Monday, December 7, 2009

The Holiday inspiration for home exchange

It's starting to look at a lot like Christmas...and it’s the time of year where all I want to do is snuggle under a warm blanket and drink tea. And since I'm at home more, I seem to be rewatching my favorite movies. A Christmas Story, Miracle on 34th and The Holiday are some of my holiday favs. I'm sure we've all had those moments where we're tired with our lives and wondered if things will ever change. The Holiday characters have a great idea of swapping homes and then they find true love.

Yes, yes I know it’s just a movie, but it got me thinking...if I was going to exchange homes with a stranger for 2 weeks over the holidays where would I go? There are so many places that I would like to visit, but moving in and seeing how someone else lives is an entirely new ballgame.

I’ve been lucky enough to travel, was raised in Toronto, lived in L.A., visited Brazil and England. Yet over the holidays, I would like to be in place that speaks another language, likes to use white lights over the city, has incredible views and culture and has wonderful people. Eureka I would exchange my San Francisco flat with someone in Paris for the holidays.
My fake ad for Home Exchange:

Clean, responsible, fun loving (and humble) female seeking charming flat with view of the Eiffel tower for the holidays. Flat must be under a flight of stairs (for charm) near a bakery and farmers markets and included must be one night where I throw a housewarming party for your friends. If your pantry is stocked with French wine then I'll be your new best friend. If flat is covered in white lights an even bigger bonus. In exchange you will stay in my four room San Francisco flat that is up one flight of stairs and located over a coffee shop. Must be ready to enjoy the noise of the cable car at night, music from the nearby comedy store and three old electrical outlets for all of the rooms. I promise to add white lights ASAP.

How fun would this be to exchange homes like they did in the Holiday? If you know of a little flat in Paris please send them my way. If you could exchange homes anywhere in the world for the holidays where would you go and why?

20 comments:

T said...

CT or NH - I want beach, cold, old charm!

Michelle said...

I think I would trade places with my mil...she has a warm house IN town. LOL. We have a cold house in the country. Which is great in the spring, fall and summer...not so great when it's 34 out and I can't get my sick toddler to get dressed.

Nicole said...

I LOVE the Holiday movie too!!! Thats my fav and also Love Actually, and Elf, and yes, I'll admit it, Christmas Vacation:)

I think your description is perfect, have you ever thought about actually doing a home exchange? I've never done one but I've heard they are fun. Paris would be gorgeous at Christmas:) I'd love to with my hubs to Alaska for Christmas home exchange, they'd have to provide the eskimo suits though!

Julie said...

The Holiday is one of my favorites! I've secretly been wanting to do a homeswap, but I'm afraid I'd never leave if I went to the UK or Paris!

Laura said...

T: Sounds so nice, warm and cozy for the holidays!

KAC said...

I absolutely love the Holiday and would love if I could do that myself! Hmmmm I would choose to go to Vermont ...so pretty there during the holidays!

Laura said...

Michelle: What a great idea to trade places in the same city just a different area of town. It could be a whole new world!

Laura said...

Nikki: Alaska for Christmas would be amazing and I'd love to see the northern lights. Such a great suggestion!

Laura said...

Julie: Great comment and yes your life can completely change if you take this kind of risk. Have a great week sweetie!

Sierra said...

What a fun idea! You could totally do it and I agree with the Paris idea, I would trade my home {if I had one} for a Paris home in a heart beat! Oh and I love that movie, I started it this past Thursday and need to finish it actually! Thanks for the reminder. :)

Couture Carrie said...

Oooooh fun post!
I would go to Aspen or Switzerland for the amazing skiing and luxury!

xoxox,
CC

Lois, Home Base Holidays said...

Hi Laura & everybody

Glad to hear you like the idea of a home swap. Although 'The Holiday' is not a good depiction of a 'real' home exchange, at least it's good it has got people interested in the idea! You may not meet Jude Law but there are certainly lots of great adventures to be had swapping homes.

Our service is based in London and, as we have been going for nearly 25 years, there are lots of wonderful exchange offers - especially in London and throughout the UK but all over the world too. I hope you will browse some of the offers and be tempted to join soon!

Cheers

Allyson said...

I would gladly exchange my ranch home, which is less than a mile from the only large mall in this area, with one in Siena. I love visiting places where I don't speak the language. It feels like I don't have to have the right word for something, I just see it for what it is. And I would love to drown in vat of spaghetti carbonara and red wine right now. And of course, hear an Italian mass on Christmas eve.

Pretty Zesty said...

I freakin LOVE that movie. And I've got to brag really quickly... I recently worked with Jude Law... he is divine! Will post about it all when I'm allowed to. Once my commercial hits the air I can showcase it on my blog basically! :o)

Laura said...

OceanDreams: Wouldn't you just about die for Cameron Diaz outfits in the Holiday?

Laura said...

Couture Carrie: What time do we leave?

Laura said...

Kris: I cannot wait to see your commercial. I've met Jude Law as well and he is such a gentleman with a quirky sense of humor. Ah The holiday!

deliciously organized said...

I love the Holiday! Such a wonderful movie!

Job Opportunities said...

You have just given me an idea for a life adventure. Thanks.

Philippine Real Estate said...

Yeah I watched that movie Cameron and Kate. It’s very romantic. I love it.