Research has revealed that the trend of house-swapping holidays is growing despite the Government's spending cuts.
According to an online survey of 2000 adults conducted by Lloyds TSB Insurance, the number of people opting for a house exchange doubled compared to last year, with some 3.4% heading out for a home-swap holiday in 2011.
Cornwall, the Lake District, Devon and Scotland were voted as the favourite house-swap holiday destinations in the poll.
Among foreign locations, people prefer Spain (15%), Italy (15%), France (12%) and the US (10%) for home swaps in 2011.
Almost half (51%) of all surveyed said they find home exchange an economical holiday option.
But, around one in four (24%) reported finding their homes in bad condition after returning from a house-swap vacation.
People should arrange swapping holidays only through reputed sites, Lloyds TSB Insurance said.
The bank also advised people to inform their insurer before setting out on a house swap trip.
Paul Spillane, head of home claims at Lloyds TSB Insurance, said: "House-swapping looks set to be the trend of the year - it's easy to see why, as this type of holiday caters for so many different tastes.
"To ensure people make the most of their house-swap holidays, we're urging them to alert their insurers before taking part in an exchange so they don't jeopardise their cover."
© Press Association 2011
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