For some, the idea of a typical package holiday can seem stressful and rushed.
However, many holidaymakers are participating in a growing trend of 'house exchange' holidays.
The concept is simple: for a small fee (usually around ?30) you can register with one of the many house exchange agencies online.
After registration you can input the details of where and when you'd like to visit, post some pictures of the different rooms in your property, list details of the local area and travelling times to train stations and attractions, and wait for a response to arrive in your inbox.
House exchanges can be arranged at times which suit both owners, enabling the opportunity to live rent-free for an agreed period. Homeowners are welcomed to take part, but those in rented accommodations should first check with their landlords before signing up.
So, say you wanted to visit New York in May, by signing up to such agencies you have the opportunity to search from a wide range of other properties available for house exchanges.
And who knows? You may very well find someone in the city who wants to visit England. After establishing contact with the other party, information and other photographs can be arranged in the weeks leading up to the swap.
E-mail and telephone communications between parties help to build a relationship of trust - which is vitally important, after all you are leaving your home in the care of another - and once both parties are happy with the details of the exchange, then all that's left to tend to are the matters of arranging air tickets and travel insurance.
The period in between can be useful, allowing you time to ensure the property is clean and tidy for your fellow exchangee, as well as giving you the opportunity to compile a mini-guide to the local area, providing telephone numbers of services such as local taxi firms, doctors surgeries and garages - as well as arranging details such as travel insurance and currency exchange for yourself.
If you are looking to participate in a house share, it is important to let your home insurance company know of the details of the exchange, for your fellow exchangee will be classed as a non-paying guest, however theft claims may prove difficult if there's no indication of forced entry.
Because of this increased risk, it is important to establish a relationship of trust with whomever you'll be exchanging with. It is advisable to try and build contacts with a number of different property types in the same area, which in turn could lead to leaving yourself with other options should you face complications with an arranged swap.
However, with the right amount of planning and an element of trust, a house share holiday can be a rewarding experience for both parties involved, allowing you to experience another country and culture, saving money on hotels in the process and have a general feeling of homeliness during your visit.
