Review:

Intervac is one of the granddaddies of home exchange, in business since 1953. The agency has branches in 30 countries, each with its own price structure, some with unique features. We're not too enthralled with the extra fees that the US branch charges for help with uploading pictures ($45 for up to 20). They all share the same database.

Intervac has many great features including: 20 pictures can be posted in 4 categories, unlimited text in listing description, an improved member area and maps on each listing enable pinpointing of location of exchanger's home. The international site keeps a log of visits to each member's page and graphs the number of daily visits. We like the activation and deactivation dates clearly listed on the member’s page which makes it easy to see if listings are current and sortable by the member update. A recently added reverse search to find people who want to come to your city is an added plus.

About 80% of their listings have images, on which a member can input captions. Since our last review, Intervac has updated their messaging system. Messages are now stored on the server, with the option of direct email interface with your exchange partner.

Another new innovation is the Membership Experience Grading system where each member is awarded medals ranging from "ready" (no exchange experience) to platinum (more than 11 exchanges). Thus one can tell at a glance how experienced a swapper is. (Updated 02/10 FOR A 15% DISCOUNT ON U.S. MEMBERSHIP ENTER "kyt10" FOR THE PROMOTIONAL CODE!