BARTER A BED: Travellers trade a talent for a trip

HOTELS in Spain are among 450 in 61 countries taking part in a novel initiative which offers travellers the chance to exchange accommodation for a service or goods.
Barter Week (November 19 to 25) was launched in Italy nine years ago through the Bed-and-Breakfast-It accommodation portal, whereby guests were invited to stay in one of its establishments in exchange for painting a wall, teaching a language or sharing a recipe from their country of origin.
The idea took off to the extent that this year, it has been expanded globally for the first time.
The seven Spanish establishments participating are based in Denia, San Sebastian, Barcelona and Madrid, with management looking for help improving their website, giving yoga classes and looking for help in the garden.
The principle of the initiative is that the website organisers have a list of bed and breakfasts/hostels willing to open their doors to future guests with a ‘wish list’ of what they would like in return.
On finding potential lodgers, the portal organisers then negotiate with hostel owners to reach an agreement.