Unlike all paid memberships, (i.e. Silver, Gold and Platinum) the free Standard membership doesn't permit access to the private messaging or swap systems.

However, paying members do have the option of viewing your standard property an initiating swaps with you or sending you a private message. If/when this happens, you'll receive a generic email alert notifying you. You then have the option of upgrading to view and respond if you wish.

The value is that you can join the community, (i.e. sign up, receive newsletters, add 1 property etc) for free but not actually arrange a vacation. It's a way to test drive without having to buy. When you receive activity in your account, you then you have the option to upgrade if you wish. You pay month to month, there are no long term contracts.

It's important to reiterate that while you, as a standard member do get everything mentioned above, you don't have the ability to contact other members of the community. You have to wait for them to contact you. Also, paying members can and may elect to filter out standard users when they're searching for their next vacation.