Tips for a better exchange request
The best way to arrange an exchange? Start your conversations off with a high-quality exchange request. Here are some tips on how to write a top-of-the-line inquiry:
1. Introduce yourself and your fellow travelers: In a few words, describe yourself and who will be traveling with you. That way your potential exchange partner knows who to expect.
2. Make a connection: By being friendly and approachable, you have a better chance to create a connection between you and your potential exchange partner. Read through their profile before sending a message. Do you both play guitar? Have children about the same age? Adding a personal touch will help establish a bond.
3. Tell why you’re traveling: Explain why you’re interested in visiting their area. Going on vacation? Is there a special occasion you’re attending? Have family in the area? This information will help them to understand your expectations and can lead to a successful exchange.
4. Share your favorite part of their home or area: Everyone likes to be appreciated, and the home is an extension of the people who live in it. Feel free to tell them that you loved their decor, or if they are in a place you have always wanted to visit. It will help them feel seen and that you care about the potential exchange.
5. Decide on the terms of your exchange together: Are you able to host your exchange partner while you’re away? Perhaps not now but in the future? Exchanging homes is all about hospitality, whether you choose a reciprocal or non-reciprocal exchange. If you aren’t able to host at the same time, don’t worry, GuestPoints are always an option. Make it as clear as possible from the beginning what sort of flexibility you have so that you can both agree on your exchange plans.
6. Specify your ideal dates: If your timeframe to travel is flexible, be sure to say that. For example, you might say: "we would like to exchange for a week between July 1st and August 15th, 2019, do any dates in there work for you?" If you are open to a reciprocal but are unable to do a simultaneous exchange, make sure to share that as well.
Once you get a reply and confirmation that the dates work, make sure to talk logistics. Things like: how will the keys get exchanged both at the beginning and end of the exchange, are there any special things to know about each home, and what about dealing with linens.
Here are a few example messages:
Example 1:
Hello Julie,
We are a family of four; Marc, my husband, our 6-year-old twins, Sacha and Manon, and myself.
We would love to spend a week, from March 4 to 10, if your home is still free to exchange during that time. We’d love to be close to Strasbourg so we can not only discover the surrounding sights (the zoo and historic downtown) but also relax at your beautiful home. We love the expansive and beautiful living space that is perfect for a family.
Marc and I are fans of history and jazz, while our children are more passionate about animals and drawing (Sacha is crazy for lions, and Manon carries her notebook with her everywhere).
Would you be open to an exchange with us? We can welcome you at another time if the date doesn’t work for you. :)
We look forward to hearing from you,
Marc, Julie, Manon, and Sacha
Example 2:
Hello Raphael and Lucie,
We are huge fans of your home in Montpellier with its breathtaking views. What a dream it must be to live in an apartment like this!
We would like to leave our Parisian apartment to visit your home in exchange for GuestPoints, from May 29 to 31. Would that work for you? I noticed that this period was available in your calendar. Unfortunately, our building is currently under construction, and that means we can not host you at this time.
Here is a little more information about us: we are a couple (I’m 26 and Jackson is 29), a medical student and a teacher. We are only able to take a few vacations (as our studies keep us busy) and we thought Montpellier would be perfect to get away.
Yours truly,
Cécile