Press Services

NOTES TO EDITORS

Intervac GB is the British arm of Intervac International, the first home exchange agency that started in 1953 and today has the broadest world-wide spread of house swap offers. Intervac are the only home exchange agency to have an even balance of homes between Europe and North America.

Intervac's worldwide membership includes most professions, around 30% of members are teachers and there are many long-standing and 2nd generation members.

We pride ourselves on our superior personal service in each country and on the friendships our members have made amongst themselves and the number of 2nd generation members that we have.

Intervac has a new central website that that has the best range of online services in the home exchange industry including:

• Hotlist -for travel in the next eight weeks
• Match alert - when new listings meet your needs
• New messaging system
• Online exchange agreements
• Comprehensive search facilities
• Free home advertising facilities
• Twenty photos and unlimited text

Members also get:

• Voluntary member reference facilities
• Member badges for exchanges
• Member tips and guidelines
• Clear rules and codes of conduct

For media information, free trials, images and interviews please contact:

Natalie Trice
Tally PR
T: 01628 474402 / 07825 615303
E: natalie@tallypr.co.uk
W: www.tallypr.co.uk

HOLIDAY HOME EXCHANGE – WHAT’S NOT TO LIKE?

APRIL 2011

A holiday exchange simply means homes are swapped in order to have a cost effective, fun, holiday where they experience a different area first hand, but people still wonder if it’s safe to let others into their houses when they are away, Intervac (Intervac.co.uk) says it is. Intervac, the 1st ever home exchange agency, was set up in 1953, and today has 10,000 active members. They believe home exchanging is based on mutual trust, their members tend to be professional people with shared values and being guests in each other’s home creates a bond of trust that often leads to life-long friendship.

Lynne Brown, a long standing Intervac member, has had her home looked after by exchangers for six months. She said: “I’ve just returned from 6 months in Australia and New Zealand and almost the whole time I was either doing home or hospitality exchange. Everyone I met was wonderful and I’ve made many new friends. I travel alone, as my husband died a few years ago, but I’m never lonely. In Australia I had 5 swaps, in New Zealand 8 and met up with swappers from a previous year. I was in Christchurch when the earthquake struck and the Intervac people I stayed with were wonderful. I would really recommend home exchanging with Intervac!”

There are many advantages to this holiday option, the first being savings on hefty hotel bills, car rentals charges and restaurant meals. Many people also enjoying the space and convenience of a real home along with the reassurance that their home is safe and occupied whilst they’re away, plants and pets can be cared for by their exchange partner and members can search for houses that have toys, books, baby safety and even playmates for children. Brian Hayes, Organiser of Intervac GB, said, “It is only natural for a 1st time exchanger to have concerns about their home being safe when they are away but we work hard to reassure them it’s a great way to have a holiday. In the 50 years Intervac has been facilitating exchanges, there have been no cases of theft and rare reports of damage. By the time your exchange occurs you should feel like you’re going to a friend’s home and they’re going to yours. Housekeeping standards may differ, but members tend to take even greater care of their exchange home than of their own!”

He added, “We suggest people put down in writing to what they’ve agreed on to ensure all needs are met. When it comes to ‘fair’ swaps, all details are on the site but making common sense judgments on whether a property is right for you is vital. For example, the home of an older couple who have many precious items and expensive white furniture may not be the best choice for a family with small children, and they may not want a three story townhouse for themselves. Also the most common likes and dislikes, e.g. “no smoking”, “baby equipment available” and “pet care wanted” are shown on the site”.

The site sets out complete guidelines and a code of conduct with which members comply and the team are on hand to put minds at rest and make sure our members are 100% happy and confident exchanging is right for them. For more information go to: www.intervac.co.uk and www.intervac-homeexchange.com

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INTERVAC – The smart way to holiday.

MARCH 2011

It’s no secret that going away during school holidays is expensive, but a home exchange with Intervac .co.uk is the perfect solution to getting away from it all, at the right time for the right price.

Intervac.co.uk is the British arm of Intervac-homeexchange.com, the 1st ever home exchange agency. This premium home exchange website offers members a fantastic variety of worldwide accommodation; from quaint country cottages and chic city apartments to fabulous villas with pools and mountain lodges with open fires, all at a fraction of the cost of more traditional options.

Not only do people save on accommodation costs but there’s no need for endless cash to cover restaurant meals, parking, laundry, tea and coffee or internet connection. Many members exchange cars and saving on car hire, some take care of each other’s pets and gardens saving further costs. Many members actually become friends through their shared experiences and mutual belief in trust and respect, values at the heart of the site.

A few minutes on Intervac reveals inspiring destinations and beautiful homes as well as a wide range of search options allowing members to create a tailored made holiday that’s perfect for them. For families there’s a search for homes that are child-friendly, offering extras such as car seats, high chairs, stair gates, pools, gardens and even toys so they can have a relaxed break in a safe home.

Brian Hayes, Organiser of Intervac GB, said, “Over 30% of our members are teachers and we’re now seeing a rise in families joining because it’s so expensive to go away during school holidays. Home exchange means you can have a break that doesn’t cost the earth but is great fun and right for you. Our members are professional, honest and trustworthy people who enjoy travelling but are aware of their budgets and like home comforts. Many people come back to us time and time again because they get more value for money than they do with a ‘traditional’ holiday. It is great that there’s none of the formality of hotels and many exchange partners stay in touch afterwards – both as friends and repeat exchangers”.

Sally Johnson, a GB member, said: “Your company has brought our family many wonderful holidays and the opportunity to establish lifelong friendships. We sing your praises to all our friends. Thank you”.

For more information go to: www.intervac.co.uk and www.intervac-homeexchange.com

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