In these troubled economic times vacations are naturally the first things to suffer. After all, the average vacation costs thousands of dollars and less and less people have that amount of spare cash floating around.

However, think for a moment: with a little online research, it's possible to find some great deals on flights; the airlines are hurting and are offering unbelievable fares. Accommodation represents by far the biggest expenditure, but there is a very easy solution offering accommodation completely free: home exchange!

Since its humble beginnings back in the fifties, home exchange has been growing steadily in popularity. Dozens of companies have grown up promoting the concept, a handful of which have been around for twenty plus years and longer.

Another significant saving comes when the home exchangers also swap their cars. Have you checked the car rental prices lately? On a recent trip to the UK my husband spent more on the car rental than his economy air fare!

Often families 'exchange' pets, leaving the family pet(s) in their familiar home environment with the visiting family agreeing to care for them. This too can represent a substantial money savings perk. Kennel fees quickly mount up.

Home exchanging provides a base with all the comforts of home. Instead of a generic hotel room, you have an entire home to spread out in - a kitchen to cook scrambled eggs at three in the morning, books to read, games and toys for the kids, often friends close by for them to play with, and friendly, helpful neighbors close by, a world away from tourist traps.

A great many seasoned home exchangers arrange one main vacation, which may involve traveling thousands of miles, plus additional much shorter weekend, or long weekend exchanges to locations much closer to home. Alternatively, lots of exchangers prefer to pass over the big exchange, opting instead for several shorter trips. When you think about it, the options and possible arrangements are endless. A home exchange listing allows you specify your exact preferences in dates, length of stay, destination, and much more.

Having said that, it's always best if you can manage to be as flexible as possible. Don't forget, a home exchange is very much a two-way arrangement and the more give and take on both sides, the easier it will be to find a partner.

As you read, thousands of people are all over the world home exchanging: taking part in a vacation other people only dream about, and all it's cost them is their travel expenses. The average exchanger is usually more interested in location, with big houses exchanging with little apartments, villas with condos.

Home exchange is for anyone and everyone: retired folk, couples, single, families with children. All enjoy experiencing new lifestyles, and cultures, exploring not only the popular destinations, but also locations way off the beaten track. Parents provide their children with opportunities to learn new languages and lifelong benefits of living like a local and gaining confidence in other countries.

Just remember this simple fact: when the accommodation costs you nothing, you're able to spend more not only on traveling, but on the simple pleasures that make your trip so much more enjoyable.