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Published on: 10/13/2008
Last Visited: 2/12/2008
Anne Pottinger, owner of Vacation Homes Unlimited, a Santa Clarita, Calif.-based company that lists homes available for exchanging, said it's "growing like weeds," especially in the United States.
"Most people don't know that it's actually one of Europe's best-kept secrets," Pottinger said.
She said it began in the 1950s with teachers from the Netherlands and Switzerland swapping homes during summer holidays.
"What it means is families can afford to visit places that were unaffordable before," Pottinger said."You can stay longer, travel more often, or have resources for special tours, dining or entertainment."
Today, Pottinger and others in the industry credit the Internet for causing interest to surge.
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Pottinger's website, www.exchangehomes.com, had homes in 10 countries listed in early March.
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Pottinger estimated that number swelled to 180,000 families last year.
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Anne Pottinger, owner, Vacation Homes Unlimited, Santa Clarita, Calif., 800-848-7927; www.exchangehomes.com.