Has anybody been on a houseswap recently - how did it work with children? Do you recommend it...

House exchanges can make a great family holiday, and can be tremendously good value. Here at Take the Family we find that house swaps work particularly well if the kids are of similar ages. Older kids may be into the same kinds of things, and for younger kids it can be like opening a treasure chest of totally different toys to share. Cars can be shared, pets and even baby sitters! The key is finding a swap that you feel is of a similar level.

Take a look at our guide to House Exchanges for more ideas...

See how Take the Family writer Lynette Lowthian got on in a house swap in Long Island NY.

Read the full feature:
Home Swap: From Hampshire UK to Long Island NY

If you have children and are arranging a home swap, it's a great idea to get them directly involved in the exchange arrangements, corresponding with any similar aged children in the family. By the time the day arrives to travel, the children are likely to be as excited as you are to arrive and start exploring their new surroundings in your exchnage home. If your children are too young to be actively involved, you may be anxious that they will be able to settle in an unfamiliar bedroom and that the home will be safe and geared to children's needs.
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