HELPFUL HINTS FOR EXCHANGING HOMES

• BE FLEXIBLE: On your initial inquiries, write to several people (not all may answer or still be available), be open to consider vacation areas you may not have thought of before. It will probably be helpful to others if you try to describe your area in some detail in your initial letter: remember, they may know nothing about it and may never have considered going there before.

• BE SPECIFIC: Once you have finalized the dates of your visit, be as specific as possible about details. Consider the topics below.

• FOOD: You may wish to arrange to each leave some basic supplies for the visiting family, or you might just wish to agree to replace anything you consume. If the last jar of Aunt Betty's home preserves is to be off limits, put it away somewhere.

• LINENS: Some families bring their own, so as to be free to leave early in the morning without doing loads of laundry. Agree about which beds to leave made up. If you are fussy about pillows, bring your own (but tell the other family if this means that your house will remain empty of pillows.)

• VALUABLES: If you are very attached to your heirloom china or Victorian glassware collection, lock it safely away or leave clear instructions that you prefer this cabinet not to be opened. It might be best to take any very valuable jewelry with you or put it in your safety deposit box, as your house will probably be empty for at least a day or two.

• RUNNING OF YOUR HOUSE: Try to leave instruction manuals for your appliances (if you have them.) Make note of any peculiarities heating / air conditioning / garbage disposal systems. If you have plants that need watering, indicate an approximate frequency.

• HELPFUL PERSONS: You will want to leave the phone number of your wardens or whoever is responsible for emergency plumbing repairs, etc. A neighbor, family member or parishioner who might be willing to show visitors around or to help them find a service they need would also be worth noting. If children are visiting, leave the number of a babysitter or two.

• INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR AREA: Leave the address and phone number of the nearest tourist information office. Instruct your visitors about where to find food stores, pharmacies and basic services, and leave phone numbers for medical, dental or car-maintenance emergencies.

• EXCHANGING CARS: If you are traveling a long distance, you might consider flying to your destination and exchanging cars. Be sure to check insurance, standard / automatic transmission, car seat regulations for children, and what to do if the car breaks down.