July 27th, 2009
Talking about hospitality exchanges… A long-time member of JewettStreet is looking for non-simultaneous hospitality exchanges in Italy on her visit from August 19 – November 4th, 2009.
In her own words:
“I plan to visit Amalfi Coast, then go to the wonderful land of the Tuscan sun, hoping to stop at Assisi, Siena and Florence… I have a girlfriend in Siena and we get out to all the museums, etc., but the perfect place would be in Siena and from there it is easy to travel to outlying areas.”
Jeanne founded and was the Director for a Sunday School in New York City with the Dominicans for a number of years, while teaching, writing and performing.
“I feel a great desire to “give back” and volunteer my services… so I would like to do nonprofit or mission work, while in Italy. Recently served in a mission in the Philippines, teaching English, directing Christmas plays for the children, teaching catechism, working with our mission benefactress in getting scholarships and gearing the university students to work in the “western” marketplace, doing some marketing for a retreat mission in the rice fields, giving conferences on the differences in Filipino and American culture, etc.”
Jeanne is interested in hospitality in exchange for her offer in Washington, DC, at a later date. She is also interested in a “sabbatical” exchange for longer term in Italy.
More about Jeanne’s hospitality exchange offer, listing # 2464
You can contact Jeanne via her listing or write to ursula@jewettstreet.com.
Tags: Amalfi, Florence, Home Exchange Vacation, Hospitality Exchange, Italy, Sabbatical, Siena, Tuscany, Washington DC
Posted in Home Exchange Offers | No Comments »
May 13th, 2009
Yesterday, I received the following question from a new JewettStreet member:
QUESTION:
“Hello from Philadelphia, PA in the United States. I’m new to home exchange programs. My husband and I are looking to exchange our home for the month of July (ideally in Italy). After reading up more on how it works, I’m beginning to wonder if it’s unrealistic in the time frame. Could you shed your thoughts?”
ANSWER:
“Hi Amanda,
Welcome to Home Exchange and JewettStreet!
As you have already noticed, home exchange is a vacation alternative that takes some preparation time. A good lead time is at least six months up to a year. Even though your chances of finding an interesting home exchange match do decrease the closer your vacation dates near, I wouldn’t say it is impossible for you to still find a swap in Italy this summer. (For one thing, I noticed that Italians generally plan their vacations later than Americans or North Europeans. So, at least from that viewpoint your plan might be slightly favored.)
JewettStreet Listing - Medieval House in Umbria
How to Increase Your Chances of Finding a Home Exchange Within a Short Time Frame:
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Choose several home exchange clubs which you like most and which have attractive listings in the desired vacation area.
Knowyourtrade.com is a good source to find an independent view about the 60+ home exchange clubs worldwide.
Some clubs are free, but be aware that members of a fee-based club are often more committed and experienced in home exchanging. Therefore, it might be a good investment to pay a small membership fee to increase your chances of arranging a swap in due time. Try it out!
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Create an attractive listing with pictures and plenty of information about you, your home and very important, your local tourist attractions. Travelers from afar might not be aware of the attractive sights near you that you take for granted. Also, check out your local tourist office for ideas.
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Get proactive and start sending home exchange requests to possible swap partners right away.
But no more than 10 a day, and then wait a day or two for responses.
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Be open to different regions or even countries.
Does it always have to be Tuscany? Why not look in the neighboring provinces such as Lazio, Umbria or Marche which are just as beautiful, but less crowded?
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If your efforts don’t lead to a positive response within a short time, try considering alternative home exchange destinations.
Maybe you could consider a swap in your own country? Not to have to rush to get airline tickets at the last minute might be a plus of such an exchange. Also, this way, you could familiarize yourself with the home exchange process and you would be well prepared for your dream home exchange in Italy - next year.
Home exchanging is a big adventure. Try to be open and flexible and you will be rewarded in many unexpected ways.
We do have some very attractive listings in
Italy. Many are second homes which makes scheduling more easily. Also, if you are interested in a home exchange in
Sicily, one of our most enthusiastic JewettStreet members, Piero, would be happy to help you find a swap there.
Best of luck!”
Dear readers, how much time do you give yourselves for planning your next home exchange?
Tags: Home Exchange, Italy, Lazio, Marche, Sicily, Time Frame, Tuscany
Posted in General Topics | 1 Comment »
May 31st, 2007
- View from the top room
The feeling was one of triumph. Finally, after endless driving hours and a planning stage of more than one year, our destination was within reach. With every serpentine the medieval town up on the hill came closer into sight. Our eyes where fixated on one object: the tower. A solitaire, he stood out strong and powerful. We still couldn’t quite believe we would be the residents of this unusual home exchange object for the next two weeks. Find out how we all arranged it, next.
Tags: Home Exchange, Italy, Tuscany
Posted in Tuscany | No Comments »
May 30th, 2007
We had inspected the place from bottom to top - the children in amazement, my husband with an unusual look in his eyes. Where had his calm self gone?
Then, we put the kids to bed and were now in search of the ideal night light for them, when we noticed it. Our place got flood lighted! It made the perfect night light for the kids. Thanks to this installation, they spent a cosy first night. We were relieved, because Nora, our older daughter, has a vivid imagination and reads too many ghost stories, as it is. By now, I am sure you have a good idea in what kind of residence we are staying. Here is one more hint: there are 126 steps to reach the sky. Almost!
Tomorrow I reveal our home exchange destination and how it felt when we first discovered it.
Tags: Home Exchange, Italy, Luxury Home Exchange, Tuscany
Posted in Tuscany | No Comments »
