Well Mrs gidiefor and I are gathering ourselves to be in full retirement mode, although there are forces plotting against us as we've both been recruited for jobs in our fields, due to our seniority and range of experience. We started an aggressive travel schedule, and let all the recruiters know that we are going to be on two long vacations a year at a minimum, which doesn't deter them by the way. In the last two years we've been to Egypt, Alaska, Austin, Spain and Canary Islands. We are headed to Italy and Greece over the next year.
I recently heard a pod cast that proposed that travel could be less expensive if you Home Swapped, and talked about the various websites that provide membership for this.. I've watched a few videos on this now but was wondering if anyone here has any experience with this.
Best advice would be to communicate multiple times with the other party. You’ll both be more comfortable and they’ll be less strangers staying in your home. Take the time to fix up the items in your house that are fine but need attention - you’d appreciate the same when you go to someone’s house and the garbage disposal actually works (for example).
We were lucky enough to go to some incredible places at a fraction of the cost of what typical lodging would be. Homeexchange is the app we used and I’d recommend it highly.
Next thing I know I'm swept up in life-changing whirlwind romance. 10/10 - recommend.
I took a quick look at the Homeexchange website, this actually looks like a wonderful program. Even better if you have a vacation home or AirBnB property you could use to rack up the vacation currency, Guest Points.
Maybe not a great fit at my current stage of life, but I could definitely explore this option in the future.
At least with a primary residence. I could see doing this with a rental unit in between tenants
BTW Gidie, I'm delighted to hear that you and Mrs. Gidie are retiring and traveling the world. Enjoy!
Thanks Mads -- we were talking about you very recently.. Mrs Mrs. gidiefor does very much want to visit