Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is home exchange

Home exchange is clearly based on trust.

Home exchange simply means that two families from different areas agree to exchange homes for vacations. The length of the vacation is left up to you. Have a free weekend? Arrange a weekend exchange. No money changes hands between the exchangers so can have free accommodation anywhere in the world.

Can I trust my home to a stranger?

Most Intervac members are mature (average age 40+), established family-oriented professionals, executives, business-owners or retired people who are financially successful and respect property. Prior to committing to an exchange you should always get to know your counter-party through e-mail, letters, fax and phone. This establishes mutual trust. References can be requested from prior exchanges or neighbours.

What about insurance?

You should check your insurance coverages. For security reasons, most insurance companies prefer that your home is occupied during your absence.

Do exchanges include cars?

In most cases exchange of cars is an important part of the exchange deal. Most car insurance policies cover guest drivers. If necessary you can always supplement your regular policy with an additional short-term specific coverage. You should discuss this with your exchange partner and agree in advance who will be responsible for the financial aspect.

Who would ever want to come to my area?

You'll be surprised! Take some time writing extra text for your listing and tell potential exchange partners all about your neighborhood, why you love living there, what can they see and do in the region. Don't forget, your partner will be on holiday and has time to explore. Everyone lives near something interesting, because "interesting" is often nothing more than the unfamiliar.

How Do I Get Started?

It's easy to apply for membership.

It's easy, just fill out our short application for membership and pay your membership fee. At that point, you can log in to our site and begin building your listing. It will not be visible for other members until after you have both paid your membership fee, and filled in all the required fields. INTERVAC listings are intended to convey a clear description of your residence, your family, and where and when you would like to travel. Personal preferences such as no smoking or no pets can easily be noted in your listing.

How Do I Find The Perfect Exchange Partner?

Read more about our great online features for members only

First, it's important to know that it takes some initiative to make an exchange happen. We try to make it as simple as possible though. Our members contact each other directly using our integrated messaging system to start a dialog that could lead to an exchange. It is not unusual to make and receive several offers before you find just the right partner. Our online system supports many different types of alternative holiday forms.

How can I be sure that the exchange will be "equal"?

Many exchangers with large homes would be happy to trade for an adequate apartment/condominium in central Paris, London, Rome or San Francisco. Others are looking for a quiet getaway. An exchange is equal when both parties are satisfied with their arrangements.

We have special needs, can we still arrange an exchange?

Intervac's listing codes cover many preferences related to home exchange. From non-smoking, to handicapped accessible, from pet care to private swimming pool You can add an unlimited amount of text to your listing. Go ahead and detail your needs clearly so that the perfect exchange partner, (who is searching for you) - can find you.