In times like these when money is tight, I’m always inspired by people who get really creative about how to still enjoy life’s luxuries. Taking vacations is a perfect example. People everywhere are saving a ton of money by “exchanging” their house with others that want to swap houses with them for their vacation. I first learned of this concept when I saw it on Oprah about a year ago, and then today when I saw this video, I knew I had to share it with you.
Upon hearing about this idea, almost everyone immediately becomes nervous about having strangers in their home, but according to http://www.homeexchange.com, “Think of home exchange as Internet dating for your home. Before you would actually go on a date with someone you met on the Internet, you would exchange some emails, talk on the phone a few times, and swap recent photos. By the time you agreed to meet, it wouldn’t be with a “stranger”. You wouldn’t go on a date if you didn’t feel a connection, and the same goes for a home exchange.”
Home Exchange has assisted thousands of people save a ton of money on hotels and restaurants around the world. Although you have to be very open minded to try this, it is apparently changing the travel perspective for a lot of people. Instead of being in a cramped hotel on your vacation, you are in a home environment experiencing the city like a local.
I wonder if this will catch on to the point of being considered a real vacation alternative. I guess only time will tell! This video offers some great insight on this creative option.
