{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Home Exchange in France: Real Experiences & Secrets to Affordable Travel","description":""Home Exchange in France: Real Experiences & Secrets to Affordable Travel" \u2013 Ever wish you could explore France without breaking the bank? In this episode of Join Us in France, host Annie Sargent talks with Mali Arnstad, a home exchange expert with 14 years of experience swapping homes across France and beyond. Together, they reveal how you can travel for free\u2014yes, free\u2014by staying in local homes, borrowing cars, and even pet-sitting. This isn\u2019t just theory; it\u2019s packed with real stories, practical tips, and a few surprises from Annie\u2019s own recent home exchange adventures in Poitiers, Rouen, Paris, and Vichy. Listen to this episode ad-free Mali Arnstad, a mom of three from Norway, shares how her family has swapped homes in Brittany, Paris, Bordeaux, and the sun-soaked Atlantic coast. She breaks down the two main types of exchanges: simultaneous swaps (you stay in their home while they stay in yours) and the guest points system (earn credits by hosting others). Annie adds her fresh perspective after testing it herself\u2014some stays were fantastic, others\u2026 well, let\u2019s just say she learned the hard way why you should always check the amenities. (Spoiler: One Parisian apartment had a \u201cno washing machine\u201d rule that wasn\u2019t in the listing!) You\u2019ll discover how to find trustworthy swaps, what to expect when staying in someone else\u2019s home, and why this is the ultimate way to experience France like a local. Mali\u2019s hosts have sent her to hidden beaches, night picnics by Roman bridges, and flea markets only locals know about.  Want to save thousands on accommodation? Mali explains how to list your home, what to include in your profile, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Annie\u2019s tip? Expand your search beyond big cities. Some of the best swaps are in smaller towns or departments like Vienne (for Poitiers) or Allier (for Vichy). And yes, you can even swap cars! Mali\u2019s family has driven French cars through Brittany and parked in private driveways in Montpellier. This episode is your guide to traveling France smarter, deeper, and cheaper. Whether you\u2019re a solo traveler, a family, or a retiree, home exchange could be your ticket to unforgettable trips. So if you\u2019ve ever dreamed of sipping wine on a Parisian balcony or biking to Les Dunes du Pilat\u2014without the hotel bill\u2014this is for you. Hit subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode of Join Us in France. Ready to swap? Start listening now. \ud83c\udfe1\u2708\ufe0f #TravelFrance #FranceOnABudget #LiveLikeALocal Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:16] Introduction and Greetings [00:00:31] Today on the podcast [00:01:45] Podcast supporters [00:02:52] Home Exchange with Mali Arnstad [00:04:42] Experiences and Destinations [00:06:15] Logistics and Practicalities [00:07:53] Trust and Community [00:19:00] Tips for Home Exchange [00:25:08] The Joys of Home Exchange with Kids [00:26:20] Welcoming Gifts and Local Delicacies [00:27:02] Building Friendships Through Home Exchange [00:28:32] Exploring Local Activities and Cultural Events [00:29:30] Using Bicycles and Choosing Destinations [00:30:00] Choosing where to go next [00:32:10] Handling Logistics and Living Like a Local [00:34:16] Cleaning and Departure Etiquette [00:35:42] Anecdotes and Local Experiences [00:37:18] Final Thoughts and Encouragement [00:42:29] Thank you Patrons [00:43:37] VoiceMap Tour Review [00:45:17] Challenges with Maps and Tours [00:48:32] Home Exchange Experiences [00:54:34] Tips for Home Exchange [00:59:14] Next week on the podcast [00:59:33] Copyright More episodes about budget travel in France ","author_name":"Join Us in France Travel Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/joinusinfrance.com\/","html":"