US Servas
11 John Street, Suite 407
New York, NY 10038
212-267-0252
A nonprofit organization founded in 1949 to encourage international peace and understanding, Servas has around 14,000 hosts in more than 130 countries. The annual membership fee is $65 for adults; homestay accommodations are free. You can request lists of hosts in regions you're interested in visiting (a $25 deposit covers up to five lists). Travelers are encouraged, but not required, to become hosts, too.
HomeLink International
P.O. Box 650
Key West, FL 33041
800-638-3841 or 813-975-9825
Established in 1952, HomeLink primarily coordinates home exchanges—an arrangement in which one family swaps houses with another for a period of time. But they also list members interested in hospitality exchanges (about 10 percent of their membership). Web-only membership is $80 a year and includes free photos. Full membership, which includes three full-color directories, is $125.
The Friendship Force
57 Forsyth Street N.W., Suite 900
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-522-9490
The Friendship Force, established in 1977 with support from former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalyn, organizes group tours that include homestays. Destinations include everything from a European tour to a South Pacific excursion. Although trips are not specifically designed for children, some are appropriate for older kids.
The Hospitality Exchange
P.O. Box 561
Lewistown, MT 59457
406-538-8770
Started in 1965, the Hospitality Exchange has members in some 25 countries. Family membership is $20 for one year or $35 for two years. Homestays are free, but you're expected to reciprocate by hosting another traveling family for a one- or two-night stay.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.
