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Can't Afford a Hotel? Swap Homes With a Stranger

Idea's been around for decades, but recession sparks new interest

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 25, 2009 7:01 PM CDT

(Newser) – The recession is giving new meaning to the phrase “mi casa es su casa.” Instead of springing for pricey hotel rooms and car rentals, thrifty holidaymakers are swapping with strangers for a summer getaway, Time reports. While home exchanges aren’t new—one company has been around since 1953—business is moving briskly, with one website noting a 30% increase in membership this year.

Members, who sift through dozens of applicants, liken the process to online dating—and say there's little risk of theft or damage. “Nobody is going to fly across the ocean or drive 600 miles to steal your flat-screen TV,” says one exec. New York, London, and San Francisco are among the most popular destinations, but out-of-the-way places draw interest too. Advises the exec: “Sell its virtues. Why do you enjoy living there?”

As the economy continues to flounder, many people are opting to vacation in someone else's home.
As the economy continues to flounder, many people are opting to vacation in someone else's home.   (Shutter Stock)
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They got this little, small apartment, and I got this million-dollar home. I laughed at the trade, but they were happy to be near their daughter in Manhattan, so it worked out fine. - Kathleen Dwyer, home swapper

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Vanilla
Jul 26, 2009 6:10 AM CDT
Sounds like the movie 'The Holiday'
Mr.C
Jul 26, 2009 6:04 AM CDT
brawne
Jul 26, 2009 1:07 AM CDT
This is the greatest thing. Been doing it for years. I'm so flying phobic but at the same time so moveable that I tend to live in places where other people vacation. Which is weird because after six months in any place you wonder why people would spend good money to go there. But with enough valium and a wheelchair I can manage the occasional swap.

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