Swap houses and cost-save

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If you have ever stayed in a friend's house while they are away holidaying somewhere else, you will understand how this scheme works. House Swap Holidays offers a wide variety of Australian, NZ, and worldwide accommodation to suit any traveller.

You could find yourself on a weekend getaway, a month-long escape or a long-term adventure staying anywhere within driving or flying distance - from luxury multimillion dollar beachside villas, cosy country retreats to city-centre apartments. There are over 1700 homes to choose from and they're all available free.

"House Swapping is especially popular with families and retirees," says House Swap's Bee Cogger. "Families usually incur big costs when it comes to larger holiday accommodation, but this way they get to eliminate those costs altogether, often home swapping with other families who have bikes, swimming pools, a family car, tennis courts and children's play equipment. Retirees also love home swapping because they have more flexibility around travel dates and are often open to the possibility of longer term holidays."

Years ago, it was mainly wealthy professionals who enjoyed home swaps, now - thanks to the internet - the concept has gathered momentum and is open to everyone.

"The types of home swaps people choose are as varied as they are," says Bee. "It doesn't matter how big or small or where your home is, as long as it is clean and well-maintained, someone out there might want to swap."

"Our members are happy to give others the run of their home because they're usually swapping with each other at the same time," says Bee. "And if you think about it, people's homes are usually better appointed and equipped than a hotel room, and it's typically safer to have someone take care of your home than leave it empty while you're away."

So what makes a successful home swap and how safe is it to have strangers stay in your home?

"The reality is we don't encourage people to swap with strangers," says Bee. - The key to a successful swap is building trust. Getting to know your home swap partners before the swap and doing reference checks all help build trust and, as friendships are formed, this helps ensure the process goes smoothly."

For further details please visit the House Swap Holidays website or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by email or 0408 466 153.

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