We sent for details from Homebase Holidays.

They produced brochures which were published three times a year in which potential home exchangers could register details of themselves, the home they offered for swap and where they wanted to go (if any preference). On registering I found I could opt to receive the brochures or have access to the details on their web page.

I checked out the web page before registering. It was possible to view properties but not get contact details of the potential exchangers without a code. There seemed to be a number that might be suitable so I sent off my application which included details of what we had to offer and cheque. We opted for internet access rather than brochures.

I found 10 possible exchange partners on the East side of the USA using the Homebase web site to whom I sent a 4 page letter with scanned color photographs of our property.

The agency sent us a booklet with information for first time swappers. We bought airline tickets from Travelbag and chose to travel from Gatwick so that we could meet Alice and their party , it was very much cheaper for them to fly to Gatwick than Heathrow. We had further communication with Alice by e-mail.

As August approached we sent books, tourist information leaflets and a video about the Malvern area. Alice did the same together with Web addresses with local information. We made the house nice and tidy and the arrival of the American visitors prompted us to get little jobs done to the house which needed doing anyway.

Next: Meeting our Home Exchange partners