Swap or Share, It's Time for Summer

It is that time of year again. Memorial/Victoria Day are right around the corner and soon enough, if you are lucky, early Fridays and long summer weekends will kick in. If you are dreaming of a weekly poolside escape or an international beachfront property, then keep reading.

Many of us pass too quickly on the possibility of finding a summer home because we consider it a luxury reserved for the rich and famous. Yet these days housing swaps are becoming the norm in affordable hot spots travel.

Just take tips from Jeff, one of our previously featured Solo Spotlights, who has vacationed with his kids in almost every European city and is now heading north for a two week adventure in the Canadian Rockies. He saves money and gets a more local experience by doing home swaps. "The beauty of home stays are the amenities that I depend upon as a single Dad. It may sound insane, but a kitchen and laundry room go a long way when you are dealing with two pre-pubescent boys."

Unlike summer shares,which are typically flooded by the post college party crowd, swapping homes is a one-to-one exchange so there are no bills to split and the only mess to clean up is your own. That's assuming you're willing to deal with the subscription costs of home exchange sites like Digsville, typically $100 for an annual fee, and the potential risks of having a stranger stay in your home.

For Laura, who works as a teacher and spends summer weekends hitting beaches throughout the United States, it has all proven worthwhile. "I love to surf, but with my salary I could barely afford finding a place to stay. Bartering places has allowed me to make the most of my time off in the summer."

As for the rules? The same ones you would apply when setting up your online dating profile: be honest about your place and eventually you will find a match.

Things to Remember When Swapping:

1. Review your home insurance policy to familiarize yourself with what you are or are not responsible for regarding property damages, accidents and injuries in your household.

2. If you are traveling with a pet, find out if they are permitted. If you are allergic, make sure there are no pets on the premises during (or even prior to) your stay.

3. To save further on costs, find out if cars are included in the exchange.

4. Do research on the neighborhood to make sure it is safe and centrally located. You may also want to reach out, if possible, to neighbors who can make your visit a lot friendlier.

5. Check if they have any references from past house swappers.

6. Determine beforehand how bills and cleaning will be handled.

7. Ask for lots of pictures!