Travelling abroad but finding accommodation expensive? Try home exchange, a rent-free and friendly option.

Home Base Holidays was established in London, UK in 1985 (by a Canadian) and now has attractive exchange offers world-wide. Full descriptive listings and photos can be viewed by visitors (contact information available to members).

New listings on-line daily plus three print directories annually. Free ‘Home Swappers’ newsletter provides information on arranging successful home swaps, stories by experienced exchangers, special offers and travel information. Visit Home Base Holidays to sign up.

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against travel to Pakistan until further notice unless there are compelling reasons to do so. They advise all British nationals still in the North-West Frontier Province, Baluchistan and the northern areas to leave those areas immediately.

This is of particular interest to the Beetle as she used to live and work in Karachi and was due to go out to Islamabad during the month of November. Plans are on hold!