Instead of staying at a hotel for your next vacation or holiday, why not choose to do a house swap instead? A house swap enables you to enjoy a vacation in many parts of the world for free. In making this type of arrangement, two families who live in different geographic locations, agree to enjoy a holiday while staying in the home of the other. The length of time for the swap can vary, but most people agree to a swap lasting from two to four weeks. For shorter weekend trips, a swap may involve the houses of two families who simply live in different parts of Sri Lanka as well.
Benefits of a home swap
Of course, a home swap offers the opportunity to travel and have a free place to stay. However, people do house swaps for many reasons. A home exchange can allow someone to live closer to family for a special event. A home swap offers an excellent home base for planning a move to another country for work or retirement. In areas with few hotels, a home swap can offer a unique holiday experience that would not be possible otherwise.
Many enjoy a holiday in Sri Lanka
The beautiful country of Sri Lanka is a popular tourist destination for people living all over the world. The country’s white sand beaches, natural coral reefs and the clear, sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean top the list of Sri Lanka’s natural attractions. However, the country’s rich cultural history is readily apparent in the ancient capital ruins and picturesque temples. All of these sites, and more, make it a simple matter to attract vacationers who would like to swap their home for the chance to live like a local in Sri Lanka while staying in your home for a holiday.
Choose a house swap to suit your needs
There are several ways to arrange a house swap for your next vacation or holiday. The most common is a simultaneous swap. In this instance, you trade your Sri Lanka home with a family, and you both take your vacation at the same time. With a non-simultaneous swap, you vacation in the location of your choice, staying at the home of a family. At a later point, they will take their holiday and stay in your home in Sri Lanka. It can be easier to coordinate this type of a swap, but it works best if you will be away from your home for some other reason when the family comes to stay or if the trade will involve using a second or vacation home. Another possible option is a hospitality swap. This can be a fun way to learn about another culture because your family stays in a home as the guests of another family. Then you host their family at your home in Sri Lanka.
Listing your house for a home swap
An attractive listing will generate the best options for a house swap. However, make sure you are honest in your descriptions. Many people do a house swap to allow them to vacation and enjoy a stay in a typical property in Sri Lanka. A few essential items to include with your listing are:
1. Photos: Include a variety of photos of your home, community and town in your listing. Use the photos to show the good points of these things. Make sure the photos are clear and attractive.
2. Describe your home’s features: Focus on items that make your home unique and desirable for a vacation. Talk about things that make your home more appealing compared to a hotel. These might include antiques, a beautiful pool, a modern kitchen or barbecue area. Discuss whether your home is suitable for children or better for adults. Mention how many people your home or apartment can accommodate.
3. Highlight the advantages: Describe local places of interest, popular tourist sites and shops. Talk about things that make your town unique and appealing, such as special events that may take place near your home. Describe Sri Lanka’s weather for those who may not be familiar with the country.
4. Note available dates: Don’t forget to include the dates you hope to swap your home with another family and how long you want the swap to last. Being flexible often results in more options for you to choose from in arranging a house swap.
5. Offer references: If you’ve exchanged homes before, offer to let potential swappers contact people you have swapped with before. This creates trust and helps everyone involved in the swap feel more comfortable.
Setting up a house swap holiday
Once you list your Sri Lanka property, you may be contacted by a family who is interested in arranging an exchange. Most people who use a home exchange for their vacation are flexible about places they hope to stay. While being able to avoid having to pay for a place to stay motivates many people to choose a home swap, most people like the idea of experiencing a different culture while living in local homes or apartments.
You might begin searching for a place you’d like to visit to find a home swap or you may initially be contacted by someone else after they see your listing. In either case, the first step is usually for both parties to contact each other by e-mail to begin discussing the possibility of a home swap. In most home swaps, families take some time to get to know each other to ensure a successful home swap. A home swap offers the unique opportunity to experience another culture in ways most tourists can’t. The number of people seeking to stay at homes in Sri Lanka could offer you and your family holiday options in many countries. Consider the many benefits you’ll enjoy by swapping your Sri Lanka home with other families around the globe.
