Thinking Outside the Datebook

Having wanted to travel to the mountains of Mexico for years, I hated to have to say "no" to a perfect offer I received recently. So I didn't.

The dates the couple requested don't work out for us this year. They want to be here at Christmas time to see little relatives. We have a cruise booked for shortly after their dates and could not take additional vacation.

But, I reasoned, their relatives would still be here the following winter. Would they be interested in planning a swap for 2008, 15 months from now? Yes!

It is quite far in advance, the exchanger responded, but in this case some advance planning makes sense.

It never hurts to suggest alternate dates, or even the same period the swapper requests but a year later.

Who knows, you may end up with an annual date for repeat home exchange to your dream destination.

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