Apartment-swap websites
Go beyond Craigslist to find an exotic pad to call home---at least for a few days.
Tue May 10 2011
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Day trips
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Overnight and weekend trips
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Apartment-swap websites
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NYC hotel staycations
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Four affordable rental retreats
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Four offbeat places to stay
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Camping spots near NYC
Weekend getaways 2011
Apartment listed on Home Exchange in Roussillon France
HomeExchange.com
This site has more than 40,000 listings in 137 countries, and offers guidelines and tips about contacting your exchange partner, building a relationship and basic etiquette. (homeexchange.com). Three months $47.85, one year $119.40.
Homelink International
Aside from drawing more than 13,000 swappers from 78 countries, this 58-year-old company offers mediation services, an emergency cancellation fund and agreement forms. (homelink.org). One year $119, two years $190.
Geenee
Soothe your fears about unsavory characters with Geenee's eBay-style ratings. Membership is free now, though organizers plan to introduce a charge; stay tuned. (geenee.com). Free.
Home Around the World
HAW's main demographic is gay travelers, but it's now encouraging "gay-friendly" home-swappers to join as well. The site facilitates exchanges and couch-surfing arrangements. (homearoundtheworld.com). Two years 39 (about $64).
Digsville Home Exchange Club
Search swaps for free, but you'll have to pay to list your own place or make contact with another owner. User-generated ratings help you determine which listings live up to their photos and descriptions. (digsville.com). One year $44.95.
