Family home exchange 101: save money while travelling like a local
Our little corner of Porto
Last summer, for the second year in a row, we lent our home to other families. We hosted families from California, Canada and France. Our experience has been nothing short of amazing, and I'm excited to share how home exchanges have transformed the way our family travels.
Our home exchange journey
Spending 3 weeks in Canada last year and 2 months in South America this year would not have been possible without doing home exchanges. We save so much money by not having to spend anything on accommodation. When you're traveling as a family, accommodation costs can quickly become the most expensive part of your trip. By eliminating this expense, we've been able to extend our travels and explore destinations that might otherwise have been out of reach.
Home exchanging is actually pretty simple and straightforward. We registered on a well-known platform, took realistic pictures of our home and got so many offers of swap we could have gone anywhere. We also contacted a few people when we liked the look of their home.
The first time we considered a home exchange, I was nervous. Would strangers take care of our home? Would we feel comfortable in someone else's space? These concerns quickly faded as we realised how respectful and considerate most home exchangers are. After all, they're trusting you with their home too!
Common questions about home exchanges
Let me answer some of the questions you asked me recently:
Who are these people we exchange with?
We don't know the families we exchange with beforehand. We chat on virtual calls. This way we get a better idea of what they were like and see if they would be a good fit. These calls are crucial—they help establish trust and give both parties a chance to ask questions. We've found that exchange families are typically like-minded travellers who share our values of respect and adventure.
Some exchanges have led to genuine friendships! We still keep in touch with a family from California we swapped with.
Which platforms can you use?
There are lots of platforms you can use to exchange. HomeExchange, People Like Us, Family Home Swaps, etc. Each has its own community and slightly different approach:
- HomeExchange is one of the largest and most established
- People Like Us has a more community-focused approach with lower fees
- Family Home Swaps specialises in, you guessed it, families!
We tried a couple before settling on our preferred platform. It's worth exploring different options to find the community that feels right for your family.
What are the requirements?
There are no criteria whatsoever to be able to swap. You pay a membership fee (anywhere between 100 and 200€) and off you go. You can swap as many times as you like. And your house does not need to meet any condition. It is up to you to check what the others offer.
This democratic aspect is what makes home exchanges so accessible. You don't need a luxury villa with a pool (though those are available too!). Many families are simply looking for a comfortable base from which to explore a new area.
What about security and privacy?
I didn't really care about someone being in my home. I guess it is like having friends staying over and leaving them the house to take care of. Some people do remove very sentimental objects or lock them in one room.
For our first exchange, I did create a small closet where we stored important documents and a few irreplaceable items. By our third exchange, I didn't even bother. The trust system works remarkably well because it's reciprocal.
Always remember you are in their home while they are in yours (though maybe not simultaneously). This mutual respect creates a strong foundation for a positive experience.
What about insurance?
We do not have specific insurance for swapping. Our guests are just that: guests. Similarly to when you would lend your keys to a family member or friend, there is nothing else to worry about. We enquired to our home insurance and they mentioned that as long as no money was exchanged, it was all good.
The reality of home exchanges
Last thing: those platforms you sign up with showcase home exchange homes with pools and 5* amenities to attract you. But the reality is that most people exchange "normal" homes. Don't let them fool you.
While scrolling through listings, you'll see stunning properties that look like they belong in architectural magazines. These certainly exist, but they represent a small percentage of available homes. Most exchanges happen between regular families with regular homes. What matters most is cleanliness, accurate descriptions, and good communication.
Our home is comfortable but certainly not luxurious. We've had no shortage of exchange offers because location, convenience, and the opportunity to live like a local are often more valuable to travellers than high-end amenities.
The benefits beyond saving money
My favourite thing: We get to experience a slice of life like the locals. We don't stay where tourists stay. We live like our exchange family lives. This is a great way to travel.
This authentic experience is priceless, especially for children. Our kids have learned so much from staying in local neighbourhoods, shopping at nearby markets, and sometimes even meeting the neighbours. They get to see how families in different countries and cultures live day-to-day.
Additional benefits we've discovered:
Space and comfort: Unlike cramped hotel rooms, we have entire homes with multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and living areas. If both families have young children, toys, games and other children-related equipment is priceless.
Local insights: Exchange partners often leave recommendations for their favorite restaurants, parks, and hidden gems that wouldn't appear in guidebooks.
Pet-friendly travel: Some exchanges include pet care, meaning your pets can stay at home with your exchange partners rather than being boarded.
Environmental impact: Home exchanges are a form of sustainable tourism since they utilise existing resources rather than building and maintaining additional tourist infrastructure.
Tips for first-time home exchangers
If you're intrigued and considering your first home exchange, here are some tips we've learned along the way:
1. Start with a shorter exchange: Your first time, consider a weekend or week-long exchange to get comfortable with the process.
2. Be honest about your home: Take clear, accurate photos and describe your home truthfully. Surprises are rarely welcome in home exchanges!
3. Create a home manual: We leave a document with WiFi passwords, appliance instructions, emergency contacts, and local recommendations.
4. Communication is key: Establish expectations about cleaning, plant care, mail handling, and any other household matters before the exchange.
5. Be flexible: Sometimes the perfect exchange comes from an unexpected location. Keep an open mind about destinations.
6. Prepare your children: If you have kids, involve them in the process and discuss how to respect other people's belongings.
Home exchanges have opened up a world of possibilities for our family travels. The money we save on accommodation allows us to travel longer, experience more, and create deeper connections with the places we visit.
If you have any more questions about our home exchange experiences, feel free to ask in the comments below.
Have you ever tried swapping your home? I'd love to hear about your experiences or address any concerns you might have about taking the plunge!
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