5 Tips to Prepare for a Home Exchange When You Go Vacation

The economy has forced many families to put off taking a vacation due to the cost of lodging. Hotels are expensive, but there is a better solution to those wanting to take a vacation on an exchange. These programs are becoming very popular because of their many benefits to travelers. There are several factors to consider when considering a vacation exchange or vacation rental. Whether you are traveling across town or the country, the following tips will help make the process much quicker and easier.

Tip #1

To participate in a home exchange, you will need to register with a vacation home swap program. To make sure your personal information is protected, it is important that you only list your property with a trustworthy program. Many sites that offer free memberships may sell your information to a third party so go with a company that charges a fee. The fees are typically under $50 and it will protect you from a program that may offer your home to someone who is not qualified to be in an exchange program. Verify the trustworthiness with the better business bureau any exchange program you are considering listing your exchange with.

Tip #2

Check the site listings to determine if their current vacation home options are up to date. A reputable company will have extensive information available on their website including when the joining dates were for the individuals listing their home and when the expiration dates are for the listing or membership. If there are no comments on homes that have been listed for a long period, it may mean the home does not meet the qualifications of most travelers such as being in an unsafe area of town or no amenities.

Tip #3

Whenever possible, attempt to home exchange with a family …

6 Top Tips on Caribbean Islands – How to Find and Plan Your Luxurious Caribbean Vacation!

HOW TO BOOK THE BEST CARIBBEAN VACATION

Traveling to the Caribbean does not need to be all about ‘package holidays’. Sometimes in life, you have to treat yourself to the best that life has to offer and why not! Yes, the Caribbean is seen as ‘millionaires paradise’ but that does not mean that you have to be a millionaire to get there. Here are some tips on Maximising your Buck and enjoying the luxury vacation in the condo, villa, or apartment of your dreams on an island in the Caribbean of pure Paradise…

·         CULTURE

Do your research online to find the TYPE of island you will like best. They all have lovely sandy beaches, beautiful palm trees, and blue waters. But what kind of CULTURE would you like to experience? Latin (Puerto Rico, Cuba)? French (St Martin, Guadaloupe)? Dutch (Curacao, Saba)? British (British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, St Kitts). Each will have its type of food and religion and history. So choose a language and culture that will also interest you as well as the beaches!

·         ACTIVITIES

Closely linked to culture are activities. Saba is all about climbing and beautiful forests, Cuba has a little of everything, St Martin is renowned for tax-free goods, partying and the Heineken Regatta! What other activities do you want to undertake besides snorkeling, boating, and fishing (available on all islands!!)

·         ALLOWANCE

Across the world at the moment, it is a better deal to use the American Dollar. In some Caribbean islands, they are using the Euro which can be a little expensive depending on your taste. So check out what currency is accepted and if they do deals with Euro or the currency you use. Can you pay on arrival rather than with a credit card and receive a better value pricing …