A home exchange provides benefits such as free lodging, getting closer to the culture of a place your visiting, being a “transplant local,” that is part of the neighborhood, and possibly a life-time friendship with your exchange partners. Usage of a vehicle is often part of the exchange. Also, you have free house sitters while you’re away from your home. You can do all this for far less than the cost of staying in a Waikiki hotel for one night!
Anyone who owns or rents a home, apartment, condo, or even something like a yacht or motor home can participate.
The thought of strangers staying in your home may be scary but then as the home exchange services point out your exchange partner is taking a chance too. The better services, such as the two I describe in this chapter, have excellent ratings for safety and security.
While you will find many glamorous homes here you’ll also find average homes. For example, Oregon members with an RV exchanged with members who offered use of their villa in Italy because they wanted to tour the U.S. nomad style. Renters can participate too.
Weeks are usually spent getting to know each other, via mail and phone, so the agencies ask that you plan way ahead.
Speaking of sharing information, don’t ever use a home exchange service that doesn’t keep contact information such as your street address, phone and email address private until you decide to share it.
The two I describe here have extensive guides that explain the process, answer questions about home owners and car insurance (your guest is usually covered) and give you tips on how to get an exchange. From what I can see there are absolutely no hidden costs when dealing with these reputable businesses.
To read the updated version of this section on exchanging homes, as well learn about some other alternative lodging options, check out my new edition of the: Hawaii Eco Budget Travel Guide to Oahu
