FAQ

H.E.L.M. Travel

Home Educated Learn More while Traveling

Frequently Asked Questions
As a family that homeschools our three children, we know that travel brings a lot of rewards.
Whether it is learning about President Washington in Virginia, the Pony Express in Missouri or
the Discover of Gold in California, hands-on learning is a proven technique.

There are THREE separate programs that you can choose to participate in with your family.
Home Exchange, Family Hosting and the Great Exchange. Please read on to determine which
one or all services would be good for your family.

What is a home exchange?

Home exchange is when one family literally swaps homes with another family. In this
case you will stay at one family's home, while another family will be staying at your
home. The length of stay can be a few days, a week or even a month.

What is hosting?

You decided that you did not want to travel, but would still like to get to know another
homeschooling family. This would be a great way to meet new families. If you have a
guest room, den or even a sleeper sofa that isn't being used, you can host. This is for
those who enjoy having house guests.
If you are looking to travel, then you need to be a part of the home exchange, not the
hosting.

Why do families exchange homes?

It promotes goodwill and learning opportunities.
It saves money on both lodging and food (because you can cook at home) at locations
you may not have been able to visit otherwise.
You will have the comforts of the host family’s home.
It's FUN.

What if we have a large family?

No problem. While a family of 4 will be easier to accommodate than a family of 10, there
should be destinations available for every family. Regardless of family size, you have to
remember that you are not alone and other families of similar size will want to participate
as well.

Who would want to come here?

There is always something to learn, experience or discover at every destination. Like
each member of the family, everyone can contribute something. Remember the other
family is only coming for a limited time. Locals tend to overlook the benefits of their
location. For example: We lived in Atlanta for 10 years. We never went to the nature
center, that was only 15 minutes away from our home, until we came to visit some
friends after we moved. If you still do not feel that your home is exchangeable, use the
Contact Us form and let me take a look.

How much does it cost?

It’s $30 for membership to HELM. Payments can be done through Paypal or sent
through the mail.
Some families may request a damage deposit, but that is entirely up to the family.

How do I get started?

This is simple. Just fill out our online application.
Send payment.
Look through our online directory or request a printed directory.
Make contact with a family for a potential exchange or hosting opportunity.

How does "The Great Exchange" work?

I will send out an email to everyone interested in the Great Exchange to verify their
participation.
Your family, along with others, will send in their application via email or snail mail.
Deadline are listed below. No Exceptions.
You will receive a list of exchange towns and cities according to the dates below.
You will choose your top 3 exchange towns or cities.
Exchange is based on date of application submittal, location choice, size of family and
any special needs.
We will send you the name of the family, address, phone number and email address of
your exchange families.
You will make the arrangements directly with the other family for keys and other
information.

FOR EXAMPLE:
The Jones Family will stay at the Roberts home.... The Roberts Family will stay at the Davis
home.... The Davis Family will stay at the Smith home.... The Smith Family will stay at the Jones
home.

By pooling resources, we can accommodate many families and it doesn't have to be a strictly
one on one exchange.

Would it be okay if I locked one room or closet with some personal items?

That is fine. It is actually very common for families that exchange homes often to have a
closet where they place their personal belonging in that can be locked. It is typically
known as an "owner's lockout."

We are a military family, would it still be possible to participate?

Yes, please mark that you are in the military in the comment section of the application.

Do you make other travel arrangements such as airline tickets or car rentals?

No, we are only the "matching" service. Actually travel arrangement will need to be made
by the family that is traveling.

Do you run background checks?

I only check county records to ensure the home is owned by the family on the application.
To run a background check on every family would increase the cost $100+ per family. We
have reduced our costs as much as possible to ensure all families can participate. You
have to remember, everyone that is applying is willing to take the same risk and are
bestowing the same trust. They are opening their home to another family, just like you
are to yours. You are welcome to do your own check after you receive the other families
information. You will also have 2+ months to develope a friendship with your exchange
families.

Do we need to have a contract with the other family?

It is not required, but it is highly suggested. Everyone always likes to know what is
expected of them. This can be done with a simple written agreement that each family will
sign. Things to include, date of exchange, how to obtain keys, security codes, will there
need to be care for pets or plants, damage deposit, when will the damage deposit be
returned, do the towel and sheets need to be cleaned, how to return keys, does the mail
need to be picked up, etc.