By living in an area which is usually not part of the usual tourist hotels you get the cahnce to meet real locals. You will often get to meet friends and neighbours of your exchange partner who will let you know the best places to go, see, eat etc. Comforts of Home. The benefits of having washing machines, TV, video recorders, music, games, fridges are not to be overlooked. Few hotels offer so wide a range of facilities and although rented villas might, you would seldom find a selection of videos and music available.
Some houses even come with their own private pools.
After overcoming the nervousness of that first exchange most home exchangers find that it as the best holiday they ever had and often become hooked on the concept. The exchangers often become friends, corresponding and exchanging details of other holiday swaps. There is a very high percentage of exchangers who continue exchanging year after year. Not everyone is suited to home exchanging. Your typical home exchanger is fairly self reliant.