"The best part: the cost. Great location, four bedrooms, and a full kitchen for free -- what more could we ask for?" -- House swapper Suzanne Rouhana of Falmouth, Maine

If your vacation dreams are bigger than your budget (and whose aren't?), house swaps can be the perfect solution. You get to stay for free in a comfy home instead of shelling out for a cramped hotel room, you save on food costs, and you can shop, play, and relax like the locals do in places across the United States and around the globe, from charming small towns to major capitals. There's just one big question: Are you game for letting strangers stay in your home while you hang out in theirs? Read on to see if house swapping is right for your family.

TRADING PLACES: PROS AND CONS

PROS

• You'll see sights that are off the beaten track -- playgrounds, local pools, farmers' markets.
• You'll be living in a fully equipped home. Swap with folks who have kids, and you may find toys, bikes, and perhaps even a minivan to use.
• You'll have a vacation free from checkout lines, surprise minibar charges, and pricey hotel rates.
•You'll be able to cook your own meals.

CONS

• You'll need to be flexible about location -- suburbs instead of city center, inland instead of beachfront.
• The folks you swap with will be using your stuff (although you can lock away items you'd rather keep private and put other limits in place).
• You'll likely forgo maid service -- and you'll have to clean your house (before you go) and theirs (when it's time to head home).
• You'll have to do the dishes.