by Jennifer Johnson

Created on: July 26, 2009

Have you ever dreamed of traveling across the country - or around the world - and not spending a dime? Well, you may have to keep dreaming about an all expenses paid trip, but there just may be a way for you to take a vacation with absolutely free accommodations.

"House swapping" is an alternative to traditional vacations that has been around for years, but may be enjoying increased popularity recently due to the flagging economy.

The basic idea is that two homeowners simply swap homes for a set amount of time. I stay at your home, you stay at mine.

People have probably been swapping items since time began, so I suppose it was inevitable that eventually someone would have the idea to trade houses.

There are numerous benefits to house swapping as opposed to staying in a hotel:

*First and foremost, you save money! Accommodations take up a huge portion of a vacation budget and if you can eliminate that expense, the more you have to spend on fun.

*Staying in someone else's home allows you more room to relax, a kitchen to cook your meals...basically the benefits of a home away from home.

*Your home isn't vacant while you're gone; you get a free housesitter/petsitter.

*You get to experience the area like a 'local' rather than as a tourist.

So, what are the drawbacks? Well, quite obviously...strangers in your home! Your mind will likely ponder all the possibilities of them poking around your medicine cabinet, looking thru your dresser drawers, assessing your cleaning skills, etc.

A website devoted to house and hospitality swapping, HomeExchange (www.homeexchange.com), reassures visitors that the whole process is comparable to online dating. Before you agreed to a swap, you would have communicated with each other, swapped photos, got to know each other - so the other party wouldn't really be a 'stranger' at that point.

Hmmm...not quite sure I buy that. Apparently lots of other folks do, though, because HomeExchange boasts 28,000+ listings in its database.

But what if you live in the middle of nowhere - a place that's not exactly a tourist magnet? Don't give up yet. It may be more difficult to find someone willing to swap, but keep in mind, not all swappers do so for vacation - some might want to visit nearby friends or relatives or be assigned on business to your area and not want to be confined to a tiny hotel room. So your home might suit their needs perfectly.

Before you decide to embark on this adventure, do your homework!

Communication is key; get as much information as possible beforehand, including photos, etc. and make sure you have an agreement that details what each party expects in terms of cleaning, lawnwork, telephone use, pet care, plant care, and anything else along those lines so both swappers know exactly what is expected. Get the other swappers' contact numbers (and give yours), any local emergency numbers, recommendations for local shopping and restaurants, and possibly the name of a neighbor who might be willing to answer any questions if needed.

Once again, if you decide this is something you might be interested in, make sure you do thorough research beforehand - much better safe than sorry.

Who knows? You might just get that week in Paris - in spite of the tough economy.

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