When we think of all of the tremendously impressive architecture we have imprinting ourselves on our own selves on our natural environment, or the advances we have made in medicine over the centuries (transplants, genetic screening), it would seem that we are pretty smart. So… washing machines… shouldn’t be that perplexing.

Yet they are! And how!

There are some things in life that are sent to test us. Setting the video is one of those. Working out how to use a foreign washing machine is another.

So one of the things that we can do for our exchange partners, to make everything run a lot smoother (and not least to put our minds at rest about things getting broken) is to leave out some instructions of how the main house-hold gismos work. If you’re doing exchanges with people where there is no common language, then why not try a couple of diagrams? Biro sketches.

So what should we bear in mind for instructions, technology wise?

The washing machine.

The dishwasher.

The shower.

The heating.

The hot-water.

The television.

The VCR.

The radio.

The computer.

The internet/Wifi.

There may be more, depending on how technologically advanced your house is. But some things to bear in mind.

One of the benefits of a home exchange is the comfort with which you have access to free internet, in the majority of cases.

A large number of homes available at homeforhome offer wifi or even the use of their home computer. This is great if you are someone who has to keep up with work whilst on holiday. It’s a lot more comfortable than going to a wifi or internet cafe, and it takes the hassle away.

Also, for those aspiring photographers, we all know what it’s like to have the titillating opportunity to take photos of new and undiscovered surroundings. But one of my biggest fears of being pick-pocketed whilst in a foreign country is that my camera will get nicked before I´ve had the chance to develop or save the photos. If you do home exchange you can anull this risk. Kill it, dead in the water.

After a day of taking photos and enjoying the sites, you can come back and in your own time, at  your own ease you can upload the photos whilst you´re getting the dinner on in peace.

Other benefits of having all of the home utilities are obvious. A common hassle of travelling is running out of clean clothes. With home exchange, generally you will have all the cleaning facilities you would have in your own house. This makes a big difference to your comfort and day to day well-being. Clean underwear! Reliable and nice washing facilities! A private space! A drying area! A secure place to leave your things!

They may be little details, but when you add them together they contribute to quite a substantial change in the general ambience and the feel of the holiday.