Some travelers like to visit the countryside. It's relaxing to be surrounded by nature. Hikers and cyclists find a rural vacation to be ideal for pursuing their passions.
For others, a vacation is more stimulating with the non-stop excitement of a city. Walking to shops and restaurants is more relaxing than having to drive everywhere. A city can be a 24-hour buffet of entertainment choices. There are concerts, nightlife, theater, films, museums, historical sites -- you will be spoiled for choices.
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS?
If you like a rural setting but want lots of interesting things to do, consider a swap to a college town. Visiting lecturers, film series, the music and drama departments and an intellectual community make many college towns exciting centers of culture tucked in bucolic settings.
LOCATE THAT COLLEGE TOWN SWAP
Targeting a vacation destination then searching for "that town" plus "university" or "college" can help you pick destinations. The problem with search terms, of course, is that different countries use "college" or its equivalent to variously mean "school for young children" or "school for teenagers" or "advanced studies educational institution for adults". Best to check with a reliable native on how to word things so you avoid picking an area known only for its early-childhood education centers.
A SURE BET THAT MIGHT BE A BAD IDEA
Home exchangers may not think to identify their home towns as containing or being centered around universities. An exception to this would be swap homes listed by staff or faculty members of those educational institutions.
The disadvantage to swaps with college professors is their vacation time would tend to fall during college breaks -- when the activities that might draw you to their area will also be on hold.
On the plus side, university staff are sure to have lots of time off during which they may be able to arrange a swap with you.
WHAT'S YOUR ALMA MATER?
Have you done a swap in a college town? Tell us about your experience.
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