Home exchange is more than just travelling. It involves getting to know the people who are going to be staying in your home (and trusting you with theirs). You do not have to become friends with every family that exchanges their home with you, but you are probably going to make some friends along the way.

Image by graur codrin /FreeDigitalPhotos.net

One detail that is important to enjoy a home exchange is to feel welcome. It is that first moment when you are starting your stay at the house you chose as a home for the next few days or weeks and if you do not feel comfortable since the very first start you are probably not going to enjoy it 100%.

What can be done to ensure a great start for the family that will stay at your home? A nice welcome package. Like those little details hotels use to make you feel as a special guest, there are little details that will help your swap partner feel good from the very start.

Here are some examples of things that could be part of an excellent welcome package:

- A bottle of wine and bread or some snacks or maybe fresh vegetables in the fridge and milk for their children. Anything you can imagine that could make a good first impression.

- A short “how to” guide explaining the basics to get all your appliances to work (dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, Wi-fi, DVD player, etc.).

- A list of relevant phone numbers (a trusted neighbour, baby-sitter, pizza delivery, doctor - you probably get what this list is all about).

- A local map and some leaflets with information for visitors. You may even use a marker to highlight important routes in the map, like the that to market, to important attractions, to your favourite restaurant (maybe you share the same taste!).

These are just a few ideas to get your creativity going. Let it fly…