Bonuses that will keep you House Swapping
When we told friends we were thinking of home swapping they nearly all said something like, "But aren't you worried about strangers in your house?". However I think the fact that most insurers do not charge any extra for having your exchange party stay in your home is a good reassurance... I mean, what better way to ensure that your home and possessions are safe and secure while you are away! Like most people it was the free accommodation aspect that had first attracted us to the idea. We have however always preferred renting houses or apartments when going away. We love the freedom it provides and also the ability to prepare some of our own meals. That was also one of the advantages of home exchanging, we had a kitchen not only equipped with the basic necessities but also decent knives, chopping boards etc, sometimes herbs in the garden and always condiments and oils in the cupboards. But it is the unexpected benefits that have provided the most pleasure: the joy of viewing other people's books and the fun of learning about their lives and surroundings before you travel. I received an e-mail from one of our exchange partners, Linda, she wrote about the day she and Ian went foraging for wild garlic; and when we arrived at her home there in her fridge was a little pot of wild garlic pesto! So thanks to Jo for the casserole, to Pat and Sylvia for the choice of a bottle from their wine rack and for picking us up from the station, oh and to Linda for the home baked bread. We are now preparing for our trip to Barcelona by getting to know Jose via Home Base Holidays and, as ever, this is adding to the anticipation of our holiday. It's these bonuses that will keep you house swapping! Sandra Newnham
View Sandra's lovely Home Exchange offer in London (HE22742)
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