Now it is our turn to do the same for them when they come here at Christmas. We trust that we can make their stay as enjoyable as ours was.

Long live HomeLink International!"

Mrs Rayson - "Just a short note to let you know that our house swap in Melbourne in August was a great success. We also had a swap in Canada last September and couldn't have been happier with the results. Each time we have met the people that we have swapped with and they have kept in touch.

In February we head off to Cornwall in England for a swap and we can't wait - we feel as though we know the people from Cornwall already after many phone calls and letters.

We feel that house swapping is a brilliant concept and we look forward to many more."

Ron and Phyl Frasa - "We have been members of HomeLink International since 1984 and have been enjoying frequent, wonderful, local and overseas home exchange holidays - now eighteen in all! All of them in comfortable homes and interesting locations at minimal costs, while making some lasting friendships with 'exchangers' and their friends.

During our eighteen exchanges we have never had anything missing from our home or damaged, except for the accidental breakage of crockery or an ornament - which we have also accidentally done in our exchanger's home.

We would not be able to afford so many holidays if we had to pay for motel accommodation, rental cars, and dining out all the time.

Wishing you and your members lots of exciting future exchanges."

Leanne Watson - "Using the HomeLink International directories we arranged a world trip with three exchanges, one in Italy, one in Switzerland, and the other in the USA.

I constantly tell people that our world holiday was better than we ever could have wished for.

We have since had two swaps closer to home - one near Moreton Bay in Brisbane and another to a home on the Gold Coast. All have been great holidays, and we are looking forward to many more."

Norma Turnbull - "We are enthusiastic home exchangers since our first swap in May, when we exchanged cars and houses with Berry and Barbara from Sorrento in Perth.

At present we are planning a more extensive trip through HomeLink International to Canada and North America, and have already had two international HomeLink members stay here with us, with more expected in the New Year."

Norma Wykes - "Since we wrote last year we have been home and hospitality exchanging to England, France, the Hunter Valley, Runaway Bay, Mildura and the Barossa Valley. And we have also hosted people from Germany, USA and Canada. Now we have invitations to spend time in Lake Tahoe and Napa Valley in California, also the Burgundy region of France and the Black Forest in Germany."

Rob & Judy Mathieson - "We have had two successful exchanges so far. Our first swap was to Beechworth! We had never thought of going there for a holiday, but thought ‘why not!’ as this was the reason for holiday swaps. We met with our exchange couple on the way. I was a little nervous, thinking what if we don’t like them! But all was well – they were a lovely couple and we filled each other in on the finer points of our homes.

"Our second swap was to Kangaroo Island – what a delight! It was our exchange partners’ first swap and they were really apprehensive. However, we talked to them on the phone and during the exchange, they said that if this was what holiday swapping was about then they were completely sold on the idea.

"We have been pouring through the latest HomeLink directory and look forward to our next trip soon!"

Kate Quinton - "Our first exchange was with an English couple - we swapped our holiday unit on the Sunshine Coast with their luxury holiday apartment on the French Riviera. Overlooking the Marina and the Bay des Anglais it was very centrally situated. We then had the use of our German exchanger’s apartment in the French Alps, set in the most marvellous scenery, while their home was in a small village just a few kilometres from the Rhine. This was an ideal base to explore the many medieval castles and villages in the area. We then stayed with the Netherlands couple in their home on a dyke – a hospitality exchange.

"We were delighted with our exchanges. We went prepared to take what was offered, any small inconveniences, which were no fault of our hosts, were rendered insignificant by the warmth of our welcome and the delightful setting of the homes. All the homes we stayed in were very comfortable and welcoming to come home to. Our days were filled with relaxing at the beach, picnicking by the Rhine, feasting on mussels in Belgium or sampling the wines in France. Even just shopping for food supplies in Europe was a cultural experience in itself. We definitely recommend home exchange and we are now planning our next trip!"

Wendy Bradley - "Last year we made four hospitality exchanges to France, Holland, Germany, and England. This year I am returning to Europe to spend more time with friends made on previous hospitality exchanges in the Lake District, and in Burgundy in France.

"There are some very special experiences that are unique to hospitality exchange holidays. The most important has been friendships that last long after the visit is over. We like the sense of being a part of the place where we are staying. And having your hosts there to make suggestions each day about what to see, often away from the beaten track, makes for experiences and memories different to the usual.

"If you can’t live without every aspect of your life being predictable, if you don’t really like meeting new people, if you don’t think of life as a wonderful adventure with surprises around every corner, then hospitality and home exchange are probably not for you.

"But if like us, you travel to meet people and learn about how different and similar we all are, then hospitality is the holiday for you. Good luck, enjoy the experience, give it a go!"

Christine Hall - "My husband and I have just returned from a round-the-world-holiday experience of a lifetime – thanks to a large contribution from HomeLink International. Our first two swaps were in Alberta Canada for 8 weeks – 5 weeks in Rocky Mountain House, a small town east of the Rockies, and 3 weeks in Calgary.

"Next swap – Vienna, a hospitality exchange. We were a little uncertain about accepting hospitality exchange, but our host was so keen to have us visit we could hardly have said no. It was a wonderful visit in a small village, 20 kilometres by train from Vienna and next to the famous woods.

"Then back to England for three weeks in Nottinghamshire. Our fellow exchangers were teachers and the timing was perfect for them – in the August school holidays – a happy coincidence. We didn’t actually meet, but our cars passed on the A1! Everything worked perfectly. Thank you HomeLink for this wonderful adventure."

Barry and Maureen Rogers - "We spent a wonderful 2 weeks in Wenduine in Belgium on the coast. To travel by train we bought a 50 euro train pass which enabled us to travel as far as possible in one direction for 5 euros each and then the same for return. We visited a lovely town called Ipers and went through a fantastic museum which has a simulated no-mans land complete with sound effects. Our host, who moved out of his apartment for us, took us to Paris for the weekend and we saw so much as he had spent a lot of time there. Highlight of our trip.

His daughter came to our home for 2 weeks the next year and she was a great person to have around. Not a member now (but still hoping to be again if husband's health improves), I would only stay in apartments with handy access to rail or transport, close to shops, and with good security. Houses out in the sticks with no conveniences would be a no-no. Always go to the local pub, even if you don't drink, and the locals will be delighted.

HomeLink is a great way to see the world! Thanks for including the ex-members in your newsletters.

DISCLAIMER: The comments and stories displayed above are unsolicited, and have been received over time by HomeLink International in written correspondence from its members. Some of these members may no longer hold current membership status. HomeLink is unable to verify the accuracy of any statements or assertions made by its members, and waives any responsibility for same. These are not to be considered a representation as to the likelihood of similar results being attained by any other person in future.