No Internet Access - Can I still list my home for exchange

Q:Dear GTI Home Exchange

I don’t have internet access at home as yet, although we hope to set this up shortly. Is there a way I can list my home for exchange now and see other people’s listings?

hello GTI home exchange,

We have a question, is it possible to take care of a house (for instant in Italy) without exchange with our own house? Is there a list for it? Must we be a member of your organisation for this. I hope, you will soon react,
M Weeber, The Netherlands

A: You do need to have access to the internet to view listings on the GTI Home Exchange website and to be a member to see the contact information for other members in your own member area once you join, but this does not necessarily mean that you have to have access from a home computer, as there are now a number of alternatives. Many libraries provide public internet access at very low rates, some employers allow some personal surfing time at work too,
and there are also numerous internet cafes, even in the most remote locations, so check out what is available in your area. Jo Chambers (HE14242) who wrote our weblog article "Have Scooter, Will Travel”, about her trip to Australia, says “I do this in the library “, and added “I hope more people get inspired to put their experiences on line”.

GTI Home Exchange business is occasionally carried out from more remote locations if the necessity arises. In fact we are currently operating from a computer in a small village in the Creuse department of France, where we are house-sitting and looking after two lovely standard French poodles, whilst there owners are away on holiday in Dubai. (Incidentally, house-sitting is another option included on the membership form, which can be offered using the GTI Home Exchange system).

So to answer M Weeber's query from The Netherlands:
House sitting is an optionn which can be offered alone or in conjunction with other alternatives when you fill in the membership registration form. But it is not requested or offered as frequently as home exchange, so it is more difficult to set up this arrangement, especially if you are seeking a very specific location.
It is necessary to be a member to participate whether it is for home exchange or
housesitting, as by becoming a member you have access to the contact details of all other members.