California House Swapping
House swapping is becoming a more popular and viable means of travel: You stay in their place, they stay in yours, and you both get an authentic and personal view of the area, the opposite of the escapist retreat that many hotels offer. Try HomeLink International (Homelink.org), the largest and oldest home-swapping organization, founded in 1952, with more than 11,000 listings worldwide ($115 for a yearly membership). HomeExchange.com ($120 a year) and InterVac.com ($100 for more than 10,000 listings) are also reliable. Many travelers find great housing swaps on Craigslist (www.craigslist.org) too, though the offerings cannot be vetted or vouched for. Swap at your own risk.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
