apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I haven't exactly done a house-swap, but for years my sister, her family and I have rented homes in London to stay in. It's really nice to live in a real house on vacation. The last time we had a four-bedroomed house in Fulham, with a small garden and a sunroom. It's very handy to have a full kitchen and laundry facilities, especially when you have kids. The kids can play in one room and watch TV, while the adults are in another. The owners usually leave great local advice--where to shop for food, best local restaurants, instructions for mass transit, etc.

I want to do this with someone I know or at least a friend of a friend. Not a complete stranger.

I would do it with someone I knew. I have a lot of friends who moved all over and would consider swapping with them. But I wouldn't feel comfortable swapping with a stranger. I'd even probably be a bit worried about a friend of a friend.

I've known people who have done this and had a great experience. If I found the right house/people I would do it in a heart beat! Sign me up for anywhere in Europe :)

We actually are researching this subject right now. But having a semi-kosher home is a bit of a problem as we have to find kosher or vegitarian family to swap homes with.

I would do it... you see photos of other people's places beforehand. I don't think I'd offer my car, but I'd take the big valuables out and go for it. If it meant a free place to stay in Paris... I'd do it.

We rent our home out for a week each year for an annual sporting event. It more than pays for the vacation! And it is great motivation to keep your home well maintained and clutter free. We are thinking that one year we may try to swap our home for another. We have two closets that have locks so we can put away the things that we don't want the renters to have access to.

When I was in HS, about 20 years ago, we did this for several years in a row and went to France, London, Spain and Hawaii. It was great...we got to use the families' cars and usually met their friends; sometimes even got to go to a party and join the local community. We like to cook at home sometimes so very much liked having a kitchen, not to mention much more space than in a hotel room, and way more affordable!
We never had any problem with anyone hurting our house in any way..it was totally win/win.