Swap Houses to Save Money on Vacation

According to a recent survey, 40% of Americans said they would change travel plans because of rising costs and worries about a slumping economy. More than one-third of those said they would postpone or cancel trips.

Still, plenty of people are looking to escape work and still get out of the house without spending a lot of money.

One way to do it is by participating in a home exchange, where travelers swap houses, condos or apartments for vacations. You'll need to do some advance work and be at least a little bit adventurous, flexible and trusting. In exchange, though, you can have a great vacation in which you pay absolutely nothing for lodging. Swappers can also save money by eating and drinking at home part of the time.

But the benefits go beyond the financial, as home swaps can offer more space, tailored to your needs in terms of bedrooms and baths. And vacationing in a home offers the sort of cultural immersion -- especially in exotic regions -- that's tough to find in hotels or even tourist centers.

Arthur Frommer, founder of the well-known travel guide firm, put it this way on his blog: "[Home swapping] is the single most logical, sensible, economical, and rewarding method of travel," adding "more and more Americans have decided [it] is the 'way to go' in these days of a weak U.S. dollar."

Indeed, there are thousands of homes available, and more than likely some people who'd be interested in swapping with you. Here's what you need to know:

« Previous Page

1 2 3 4

Next Page »