Staycations and UK holiday accommodation have become a lot more popular.

With this changing trend and the Cost of Living crisis, demand for available holiday house swaps in the UK is likely to be higher than normal.

If you are planning a holiday home exchange in the UK, it is best to arrange your home swap vacation as soon as possible.

2. Choose a reputable house-swap company

When it comes to arranging a house swap holiday, there’s a whole host of home exchange sites and home swap websites to choose from, whether you are looking for a holiday house swap in the UK or abroad.

Some of the well-established, best home swap websites to consider for your first exchange include:

• Love Home Swap (lovehomeswap.com)
• Green Theme International (gti-home-exchange.com)
• Home Base Holidays (homebase-hols.com)
• Home Exchange (homeexchange.com)
• Intervac Home Exchange (gb.intervac-home exchange.com)
• HomeLink UK (homelink.org.uk)
  
  

3. Beware of the costs of house swap holidays

While you won't need to pay rent for your house-swap holiday, you'll need to pay the membership fee for the house swap website, which ranges from around £30 to £240 per year.

Packages vary, but you can expect to be able to view potential house swappers, and add your own listing.

You can then make contact with people and begin arranging a holiday home swap.

Although you can expect a free home exchange - be aware that you may have to pay their bills while you’re staying in their house, alongside the membership fee for the home exchange sites.

4. Choose a suitable home for your holiday house swap

You'll need a property for your holiday home swap that suits your planned activities and lifestyle.

For example, if you're lusting after long countryside rambles, when arranging home swapping, make sure there are good walking routes nearby.

If you have a young family, you might want to pick a holiday house exchange where messing up the furnishings won't result in a huge bill. A big garden might also be a good choice if you're travelling with young kids.

And if you plan to cook a lot, ensure the kitchen facilities at your chosen holiday home swap are sufficient.

5. Leave nothing to chance when home swapping

House swap websites do not inspect properties they list, so it's up to you to ensure the place is suitable.

Scrutinise photos and get as much information as you can.

If they've house-swapped before, check their feedback.

You should also agree how you're going to split the bills when arranging your house exchange holiday: in most cases each swapper pays their bills as normal, with the exception of landline costs.

6. Agree any necessary tasks to be undertaken during the home exchange holiday

When you exchange holiday homes with someone, there may be tasks you would like them to undertake during the swap.

If you want the swapper to water the plants - perhaps even look after pets - then you should make this crystal clear.

Equally, they may have requests of you during your home swap vacation.

7. Prepare for vehicle swaps as part of your holiday home swap

You may also decide to swap vehicles as part of your holiday home swap.

If so, make sure you tell your motor insurer before the house swap begins.

It's also a good idea to note down any tips/advice relating to driving your particular vehicle before you swap homes.

8. Think about home insurance before arranging a house swap

Your present home insurance should continue to work as normal, because a house swap is a non-commercial activity. However, it's best to check with your provider.

That said, if something valuable did go missing, it's unlikely you would be covered because there would have been no break in.

With this in mind, take valuables with you, or put them in safe keeping during your home swap holidays..

9. Get the right travel insurance

Make sure your travel insurance includes cancellation cover - in the event that something goes wrong just before your house swap holiday is due to begin.

Hey Jude?

If you follow these tips for your home exchange vacation, you might just have a holiday as idyllic as Cameron Diaz did in The Holiday - although probably minus the affections of Jude Law.

Money saving tips for holidays

For more helpful money saving tips for your holidays, take a look at our blog, 27 Ways to Slash Your Travel Costs - Start Travel

 

Looking for inspiration for your next holiday destination?

Perhaps St Barts in the Caribbean could be the ideal destination for your next holiday? Or have you always dreamt of diving on the Great Barrier Reef?

Looking for somewhere a little nearer to home? The vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Bucharest offers an ideal alternative for a European city break. 

Find more inspiration with our selection of travel guides.

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