How you can have a FREE break in the school holidays

Demand for holidays rockets during the school breaks, pushing prices up even higher. This year, parents have started campaigning against this ‘unfair’ premium and even called upon Parliament to take action. However, MPs refused to back price regulation, saying it was unworkable.

So it looks like parents will continue to pay over the odds for holidays outside of term times. Unless they make use of a little-known holiday life hack…

How house-swapping can save you hundreds

We all know that a staycation – where you relax at home rather than head abroad – can save a fortune on hotels and expensive meals out; but staying at home for the holidays doesn’t always feel like a proper break.

So what about house swapping? You find a similar family and exchange homes for an agreed amount of time. They can go sight-seeing around your neck of the woods and you can explore their neighbourhood.

They could be a household in the UK or even from overseas, allowing you to travel and enjoy time away with your family without paying anything, let alone inflated prices.

How do you find the right family?

The theory is all well and good, but how do you find the right family? After all, it would be a disaster if a family with pre-schoolers swapped homes with a child-free couple who collect and display china.

The good news is that there are websites dedicated to bringing together suitable families. Websites such as the Guardian Home Exchange, HomeLink  or Love Home Swap all work much like dating websites, bringing together interested householders and helping arrange the details.

Of course, it helps you get a better choice of swaps if your own home is somewhere desirable. For example, one couple who exchange their home through Love Home Swap explained that they have had 107 swap requests and arranged a holiday in a fashionable part of Manhattan. However, their own home is a sun-drenched villa in Barbados, with a large pool – so clearly their property is in demand.

However, if you can sell your area by flagging up all the interesting sights and day trips nearby then you could find a similar household – house swapping really can work for everyone.

Is it entirely free?

If you’re swapping houses with someone from overseas then there will obviously be travel costs, such as flights and insurance. If you don’t agree to swap cars then you may need to use a hire car and you’ll need to buy groceries and pay for day trips.

However, you will save a fortune by not forking out for a hotel. The swapping website Love Home Swap reports that its families save an average of £2,202 per swap. It connects households more than 160 countries, so there’s plenty of choice.

Most swapping websites don’t charge customers for each trip. Instead, they charge an annual fee for using the site. This fee can range from £25 to £125, depending on the website and how much additional support it offers.

What about your insurance?

It’s always a good idea to inform your home insurer before doing anything like this but it shouldn’t affect your premiums. Because you’re not making any money out of the swap, the visiting family are more like house-sitters than paying guests.

But do check your insurer is comfortable with the situation. If you’re planning to let your visiting family use the car then get quotes from your insurer well in advance so that you don’t get a shock at the price.

Also, when you take out travel insurance, make sure that it includes cancellation cover. Otherwise if the other family pull out for any reason then you’re stuck with flights you can’t use.

[Find a cheaper travel insurance quote]

What about pets?

Pets are another reason that careful negotiation is so important. Some home swappers arrange for their visitors to care for their animals while they’re away. Clearly, you would need to be very comfortable with the people you’re swapping with to trust them with a beloved pet.

However, if you find the right household to swap with then you could even end up looking after their pet too – it’s all about finding the right match.

Would you trust strangers in your home?

You may be reading this and thinking that you’d rather not trust a stranger in your home. What if they went through your stuff, damaged your property or even misused your internet connection?

Well, there is obviously always some risk. However, the companies that arrange swaps work with householders to minimise the risk. Would-be swappers spend months emailing, sending photos and arranging the details, and they can draw up official agreements about what is and isn’t included. These agreements can also include details such as who is responsible for any breakages.

It’s also worth noting that many families who holiday this way do so again and again, as they love the freedom it gives them and the chance to explore a new country away from the tourist traps and for a fraction of the price.

Is it fun?

Staying in someone else’s home is almost never going to be as luxurious as staying in a hotel. There’s no cleaning service or chocolates on the pillows; and the owner’s belongings will be everywhere.

However, some families get really hooked on this kind of break. It allows you to go off the beaten track and ‘live’ in a country for a week or two rather than just visit.

Would you let strangers move into your home? Have you tried a house swap? Are school holiday prices ridiculous? Have your say in the comments below.