Five tips to bring down costs of your summer holiday by house swapping

PLANNING a summer holiday, but keen to take a trip that will not break the bank?

Try a house swap. By exchanging with another person or family, as opposed to forking out for a hotel or B&B, you could save hundreds of pounds — and get a whole lot more space.

This could work well if you fancy a staycation.

Or if you want to go further afield — maybe Spain or America — you need stump up for only flights and spending money. Here’s how to do it . . . 

SET UP A SWAP: There are many great websites to try, such as lovehomeswap.com, homelink.org, homeexchange.com and homebase-hols.com where you pay a monthly or annual fee. Each has extensive listings of people looking for potential exchanges.

With Love Home Swap, which has homes in more than 100 countries, costs start from £8 per month (£96 per year), with no limit to the number of stays you can book.

With Home Base Holidays, you can choose between either a six-month option, costing you £29, or a one-year at £49.

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STAY FOR LONGER: By opting for a home exchange, you may find you can afford a lengthier stay in a long-haul destination.

TOYS ON TAP: If you have young children in tow and arrange a swap with a family with similar-aged little ones, you can save on the cost of transporting kit such as car seats, travel cots and play equipment.

BE PREPARED: Get to know your swappers ahead of the holiday. Compile a welcome pack including detailed notes about where to find things and how every- thing works.

PETS CAN BE BONUS: If you are an animal lover, check out trustedhousesitters.com, where you can get a free stay in someone else’s home both here and overseas, in return for caring for their cat, dog or other pet. As a sitter, membership is tiered, with prices starting from £99 a year.

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