Verdura beach, Sicily. Copyright Gretta Schifano
One of the biggest expenses of family holidays is the accommodation, especially as children get older and need more space. A great way to save on holiday accommodation costs is to sign up for a home swapping service. This involves paying an annual fee to register online. Once you’ve registered you have access to tens of thousands of properties around the world to potentially swap with yours for a holiday.
I think that home exchange holidays sound great but my husband’s not keen and so we’ve never tried one. However the lovely Kelly Innes (aka Domestic Goddesque) has been house swapping for years. I went to meet Kelly to find out all about home swapping holidays. This is what she told me:
You can contact Kelly over at Domestic Goddesque if you’d like to ask her anything about home swaps.
Have you ever tried a home exchange holiday? If not, would you like to?
We just started house swapping last year and wonder why it took us so long to start. We did 2 fantastic exchanges with cars which cost us next to nothing. To all the people worried about someone else in their house, stealing things etc just remember it is a 2 way exchange and the people staying in your place know that you’re in their’s and they’d want their place looked after too which brings a high level of respect and care. So apart from the fact that exchanging makes a holiday very affordable it also gives you a great insight into the local culture. You get to see what a local family has in their larder, what books are on the shelves, the design of the house etc. It’s fascinating. Plus in both our swaps our hosts left us invaluable local tips abut which shops to use, recommended restaurants etc which can’t be found in guide books or blogs as they are specific to the neighbourhood you’re in. I doubt we’ll ever pay to stay somewhere again!
Phoebe @ Lou Messugo recently posted…Cruising the Danube
Thanks for sharing your insights, it’s really interesting to hear your point of view. The ‘strangers in the house’ issue does seem to be people’s main concern. It wouldn’t worry me at all.
Whilst our flat is too small, it being a one bed and we have three cats, it is amazing that people do this, such a brilliant idea!
Stephen recently posted…365 days of blogging
I am intrigued by the concept, it is just that I am not comfortable with the thought of absolute strangers in my home, or me in theirs!
VaiChin @RamblingThroughParenthood recently posted…School Run Colours 14 Jan 2015
In theory I would love to try a home exchange but sadly I think our home would be a disappointment to visitors
Kara recently posted…Planning a Children’s Party
Great interview Gretta and Kelly. Learnt a lot about the practicalities of it all. Could take me a few years to make space in the cupboards!
Kirstie recently posted…Top 15 Adventure Ideas for 2015
Thanks Kirstie – I’m the same, but it could be a good excuse for a clearout!
I like the concept and idea of doing it, putting it into practise is not something I think I would feel comfortable doing x
Rachel recently posted…Emu Australia Boots Charlotte Black
I think it is a great idea in theory- but we are terribly clutter filled hoarder types and the prep to get our house comfortable for others to live in would take weeks!
Sonya Cisco recently posted…Oh You Pretty Things #1 – Christmas Presents
Great post, not sure I would want to stay in someone’s house though x
You Baby Me Mummy recently posted…How to secure a Blog Conference Sponsor
I would love to do this but not sure I would relax knowing others were in my house.
I have read about this but like your husband I would not feel happy having strangers living in my house.
Nayna Kanabar (@citrusspiceuk) recently posted…Asian Sweet Corn Soup
Hasn’t she got a beautiful voice?! 🙂 House swapping would be great for us as we’re a family of six and can’t really afford anywhere big! But not until our house is finished being extended, it’s a building site at the moment! I would worry though that people would pinch my things!! (sorry hehe) x
Carolynne @ Mummy Endeavours recently posted…Twin Tummy
Kelly does have a lovely voice, you’re right. It sounds like home swapping would work well for you once your house is finished.
I’ve been enviously following Kelly’s house swapping adventures for ages now. I just love it but know I could never do it personally
Clare Nicholas recently posted…Trying to maintain that work/home balance
What a brilliant idea, that would be very economic, leaving you extra money to spend – we would certainly consider this option for a holiday.
My Family Ties recently posted…Point & Shoot 13/1 – My Family Ties
I’ve never considered it but I find it unlikely someone would want to swap with me – you never know though!
Great interview! I’ve never really thought about doing this before but it is worth considering.
Bek Dillydrops recently posted…Carbon Monoxide Awareness
Great interview Gretta! It doesn’t surprise me that it’s more popular in Europe, for some reason I think we’re a bit more uptight about our homes!! (maybe that’s unfair?!) I like the idea of it though and would definitely consider it.
Globalmouse recently posted…“Adventures in Cold Places” – Lonely Planet’s fun activity book for kids
It really would depend on living somewhere that people would find desirable. I am not sure that my area is that wanted!
Jen aka Muminthemadhouse recently posted…Wheetabuddies – it is OK to play with your food!
I have often wondered about this though I am not sure I would want strangers staying in my house! I can definitely understand the appeal though and it is a great way to save money.
Mummy of Two recently posted…Saving money with TalkTalk in 2015
It really is, it’s unbelievably cheap.
Home swapping is not something I have tried or sure I could give a go, I think I’d want to vet the swappees very carefully before allowing someone else into my home lol x
Helen Neale recently posted…Win a Garmin Vivofit with Halfords and #31fitterdays
I think that many people share your concern but from what Kelly says it’s all fine.
I love hearing Kelly’s tales and she’s visited some fantastic countries. Great interview
Mari recently posted…Panettone bread and butter pudding
Thanks Mari, Kelly’s lovely to interview.
Thank you so much Gretta.
Domestic Goddesque recently posted…48 Hours in Edinburgh with children
Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience Kelly.