HOME EXCHANGE

TRADING PLACES
THE ABCs OF HOME EXCHANGE

Chapter 4
BEING THERE

Travel is broadening, especially if you stop at all the recommended eating places. -- Unknown
You are on your way to the vacation of your dreams. You're looking forward to experiencing the pleasures of an unfamiliar spot with all the comforts of home. Your pets are safe at home with your home exchange partner, your garden will be well tended while you're gone, and you've spent a lot of time building a relationship of trust with your home exchange partner. If this is your first home exchange, you still may feel a bit uncertain about what to expect when you get to your destination. Chances are, your home exchange partners will be providing you with a home information kit containing many of the items you included in your welcome package to them. This, along with the research you've done, should put your mind at ease. Some home exchangers take along their correspondence file for that particular home exchange because it too is filled with good information about the host's home and neighborhood.

When you first arrive at your destination you just might want to kick off your shoes and relax. If you arrive late in the evening, sleep may be your main priority. The first rooms you'll be looking for are the bedrooms and bathrooms. Unless you're staying in a 24-room villa, it shouldn't be too hard to locate your sleeping quarters. Whenever you're ready, you can take a more extensive tour of the home and check out all the rooms.

Hopefully, your exchange partner has left some room in the closet and drawers for your belongings. If not, you may choose to make some room for yourself. Take note of where things are so you can put them back in their proper spots.

Early on in your stay, be sure to locate the information package. This should tell you a lot about what you need to know. Take note of what items you use from any available food supplies so you can replace them before you leave. You might want to start a shopping list for this purpose. If brand names are unfamiliar to you, make a note of them.

Basically, staying in someone else's home is like living in your own household. Use the same common sense as you do when you're at home. Things like locking doors when you go out, closing windows in case of rain, unplugging electrical appliances during a lightning storm, and taking off your shoes if they're wet and muddy before entering the house are automatic to most people.

When your stay is over, consider the following before you leave your exchange partner's home.
· Replace food and other supplies you have used, such as sugar, spices, coffee, teas, paper goods, etc.
· Wash linens and put them away.
· Put items that you've moved back in their place.
· Leave a note with any important incidents that have transpired, such as phone calls or callers. If you've had a problem with something in the home, you may want to include that in your letter.
· Place keys in their specified locale.
· If applicable, leave money for long distance phone calls or any other reimbursements you've worked out beforehand.'
· A small gift, a token of your appreciation, is always a welcome surprise. Leave it on the table with a thank you note and perhaps a word or two about something special that happened during your stay.
The Golden Rule of home exchange is to treat your host's home as if it were your own and leave it the way you found it (if not better).
Most importantly, always bear in mind the three R's of home exchange: Responsibility, Respect, Relax!

Call Avant Travel 800-627-7260 or 859-233-0000

Info Courtesy - Home Exchange