YOUR HOME EXCHANGE NEIGHBORHOOD

Having just moved I am discovering my new neighborhood. I see amazing new places I want to explore with my family.


Look: this restaurant has Taco Tuesdays. Here is a park with a perfect picnic lawn. There is a Spanish-language children's theater just down the block from our new home.


The mental notes I am recording about fun things I can do are not just for my own family. I am eagerly noting places and activities that home swappers using my apartment might enjoy.


These potential experiences go into an actual notebook that I leave out in my apartment for swappers.


That file also contains articles from local newspapers and travel magazines that mention interesting businesses near my home.


Instructions about using my home's appliances or navigating its quirks have a prominent place in the home exchange notebook.


I stick maps in the binder. Transit maps for the city could be hiking maps in the country. You might also mark a map by hand to show your favorite local spots.


The swap book can also hold brochures from local tourist sites. If you find coupons or have passes to attractions you can store them here as well.


Veteran swappers, what's in your home exchange book?