Home Swappers: Issue 6
September/October 2000
http://www.homebase-hols.com

Home Swappers Newsletter is published bi-monthly to provide information on
home exchange for current and recent members of Home Base Holidays,
enquirers and Newsletter subscribers. If you do not want to receive further
Newsletters please send us a message with 'Remove from mailing list' in the
subject line plus your name in the message:

mailto:homeexchange@btinternet.com

Topics Covered:
  1. Canada, Malta and South Africa - Representatives' Websites
  2. What Happens if a Home Exchange is Not 'Balanced'?
  3.  (a) First 2001 Directory Deadline: 15 October
       (b) Renewing Membership On-line: 10% Discount
       (c) UK Car Insurance
  4. Member First Exchange: Belfast to Texas
  5. Channel 4 Documentary on Home Exchange
  6. Prize Draw Winners
  7. Traveller's Companion - Travel Guides & Maps
  8. Recommended Websites - Focus on Living Abroad
      (a) ExpatAccess
      (b) International Living
  9. Home Swappers Archives
10. Newsletter Contributions
11. Subscriptions

1. Canada, Malta and South Africa - Representatives' Websites

Home Base Holidays is fortunate to have three enthusiastic representatives -
Elizabeth in Canada, Miriam in Malta and Daleen in South Africa. Check out
their specific country sites:

Canada - http://home-trading.com
Malta (English) - http://www.homebase-hols.com/malta.shtml
Malta (Maltese) - http://www.homebase-hols.com/Malti.shtml
South Africa (English) - http://www.homebase-hols.com/southafrica.shtml
South Africa (Afrikaans) - http://www.homebase-hols.com/Afrikaans.shtml

Country representatives are happy to answer questions and send you an
information package on request.

2. What Happens if a Home Exchange is Not 'Balanced'?

'I came across your site on the internet; it looks like a great idea! I have a Q I hope you can answer. I have a small 1 bedroom apartment in Hollywood, LA, a great location, but most of the apartments I saw in your listings were larger. What happens if the if the exchange is not "balanced", that is my apartment being small and I would exchange to a larger one? Is that possible or can I pay the difference?' - Kristine

Not all exchanges are equal and there should normally be no need to balance this by the member with the smaller home paying compensation. It's probably more useful to look at the number of people in the exchange party rather than at the number of bedrooms in their homes. You will then know if your apartment is big enough to accommodate the member - you will probably need to stick to couples or singles unless you have a sofa bed that would accommodate a third person at a pinch. We have a large number of members who don't have children (or whose children are grown up and not part of the exchange party) so you should have a good choice of exchange possibilities.

Whatever the size of their own home, most people are just looking for a base in the area they want to visit rather than a replica of their own home - and even the smallest apartment is going to give them more space than a hotel room! You are in a great location and I am sure will find lots of interest in an exchange offer, especially from many of our UK members - California is a favourite destination.

 3. (a) First 2001 Directory Deadline: 15 October

Home Base Holidays publishes three directories each year - in November, March and June. Listings are included in the first directory published after you join or renew your membership. Many experienced members aim, if possible, to be listed in the November directory (final deadline: 15 October) as this edition is in circulation the longest (until late July) and is sent to all members without internet access as they join throughout the season. Planning an exchange in 2001? Join now for the best chances of finding the most suitable exchange:

http://www.homebase-hols.com/join.shtml

    (b) Renewing Membership On-line: 10% Discount

Members with a password to view listings on our website can now easily make changes to listings to update them for the new season and renew membership on-line at the 10% renewal discount rates. It is still important that we publish directories in order to circulate listings to the many members worldwide without internet access; however, with around 80% of all members now having internet access, the majority of such members are choosing the internet only membership option in order to access listings as new members join throughout the year. Log on and click on the renewal link in the member area:

http://www.homebase-hols.com/login.shtml

Contact Home Base Holidays if you can't remember your password and/or user
ID:

mailto:homeexchange@btinternet.com

    (c) UK Car Insurance

Most members who agree to exchange cars as part of a home swap don't have problems getting insurance cover for their exchange partners. Every year, however, we hear from one or two UK members who find that their car insurance companies refuse to cover, invariably American, members. We have heard of members using the same companies receiving entirely different information and this has made it difficult to recommend any particular insurance companies. The only company we have had consistently good reports on is AA Insurance (in the UK call: 0800 444777). I hope that mentioning this company doesn't jinx the service for members! If you are a member who has had particularly good - or bad - experiences with a car insurance company we would like to hear from you so that your recommendations can be passed on to other members.

mailto:homeexchange@btinternet.com

If you decide to include your car in your exchange offer be sure to check out the insurance before committing yourself to swapping cars. Also do remember to stipulate any restrictions on car use (such as limitation on mileage) in your agreement with your exchange partner. See the Guidelines for further information:

http://www.homebase-hols.com/guidelines.shtml

  4. Member First Exchange: Belfast to Texas

The following report was sent by Belfast member, Tom McGonigle, on his family's first exchange experiences. The full article is included as it gives an excellent introduction to both making the necessary arrangements before an exchange fun for all the family and making the most of being in a local community while on an exchange. Members can check out the McGonigle's latest exchange offer at HE2626:

This exchange (our first) originated when a family trip to relatives in Zimbabwe had to be cancelled because they had the temerity to migrate back home after 15 years, thus scotching our millennium holiday project!  Home exchange seemed the next most viable alternative for a party of 6, and we decided to try for an exchange with a family from the USA. Ultimately we had 3 possibilities, with Austin, Texas proving to be most compatible in terms of child-friendliness and dates. Having set up the exchange in December 1999, we really enjoyed the long lead-in.  Communication by e-mail and phone reassured us that we were dealing with responsible people who shared our priorities and interests.  The children enjoyed getting to know each other via e-mail, planning theme park visits, comparing toys and games, favourite things to do locally and preferred restaurants. The sense of anticipation was enhanced by exchange of photos and books about local activities, and organising flight arrangements.

Our family had a marvellous time in Texas. The different way of life engendered a sense of fun, education and adventure.  Besides driving a large van with automatic gears on "the wrong side of the road", we swam in creeks with turtles and catfish (while buzzards hovered overhead!), ate BBQ, rode all the nearby rollercoasters, shopped at Outlet Stores, listened to Tex-Mex music and the Austin Symphony Orchestra, won the prize for "Most Patriotically Dressed" at our local July 4th Street Party (definitely a rigged vote by hospitable neighbours!), and of course visited the Alamo.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of the trip was that we met several people who share our interests.  Some genealogical enthusiasts who share our surname travelled long distances to meet up with us, and we enjoyed lots of convivial company, good meals and discussions.  I was also hosted on an extremely interesting day with the Texas Youth Commission whose role in society is similar to my occupation.  These meetings were set up in advance via the internet, and resulted in the establishment of friendships which will endure.  The people whom we met everywhere were very friendly and courteous, and the home exchange concept which they thought was "neat" or "cool" caught the imagination of many.

The home in which we stayed was large, well-equipped, and very suitable for our 4 children, especially as we were enrolled at the nearby swimming pool. It was pleasant to chill out indoors with the air-conditioning and fans (no central heating radiators here!).  The children enjoyed the range of different toys, videos and books, and found it novel to watch a sprinkler system operating, and the squads of Mexican workmen from "Perfect Lawns of Austin" tending the grass. The local daily newspaper - the Austin-American Statesman - provided a good flavour of local issues and concerns.  Prices were quite similar to those in Ireland - apart from petrol, which is only a quarter of the price that we pay!  We ate out frequently, sampling a range of Mexican food, though resorted to burgers and "fries" on a few occasions to placate young palates!

Flexibility and readiness to compromise are required for a successful home exchange.  We had to adapt dates and shorten our ideal length of stay (though compensated by making a 4 day stopover in Boston on the way home); it was difficult to obtain insurance cover for Americans to drive vehicles in Ireland, whereas it proved very straightforward for us to be insured to drive in Texas. However there is no doubt that the advantages significantly outweigh any inconvenience, and detailed planning reaps its reward.  It was very interesting and enjoyable to meet people in their own community, staying in a home where children and adults could be comfortable; we effected major savings in accommodation and transport costs. In addition this holiday experience was shared by a wider circle of our family and friends. In particular the friends and relations who met each family at airports (in our case arriving 4 hours late - at 3 am - into Austin airport), and those who organised day trips or evening meals all gained from the experience by making their contribution, and are consequently more interested in seeing the photos and video to learn how the other half of the exchange worked out.

Next time we hope to meet up with our exchange family - unfortunately by the time we realised that we would actually like to meet each other, flights were booked.  Consequently we feel we missed out on meeting a family whom our relations and neighbours describe as "lovely people".

On the basis of the trip to Texas experience we are certainly in the market for another exchange next year. If interested, see our entry at HE2626. -Tom McGonigle

5. Channel 4 Documentary on Home Exchange

Some members who are experienced exchangers will already have spoken to Sarah Walker at Maverick Television. Sarah sends her thanks to all of you who took the time to share your interesting stories.

Maverick Television are developing a documentary idea for Channel 4 about people who swap homes.  We would like to hear from you if you are a first time swapper and are about to experience an overseas holiday with a difference. Contact Kate or Sarah on 01527 852 660 or email us with your views at katevines@mavericktelevision.fsnet.co.uk

6. Prize Draw Winners

The most recent prize winners from the members and subscribers lists are:

July  2000 - Paris member, Philippe Marchand (HE10289) - French edition of 'Ulysses Travel Guide to Canada'.

August 2000 - Robert Ellis, who lives in rural Gloucestershire, England, is the winner of 'DeLorme Florida Atlas'. View Robert's listing: HE6730.

7. Traveller's Companion - Selected Travel Guides and Maps

All DeLorme atlases are on special offer throughout September at £11.50 through our association with The Traveller's Companion Bookshop. See the current selection of guides and atlases chosen with popular exchange destinations in mind on our Travel Books page:

http://www.homebase-hols.com/books.shtml

No added postage charge for members and a £1 per order only charge for non-members.

The Traveller's Companion - 'bringing together the best in travel guides, maps, atlases, video and audio'.

8. Recommended Websites - Focus on Living Abroad

Some Home Base Holidays members use a home swap as a way of 'checking out' an area or country before moving there.

   (a) ExpatAccess

ExpatAccess is an online resource for expatriates moving to or within Europe. The site offers practical information on how to move to 8 major European countries. The addition of more European countries is planned. Myriam Warson launched the site in June 1999. She decided to use her experiences of having lived in different countries to build the site. Many visitors have commented on how the site had made their move easier.

The goal of ExpatAccess is to help the DIY Expats. These are the growing numbers of "do-it-yourself" expats who move without company assistance to another country. ExpatAccess has grown from a hundred visitors a day to more than a thousand. The discussion boards give visitors the opportunity to ask questions or share experiences. Visitors appreciate tools such as the currency or time zone converter. The site also offers articles on expatriate living, general news and news for Canadians and Americans. http://www.expataccess.com

     (b) International Living

RETIRE OVERSEAS Learn about the world's six best places to live or retire. Live like royalty on $14 a day. Own an exotic beachfront getaway for $35,000. Or romantic pied-a-terre for under $60,000. Enjoy fine restaurant dining for $7 per person. Get the details in your FREE report now. http://www.agora-inc.com/iltravel/hswap1

9.  Home Swappers Archives

If you miss any issues of Home Swappers you can read back editions on the website:

http://www.homebase-hols.com/news.shtml

10. Newsletter Contributions

If you have had a home exchange holiday we would be pleased to receive your contributions for the Newsletter - short articles about your exchange experiences and tips for those new to the idea of swapping homes. Members' articles include HE reference numbers to give added publicity for their exchange offers. We also welcome questions from all considering home exchange for the first time. Information on travel related websites or other travel bargains which could be of interest to readers of Home Swappers are also appreciated.

-Lois Sealey

mailto:homeexchange@btinternet.com

11. Subscription Information

We are very happy for you to forward Home Swappers to friends and colleagues who may be interested in home exchange but the newsletter must be sent in full. All Home Swappers content is copyright and cannot be used in any form without written permission from Home Base Holidays.

To subscribe, send us a message with your name and e-mail address and 'Add to mailing list' in the subject line.

To unsubscribe, send a message with your name and e-mail address and 'Remove from mailing list' in the subject line.

mailto:homeexchange@btinternet.com

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HOME BASE HOLIDAYS, 7 Park Ave, London N13 5PG, England
tel: +44(0)20 8886 8752  fax: +44(0)20 8245 9532
mailto:homeexchange@btinternet.com
http://www.homebase-hols.com
1985-2000: 15th year providing a home exchange holiday service worldwide

Any questions on home exchange? Contact us - we will be pleased to help.

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