'The T&L Foreign Exchange'
Good day to you all.
I came up with an idea and thought I would get some feedback.
A foreign exchange. For those who have space in their home and the inner confidence to host another member from overseas ( or UK for that matter) it could prove to be an interesting approach to meeting a new friend/pen friend and double up as a low cost break.
Very much like how schools do the exchange student thing.
At the end of this year I'm planning on going to San Francisco. If only I had a T&L buddy who I was in touch with there who would allow me to use her spare room as a base, so I can go off sightseeing and in return, they could come and stay with me if they wanted to tour the parts of the UK....
I have used the Couch Surfing website and airbnb in the past and it has worked very well. As little as £9 a night in someone's cosy home.
There is always a safety aspect to take into account, even though all those rooms I've rented are vetted anyway by the site management. Through T&L I presume it would also be safe as its a site specifically for women anyway. Big plus!
If some sort of advert or campaign was ran, or a register set up, a list of those interested in the idea of exchanging, may get the ball rolling. I say this because sometimes when I view profiles from some overseas members, not all of them have been active on the site for sometime.
Obviously, this idea needs more honing and looking into developing, but it could be something good for those interested in trying a foreign exchange.
I know a few women friends who have a whole house to themselves with the odd room sitting doing nothing.
I quite like the idea of having a nice new friend from abroad sharing my home for a few weeks, who I can get to know. It may also help me learn another language too!
Like I say, just a thought and its open to all sorts of suggestions.
Ttfn
Liesa xx
This is a great idea. I only wish I didn't have two teenagers taken up space in my small London flat, otherwise I would be the first to put my hand up to offer a spare room.
Hi L great idea unfortunately I am a bit territorial re my house it is my sanctuary so invite only from me - are you coming down in May to see more T and L ladies when we get together ? bfn Michelle x
Hi M.
That's fine. Im a bit Me Casa Su Casa.
Afraid I won't be around in May for the meet up. Work commitments & will need my rest at the weekends to recharge batteries for the following weeks onslaught of guest arriving at my bosses house.
Ttfn x
Hi Liesa,
Super idea! I'm one of those who has the house to myself with a spare bedroom/bath available to visitors. The idea has occurred to me in the past, however, I live in a small town and I always wondered if there would be much interest from anyone to travel and stay here for a few days (or longer). It's quite rural and the people are very nice....and it's a 90 minute drive to a large metropolitan area. Not every home is located in a typical vacation "hotspot", but there may be some appeal to those seeking some R&R and country culture. That being said, perhaps there could be some type of registry that could be sorted geographically or culturally.
Thelma & Louise is the perfect vehicle to put exchanges together. Thanks for your post and I hope that your idea gains some momentum.
Kerin :)
Hi Kerin.
That's the idea really. Gain people's interest regardless and just get a register set up. Those who want to try it sign up, those who just know its not for them don't ant opt out.
Regards Liesa x
Not quite the same thing but someone told me about Women who welcome women worldwide - there is a joining fee of about £30 and you arrange to meet local women who will show you their home town and all the touristy and non-touristy places, I haven't tried it but the person I know uses it a lot as a host and guest.
There is also Invite For a Bite where women in a strange town can contact others to share a meal with.
I host through airbnb and have met some interesting guests and made a bit of extra money to fund my travels!
Hi Linda great info thanks again for that Michelle
Yes, sounds very interesting.
Good on you too with the airbnb thing. It's a Top site!