You have probably heard about Home Exchange or House Swap from friends, or from the movie "The Holiday" starring Cameron Diaz. House Swapping is when two parties exchange their homes at the same time for a vacation. It has been becoming increasingly popular in the last few years as a result of the downturn in the economy, and the increase of internet usage around the world. Here are a few things you might not know about House Swapping:

1. People Who Rent Can Still Home Exchange

Most people think they would love to home exchange, but they can't because they rent. In reality, you can do a home exchange even if you rent your home. It is a good idea to let your landlord know your plans. Often home exchangers will let their neighbors know about the exchange so they know to expect new visitors and the neighbors often stop by to make the home exchangers feel at home.

2. You Can Save Half the Cost of Travel

When you calculate the expenses, it costs about half the cost when you do a home exchange. Home rentals and hotels can add up to hundreds of dollars, and when you have completely free accommodations it allows you to splurge in other ways. Many people take a much longer vacation such as a month instead of 2 weeks because they are saving on hotel fees.

3. People Home Exchange For Reasons Other Than Travel

Many people will home exchange for a business trip. It is common to be relocated for short to long term business trips, so many people home exchange for their accommodations while working away from home. Not only does it save the cost of paying for your place back home and away, but it gives you the comforts of home instead of living out of a mini fridge in a cramped hotel.

4. The Number One Reason People Don't Exchange

The top reason people do not home exchange who are interested, is that they think no one would be interested in staying in their home. In reality, every home has something unique to offer and there are likely interesting things to do in your area. So start thinking like a tourist to find why someone would want to visit your city. You can highlight what makes your home unique and interesting activities in the area.

5. The Top Concern to People New to Home Exchange

People new to home exchange are most concerned about security. They are worried about having a stranger in their home and if they might steal something. In reality, it is extremely uncommon to have any problems during the exchange. Many home exchangers have done multiple home exchanges so you can chat with their references, and you get to know the other party before the exchange to see if you are a compatible match.

6. You Have Options For Added Security

For added security, chectravel offers the only insurance specifically for home exchangers. It covers lost baggage, damages, and cancelations. In addition, WorldHomeExchanges offers a unique exchange contract that both parties fill out with all the details, sign over the computer and receive a copy by email. Be sure to have clear confirmation about all the details like travel date, number of people in the party, and how you plan to exchange the keys.

7. Just How Popular Home Exchange Is

About 200,000 people will do a home exchange around the world this year. There are people interested in exchange in almost every country and many people get so hooked on doing a home exchange, it is their primary way to travel.

We hope you have enjoyed this article brought to you by World Home Exchanges.