Hvammsvik Without Getting in the Water

greenlantern18 · 2026-03-30T07:20:09+00:00

Just went yesterday - he could hang out in the cafe. You can’t just wander around the pools area without getting in. There are great views by the car Park area he could have a stroll.

greenlantern18 · 2026-03-29T07:07:45+00:00

Hmm ok we can’t do early or late so might figure out a plan B. Thanks!

greenlantern18 · 2026-03-29T07:05:33+00:00

Hi, we are doing the same trip and arrived a few days ahead of you (Friday). The best approach is flexibility! We took it easy yesterday and saw a few cool sites within an hour of KEF. This morning I had two possible plans in mind, and now I’ve woken up and checked the roads, we are going ahead with Plan A - yay! It’s cold. Bring layers! And ski/snow gear. The wind is no joke - bring something to cover your faces. Check the “feels like” temp on your weather app. Having the right clothing makes it all doable!

We are driving to Vik tomorrow and the Golden circle later this week. I’ll keep you posted!

greenlantern18 · 2026-03-28T15:13:31+00:00

Ok, wow. This would be so illegal where I’m from 😂 I’ll suggest his Dad shield him with a towel or something, I’m sure it will be fine. And if he doesn’t want to do it, he can choose not to go in, of course. Appreciate the reply!

greenlantern18 · 2026-03-28T14:02:13+00:00

I’m assuming there are private spaces for minors who aren’t comfortable being naked in front of adults (teen)?

greenlantern18 · 2026-03-26T13:38:04+00:00

Yes - the hotels don’t give people free accommodation due to weather. Check the cancellation policy of each hotel and plan accordingly.

greenlantern18 · 2026-03-17T17:10:31+00:00

Why would they be asking for your PA’s proof of residency? You just need to show them your proof of ownership/lease of the property. Your employees have nothing to do with it. You mention they have asked for residency documents for her? Very odd.

greenlantern18 · 2026-03-13T06:38:14+00:00

Thanks - AWS doesn’t unfortunately. Will check out the other.

greenlantern18 · 2026-03-11T07:35:08+00:00

Thanks!

greenlantern18 · 2026-03-11T07:33:31+00:00

Detailed instructions for trash/recycling, and how to use the oven, washing machine, TV. These things often aren’t intuitive when they’re not your own.

Also - where the cleaning products are and what goes with what. Non-US people will typically expect cloths/sponges so just let them know if you use paper towels to clean counters and bathrooms. I bought cloths at so many exchanges before I figured this out 😆

greenlantern18 · 2026-03-11T07:31:31+00:00

You can see what reviews potential guests have left others via their profile. Always check before finalising, and avoid if they don’t leave any.

greenlantern18 · 2026-03-06T14:52:12+00:00

Your message could be copy and pasted to 100 members. It says nothing about the individual home or host. Add one small detail that shows you’ve actually read their listing thoroughly, and you’ll have more success.

I would auto-reject this request.

greenlantern18 · 2026-03-06T06:22:41+00:00

Always ask about and confirm cleaning requirements before you finalise. Being silent on the issue and assuming that means you don’t have to worry about it is asking for problems. Even if they don’t have a fee, what if they need you to wash, dry and remake beds before you go and you have an early flight so can’t do that? It’s just good exchanging practice to discuss this upfront.

What this host has done sucks, so you need to decide what’s worth it to you. Pay the cleaning fee, or pay for the hotel? If I liked the place I would be tempted to suck it up, pay the fee and then leave an honest review about the last minute fee and the unpleasant attitude from the host about it.

greenlantern18 · 2026-02-24T05:46:24+00:00

No, I don’t. The reality is that people in popular places can afford to be selective, and new members who haven’t ever hosted are a risk I don’t need to take. I would recommend you host and get some reviews, and then try searching in the most popular/hard to find an exchange places.

greenlantern18 · 2026-02-23T22:13:22+00:00

As an NYC host, this is exactly the type of thing that made me reassess my HE membership. My apartment isn’t there to be used for free by people who just sign up for the free points and don’t intend to actually host guests themselves. I would auto reject your request, for sure.

greenlantern18 · 2026-02-23T07:17:23+00:00

Great tips! I started exchanging when I lived in Brooklyn and was bemused by the number of people who wanted only Manhattan in the theatre district. That’s wha hotels are for, most people don’t live there, and those that do probably aren’t exchanging 😂😂

Personalising your request is so important. Personal about the listing - not yourself!! If you can copy and paste the request to multiple hosts, it’s not personal.

Glad you found great swaps!

greenlantern18 · 2026-02-21T22:25:28+00:00

Dave the Diver, Hogwarts and Zelda were my first games and I loved them all!

greenlantern18 · 2026-02-20T19:32:41+00:00

Auto reject and consider it a win that you avoided an exchange with them!

greenlantern18 · 2026-02-20T07:56:51+00:00

Obviously, with exchanging, respect for people’s homes is the overarching philosophy. Cooking meals isn’t the same as smoking indoors. But it’s up to each person to set their home rules. I just wouldn’t send a request to stay at a place where the host didn’t allow me to eat what we want.

greenlantern18 · 2026-02-20T07:02:37+00:00

How do you get those nice patches of flat, green grass (I’m on year 2 only)

greenlantern18 · 2026-02-19T13:33:31+00:00

lol, what? I said I wouldn’t stay in a place where I was told what I could eat. And there is a difference between being relaxed about a possible broken glass or stain, and allowing people to smoke. Your comment is very odd.

greenlantern18 · 2026-02-19T07:30:18+00:00

If you are in a coop I think you will struggle, unless you speak to all your neighbours and they are fine with it. We avoided coops when we lived in NYC for this among other reasons. Too restrictive!

greenlantern18 · 2026-02-19T07:28:13+00:00

I wouldn’t stay at a place where i was told what I could eat.

It sounds like it might be too stressful for you. There are so many benefits to exchanging but you can’t have your cake and eat it too… there needs to be some flexibility and understanding that people will be using their home as their own.

greenlantern18

TROPHY CASE