Travel Tip for 2011: How to save money on vacations

Jan. 17, 2011 - PRLog -- The American Dream: Hollywood and movie stars, New York and Broadway; creating something from nothing. These are all part of the U.S. success story, and now we can add “emerging from the global recession” to the list. As consumers, the recession has left some of us feeling wary towards “unnecessary” and “luxury” purchases, especially when it comes to vacations.

Research shows that we are spending less on foreign travel and more on home expenditure. Going on vacation may no longer be an affordable option, with many people concerned about the hidden costs and expenses. There is a solution.

For those with a New Year’s resolution to save money this year, published in The New York Times, on January 4th was “11 Tricks to Cutting Travel Costs in 2011”. The article contains great advice to save on vacations; however, it missed an important 12th tip: home exchange.

A home exchange is an alternative to hotels, as well as offering relaxing home comforts and taking the stress out of vacationing. Vacation home swaps are becoming increasingly popular; not only are they easier due to online communications, but home exchanging is a cheaper alternative to vacation packages.

For example, on a leading travel website, a Caribbean vacation package based on a family of four in January costs $4,150. The costs of flights for this vacation as a home exchange are only $2,700.

Some home exchangers enjoy having a connection with whom they exchange. One home exchange company, Homes-Club International (www.homes-club.com), is a club for people with a past or present link to independent schools worldwide, allowing like-minded people to exchange their main or second homes.

Home exchanges offer a way for families to enjoy their vacations, whilst still being able to pay the tax man. With exchanges available worldwide, it’s worth considering a home exchange for your next vacation.

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Homes-Club International is a home exchange network which helps current and past parents, pupils, staff and governors of independent schools to exchange their main or second home with like-minded people around the world.