New imbibers, like those interested in trying home exchange, would do well to remember these Dutch words of wisdom: "wijn op bier, veel plezier; bier op wijn, veel genijn". Loosely translated, this expression means "liquor, then beer, you're in the clear; beer before liquor, you've never been sicker."
What can home exchangers learn from apocryphal adolescent alcoholics world-wide? If you join a house swapping club, stick to trading homes.
Some swap clubs offer rental listings for members with second homes. They say this is a courtesy for their subscribers. I tend to think that home exchange sites should never dilute their mission by allowing a swap listing to serve as a come-on for a vacation rental proposal.
Part of the reason exchanging and renting should not mix is that it monetizes a transaction that is supposed to be about trust and equality. My home is desirable, yours is not but I will allow you to pay me to use it.
Some unethical vacation home owners put up a swap listing but instead of exchanging they offer only to rent to all who get in touch.
This practice, while annoying and destructive to home exchange, is easily avoided. Clubs should not allow rental listings and should dismiss any member who abuses the swap concept with a bait-and-switch rental offer.
My urgency about this is no longer moral people are getting how. I will tell you how to avoid becoming one.
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