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Swap
Homes for a Free Vacation Home Away from Home |
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A home exchange is -
we trade places,
you stay at my place while I stay at yours. By trading places
two families, couples or singles - either from different parts of the
area you live in, country, or the world - agree to exchange homes
for a vacation or holiday. Typically home exchanges are arranged
for 1 to 4 weeks with cars an option to be included in the arrangement.
There is also the option of exchanging homes for a relaxing weekend
getaway to a nearby location. Some travelers use a home exchange as a
means of affordable longer term free accommodation. Since
no money changes hands between the parties - you can have a first
class vacation anywhere in the world and free home accommodation!
Because,
when all is said and done, a home vacation exchange is the single most
logical, reasonable, sensible, indeed brilliant, method of vacationing
in travel today. Instead of leaving your home or apartment empty and
unused during the time of your vacation, you derive a benefit from it,
you treat it as an asset. You trade places temporarily for another home
or apartment, eliminating all costs of lodgings from your
vacation budget.
|
to |
swap |
échanger |
to |
trade |
échanger |
to |
stay |
séjourner |
the |
couple
(-s) |
couple |
the |
single
(-s) |
célibataire |
|
either...or... |
soit
... soit |
the |
area |
zone,
région |
the |
country |
pays |
the |
world |
monde |
to |
agree |
se
mettre d'accord pour |
to |
exchange |
échanger |
a |
vacation |
vacances |
the |
holiday |
vacances |
|
typically |
typiquement |
to |
arrange |
arranger |
a |
getaway |
échappée |
|
nearby |
proche |
a |
location |
endroit |
|
affordable |
abordable |
a |
traveler |
voyageur |
a |
means |
moyen |
|
free
accommodation |
logement
gratuit |
the |
money |
argent |
|
to
change hands |
changer
de main |
the |
parties |
les
parties |
to |
derive
from |
tirer
de |
the |
asset |
capital |
the |
apartment |
appartement |
the |
lodging |
hébergement |
|
Where do I
start?
This
page is for you. To learn about a vacation home exchange, about trading
spaces for short term holidays and perhaps to join the thousands of
individuals and families that travel on a vacation home exchange each
year. Here are some ideas on how to arrange and prepare for a
successful home exchange.
Home
exchange has been around for decades. It might take a few
e-mails, faxes or international phone calls to arrange the swap, but
once you have agreed most things fall into place.
Together with exchanging homes you may swap cars - brilliant for
low-cost touring or day trips. You also swap advice about local sights,
services, pubs and bargain shopping. |
to |
start |
démarrer |
|
short
term |
à
court terme |
the |
individual
(ts) |
individu |
the |
family
(-ies) |
famille |
|
prepare
for |
se
préparer pour |
|
to
be around |
exister |
the |
decade
(-s) |
dizaine
d'années |
to |
fall
into place |
se
mettre en place |
|
together |
avec |
|
brilliant |
brillant |
|
low-cost |
à
bas prix |
the |
touring |
tourisme |
|
day
trip (-s) |
excursion
à la journée |
|
advice |
des
conseils |
the |
local
sights |
les
curiosités locales |
|
services |
services |
|
pubs |
pubs |
|
bargain
shopping |
les
bonnes affaires |
|
People unfamiliar with the process are often concerned that their home
won't be suitable - perhaps too small, or in an unfashionable location.
These concerns are rarely obstacles to a successful swap; after all,
home is home, and if you're happy with your place, chances are someone
else will be, too. Home swappers can be singles, family groups or
retirees. Teachers have embraced the concept more than any other
profession, perhaps due to their holiday or work-exchange
opportunities, and self-employed people often have the flexibility to
take holidays.
Not that holiday home swapping is purely for international travel. Many
travelers happily trade homes around their own nation.
"Once
bitten by the vacation home exchange bug, many people choose to swap
homes in different locations every year. Some have made over 50
vacation house swaps over several years. Although the majority of
home swappers trade once a year, it is possible to fit two or three
swaps in a typical year. Even local trades are possible–and
practical–for those who don’t want to travel far."
From
a
home exchange article featuring Global by Arthur Frommer, world
renowned travel writer.
|
the |
process |
procédé |
to |
be
concerned that |
être
inquiet à l'idée que |
|
to
be suitable |
être
convenable |
|
unfashionable |
peu
recherché |
the |
concern
(-s) |
inquiétude |
the |
obstacle
(ts) |
obstacle |
|
successful |
réussi |
the |
retiree
(-s) |
retraité |
to |
embrace |
adopter |
the |
opportunity
(-ies) |
opportunité |
the |
self-employed
people |
indépendants |
the |
flexibility |
flexibilité |
|
not
that |
ce
n'est pas pour autant |
|
around
their own nation |
dans
leur propre pays |
|
once
bitten by. the..bug |
une
fois mordu par |
to |
choose |
choisir |
the |
swapper
(-s) |
échangiste |
to |
fit
in |
intégrer |
|
featuring |
caractérisant |
|
renowned |
réputé |
a |
travel
writer |
écrivain
et explorateur |
|
single |
seul,
unique |
|
vacationing |
prendre
des vacances |
|
in
travel |
en
voyageant |
to |
derive
a benefit from |
tirer
un bénéfice de |
the |
asset |
le
capital |
the |
lodging |
le
logement |
|
One
of
the first questions to ask is when would you like to go? Some home
exchangers like to plan years ahead, while others are open to swapping
homes within a few days. Most home exchangers, however, start
looking for exchange partners 9 to 12 months ahead of going. Start by
exploring the home exchange
listings. Then have fun planning and writing your own
listing.
IDEAS ON HOW TO GET AN EXCHANGE
List
your home. Be sure to
include photos of your home or area you live in. Give yourself
some time to find an exchange. Many experienced home swappers
plan to start seeking an exchange 6 to 9 months before they travel.
Creating
the initial "sell" letter
The
first letter you send to potential exchangers should express your
tentative interest, pending further correspondence.
-
Introduce
your family, the ages of your children, careers, hobbies and special
interests. Especially when teens and kids are involved, including a
family photo is a good idea.
-
Outline
the advantages of your home–i.e., its proximity to tourist
attractions, shopping, safe and quiet neighborhood, climate.
-
Provide
a detailed description of the interior and exterior of your home,
listing features like working fireplace, oriental carpets, antiques,
childproofing, barbecue and outside eating area
-
If
offering a car, give the make, year and condition. An automatic makes
driving on an unaccustomed side of the road much easier.
-
Provide
references if you are an experienced exchanger.
-
List
your preferred dates and length of exchange. The more flexible you are,
the better your chances.
-
Be
honest. Your abode may be humbler than that villa in Tuscany where
you’re hoping to go, but if the time and the place are right,
your potential exchange partners would probably prefer your home to a
hotel.
|
|
ahead |
d'avance |
|
within
a few days |
en
quelques jours |
|
however |
cependant |
|
ahead
of going |
avant
de partir |
to |
start
by + ing |
commencer
par |
the |
listing |
listing |
to |
have
fun + ing |
prendre
du plaisir |
to |
get |
obtenir |
to |
list
|
s'enregistrer
sur une liste |
the |
sell
letter |
la
lettre de "vente" |
to |
express |
exprimer |
|
tentative
interest |
intérêt
pour un essai |
|
pending |
en
attendant |
|
further |
complémentaire |
to |
introduce |
préssenter |
the |
career
(-s) |
carrière |
the |
hobby
(-ies) |
loisirs |
the |
interest
(-s) |
intérêt |
the |
teens |
teenagers |
the |
kid
(s) |
enfant |
to |
be
involved |
ête
impliqué |
to |
outline |
souligner |
the |
advantage
(-s) |
avantage |
the |
proximity |
proximité |
the |
attraction
('-s) |
attraction |
the |
shopping |
shopping |
the |
neighborhood |
voisinage |
the |
climate |
climat |
the |
interior |
intérieur |
the |
exterior |
extérieur |
the |
feature
(-s) |
caractéristiques |
the |
working
fireplace |
cheminée
en état de marche |
the |
oriental
carpet (-s) |
tapis
oriental |
the |
antiques |
antiquités |
the |
childproofing |
sécurité
enfant |
the |
barbecue |
barbecue |
|
outside
eating area |
salle
à manger d'extérieur |
|
if
offering... |
si
vous offrez... |
the |
make |
le
modèle |
the |
year |
année |
the |
condition |
état |
|
unaccustomed |
inhabituel |
the |
abode |
domicile,
demeure |
|
humble |
humble,
modeste |
|
CONGRATULATIONS -YOU HAVE A HOME EXCHANGE! SO
NOW WHAT?
Here
are several "class" ideas that experienced home exchangers have
contributed. You may have other helpful ideas. You are warmly
welcomed to share these with others.
-
No
need to redecorate, but leave your home spotless. Dust, mop and vacuum
floors, clean out the refrigerator, scour the stove and oven, and clean
the windows. Make sure bathrooms are free of mold and mildew.
-
Clear
away enough of your own things in drawers, closets and bathroom
cupboards so your guests have room to empty their suitcases and make
themselves at home.
-
Leave
at least two sets of linens and towels.
-
Arrange
for people to tend the garden and pool, as well as clean the house if
you and your fellow exchangers have not agreed to do these chores
yourselves.
-
Write
your house and car insurance companies to inform them of the exchange
dates. Your home insurer is likely to consider the presence of house
guests to be a plus, since an empty home is a target for burglars. (In
fact, some insurance policies are nullified if the house is left empty
for more than 10 days.) Let your auto insurer know the names and
driver’s license numbers of those who’ll be operating your
car. Car exchangers might want to consider increasing their
automobile coverage during the exchange period by lowering the
deductible and raising the third-party liability.
-
Ask
a friend, neighbor or family member to welcome your guests and answer
questions.
-
Make
sure all appliances are in good working order.
-
Lock
away any valuables and important papers, preferably away from your home.
-
Compile
a guide to your home and surroundings, including recommended local
restaurants and attractions, nearby public tennis courts, swimming
pools, golf courses, pool and garden maintenance, when trash goes out,
phone numbers of doctors, dentists, plumbers, electricians,
babysitters, the nearest hospital.
-
Avoid
misunderstandings by having a written agreement about exchange dates,
the number of people involved, use of the car, and who pays what in
terms of utility and long-distance bills, etc.
-
Leave
the makings of a simple meal and a small welcome gift–for
example, a bottle of wine or a guidebook on your area.
Gifts
are a nice touch but aren't a necessary part of a home exchange.
Have
fun planning your trip.
IDEAS TO HELP
MAKE AN EXCHANGE A BETTER EXPERIENCE
-
Arrange
for a number of friends to contact your exchange partners.
-
Arrange
to leave your partner enough provisions to get them through the first
few days. Things like toilet paper, facial tissue, a few food items,
some tea or coffee, bread and juice are practical.
-
NO
MATTER HOW CUTE AND LOVEABLE, PETS, PLANTS AND ROOM MATES may be; it is
best to make these arrangements with your home exchange partner ahead
of time so that both families understand the potential challenges and
agree to accept these possibilities.
WHAT ABOUT AN EXCHANGE WITH CHILDREN ?
|
|
spotless |
sans
aucune trace |
to |
dust |
faire
la poussière |
to |
mop |
passer
le balai |
to |
vacuum |
passer
l'aspirateur |
to |
clean
out |
vider
(le réfrigérateur) |
to |
scour |
récurer |
the |
stove |
cuisinière |
the |
oven |
four |
the |
mold |
moisissure |
the |
mildew |
mildiou,
rouille |
to |
clear
away |
faire
de la place |
the |
drawer
(-s) |
tiroir |
the
|
closets |
toilettes |
the |
cupboard
(-s) |
placard |
the |
guest
(-s) |
hôte |
the |
suitcase
(-s) |
bagage |
to |
make
oneself at home |
s'installer |
|
at
least |
au
moins |
|
set
(-s) |
jeu |
the |
linen
(-s) |
drap |
the |
towel
(-s) |
serviette |
to |
tend |
entretenir,
s'occuper de |
the |
garden |
jardin |
the |
pool |
piscine |
the |
chore
(-s) |
travaux
ménagers |
the |
insurer |
assureur |
the |
target |
objectif |
the |
burglar
(-s) |
voleur |
to |
nullify |
annuler,
invalider |
|
empty |
vide |
to |
operate |
utiliser |
the |
coverage |
couverture |
to |
lower |
abaisser |
to |
raise |
augmenter |
the |
third-party
liability |
la
responsabilité des tiers |
a |
neighbor |
voisin |
to |
welcome |
accueillir |
the |
applicance
(-s) |
équipement |
the |
working
order |
état
de fonctionnement |
to |
lock
away |
mettre
en lieu sûr |
the |
valuable
(-s) |
les
objets de valeur |
|
preferably |
de
préférence |
|
away
from home |
en
dehors de la maison |
to |
compile |
composer |
a |
guide |
guide |
the |
surroundings |
environs |
|
recommended |
r"commandé |
the |
swimming
pool |
piscine |
the |
tennis
court |
court
de tennis |
the |
golf
course |
terrrain
de golf |
the |
maintenance |
entretien |
|
when
trash goes out |
en
cas de problèmes |
to |
avoid |
éviter |
the |
misunderstanding
(-s) |
malentendu |
a |
written
agreement |
accord
écrit |
|
involved |
impliqué |
the |
use |
utilisation |
|
utility |
service |
|
long
distance bills |
notes
de téléphone pour appels à longue distance |
the |
provision
(-s) |
provision |
the |
making
(-s) |
ingredients |
the |
gift |
cadeau |
the |
touch |
attention |
to
|
have
fun + ing |
prendre
du plaisir à |
to |
arrange
for |
s'arranger pour
que |
a |
number
of |
un
certain nombre |
to |
get
someone through |
aider
qqn à passer |
|
toilet
paper |
papier
toilette |
|
facial
tissue |
kleenex |
|
food
items |
nourriture |
|
tea |
thé |
|
coffee |
café |
|
bread |
pain |
|
juice |
jus
de fruits |
|
no
matter |
aucune
importance |
|
cute |
mignon |
|
loveable |
attachant |
|
pets |
animaux
familiers |
|
plants |
plantes |
|
roommate
(-s) |
camarade
de chambre |
|
ahead
of time |
d'avance |
|
it
is best to |
c'est
mieux de |
|
Read
what others are saying about their home exchange experiences
Global has been serving
home exchange and
vacation rental customers on the internet for over 7 years and has been
featured in the New York Times Wall Street Journal Los
Angeles Times San Francisco Chronicle San Diego
Union-Tribune Sacramento Bee Palm Springs Desert
Sun Consumer Reports Newsletter Orange County
Register Albany New York Times Union Vancouver
Sun Edmonton Journal Halifax Chronicle -
Herald Winnipeg Free Press Denver Rocky Mountain News New
Zealand Herald Sydney Morning Herald Bottom Line
Personal Frommers Budget Travel Magazine as one of the
world's 20 best travel bargains US News and World Report as news
worth reading Chatelaine Magazine and hundreds of other
quality world-wide newspapers, travel magazines and Internet travel
news articles. We have also been featured on national and
regional television in Canada (CTV and Access) and in the USA (ABC TV)
as well as on radio station talk shows.
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