Swapping Guidelines

Swapandstay your way around the world.

Swapandstay.com provides the following guidelines to ensure that a smooth swap takes place.

Tips for a successful Swapandstay

Treat your swapping partners the same as you would rental guests.

You want them to enjoy their stay and possibly swap again in the future. Positive feedback on our Member's forum will be read by many and you could be inundated with future swapping offers.

If your holiday home does not already have one, put together a "Guest File" and leave it in your holiday home.

This should contain information on the surrounding area, places of interest and directions to local attractions. You should include information on how everything works, electrical appliances, the air conditioning / heating, etc. and who to contact if it does not. We advise that you provide a list of phone numbers for emergencies, doctor, dentist, electrician, pool maintenance etc. Recommend where to buy everyday essentials, advise what day the cleaner comes, when the rubbish is collected etc. List local services, for example car hire, babysitter, bus / train information. Collect business cards and leaflets from taxi firms, hairdressers, beauticians, local attractions etc. and menus from your favourite restaurants.
The more information available the better. This will help people feel at home immediately and help them make the most of their holiday from day one. Purchase a ´Guests comments book` and encourage guests to recommend their favourite restaurants, the best beaches and local attractions.

Make the most of the Swapping Basket facility.

Send lots of enquiries to widen your choice of potential swaps. The more flexible your plans, the greater your opportunities. Look carefully into any swapping enquiries you receive. Initially your first thoughts might be that this is not a destination that you've considered before. Be adventurous! View the property listing, look at the area, and visit the web page link if available. It could turn out to be the holiday of a lifetime!

Ask questions.

If the property listing does not cover something that is important to you ASK! The member may not have thought to mention it in their description. Once it's brought to their attention they can add it to their listing if they wish. Ask potential swapping partners if they have any terms and conditions regarding the use of their property. They may prefer non-smokers, guests may have to vacate the property at a certain time on the day of departure, guests may have to provide their own towels. Whatever the terms, it is better to know before you commit to a swap.
Ask for and offer references when swapping, it gives everyone peace of mind, a previous swapping partner or rental guest reference is best.

Get confirmation.

Before you make any travel plans, be sure to finalise the date and details with your swapping partner. Before making travel arrangements, i.e. airline tickets, ask your swapping partner to email you with a written confirmation of the booking dates. Once tickets have been booked forward a copy of your reservation to your swapping partner. This will finalise your accommodation booking and give your swapping partner peace of mind.
If you use a property manager or rental agent contact your manager/agent as to availability whenever you receive an inquiry. Once the exchange is arranged, notify your agent of the dates that your property is unavailable for rental.

Treat the holiday home of a fellow member in the same or better manner than you would your own.

Leave it in the condition you found it. Report any accidental breakages to the owner and purchase a replacement of equal or higher value.

Keep your listing up to date in the Property Manager and My Account area's.

Most important, are your desired destinations, the dates your home is available and your desired swapping dates. This will let other members know when and where you are looking to travel. Adjust the availability calendar whenever you get a swap or rental booking. This will save other members time and disappointment. Keep your personal information current. Your telephone number and email address must be kept up to date in the My Account area, as without this members will not be able to contact you using the Swapping Basket facility.

Recommend Swapandstay.com to other holiday homeowners.

The more members we have the more choices for everyone. Tell a Friend.


And finally, enjoy your holiday!

We hope that you enjoy your holiday and experience a successful swap. Swapandstay.com has given you the opportunity to experience a holiday in a different resort for very little cost. We hope that you enjoy the experience and will recommend Swapandstay.com to your friends and family, who are also holiday homeowners. After all, the more members we have, the more swapping destinations for everyone! Spread the word and travel the world!

Swapandstay your way around the world.