Who might be interested in my Residence and how to get to know your Swap Partner well
WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN MY RESIDENCE?
Of course, if you have an apartment in the London area or a country house in the highlands of Scotland, you are going to receive a lot of propositions for swapping from everywhere in the world.
But Backswappers are above all passionate about travelling, seeking out real life experiences and discovering the authentic side to the countries or regions they visit.
The true value of swapping one's residence is this very feeling of living like a local, not visiting like a tourist. So no need to "sell" the idea of how luxurious your villa is or how incredibly well-located your apartment in the heart of London is. Simply sing the praises of your region and the charm of your own home - your Swap Partner's attraction for discovery will do the rest.
And what's more, your future Swap Partner may have a particular reason for coming to your region e.g. to visit a relative or even on business. In this way your house or apartment may bring you propositions for swapping from countries that you may never have imagined going to.
All types of residence can be swapped. A small studio apartment on the 5th floor in London can be swapped for a huge country house with swimming pool!
If you live in an area that is not well-known, don't forget that you will be able to send a large number of propositions for swapping. And you will have to make a special effort to describe your region and incite an interest in coming to your home.
HOW DO I GET TO KNOW MY SWAP PARTNER WELL?
Before swapping your residence you really have to get to know your potential Swap Partner. Firstly through our site, then by email, telephone and often by postal mail.
Naturally, swapping photos and videos of your house or apartment plays a big part. After finding an offer on our site, here are the steps generally to take:
1. The first step is to simply start with a friendly message to show your interest in the Swap. Indicate the dates you are available for the Swap and the desired length of your stay. Especially, give information on your property, your neighbourhood, your region and the main tourist sites.
2. As soon as you get replies, you can move to the second step: a more personal message containing even more details about yourself and the people who will be travelling.
Naturally, politeness is key and don't forget to thank the recipient of your message for their reply whatever it may be.
This is the step where you explain your wishes even more clearly and what you are offering in exchange. A brief description of yourself and those that you will be travelling with (in particular, your first names, ages, occupations and the various elements that will enable the person to whom you are writing to know you better) will always be most welcome.
You will also need to describe the location of the house or apartment that you will be offering for the Swap. Here is where your sales talents will shine! Don't forget that your potential Swap Partner probably doesn't know your region. Make them want to take the trip! Give them various attractive pieces of information on where you are offering the Swap, in particular the things that you can't find in the tourist guides but that make your region so interesting!
Let them know precisely the dates you want to leave and come back as well as the dates that your house or apartment will be free, if these are different.
Provide information that would be appreciated like the distance from the interesting places to visit using public transport or by car. Mention whether you would accept to swap cars also and some indications concerning the price of public transport.
Also mention your potential needs such as swimming pool maintenance, pet sitting or watering your plants!
Point out whether you accept smokers or not. Or whether or not you accept for your Swap Partner to invite friends to your place while staying there.
In a word, give as much information as possible, the bottom line for a successful swap is maximum communication!
And don't forget that once you have chosen your Swap Partner, let them have your phone number. The time has come to get to know each other more personally than up until now across the Internet. And conclude with a confirmation message recapping the different points in an informal manner.
Of course you are free to mention the various details agreed with your Swap Partner in writing in the form of a contract.
All the details have been finalised? It's time to prepare the Swap.
