House swapping holidays

[Andy Hamilton]

I have seen a few things about people swapping houses for a weeks holiday. I wondered if anyone had tried this, not sure how I would feel about having strangers poking about in my house, perhaps would not mind its not as if I have a body below the floorboards (its beneith the patio )

Er back to the point, anyone done this or know of anyone who has?

[Wombat]

Nope!

[Altica]

We've done it before, but only with family. I wouldn't do it with strangers.

[Fizzy Izzy]

When I was a kid,my family did this several times and always had a positive experience!

Since I was one of four kids there wasn't a lot of money and we probably wouldn't have had all the fantastic holidays that we did without house swaps. We went to Holland and Germany and the Czech Republic with house swaps. The only time something was not good was when we swapped with a family in Wales and they left our house a bit dirty. But nothing was broken/taken ever.

We were with a group which (I think) was called Christian House Exchange Fellowship. Don't know if it made much difference that it was Christian. I would recommend house swaps to anyone!

[Boots]

I would imagine that swapping with someone would be quite difficult... depending on what folks had, I guess.

Imagine a city slicker swapping with me!!! I would have to spend ages making how-to lists, or the poor buggers would have no water, no idea how to power up, or start temperamental engines and the animals would prolly start knocking at the door looking for a chat!!!

ROFL

Would make a heaps funny video though!

[Paddy's mum]

Until I lost my temper and put a stop to it in no uncertain terms, I endured a relative-by-marriage constantly tiptoeing up behind me and reading whatever I had on the pc screen. He was also fond of bending his neck and slanting his eyes in order to read whatever note or letter had been left on the dining table awaiting a reply. I'd be worried about how to protect our privacy from an incoming 'swap family'.

It's not that we do anything that is 'illegal, immoral or makes you fat' but the thought of someone just happening upon private letters, or worse, noting that my old and tatty knickers are now the floor cleaning cloth, would give me serious pause for thought.

A house swap with someone you know already is perhaps a much better idea - and after all, they would know that what is sauce for the goose might be sauce for the gander and keep their curiosity and comments to themselves!