The flight to Copenhagen was booked, the children were looking forward to gingerbread cookies and bike tours. And then three weeks before, the exchange partners cancelled their trip. Such moments are frustrating, but they are not an argument against swapping apartments. Anyone who wants to avoid typical mistakes when swapping apartments needs one thing above all: a few clear agreements before the suitcases are packed. From our own experiences as exchange partners, we know that the best stays are easy to enjoy later because both parties planned carefully beforehand.<\/p>\n
Home swapping is for families<\/a> One of the smartest ways to reduce travel costs and still have more space, a kitchen, and a real sense of home. However, it is also more personal than a hotel room. That is exactly why it is worth communicating openly, kindly, and in a binding manner from the very beginning.<\/p>\n A bright living room and a lovely balcony make one curious. However, they are not enough to make a decision. Take a look at the profile as a whole: Are there several current photos? Is it clear how many sleeping places are actually available? Are the location, transport connections, and special features of the apartment described honestly?<\/p>\n We pay special attention to whether a family can explain in a comprehensible way what their daily life at home looks like. Is the apartment on the fifth floor without an elevator? Is a child sleeping in the parents' bed? Is there a cat that needs to be fed during the stay? These are not minor details, but information that later determines whether everyone feels comfortable.<\/p>\n If important details are missing, asking questions is absolutely normal. A good exchange partner will answer specific questions without being annoyed, but will usually be happy that you are genuinely interested in their home.<\/p>\n Especially in popular cities, hosts receive a lot of requests. A simple question like \u201eIs your apartment available?\u201c quickly gets lost in the crowd. Instead, tell them briefly who you are, when you would like to travel, and why this particular accommodation appeals to you.<\/p>\n It\u2019s good for families to mention how many people they\u2019re traveling with and how old the children are. This immediately creates a realistic picture. If you\u2019re still new to swapping yourself, you don\u2019t have to hide it. Honesty is more convincing than an artificially perfect profile.<\/p>\n A personal message is not a long novel. Three or four friendly, concrete sentences are often enough. What matters is that the other side senses: The other person is not simply asking for free accommodation, but wants a fair exchange.<\/p>\n The most common planning mistake happens surprisingly early: one says yes too quickly because the destination sounds just right. Then it turns out that the return flight hasn\u2019t been booked yet, the school holidays are different, or the own apartment isn\u2019t ready in time at all.<\/p>\n1. Do not rely solely on beautiful photos<\/h2>\n
2. Don't write the first message like a mass request<\/h2>\n
3. Only confirm dates if they really fit<\/h2>\n