(NAPSI)—When your bucket list is full of destinations you’d love to visit, it can be hard to decide where to start and which ones to prioritize. From New York and Los Angeles to Paris and Tuscany, there’s a world of unique experiences. The price tag associated with wanderlust often gives people pause, but the sharing economy has introduced alternative travel options like home swapping, which can help make it affordable. Here are some of the benefits of using your house to travel the world.
Flexible Travel Options
If you’re new to home swapping, joining a network can help you get started. After creating a custom profile, you can reach out to your matches and arrange a swap. Many people are surprised to learn that you don’t have to make the traditional one-for-one home exchange. The Love Home Swap network, for example, adds flexibility by letting people accumulate points to use at a later date. For instance, if you’re away for the holidays, you can open your home up for stays and earn points to use for a future getaway.
A Bigger Budget for Fun
When you swap homes with someone, you’re saving a significant amount on accommodations. Aside from the membership cost to join a network, typically a few hundred dollars a year, you don’t have to worry about shelling out the daily rates and fees that come with more traditional lodging. Those savings can add up to more fun in your destination, giving you a bigger budget to spend on things like attractions, activities, local events, souvenirs and dining. Splurge on tickets for a Broadway show during your stay in New York City, or bring a private chef in to prepare your group a memorable meal.
Amenities to Fit Your Lifestyle
Swapping can have you feeling like your accommodations were tailor-made for your lifestyle. For example, if you’re planning a family vacation, swapping with another family whose home for exchange is packed with toys, books, high chairs and strollers can make life much easier. Common amenities you’d find in a house are a big convenience, too. Having a full kitchen at your disposal can help you save on dining costs, while multiple bedrooms keep everyone happy.
Authentic, Local Experiences
When people swap their homes, they often feel more connected to each other’s travel experiences. When you arrive, you’re likely to find local tips and recommendations from your co-swapper, from favorite cafés, restaurants and attractions to reliable transportation, cleaning and babysitting services. Staying in an authentic neighborhood can also lead to a deeper, more unique appreciation for the destination. You’ll have the chance to share your hometown love too by leaving your guests recommendations in return. Introducing people to your neighborhood can help you see it in a new light.
An Even Exchange
Since somebody else is going to be settling into your home while you’re gone, there’s no need to hire a house sitter. You can exchange minor maintenance tasks with your co-swapper such as watering each other’s plants, and you’ll have eyes and ears on your space while you’re away in case anything happens. The peace of mind of knowing your home is being cared for can help make travel more fun.
While it might seem counterintuitive to open your home up to a stranger, working with a trusted network can ease worries. Love Home Swap offers ID verification, a secure website, peer reviews and an around-the-clock customer service team to help people enjoy their home swapping experience.
Learn More
For further information or to start planning your own swap, visit www.LoveHomeSwap.com and browse destinations and available homes.
“When you swap homes with someone, you save a significant amount on accommodations. Those savings can add up to more fun, giving you a bigger budget to spend on things like attractions, activities, local events, souvenirs and dining. http://bit.ly/2Fn2Uby”
Swapping homes can make travel more fun and less expensive.