Thank you, mclaurie. I must admit I have given up for the time being. We were offered and accepted a home exchange in Victoria for this summer. I still want to visit NYC very much!

what about www.homeaway.com
no one mentioned that site - i found that to be great site
we have yet to decide but will probably get a hotel over an apt but try that....

Thank you, ac291. I went on the website. It looks promising. I will take note of it.

I don't know where you live but a home exchange is a great idea. Have you considered that for NYC?

Mclaurie: I have been looking for a home exchange in NY, Phila. and/ or Boston for years. But, everyone I write seems to be Europe bound, particularly Paris, or have friends or family in Santa Monica near where I live and therefore are not interested! I did come close once or twice, but something intervened and it just did not work out. Needless to say, I was very disappointed, but I continue to scan the home exchange boards hoping for that NYC exchange offer! I am retiring in June, so I will be more flexible, hence I hope there will be more opportunities to find an East Coast exchange.

Gosh I'd think there'd be plenty of NYers who'd like a trip to Santa Monica. Have you actually posted your place for exchange? The only things I know about exchanges are what I've read here and on other travel boards. They say the best exchanges are with people similar to yourself (ie if you have kids, someone else with kids etc.)

I have posted and written. It is certainly not for lack of trying! Getting a NY exchange is a bit like winning the lottery or at least it seems to me. Perhaps, I have limited my chances since I don't offer a car exchange and a few people have drawn back when I mention that a car is not part of the deal. One couple expected a car, but were not offering one on their end. I think it will eventually happen, since with retirement coming closer I will have more options to travel more often. I am not adverse to renting an apartment, I just wish I knew a non-complicated way to go about it. Meanwhile, we have four exchanges lined up, so it may be hard to find time for a NY exchange. I am thinking Spring 2010 now for NY! And thanks again to everyone who has offered suggestions.

Check this article:

- How to rent or find an aprtment in New York City(NYC)
- Finding an Apartment in NYC – New York City
- How to rent or find an aprtment in New York City(NYC)
– Rentals Guidelines, Qualifications and Requirements

http://insiderater.wordpress.com/200...-requirements/

http://insiderater.wordpress.com/

http://www.insiderater.com/

Best of luck