What is the best website for house swaps? My HomeExchange Review
Accommodation will always be one of your biggest travel expenses…but what if it wasn’t? What if your accommodation costs could be reduced to zero, while you still enjoyed the comforts of being at home?
That is what house swaps promise. House swaps are a long-standing tradition. They were all the rage, but then they were soon eclipsed by sites like Airbnb. They became all the rage but then were soon eclipsed by sites like Airbnb.
But as travel prices skyrocketed post-COVID, more and more people have turned back to house swaps as a means of saving money while they travel while still getting a local experience (but without the hassle of an Airbnb).
House swaps are exactly what they sound like. House swaps are exactly what they sound like. You list your house, then trade with someone in another city. HomeExchange is the most popular platform for swaps.
The biggest and most popular platform for swaps is HomeExchange.
And, in this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know to get started with a house swap and help you decide if HomeExchange is right for you.
What is HomeExchange?
Founded in 1992, HomeExchange is a network that facilitates swapping homes with another person or family. HomeExchange was founded in 1992 as a network that facilitates swapping homes with another person or family. Over 200,000 people are members of the platform today, spread across 155 different countries. It’s the biggest and most popular house swap platform.
Currently, it costs $220 USD per year for unlimited swaps. It’s also easy to use. It’s easy to use. You only need to create a free account and fill out your profile, including photos and detailed descriptions about your home. Then, you have the option of paying a fee. Once you have done that, you can start searching for exchange opportunities. You can search for home exchanges by browsing the site (there is a map feature that shows you where the opportunities are located) or by narrowing your results by using the filters. You can filter based on the number of rooms, whether it is pet-friendly, accessibility and amenities (like a swimming pool). You can start a conversation with a homeowner via HomeExchange’s secure messaging system. Once you find the home that you are interested in, you simply need to reach out and express your interest.
There are two types of exchanges: what HomeExchange calls “The Classic Exchange” and an “Exchange with GuestPoints”.
Classic Exchange
The Classic Exchange is probably what you think of when you think of a home exchange: you stay in someone’s home, and in exchange, they stay in yours. It can happen at the same time, or at different times. The important thing is that the exchanges are reciprocal. What if someone doesn’t want to come to your home, but you’d like to stay at theirs? This is where GuestPoints come into play.
What are GuestPoints?
GuestPoints (GP) are HomeExchange’s point system. You will receive 500 points when you join and can earn more by hosting other members in your home. If you don’t want to exchange places, but still want to stay with someone else in their home, you can offer them GP. The points can be used to stay at someone else’s house. The number of points needed per stay varies, but is generally between 100 and 320 GP. You can try the platform right away with your welcome bonus points! I get it. HomeExchange offers a safe way to exchange homes. Much like sites like Airbnb, users have to verify their identity and submit proof of address and create a profile, so you can see photos of where you are staying before you go.
Additionally, you have to pay a $500 USD deposit when you book a home. HomeExchange also includes damage coverage up to $1,000,000 USD, so you don’t have to worry about your house getting damaged. HomeExchange also includes damage coverage up to $1,000,000 USD, which means you really don’t need to worry about damage to your house.
Additionally, HomeExchange has a Compliance Guarantee that states that if the accommodation does not meet the initial home description, they will offer an alternative solution.
On top of that, if your swap cancels last minute, HomeExchange will provide compensation of up to $840 USD/week if you cannot find a replacement.
But perhaps most importantly, every guest on HomeExchange is also a host. This creates a system of mutual respect and trust. Members treat homes how they want their own home to be treated, which ensures that the community stays respectful and considerate.
So, in short, it’s a safe platform that you can use with confidence. They also have 24/7 support in case you have questions or run into a problem or emergency.
What I Liked About HomeExchange
For me, the main draw for using HomeExchange is that it lets you live like a local. This is a cross between Couchsurfing and Airbnb. The homeowners can give you suggestions for places to eat and other things, as well as share their favorite activities and attractions. It’s great to be able get insider advice and tips that you would not otherwise receive. I believe that this is essential for traveling off the beaten track and gaining a deeper understanding of your destination. A private Facebook group is another great benefit. This is a great way to meet other travelers and receive travel advice and tips that you can’t get anywhere else. HomeExchange will waive the second-year fee if you do not find a swap during your first year. That’s a nice bonus and something that I think new members who don’t travel a ton will really appreciate.
Plus, I also love that homes are available in 155 different countries and there are over 200,000 members so you do get a lot of options. You can get 24/7 customer service and financial assistance if you have to cancel your swap. This way, you won’t be stuck in a strange city.
Frequently Asked Home Exchange Questions
Can i do a home swap if i rent my house?
Yes! It is enough to check the guest policy on your lease/rental agreement. If you are unsure, tell your landlord so that there are no surprises.
Can I do a home exchange if I have pets?
Yes! List your pets in your profile and make sure you include their needs. Be sure to communicate with your member and include all the details of their pets. You’ll want to mention your pets if you have them at home but are taking them with you on vacation. This is in case they cause allergies. You will need to make it clear that you are traveling with your pet and staying in the home of another member. Can I exchange my spare room with others?
Yes. You can indicate this in your listing, by choosing “private room”, rather than “whole apartment”. Also, be clear when you arrange the exchange to ensure everyone understands what they are signing up for. Is there a required minimum of nights for an exchange? There is no minimum night requirement for the site, but you’ll find that most hosts have their own requirements (generally between 3-7 days). You’ll probably want to stay longer if you are traveling on an exchange.
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HomeExchange offers a platform that is perfect for those who are on a tight budget but still want to enjoy the comforts and perks of a private house in their local area. This is also a good way to meet a new family. Sharing a home can create a sense intimacy, and you may make friends. It’s a bit like adult Couchsurfing, and I met a lot friends using that. Book Your Trip: Tips and Tricks for Logistical Planning
Book your Flight
Find cheap flights by using Skyscanner. Skyscanner is my favourite search engine, because it searches all websites and airlines in the world.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. Booking.com is the best option if you don’t want to stay in a hostel. It consistently offers the lowest rates for hotels and guesthouses.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. This is comprehensive coverage in the event of an accident. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
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Check out my resource page to find the best travel companies. Here are all the companies I use to travel. You can’t go far wrong with them. They are top-of-the-line and the best you can get.
