HomeLink International
www.homelink.org www.homelink.ie
This is the main international Web site, with links to different regional areas; Ireland has its own site, with a listing of potential home exchange partners. There is a large database online where listings are categorised by region and while non-members can browse, they will find the information hard to understand. All the listings are basic coded text and do not offer that much information - and there is no facility to arrange the exchange online. Although Homelink International is one of the most established agencies operating in the Irish market, its Web site is little more than a listings site with very few pictures and graphics in comparison to other sites.
Intervac International
www.intervac.com
Intervac is an established agency operating in the Irish market and provides access to its large database of families on its Web site. You submit your criteria - date and destination - and the search engine will throw up multiple choice for you in a range of different countries from Finland to Italy. This site focuses more on the European market, and while their database is extensive, there are no photographs of the homes or families.
Invented City
www.invented-city.com
San Francisco based Invented City is a member of International Home Exchange Association and has a very large database of Irish families looking to partake in an exchange. This is a very comprehensive site where all transactions can be arranged online, all of the listings carry a photograph of the house/family, and a description of the home and area. There is a very extensive international database with US cities and regions very well represented as well a great choice for Europe, Australia, the Caribbean and further afield. Dates and preferred destinations feature prominently on the database and you can contact a potential exchange partner via email to discuss future possibilities.
Home Exchange
www.homeexchange.com
The best of the sites reviewed, Home Exchange is an Internet-only service that provides fabulous photographs and detailed descriptions of the homes and the families on their database. There is a great selection of luxury and picturesque properties from Lake Como, Italy, to Guadeloupe in the French West Indies, to a loft apartment in New York City. You email directly to arrange the exchange. Most of the properties on this site are in the US, Mexico and Caribbean but there are quite a number of international destinations also.
Web Home Exchange
www.webhomeexchange.com
Centred more on a US/Paris axis, the database listings are only available to members. No pictures of the properties are available, but the home exchange information is comprehensive.
The SwopIt Holiday Club
www.swopit-hols.co.uk
Yachts, motorhomes and caravans in exotic and exciting locations. A great selection of countries to holiday in and you can browse the database without being a member, but to contact a listing you have to sign up.
Special Interest Home Exchange Sites
Teachers
www.teacherstravelweb.com
Surfers
www.geocities.com/TheTropics/ Shores
Senior Citizens
www.seniorshomeexchange.com
Jewish Community
www.jewish-travel-net.com
