Baby child gift shop uk

TRAVEL: Hols swap shop

FANCY staying in a luxury mountain lodge in the American Rockies? Or perhaps you would prefer a break in a penthouse on Sydney's North Shore?

Well, you could be holidaying at both places for nothing if you join the 250,000 people in the UK who swap homes with somebody in another country every year.

Home exchanges are catching on fast and the good news is you don't need a mansion to get something snazzy in return.

Would-be home swappers are introduced to each other by exchange agencies who levy fees of around pounds 30 to pounds 100 then use the internet to advertise the homes available.

While your home should be presented attractively - as if you were about to move - it doesn't have to be out of the ordinary. Americans, especially, love homes with character. That can mean a 30s semi, as well as a pretty two-up-two-down cottage. A home in London or in tourist hotspots such as Stratford-upon-Avon or Bath is a big plus as accommodation in these places is expensive.

Most people also swap cars as well so there's no need to hire one, although be sure to sort out the insurance.

The opportunities are limitless from long or short breaks in Britain to France, Italy, the US or the Caribbean and beyond.

The only real cost of the holiday will be getting there which shouldn't cost a fortune thanks to no-frills flights and special offers on ferries.

Once there you'll be able to shop in local markets and supermarkets and eat at "home" rather than pay for expensive meals out. You will also be able to eat when it suits you, rather than at times set by a hotel.

Private houses tend to be roomier and better suited to family living than most holiday accommodation. Swap with another family with kids about the same age and you can leave the baby seats, pushchairs and bottle warmers behind.

Chances are their home will be safe and child-friendly with a washing machine and no breakables within reach!

You'll be able to relax in the evening, putting kids to bed in their own rooms and making use of babysitters recommended by your swap family

Older kids will have room to play in the garden and many of the homes in the US and Australia have their own swimming pools.

There are other benefits of exchanging homes apart from the cost. You'll get to know real people by living as a local.

Most home exchangers arrange for a friend to pop in and greet their guests so you'll soon feel part of the community.

Another benefit is peace of mind. Your own home will be less vulnerable to break-ins if it's occupied. Exchange agencies vet applicants carefully so there is little risk your home swapper will leave with anything of yours in their suitcase. The largest agency HomeLink International have not had a single case of anything stolen since they started 40 years ago.

You can ask your guests to water plants and look after your pets - but be aware not everyone will be keen to spend the ,whole of their holiday walking your dog.

But those who do swap are pleased with the experience. A Consumers' Association report says 99 per cent who do, plan to exchange houses again.

FROM THIS..

Awesome views of the Rockies could be yours for free if you opt for a home swap

Voss family's 3-bed semi

.. TO THIS

THE VOSS FAMILY SWAPS

FYONNA Voss and her family have been house swappers for eight years, exchanging their three-bedroom semi for holidays at luxurious homes in California, Colorado and Norway.

"We've had some fantastic holidays, especially in Colorado," says Fyonna. "We had a beautiful place near Boulder with views of the Rockies and an indoor hot tub.

"Then last Christmas we stayed at a mountain ski lodge at Lake Tahoe in California. The owners called it a cabin but it was very palatial."

Fyonna, husband Paul and daughters Heidi, 13, and Freya, 10, have also swapped homes with other British families.

"We have a three-bedroom semi down a country lane in East Sussex," says Fyonna.

"Americans love it because they say it has character. They may live in big houses but they don't necessarily want to look after another big place when they are on holiday."

She says swapping houses is an easy way to travel when you have very young children. "You don't have to cope with restaurants and trying to get children to sleep when you are all sharing one room.

"The kids also have bikes and toys to play with once you get there if you swap with other families."

In the past, the family has stayed on farms and Heidi and Freya had fun collecting eggs in the morning and helping to feed the sheep.

"Now they are older we tend to avoid looking after animals because it does mean you can't stay away for a night," says Fyonna.

EXCHANGE & SMART

MAKE sure your home swap goes smoothly by following these tips...

CLEAR out your clutter and make sure your home is spotless.

WELCOME your guests with a small gift such as a bottle of wine.

MAKE sure a friend or a neighbour can be contacted to smooth out any problems.

COMPILE a guide to your home and neighbourhood with tips on sightseeing, shopping and restaurants.

AGREE in advance who pays any excess on your car insurance if there is an accident.

BE CLEAR in advance whether you are happy to care for plants - and pets.

ANY QUESTIONS?

HERE are the answers to some of the most frequently-asked questions by home-swappers...

QCan you exchange homes if you live in a rented property?

AYes, provided your landlord agrees. Most landlords would rather have their property occupied than standing empty.

QWill our house insurance still be valid?

AUsually, as it's no different to having friends to stay while you're away. And of course there's less chance that your place will be burgled.

QWhat about car insurance?

AYour policy may allow you to add a named driver, although some do exclude foreign licence holders. Check with your insurer.

QI live in an apartment. Will that put off some home-swappers?

AIt shouldn't. Many people living abroad are just as keen to stay in an apartment in a British city as in a house.

QHow far in advance do I need to arrange the swap?

ASome people arrange them just a few weeks before they jet off. However, the further ahead you plan, the more likely you are to find a suitable holiday home.

WHO TO CONTACT

HOMELINK International - Oldest and largest home exchange holiday agency in the world with 12,500 properties in 50 countries. Members contact each other quoting a subscriber number. Listings are translated into 10 languages. Cost: pounds 95 for five directories published through the year, plus full access to details of properties at www.homelink.org.uk For more info call 01962 886882.

HOMEEXCHANGE.COM - A Californian-based internet network with a strong history of organising exchanges for global events such as the Olympics. Covers 6,000 properties in 30 countries for $49.95 (pounds 27) for one year's membership or $99.95 (pounds 55) for three years. Listings at www.HomeExchange.com include a photo of your home.