The World of Home Exchanges, by John Mensinger
Our Guest Speaker for May 13, 2021 was John Mensinger on the topic of Home Exchanges. John is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Modesto, a Rotarian for 27 years, and a current Director of the Modesto Irrigation District. He is an avid traveler, particularly in Europe, and has been involved in home exchanges for many years. He even wrote a book on the subject, “Homeexchangeguru.com,” although it is now a bit outdated.
The basic home exchange concept is simple and flexible. You allow someone to stay in your home, or a second home if you have one, for a weekend, week, several weeks, or whatever you agree on. In turn, you typically stay in their home, hopefully in an amazing part of the world. John has done over 29 European exchanges. His exchanges usually last several weeks. Exchanges have allowed him to vacation all over Europe, with notable stays in the Netherlands, the U.K., Italy, Spain, Lake Geneva, Germany (he loves Berlin), and elsewhere. Sometimes he can obtain use of an auto, bicycle, or even a boat in the exchange, although exchanging autos creates some troublesome nuances, such as insurance and liability.
He and his wife love to meet people. Sometimes the people whose houses he uses introduce him to their friends and give them advice about itineraries. He has made some lasting friendships with people who exchange with him and with people he meets in the process of staying at others’ homes. There are also some practical advantages; it is usually inexpensive, you stay longer than you ordinarily would, you learn more about other cultures, and your own home is safer if someone is there (and they might water your plants!) Home exchanges can include a “guest points” concept. In this system, you earn points when you host someone. You then use those points to stay at someone’s home, but not necessarily at the same time.
Home exchanges are now usually done on the internet. There are several sites. You sign up, create a profile of your home, and browse for a home you would like to stay in. You have to be careful, but it is almost always a wonderful experience. Thank you so much, John, for the interesting presentation. It sounds amazing!
You can view John's presentation by clicking HERE. The recording will be available for the next week or so.
