Homeexchange.com is a popular home-swapping site, where you only pay a yearly fee of around 200€. You can do a simultanously swap, or earn points by letting others use your home when you’re away. You can then use those points to stay anywhere in the world.
Do note that Homeexchange has dual headquarters, both in the US and in France, but has a huge membership base in Europe
As opposed to AirBnB, Homeexchange is more:
- cost-effective, you only pay the membership-fee
- sustainable (it’s not speculative like people buying property just for renting out)
- better traveling experience, when living in residential areas instead of a touristy place.
- It offers you a sense of community, respect and connections across borders.
Jeez, $200 annual fee. That’s pretty damn steep.
is it really, when you can travel and stay wherever without paying a dime afterwards? This summer, me and my family are doing a car trip through Germany and France, staying at multiple houses (some with pools), without paying anything but that single fee. Also people staying at our house during that time, will water our plants and clean the house before they leave. Last year we did the same trip, but staying at AirBnBs where just a single night would cost around 100-200€. Also remember, the membership fee includes cancellation protection, damage coverage etc.
Makes sense
Not that high if you travel a lot, I guess, but nothing for me.