Whenever I tell anyone that I exchange my Berlin apartment for another in some amazing part of the world, the first reactions are usually, "Do people really do that?" or "Have you seen the movie, Holiday, the one where Cameron Diaz ends up with Jude Law?"

People also usually worry: "Oh my, is it safe?" or "Don’t you feel funny letting people you have never met use your apartment, invade your personal space?"

Maybe I am just not a worrier by nature. And once I discovered the websites advertising exchanges available, my doubts were overcome: I was often up to the wee hours of the morning searching the world, enthralled by the possibilities: Should I go to South Africa? How about the Seychelles? Hong Kong? Iceland?

While it might seem weird, home-exchanges have become an increasingly common phenomenon. Now a veteran of exchanges with seven swaps under my belt and many more lined up, I would like to offer my up my experiences.

First of all, the advantages: You get a free place to stay while on vacation, on business or visiting family and friends. But this is really the least of it. The homes are often in interesting neighborhoods that you as a tourist might not discover - real neighborhoods with everyday life going on, places with bakeries and grocery stores and local hangouts - just like at home.

Also, I personally find it fascinating to see how other people live, what art they choose for their walls, what colors adorn their homes, their books and musical tastes. And since I usually bring my work with me, I need an Internet connection, a coffee maker and the other cozy trappings of home - and I can live without remembering to put up the ‘Do not disturb’ sign.

Another thing is that home swapping sometimes pushes one to make that yearned for trip: I always wanted to go to Israel but somehow never got around to arranging it. An offer from two Israelis last year pushed me to book the flight.

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