For some travelers, the idea of inviting a stranger to stay in their home might seem like the opposite of a relaxing vacation. However, for those who take the leap of faith, house exchanges can be worth it. Liz Barlow, a semi-retired management consultant, has completed 31 home swaps and saved over £20,000 by staying in other people’s homes free of charge. “It’s just like dating for homes,” Liz says.
Liz was hesitant at first to trade homes due to the worry of someone wrecking her house or stealing her belongings. Her first home exchange was to a detached bungalow in Australia in 2015. She and her husband then went on to swap their home for a clifftop house filled with quirky wooden furniture in South Africa.
The duo’s most memorable stay was in Alaska, where they were surrounded by trees in a wooden house. The experience was unforgettable, and Liz still dreams of returning. During their stay, the homeowner instructed Liz and her husband what items to save if there was an earthquake. Her priority was her quilting.
Rebecca Pyatt was inspired to try a home exchange herself after watching the film The Holiday, which portrayed the story of Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet swapping homes for the festive season. She says that home exchanges provide a taste of going on holiday while experiencing other people’s culture and lives. Rebecca and her friends stayed in the same house used by cast members during the
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