Randy, idea for new Category
 

Randy,
My husband & I have a vacation condo we would like to trade with other flyertalkers who might also have vacation places. It's not a time-share... in fact, we eschew those (rightfully or not).

Does it make sense for a category devoted to vacation houses/condos for trade or rental (either or both). That way flyertalkers might be able to vacation in my part of the world, where they might not normally choose as a vacation spot.

Rita

Randy

I'd like to support this. FT seems like a perfect place to put together those looking for a different place to stay and those offering them. Whether it's a trade or a rental, this would be a fine addition to the board.

Add another 'ditto' to the above. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsup.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsup.gif

Great idea.

I personally believe there are FAR too many Forums on FT, especially over in Travel. There is one there right now called "Timeshares" which has only had 7 threads active in past 100 days.

One suggestion might be to rename that Forum "Timeshares and Home Swaps" or something similar? Might increase use of that forum, and allow FT'ers to maybe do a house swap if vacations co-incide etc?

Agree with this as well. Part of the problem with too much refinement is that people lose track of where to post or go for information. Many of the travel-chat forums can surely be consolidated, no?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsup.gif

Oooh... another proponent for The chexfan Plan?

Add in "rentals" and I'd be supremely happy!

So who has a place for me in ATH in September 2004 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif?

The great thing about FT is you often have an idea about the background of the folks posting, either via personal contact or mutual friend FT'ers who know them etc.

Many of us I am sure could readily home swap on vacations if enough lead time were available via such a Forum. I have a 3 story home on the Harbour here I leave vacant as I cannot be bothered renting it for a few weeks a time etc. Others I am sure likewise leave their place empty when away.

Well... Middle Harbour! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

What a memory. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsup.gif Powder Hulk Bay, Middle Harbour to be precise. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

kempis, Greece is not going to be NEARLY ready for many of the Olympic events, so they will need to be held here or in LAX. (You can bet on it.)

So cut the congestion - why don't you come here and I can go to Sweden? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

I have always wanted to visit Australia Glen so why not?

I think the idea for a forum is great.

------------------
Saving the world, one clue at a time.

Write it down! -- I agree with both ozstamps and ClueByFour

Must be a full moon http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

I like the idea, though I'd be afraid of attracting commercial interests if rentals were available.

I'd be interested in a listing of stuff available from FTers, and since I don't have anything to trade, I'd be happy to rent, but I wouldn't want to see a listing of profit-minded outsiders coming in and flooding the forum.

d

There are plenty of profit-minded insiders already (haven't you ever seen Coupon Connection?), why worry about outsiders?

FewMiles..

I too like the idea of the community helping each other but fear for mixed commercial interests.

Great idea. I’d trust a fellow FT-er to feed the dog and leave the good silver. And, since it will be “in the family” nobody would have to hide their inflatable sheep before the tenants arrived.

Wow--lots of interest here. I'll weigh in as well.

I like the idea a lot, and have a guest house available in central PHX all year. (Maybe a whole house swap for that harbour view in OZ next August?) I've been registered with SERVAS all year, but no bites yet.

I would advise looking into the policies of organizations that do this, and have at least a suggested protocol, i.e. exchange passport number as part of swap, have a registration such as we have for OMNI, a boilerplate agreement, etc. More work for TalkBoard folk...

My hesitation would be commercial interests that would exploit the forum.

JP

doppy. While I agree with Few Miles apparent point that some of the penny-ante stuff on Coupon Connection has at times a "commercial" whiff to it (and that is largely related to one or two Flyertalkers IMO) I guess many FT'ers can point to a remarkably successful use of that Forum resource.

I have had been involved in many successful exchanges on there. Quite a few of them having a "theoretical value" of $1000+.

It works 100% on trust of course, (from both sides) but after 3+ years - so far so good. And so I feel sure it would work on any house-swap type arena. Before agreeing to anything one would have the opportunity to run a few discreet checks. Certainly I'd personally be extremely cautious of a week old, 8 post newbie, but kempis for example would be most welcome. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsup.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Unlike Hertz upgrades or '15% off' coupons, if it were noticed any one person had seemingly several "houses" to let on a regular basis I am sure many sets of vigilant eyes will soon rectify matters. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I feel sure the wording of the Forum could include terminology that specifically forbade any commercial operators using it?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif
I think this is a great idea! Most of us, I believe, would at least deflate the sheep so it didn't get in the way...

Bump to see if there is more positive feedback out there.
Rita