My hometown newspaper, the Halifax, Nova Scotia “Chronicle Herald” has a great article on a Nova Scotia family that did a home exchange with a French family. The article also lists several web pages for organizations that arrange these exchanges. Just go to the Herald’s main web page www.herald.ns.ca and click on the "TRAVEL" link on the left column, headed by "WEEKLY FEATURES…” The article should be the lead item. Nice story, with great info. I’m not considering doing any of these exchanges, but hey, maybe someone out there in Fodor-land is. Have a wonderful Sunday everyone! <BR><BR>Dale<BR>

Dale,<BR><BR>Here is another website that am adding to your post. I have checked this site often, always keeping in mind for a later date. Who knows. <BR><BR>http://www.holi-swaps.com/<BR><BR>Coco

There are many organizations that specialize in helping people arrange home exchanges. The older ones publish paper catalogues and also have online programs for matching. One of the oldest, it's been around for decades, is HomeLink, at www.homelink.org. <BR><BR>There are also a multitude of organizations that exist only on the web, of which www.homeexchange.com is one of the most popular, and another is www.homexchange.com (one E in the middle).<BR><BR>There have been quitea few threads about home exchanges (or home swaps) on fodors in the past, perhaps a search will turn them up for you.

I have been using homeexchange.com, we have done 3 exchanges but are having trouble with one for London in November/December.

Yeadonite, could you elaborate on your experiences please? We are seriously considering this possibility for France.

Wren,
I have used Homeexchange.com for 4 home exchanges. Three simultaneous in Europe, one non-simultaneous in the USA. It is actually my Dads apartment. The hardest part is finding someone interested in your house for the times you want to go. I tried to plan way in advance (January for May) and got little response. My last exchange was smaller and noisier than I would have liked but it suited us fine. Although it is my Dads place I did worry about things missing and big phone bills but there were no problems. The people on our last exchange were wonderful. I am looking for one for the holidays but have not been succesful.