# How far in advance do people commit to a swap? **URL:** \ **Category:** šŸ¤” Q&As: Ask the community\ **Created:** [July 18, 2024, 2:51pm UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/how-far-in-advance-do-people-commit-to-a-swap/1466 "2024-07-18T14:51:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![sjackson2521](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f05b48/32.png) [@sjackson2521](https://forum.homeexchange.com/u/sjackson2521)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2024, 2:51pm UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/how-far-in-advance-do-people-commit-to-a-swap/1466/1 "2024-07-18T14:51:36Z")
Hi! New HE member and we are starting to look for swaps for next summer (Europe in July/August 2025). From what we can tell so far, it seems as though itā€™s too early for most people to commit to a swap. Iā€™m curious what the typical timing is for arranging swaps, particularly for multi-week summer travel? I assume we will wait until November or December to start reaching out again. Thanks for the insight!! Stephanie ---
**Author:** ![SusanJbrn](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/homeexchange/user_avatar/forum.homeexchange.com/susanjbrn/32/1139_2.png) [@SusanJbrn](https://forum.homeexchange.com/u/SusanJbrn)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2024, 3:23pm UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/how-far-in-advance-do-people-commit-to-a-swap/1466/2 "2024-07-18T15:23:12Z")
This varies enormously from one member to the next! Some members have plans already made for 2025 and 2026, others leave it until last minute! It may depend on how far youā€™ll be travelling and for how long, the popularity of the destinations youā€™re looking for, and also on what youā€™re offering yourself. ---
**Author:** ![ivan.rivas](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/homeexchange/user_avatar/forum.homeexchange.com/ivan.rivas/32/3864_2.png) [@ivan.rivas](https://forum.homeexchange.com/u/ivan.rivas)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2024, 4:27pm UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/how-far-in-advance-do-people-commit-to-a-swap/1466/3 "2024-07-18T16:27:51Z")
I plan with 3 or 2 months in advance. I ping people before to see if they are interested in the idea, but then we confirm dates only closer to the date, around 2 months in advance. This has been working so far to book planes and all. ---
**Author:** ![Tahyana](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/homeexchange/user_avatar/forum.homeexchange.com/tahyana/32/3866_2.png) [@Tahyana](https://forum.homeexchange.com/u/Tahyana)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2024, 4:46pm UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/how-far-in-advance-do-people-commit-to-a-swap/1466/4 "2024-07-18T16:46:28Z")
Lol. Im just like you, planning 2025 already ! ---
**Author:** ![Susan.SF](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/homeexchange/user_avatar/forum.homeexchange.com/susan.sf/32/3867_2.png) [@Susan.SF](https://forum.homeexchange.com/u/Susan.SF)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2024, 4:55pm UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/how-far-in-advance-do-people-commit-to-a-swap/1466/5 "2024-07-18T16:55:18Z")
For the coming year, I start my search after the 1st of the new year. ---
**Author:** ![MarthaEcker](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/homeexchange/user_avatar/forum.homeexchange.com/marthaecker/32/3880_2.png) [@MarthaEcker](https://forum.homeexchange.com/u/MarthaEcker)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2024, 6:27pm UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/how-far-in-advance-do-people-commit-to-a-swap/1466/6 "2024-07-18T18:27:05Z")
I feel like retired people are more flexible and enthusiastic about planning into the future, I can not really commit more than 9 months in advance due to work. Love planning though, so we try to find exchanges as soon as we know the details šŸ™‚ Still, one of our greatest exchanges was a last-minute decision to go to Paris, France 10 days later - and a lot of homes in popular locations do become available last minute. So if youā€™re flexible with last minute travel destinations you could really hit the jackpot šŸ˜‰ ---
**Author:** ![SoCalSusan](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/homeexchange/user_avatar/forum.homeexchange.com/socalsusan/32/2306_2.png) [@SoCalSusan](https://forum.homeexchange.com/u/SoCalSusan)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2024, 10:21pm UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/how-far-in-advance-do-people-commit-to-a-swap/1466/7 "2024-07-18T22:21:32Z")
it depends where. The airline blogs I follow recommend 331 days out to get the best flights so I start before then so that when the exchange is closed I can grab the best deal on air fare. We are self employed and make appointments for our clients a year in advance so I often have a window of when I will be away on the calendar so as not to make a client appointment, but donā€™t have exactly where I am going ---
**Author:** ![Ghazal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/958977/32.png) [@Ghazal](https://forum.homeexchange.com/u/Ghazal)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2024, 11:35pm UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/how-far-in-advance-do-people-commit-to-a-swap/1466/8 "2024-07-19T23:35:06Z")
We have 2 homes in Washington and are on a 9.5 week Europe trip. All, but one week are home exchanges. I started pinging a year in advance. Italy seemed to be better within 4-6 months as it didnā€™t seem like they planned as far ahead. Traveling from the US to Europe is pricey and needs planning. Europeans often travel within the country and need less time to plan, so itā€™s a little different. I have kids, so I like to plan every school vacation well in advance! We already have our Europe 2025 summer exchanges lined up!! Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![Jasper](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/homeexchange/user_avatar/forum.homeexchange.com/jasper/32/4091_2.png) [@Jasper](https://forum.homeexchange.com/u/Jasper)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2024, 1:43am UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/how-far-in-advance-do-people-commit-to-a-swap/1466/9 "2024-07-20T01:43:47Z")
I think the most reliable way to plan an exchange in advance is to do a reciprocal exchange. Otherwise I worry about people cancelling on me. A good way to get a reciprocal exchange is to fill up your profileā€™s ā€œpreferred destinationsā€ ā€¦ ā€¦ and do a ā€˜reverse searchā€™ for people looking to travel to your area. ---
**Author:** ![Trenke](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/homeexchange/user_avatar/forum.homeexchange.com/trenke/32/2232_2.png) [@Trenke](https://forum.homeexchange.com/u/Trenke)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2024, 6:51am UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/how-far-in-advance-do-people-commit-to-a-swap/1466/10 "2024-07-20T06:51:54Z")
As other people have said, it depends on the exchangers. However, generally, if a trip is going further away and for a longer period, people start searching earlier. A lot of people donā€™t know when theyā€™ll be able to swap untill they know when they can get off from work and thatā€™s often not arranged untill January. People with more and/or flexible holidays like teachers, self employed persons, people who can work long distance or people who are retired, may start earlier. I often start searching for the next summer exchange right after returning from my summer exchange and that mostly worked well. I had a swap arranged for 2025 last winter. I started looking very early, for in 2025, my husband and I will have been married for 25 years and we would be with more persons than normally. Also, at first, I wanted to go further away. We had agreed with people from Spain to swap (we are in The Netherlans ourselves), but we couldnā€™t set the actual dates untill much later. However, after I had found out what going there would cost me extra for planes and renting a car, I realised that wasnā€™t worth it to me. So now I am looking for a swap where we can drive to. I have not received a yes yet, but I did get a couple of times to circle back later, because they didnā€™t know their plans yet. So this experience also confirms that itā€™s easier to arrange longer before the exchange if where youā€™re going to is further away. ---
**Author:** ![Perth\_HE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ac91a4/32.png) [@Perth\_HE](https://forum.homeexchange.com/u/Perth_HE)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2024, 3:00pm UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/how-far-in-advance-do-people-commit-to-a-swap/1466/11 "2024-07-20T15:00:42Z")
Wow! Youā€™ve done well to line up your Europe 2025 home exchanges already. Weā€™re in Perth, W.Australia and have contacted a few HE hosts, for our Europe 2025 trip, but unless someone specifically wants to come to Perth, itā€™s been challenging. As you mentioned, many in Europe prefer to exchange with other European HEā€™ers. Even when offering guest points, our requests are mostly not being responded to or have not been successful. Well done on your part. Perhaps you have some tips to share on your success. ---
**Author:** ![SoCalSusan](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/homeexchange/user_avatar/forum.homeexchange.com/socalsusan/32/2306_2.png) [@SoCalSusan](https://forum.homeexchange.com/u/SoCalSusan)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2024, 10:30pm UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/how-far-in-advance-do-people-commit-to-a-swap/1466/12 "2024-07-20T22:30:39Z")
I do 90% guest points and have never had a cancellation- the number as a percentage Of cancellations is very very low ---
**Author:** ![Ghazal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/958977/32.png) [@Ghazal](https://forum.homeexchange.com/u/Ghazal)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2024, 10:43pm UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/how-far-in-advance-do-people-commit-to-a-swap/1466/13 "2024-07-20T22:43:10Z")
Persistence prevails. Donā€™t give up. I had many no responses. One of my 2025 exchanges is a non-sim swap and the other is on another platform, so thatā€™s how they all lined up. Just remember that with Europe, you may just need to ping 3-6 months before the trip vs 6-12 months like us from afar prefer since flights are so pricey. ---
**Author:** ![Ghazal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/958977/32.png) [@Ghazal](https://forum.homeexchange.com/u/Ghazal)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2024, 10:45pm UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/how-far-in-advance-do-people-commit-to-a-swap/1466/14 "2024-07-20T22:45:07Z")
Also, be very flexible with your destinations. You may want Amalfi Coast, but we stayed in Cava de Terrini and drove and absolutely loved the city. Albeit, I would NEVER recommend driving the Amalfi Coast yourself. It is VERY dangerous-get a tour guide/bus to do the driving for you. ---
**Author:** ![Lee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/bc8723/32.png) [@Lee](https://forum.homeexchange.com/u/Lee)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2024, 10:41am UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/how-far-in-advance-do-people-commit-to-a-swap/1466/15 "2024-08-02T10:41:54Z")
Iā€™m really glad to hear this as it makes me nervous! What protections are in place for an exchanger on guest points to ensure they are not stranded on arrival without a place to stay? ---
**Author:** ![Lee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/bc8723/32.png) [@Lee](https://forum.homeexchange.com/u/Lee)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2024, 10:46am UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/how-far-in-advance-do-people-commit-to-a-swap/1466/16 "2024-08-02T10:46:38Z")
I should have looked at the FAQ first šŸ™‚ **If case of cancellation by your host:** - Your GuestPoints will be returned to your account. - HomeExchange will help you find an exchange replacement that meets the basic criteria of your search (find more information about these criteria in our [Terms of Use](https://www.homeexchange.com/p/general-terms-of-use)). - If HomeExchange cannot find you an exchange replacement, and you wish to cancel your trip, we will reimburse your non-refundable fees directly related to the exchange (tickets for the train, plane, etc.) up to $120 USD/per night, depending on the situation, and in the limit of $1 800 USD per exchange. - If HomeExchange cannot find you a substitute exchange, and you want to pay for alternative accommodation (for a hotel, for example), we will reimburse the charges you paid for the accommodation, up to $120 USD/per night, depending on the situation, and in the limit of $1 800 USD per exchange. ---
**Author:** ![Amandine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8baadc/32.png) [@Amandine](https://forum.homeexchange.com/u/Amandine)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2024, 11:38am UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/how-far-in-advance-do-people-commit-to-a-swap/1466/17 "2024-08-02T11:38:50Z")
Hi, We live in France and starting to look for summer 2025 šŸ˜Š Where are you living ? We are in Dijon, Burgundy, if youā€™re interested šŸ‘ ---
**Author:** ![TraceyK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8e8cbc/32.png) [@TraceyK](https://forum.homeexchange.com/u/TraceyK)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2024, 9:53am UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/how-far-in-advance-do-people-commit-to-a-swap/1466/18 "2024-08-05T09:53:07Z")
Thanks for this info, Iā€™m currently trying to arrange some exchanges in Italy in April and May next year and am barely even getting a response. Perhaps Iā€™ll hold off for a little while. ---
**Author:** ![DeannaH](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/homeexchange/user_avatar/forum.homeexchange.com/deannah/32/2318_2.png) [@DeannaH](https://forum.homeexchange.com/u/DeannaH)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2024, 6:27pm UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/how-far-in-advance-do-people-commit-to-a-swap/1466/19 "2024-08-05T18:27:38Z")
Some of the things I consider are how many HE members there are in the city or country I want to visit. If there are lots of members in the area Iā€™m interested in, I may feel OK to start sending requests 6-8 months in advance. I also do a reverse search to see whether there is interest in that area of the world, to come to mine. That also provides some insight into how hard it will be to find an exchange. And, if budget is an issue, I may start planning months and months in advance so I can confirm the Exchange and then wait (with fingers crossed) for a seat sale for my flights since that is usually the biggest cost. So many things to consider! ---
**Author:** ![Oscar](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/homeexchange/user_avatar/forum.homeexchange.com/oscar/32/5291_2.png) [@Oscar](https://forum.homeexchange.com/u/Oscar)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2024, 9:13pm UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/how-far-in-advance-do-people-commit-to-a-swap/1466/20 "2024-09-05T21:13:04Z")
Hi! I have read all the comments here with interest. I recently agreed on a reciprocal exchange - Montreal - Cape Town for the northern hemisphere summer of 2025. There are many details to iron out, but most importantly the tickets. How do I secure the exchange? Should I close it on the HE platform with approximate dates? Thanks for your advice. Oscar Montreal-Canada [Next page](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/how-far-in-advance-do-people-commit-to-a-swap/1466.md?page=2)