International Home Exchange Program

You can give your wallet a serious break by using a home exchange service. You give up the front desk and new towels every day, but you'll have fewer trepidations when you browse what's out there, who's doing it, and the feedback from people who have used these services. Obviously, there's no guarantee you'll be happy with the home you choose or that your own home will be in the condition you expect when you return. But complaints are relatively few for this kind of deal.

That's because you get a plenty of info about your prospective partners in swap travel on the websites of the various companies, and on their house or apartment, including photos of the exterior, interior, what amenities are included, and information about the area. Some even include the use of the car.

HomeLink International is the oldest company, founded in 1952, and has over 11,000 listings worldwide. Yearly membership is $75. HomeExchange, founded in 1992, has over 6,000 listings and costs $49.95. InterVac, founded in 1953, has over 10,000 members and costs $68.88 for a year.
From MUG May 2005