Documents to download:
Our Recommendation: Order and Read the following book
Home Exchange Vacationing: Your Guide to Free Accommodations
by Bill Barbour, Mary Barbour (Contributor), Al Hartley (Illustrator)
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the
Réseau international d'échange de foyers
You have just accessed a new experience that will transform forever your
vacation and travel holidays.
- Just imagine travelling anywhere in the world, for as long as you like,
without having to pay a hotel bill.
- Imagine visiting far off lands with your family, and having the opportunity
to experience a different culture and lifestyle as a member of the community,
not just as a tourist.
- Just think of the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your own home,
garden, and even pets will be taken care of while you are away.
These are just some of the benefits of membership in the
The Réseau international d'échange de foyers,
and we invite you to continue this exploration with us in the pages that follow.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the concept of home exchanges,
what follows is a step by step guide and introduction to what will surely be
the most enjoyable and inexpensive way to travel in the 21st century.
For those of you who are familiar with home exchanges, we will show you
how the Réseau international d'échange de foyers is by far
the best value in the world
today, and that you have the potential to reach over 40 million people
worldwide in making your vacation dreams a reality... year after year.
How To Join the
Réseau international d'échange de foyers
It's Easy!
Simply complete our Membership Listing Form. After
you clicked the "submit" button you will directly see how your listing looks like.
It will definitely appear on the site as soon as your email address and payment has been
confirmed.
Guidelines For Exchanging
On this (click) page you can download
a range of files with guidelines and detailed information on exchanging.
This information includes tips on how to begin your exchange, a sample
letter of introduction, how to handle concerns about references, a checklist
for a successful exchange, and more!
What Is A Home Exchange?
Glad you asked! Here's how it works:
Let's say you've always wanted to visit the Italian hill country, but couldn't afford that
flat in Florence. With RIDEF you simply click "Italy" on our Home Page
and you will see all of the listings of our
Italian members who would love to trade houses with you for your holiday.
After you become a member of RIDEF, a description of your home
will be listed here on our World Wide Web database, and you will be able
to contact all members by means of a special form which makes this task
very simple. Your contacts will automatically be informed about your
own listing. Hence no need to write much in your first email.
Do you own a vacation home that sits empty most of the year?
Now you can receive extra income by listing your home with us. Our service is
the perfect way to advertise your rental offer, and you might even choose to
exchange homes as well.
We are here to help!
To assist you in getting the most out of your Home Exchange
experience, we will provide you with detailed Guidelines for Exchanging,
including tips on how to begin your exchange, sample letters of introduction,
checklists for a successful exchange, how to prepare your home, and much more.
We will be there with you every step of the way
to help make your dream vacation come true!
To become a member all you have to do is will fill out a Membership Listing
Form which provides the information you would like to share with others
about your home. This listing gives details about your home, destination
preferences, duration and dates of your travel, etc. We will post that
information here on this Web Site.
Any time you are on-line you can connect to the Réseau international d'échange de foyers and
check out the latest additions to our database.
It's that simple, and that exciting!
Why choose the Réseau international d'échange de foyers?
Our level of service is unsurpassed. Through the Internet, you have potential
contact with over 40 million people world wide, (unlike traditional "book" home
exchange companies that are limited in their potential membership). They
are relying on outdated information technology such as "hard copy" books and
slow postal services. As you probably know, the Internet is the "Information
Highway" of our time. We are an instantaneous data bank, updating our listings
continuosly, without the environmental impact of printing, paper, and shipping.
Join the Future! It will change your Life!
Join the Réseau international d'échange de foyers!
How Much Does It Cost To Become A Member?
If you compare our service to others, you will be astounded. There are firms out
there who charge up to $50.00 to join, and then once you accept an exchange, you
owe them even more! Unbelievable. Even the most prominent firm will
charge you $30.00 or more for a listing in their book. Each year!
Permanent membership with us is only 19.90$. Your listing is basically valid for one year,
if you don't update it. But you can renew it for FREE as often as you like.
Do I Pay Any Additional Fees After I Arrange An Exchange?
No! Unlike other firms, our low onetime fee of $19.90 covers your basic listing.
There are no additional hidden charges after you make an exchange.
Can I Exchange More Than Once?
As a member, you are free to exchange as many times as you wish.
Is It Safe To Leave My Home To People I Have Never Met?
Organized home exchanges have been taking place for over 40 years. Occasionally,
housekeeping standards differ from culture to culture, but most discover that
exchangers tend to take greater care of their exchange homes than their own.
Most of our members are professional people with high standards, like yours.
And we encourage families to get to know each other before your exchange holiday
begins.
When you become a member, we provide you with our detailed Guidelines For
Exchanging, which takes you step by step through the exchange process. We
give you the information you need to have -- covering everything from exchanging
references to arranging for your friend or neighbor to greet your exchange guests
upon arrival.
What Happens To Utility Bills, Insurance, & Other Expenses?
We cover these and other similar questions in detail in our Guidelines For
Exchanging.
Is Your Service For International Exchanges Only?
Many members who have not exchanged before like to try out an exchange close to home,
or for a short period of time before traveling to exotic lands.
What About Language Barriers?
We have
membership forms and information available in several different languages.
Evidently English is the most common one and if you are able to write
your listing in English, this is certainly an advantage.
Should you require assistance in this area you may request help through our
E-mail address. When you contact members
abroad, you will find that most speak reasonably good English.
To access RIDEF Home Exchange in a different language, simply click on
"language" on our Main Home Page or the menu button
"Other languages"
on most other pages and
then select the language of your choice.
My Home Is Very Modest,
& The Location Is Not The Best,
Can I Still Exchange?
You will notice there is a wide range in the homes styles, sizes, and locations listed.
Please keep in mind that most exchangers are looking for a "base" from which to enjoy
exploring a wider region. We think you'll be pleasantly surprized!
Do I Need A Computer?
No! If you do not have a computer, you can still benefit from our service by listing
your home. Your listing has the potential to reach millions of exchangers, and you
can choose to be contacted directly by mail, telephone, or fax if you do not have
an E-mail address. The choice is yours.
We want to point out that the Réseau international d'échange de foyers is committed
to an exchange
network over the Internet. We believe this is a better, more environmentally sound way
in which to network people and ideas. We are saving time, money, and natural resources
by avoiding printing, paper, and shipping. We encourage you to join us on the Internet
if possible. However, if you do not own a computer, we are sure you have a friend who does!
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