FAQs
1. Who exchanges homes?
Women Only Travel is for any women and every woman! Single women, groups of women, gay women, mums and kids, professional women etc. If you have a home that is kept clean and tidy then there should be a swap partner out there for you.
House swap, car swap, pet swap! Car swap, save on car hire and often swappers are happy to look after each others pets too, another saving of money and worry.
When we have expanded the database you will find a very wide range of homes on offer so if you have a small apartment only suitable for one or two or a large home with many bedrooms you should find someone who has similar.
If you have children, a swap with someone else who has children will mean a home that has toys/games and suitable bedrooms. Perhaps you are a writer? If you swap with another writer there is every likelihood of a suitable place to write and loads of inspiration!
2. Why am I vetted?
Women Only Travel is a club for women. We want all women to feel comfortable swapping homes, using the forums and Skype. Some women have escaped domestic violence and others are forbidden to associate with men because of their culture, religion or some other reason. Some of our members are gay and not out. Whatever the reason, we respect all women and as such endeavour to make the Women Only Travel web environment as safe and comfortable as possible.
3. What about home insurance?
If you ask your home insurance company, you will find that most of them would prefer that someone is house sitting for you rather than the house being left empty while you are away. Most home insurance policies will cover this kind of activity as your swap partners are guests in your home, the same as family member would be.
4. Will my home be safe?
Your home will be much safer with someone staying in it than it being left empty. Sometimes accidents happen, but on the whole members are in each others homes and if you have used Skype and had several conversations with your swap partner, your mind should be at rest.
5. Paying bills?
You should agree beforehand who should pay anything out of the ordinary such as long distance phone calls etc; otherwise pay your usual household bills as normal, utilities, mortgage etc.
If you are car swapping then obviously discuss the cost in the event of damage. Use the contract on the website and make sure both swap partners have a copy so there are no misunderstandings.
6. Visitors to my area?
Don't underestimate the wealth of interest in your own area. Just pop along to your local information bureau and you will probably be surprised at the attractions on your doorstep that you did not know were there, forgot were there, or just take for granted. I live in a South Wales mining valley but come from England and I have probably visited more castles in this area than most locals!
Another aspect is that families can be far flung in different countries or parts of countries and it is a fantastic inexpensive way to visit family and not feel intrusive. I know a lot of swaps happen between Australia and the UK for that very reason so you do not need to have a home on a lake or beach etc for it to be an attractive swap for someone.
7. Second home?
If you have a second home and you wish to offer that for swaps it makes things a lot more flexible regarding dates. You can organize none simultaneous swaps and this is wonderful for those with children who have to swap within school holiday times.
8. Car Insurance?
Check with your insurer! Some insurances cover drivers that dont have uk licenses and some dont. You may find you have to change insurers if the swap partner is not covered, better to be safe than sorry.
9. My home is rented?
You will need to check with your landlord and providing they are happy with you swapping then so are we. Make sure your home swap partner has the landlords contact details should there be any questions. If you have put together a home information guide the landlords number should be in there anyway.
10. What if there is an emergency?
Women Only Travel swappers put together a comprehensive home information guide. This should contain telephone numbers for the local police station, the emergency number for your area or country, (not everyone knows that it is 999 in the UK), plumbers, electricians etc.
If you have family or friends near by you can include them if they are agreeable, most are, as they are keen to meet your swappers!
It also a good idea to include a bus/train timetable as well as information on great places to eat/takeaways.
Put some information in there for those swappers that have children with them like child friendly restaurants, parks, swimming pools etc. Some swap partners will be gay women so a list of gay bars/ clubs and organizations would also be appreciated.
Top 'Dos' for successful home exchange, what would you like to find?
Be honest in your listing about your home and have several Skype conversations with your potential swap partner. When your swap partner walks through your front door they will know exactly what it will look like and immediately feel like they are home.
Make sure your home is clean. Nothing more off putting than black mould in bathrooms and greasy cooking surfaces! If you have carpets, vacuum them, especially if you have pets!
Where will you put your clothes when you arrive at your destination home? Your swap partner will have cleared a space for you in at least one wardrobe and drawer so you can unpack properly. They will probably have put their own personal belongings in a locked cupboard somewhere or taken them to a friend for safe keeping. You will, of course, have done the same in your own home.
Leave enough towels per person and sets of clean sheets per bed.
Finding a "Welcome Pack" when you arrive is lovely! In the pack would be some basic food for the first meal and some tea, coffee, etc. You could even include a bottle of wine and a welcome card, a wonderful gesture! It will also include local tourist information, instructions for household and electrical appliances, pet and plant care, details of rubbish collection, etc. Phone numbers of a recommended doctor, dentist, vet, babysitter, good restaurants, and helpful friends are always welcome too.Use the ‘Home and Car Exchange Agreement’ forms. This will avoid all misunderstandings and clarify who pays what in terms of telephone, electric bills, gas consumption, insurance excesses in case of accidents, and staple foods such as flour, sugar, oil, etc.Arrange for a family member, neighbour or friend to come by and welcome your exchange partners when they arrive if you are not able to meet them in person. Be confident about your swap, yes, you have a stranger coming to your home but you are also going to theirs, they will have made an effort to make things comfortable for you as you will have for them. A stranger will walk into your life and in all likelihood remain a friend!
Finding a "Welcome Pack" when you arrive is lovely! In the pack would be some basic food for the first meal and some tea, coffee, etc. You could even include a bottle of wine and a welcome card, a wonderful gesture!
It will also include local tourist information, instructions for household and electrical appliances, pet and plant care, details of rubbish collection, etc. Phone numbers of a recommended doctor, dentist, vet, babysitter, good restaurants, and helpful friends are always welcome too.
Use the ‘Home and Car Exchange Agreement’ forms. This will avoid all misunderstandings and clarify who pays what in terms of telephone, electric bills, gas consumption, insurance excesses in case of accidents, and staple foods such as flour, sugar, oil, etc.
Arrange for a family member, neighbour or friend to come by and welcome your exchange partners when they arrive if you are not able to meet them in person.
Be confident about your swap, yes, you have a stranger coming to your home but you are also going to theirs, they will have made an effort to make things comfortable for you as you will have for them. A stranger will walk into your life and in all likelihood remain a friend!
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness".
Mark Twain
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