4. Discover Destinations You Never Thought Of
House swapping is kind of like online dating. You start with a wishlist of what you’re ideally looking for, but then you start compromising as potential partners stream in. Sometimes you initiate the contact, sometime others reach out to you. You can set specific destinations in your profile, but you never know what – or where – might pop into your inbox. Maybe you can’t reel in that charming Parisian apartment you had your heart set on, but you might get an intriguing bite from a cottage in a Normandy village you’d never heard of. If you’re open minded to serendipitous offers, magical matches and travel experiences can unfold.
5. Get Local Tips and Insights
One of the best benefits of house swapping is getting access to insider tips of what to do, things to see and where to eat in the area. Guidebooks and websites can’t compete with that homegrown local knowledge. Most hosts prepare a summary of practical suggestions, favorite recommendations and special haunts for their guests to check out. Just like you want them to have a good time exploring your region, your exchange partner wants to show off their vicinity too. Better than a hotel concierge, it’s a mutually beneficial source of insights that can take your trip to a deeper level.
6. Maybe Score a Free Car Too
If both parties agree to it, a vehicle exchange is sometimes worked into a house swapping arrangement. It’s usually just a matter of temporarily adding names and license information to each other’s auto insurance policies. If this is something you are comfortable with, the cost savings, convenience and mobility of a car swap can be significant.
