Kids Zone from the Worcester News

Home from Home

Choosing where, and even if, a summer holiday will happen this year is proving a headache for many families. With the recession taking its toll and the euro at an all-time high, many families are looking to cut back on expensive, overseas trips.

Nationwide, according to a latest survey by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) twice as many Britons plan to spend their holiday in the UK this year compared with last year. Many people are planning a family holiday for under £500.

NCT, the UK’s leading parenting charity, recognises that while money may be tight, most families do not want to miss the opportunity of being able to spend time away together.

The NCT House Swap scheme, allows families to holiday for less within the UK. It is a dependable online community of families who are happy to swap homes. To register, families simply need to describe their homes and attach photos. Much like other social networking sites, members of the community contact each other directly.

Sue Holden enjoys holidaying with her family through NCT House Swap and says; “House swapping makes so much sense for us, we go on holiday more, we spend less and the children love having different toys to play with.”

David Burgh is registered with the NCT House Swap. He says;
“We swapped our London home for a rural retreat in Norfolk in February. The kids are always happy exploring a new home, but the drum kit on the landing between their rooms was a bonus, for them at least!”

The annual registration fee is £29.99; this entitles families to unlimited house swaps each. It also enables them to support the NCT as 100 percent of the fee goes back into helping the charity.

There are over 150 houses registered on the House Swap scheme in the UK and a few abroad. The House Swap is open to families only, but children can be of any age.

For more information and to register visit:
www.nct.org.uk/shop/ncthouseswap or contact ncthouseswap@nct.org.uk.