Mar 31 2009
Unique Accommodation: Home Exchanges
Although the idea of staying with locals isn’t a new idea, the fact that there are now several organizations specifically committed to organizing and aiding visitors who want to stay with locals is a fairly new idea. These home exchange opportunities offer a unique “hotel” choice.
Living like a local in a house, staying with a local family, and sleeping on a local’s couch is a unique accommodation choice for anyone looking for some adventure, a chance to really understand the culture, and who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money.
Here are three options for homestays:
Anyone that saw The Holiday, a movie with Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz, knows what Home Exchange is; it’s a website that connects people around the world that want to participate as home exchangers (people who trade houses during times convenient to both) or hospitality exchangers (people who host visitors in their home).
It costs $99.95 for a year-long membership—during that time, you’re welcome to peruse the listings for houses you’re interested in while others will be contacting you about staying in your house. You have complete control over where you stay and who stays in your house—and in 14 years, they have never had a report of vandalism or theft, but site owners do say “good communication minimizes misplaced expectations.”
Exchanges are available all over the world including Zimbabwe, Vietnam, and Fiji. Popular destinations (with many listings) include Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, and the United States.
Servas was started in 1949 and works to connect travelers and hosts. “Through Servas, travellers have opportunities to meet hosts, their families and friends, and join in their everyday life. Where convenient, hosts may offer two nights (or more) accommodation and invite travellers to share a meal.”
In her travel book Tales of a Female Nomad: Living at Large in the World, Rita Golden Gelman discovers Israel through the Servas program and says “Servas and I are a good fit. Over the last two years I’ve learned that what I like most is to participate in people’s lives, and that’s what Servas is all about.”
To stay with Servas, there is a somewhat lengthy application process to ensure all travelers are trustworthy, open-minded, and committed to the Servas philosophy. Travellers submit their application to their local chapter, are interviewed, and, once accepted to the program, search for hosts and then travel. Sometimes a small fee is required and travelers are also expected to write a letter of introduction and travel report.
The organization has been recognized by the United Nations, participates in fundraising and other charitable efforts, and offers many events for members.
Similar to Servas, CouchSurfing is a volunteer organization that connects travelers with hosts around the world; “CouchSurfing seeks to internationally network people and places, create educational exchanges, raise collective consciousness, spread tolerance, and facilitate cultural understanding.”
With this program, you create an on-line profile offering your “couch” to other members. When you travel, you search through the profiles of other members, request stays at various hosts that meet your needs, and make a decision on where you want to stay. Others may be looking to stay at your place, as well.
Again, you have complete control over who stays with you and there are various processes involved for members to become “vouched for” and “verified.”
CouchSurfing users often focus on the ability to truly interact with your hosts and make new friends as an immense benefit—and the fact that it’s completely free certainly helps.
This is the eighth post in a series on Unique Accommodations. Find more unique hotel choices…
