Recently, New York Magazine highlighted a popular new travel service for the luxury traveler…high-end home exchanges.

If you own a multi-million dollar home and are willing to trade it with others, this is a service that you must try. Properties can range from ranches, to beach houses, to ski lodges, to flats in New York and London. I just happened upon a very nice chateau in Normandy, France, which sleeps 12. (see photo above)

One company that arranges such exchanges is ExclusiveExchanges.com. On the Site, members can browse one of hundreds of other homes around the world. Listings describe desired swapping destinations. Most say “Open to All Offers”, but surprisingly some specifically request “No NYC Apartments”…

And if you’re wondering why these wealthy homeowners would allow strangers into their residences, the answer is that the homes being exchanged aren’t primary residences. They are typically vacation homes already setup to accommodate guests.