Trading Places; Going Home Swapping

Michelle and Frank Mckeown of the UK enjoyed a home swap in California which included exploring the Sierra’s at the Coleman’s cabin.

“I could never let strangers sleep in my bed,” declares a skeptical friend. Michele and Frank might be foreigners but not strangers, not after dozens of email dispatches across the pond. It all stems from last year’s early winter doldrums, when dreams of globe-trotting sparked a gypsy dance in my head. How can we keep traveling as the dollars dwindle?

I rented The Holiday: Two heartbroken women meet on the Internet, swap homes for Christmas and find that a change of scenery can transform your life. After its release, home exchange memberships soared. I joined SeniorHomeExchange.com, (3 years, $59) hoping for off-season travel and non-simultaneous swaps. First step: I posted our Auburn house and high Sierra cabin, uploaded photos, then browsed listings. The McKeown’s popped out: their northeast London flat or the 2 BR place on the Essex Coast. “Looking for an exchange near Bay Area, as I have relatives in Northern California.” Bingo. I crafted my pitch, AKA selling points meant to tempt would-be travelers to trade. After describing the delightful haunts near both places, our new British friends were drawn by tall pines and rugged landscape of the Stanislaus National Forest where our little cabin is perched.

After their Bay Area exchange the McKeown’s proceeded, via email instructions, to the cabin, retrieved our key from its hiding place and settled in for the “lovely” week, hiking around Pinecrest Lake, day trip to Yosemite, Calaveras Big Trees, Columbia State Park. Still in Norway, we missed them, but they left behind notes, gifts, reminders to visit soon, and a cleaner cabin than when they found it. A surprise bonus: Kathy and Stan—their traveling buddies—invited us to bunk at their summer cottage in the south of France, anytime. Some call this a deferred or banked exchange. Merci beaucoup.

Swapping is a two-way venture, based on mutual trust. It forces you to take a leap of faith. No contracts, no security deposits. No control freaks please. Aside from cost savings it’s a cultural adventure; you live like a local, meet the neighbors. On the Net it’s easy to find homes that match your style. Swapping requires you wear your hospitality hat. As the McKeown’s visit neared, I collected brochures from visitor’s centers and the Forest Service, typed up tips on what to do, where to go and to expect a visit from the raccoon should you leave the lid off the BBQ. Squirrels enchanted our new friends, and they hope we’ll soon fly over and be enchanted in-kind very soon. I am liking this already.

If it’s your cup of tea, browse some exchange sites and join up. Keep your options open, parameters wide or search for short swaps close to home. Email your prospects of your interest in trading places; add suggested dates, length of stay, etc. Keep your note simple and friendly. Describe your home plus amenities but focus on location. What’s to experience in River City and beyond. Remind them, in only 90 minutes they can leave their heart in San Francisco. Get creative. Note prospective exchanger’s hobbies, interests. History, hiking, biking, railroads, golfing, rafting, theater? Zero in on those link websites. Wine lovers might go for the less-crowded just as picturesque Amador County Wine country. Wait for bites, see what strikes your fancy and fits your budget, then let the arranging begin. You may hear from folks with family in the area, who prefer an exchange–where they can cook meals and do laundry—-over paying for a hotel.

Still squeamish about exchanging? Check out HouseCarers.com, see what colorful locales are calling you. People (like us) with a passion for travel, resist leaving an empty house, hate boarding their beloved cat, so we seek trustworthy travelers, ones who’ll feed Fifi and water the fickle ferns. I’m always scrounging for a house-sitter prior to our long holidays, so I may investigate this option and see what transpires.

When it comes to travel, the world is your oyster. And the oyster, with all its hidden splendor, does nothing but sit waiting in the water. If you’re looking for a travel pearl, you have to go in search of it.
Home Exchange Sites to browse: homeexchange.com, homeforexchange.com, HomeExchange50plus.com seniorhomeexchange.com

About the author Jan Coleman

Jan Coleman is an author and conference speaker. She packs her suitcase from Auburn. Contact her at jan@jancoleman.com
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