Home exchange provides no-cost accommodations by trading one's primary or secondary home with someone else's. You stay in their place; they stay in yours - and no money is exchanged.

The payoff comes in the opportunity to live like a local, have extra space and freedom and save money. For example, a family of four from Vermont trades their chalet for a week's stay at an upper eastside Manhattan condominium. With the money saved on accommodations, the family takes in a few extra Broadway shows while the Manhattan couple, after a day skiing the slopes with their 12-year-old twins, relax around the stone fireplace recapping their day in the country.

A recent survey by the National Association of Realtors estimates there are as many as 7 million vacation homes in the United States alone with an occupancy rate averaging 8 weeks per year. NAR's chief economist, David Lereah states the primary motivation for second-home buying is recreation and location with ocean, river, lake, mountain, and other natural attractions topping the list.

"With such a large number of vacation homes vacant close to 44 weeks per year, it's no surprise that these savvy homeowners are looking to leverage their desirable asset to travel more than ever before." says Helen Bergstein, founder and president of the Digsville Home Exchange Club (www.digsville.com) "Secondary/vacation home listings have increased every year and are now 20% of the Digsville home listing database. A vacation homeowner has a lot more flexibility in arranging travel dates since the exchange can be non-simultaneous. Additionally, since these homes tend to be located in recreational areas, they are highly desired by other exchangers providing them many options when planning their next vacation exchange."

Home exchange or "swapping" as it is affectionately referred to was a little known travel secret in academia since the 50's and has quietly grown to include families, singles, and seniors spanning many professions and lifestyles. Why the swell of interest? According to Bergstein, the reasons vary. "Maybe it's the softening economy, the large number of secondary homeowners who want more out of their investment or the increase in independent travelers who desire to visit a destination and experience it as the locals do, or all three. Whatever the reason, home exchange is definitely on the rise. Instead of vacationing in an impersonal hotel room, it's much more fun to "stay at home'."

Of course, the Internet has played a key role in the growth of home exchange. It's no surprise that history's greatest communication tool would become travel's hottest matchmaker.