LETTERS

I just read Catharine Hamm’s article “How to Think Outside the Boxy Hotel Room” [Jan. 4]. I know that I’m too squeamish (Strangers sleeping in our bed? I don’t think so!) to house swap, but we’ve discovered VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner), www.vrbo.com.

There are ranges from reasonable to expensive in every area of our country. Tip: Ask if the condo is also a vacation home for the family, since they come well-equipped.

On Hawaii’s Big Island, we stayed at a lovely, spacious, ocean-view condo that was so well-equipped it was like a second home: games, DVDs, gourmet accessories in the kitchen, beach equipment and even a set of golf clubs. All that, plus an on-site property manager, for less than $150 a night.

Jade Kemble

Carlsbad