How to reduce the cost of a family 'sabbatical' abroad

Do you want to take a ‘sabbatical’ and spend some time abroad with your family? Can’t think how you even begin to find a home to rent in a language you may not speak?

In the recent past, when I have traveled with my young children, we always rented homes…it was a big part of our budget and it didn’t always work out that well. Now if I had known about this other option it would have been so much easier to plan and it would have been easier when we got there too.

But before I tell you how, just imagine for a moment…listening to a stream flowing past your open window in the heart of the Italian countryside; waking up in the heart of Paris, in a renovated 17th century apartment filled with art and antiques; or opening your back door to Panama’s Gamboa Rainforest Reserve…all without paying for a cent for your accommodation.

So, how’s it done? Through home swapping - you stay at my home while I stay at yours! The idea is that you swap your home with another family (or couple) with a property that suits you in the country of your choice…and all organized in English! The world’s your oyster. Many home exchangers have more than one home so are very happy to ‘swap’ their second home for an extended time.

Veteran home swapper Nicole I. Frank of Roof Swap is a second generation home exchanger. She has stayed all over the world – free of charge – with her family and one time even stayed in a French chateau whose neighboring farmer bought fresh milk and eggs to the chateau each morning. When asked in interviews, “Is home exchange too good to be true?” She most often replies, “No, it's even better!”

And here are some other great advantages for families who home swap:

• You don’t have to pack up all your belongings and ship them with you.
• Staying in a ‘native’ home is a more memorable experience.
• Your ‘swap’ family will likely tell you about the best places to visit – right off the tourist trail.
• Many family swaps come with recommended baby sitters.
• You’ll settle into your surroundings quickly and feel less like a tourist.
• Home swappers are even invited to village events and festivals by their neighbors.
• If you swap with another family you may not have to pack all your children’s equipment – a big bonus!
• You’ll be in the comfort of a real home with a kitchen and additional amenities (such as DVDs your kids have never seen, games and toys they never played with).
• Some exchanges include the family car – so you won’t even have to worry about buying a car.

There are many sites where you can read about home exchange but RoofSwap is, in my mind, the clearest and most readable. They charge a one year unlimited membership fee $74.99 and 3 months membership for only $19.99.

Not all sites charge a fee but by paying a fee you will be ensuring that you will only be contacted by like-minded members who demonstrate a sincere interest in exchanging homes.

Here's to stress-free sabbaticals and living abroad with your family!

For more information about Families Living Abroad, Living in France, Living in Spain, Living in Costa Rica, Living in Panama and Living in the UK please email lucy@culpepperink.com or visit www.culpepperink.com