The Best Website for House Swaps? My HomeExchange Review

Accommodation is always one of the biggest travel expenses. But what if it didn't have to be? What if you could make your accommodation cost zero and still enjoy home - like comforts? That's exactly what house swaps promise!

House swaps have been around for ages. Remember the movie The Holiday with Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet? That was all about house swaps. They were super popular for a while, but then got overshadowed by sites like Airbnb. But guess what? After COVID, with travel prices shooting through the roof, more and more people are turning back to house swaps. It's a great way to save money, get a local experience, and avoid the Airbnb hassle.

So, what are house swaps? It's simple! You sign up, list your home, and swap with someone in another city. They stay in your place, and you stay in theirs. And the most well - known platform for this is HomeExchange. In this post, I'll tell you everything you need to know to start house swapping and help you decide if HomeExchange is the right fit for you.

Table of Contents

1. What is HomeExchange?

HomeExchange was founded in 1992. It started as a mail - ordered printed directory and then went online. Now, it has over 200,000 members in more than 155 countries. It's the top dog in the house - swap world! The annual fee for unlimited swaps is $220 USD. And it's a breeze to use. Just create a free account, fill out your profile (with lots of photos and a detailed home description), verify your identity, and pay the fee. Then, you're ready to search for exchange opportunities. You can browse the website (there's a cool map function) or use the filters. You can filter by the number of bedrooms, if it's pet - friendly, accessibility, and amenities like swimming pools. When you find a home you like, reach out through HomeExchange's secure messaging system, show your interest, and start chatting.

Here's what one of my readers said:

"We've been members since 2005 and have done over 60 exchanges all around the world. It's an amazing way to explore. We've been to so many great places. You get the comfort of home and can fully explore the area, all for just the cost of the yearly membership. We highly recommend it." - Lyn and Jed

1. Two Types of Exchanges

There are two kinds of exchanges on HomeExchange: "The Classic Exchange" and "Exchange with GuestPoints".

• Classic Exchange: This is the typical home - exchange you probably imagine. You stay in someone's home, and they stay in yours. It can be at the same time or different times, but it's a two - way deal.

• What are GuestPoints? GuestPoints (GP) are HomeExchange's point system. You get 500 when you sign up and earn more by hosting members at your place. If you want to stay in a home that doesn't want a classic exchange, you can give them GP. They can then use those points to stay in someone else's home. The number of points needed per stay usually ranges from 100 - 320 GP per night. So, with your welcome bonus, you can give the platform a try right away!

• Is HomeExchange Safe?

I get it, staying in a stranger's house might feel a bit weird. But HomeExchange is really safe. Just like Airbnb, users have to verify their identity, show proof of address, and create a profile. So, you can see photos of the place before you go. Also, when you book a home, you pay a $500 USD deposit. If you accidentally break something, the homeowner can use it to cover the cost. HomeExchange even has damage coverage up to $1,000,000 USD, so you don't have to worry about your house getting damaged. They also have a Compliance Guarantee. If the place doesn't match the description, they'll find an alternative. And if your swap cancels last minute and you can't find a replacement, HomeExchange will compensate you up to $840 USD/week. But the best part? Every guest is also a host. So, everyone treats homes with respect, like they would their own. And they have 24/7 support if you have any questions or run into trouble.

1. What I Liked About HomeExchange

For me, the best thing about HomeExchange is that it lets you live like a local. It's like a mix of Airbnb and Couchsurfing. Homeowners can share their favorite places to visit, give you personalized dining suggestions, and more. You get all these insider tips that you wouldn't get otherwise. It's great for exploring off - the - beaten - path places. Another cool thing is their private Facebook group. It's a great way to connect with other travelers and get unique travel tips. And if you don't find a swap in your first year, they waive the fee for the second year. That's a nice bonus, especially for new members who don't travel a lot. Plus, with homes in 155 countries and over 200,000 members, you have tons of options. And they have 24/7 customer support and will help you out if your swap cancels.

1. Frequently Asked Questions About Home Exchange

2. Can I do a home exchange if I rent (not own) my place? Yes! Just check your rental agreement/lease's guest policy. If you're not sure, tell your landlord.

3. Can I do a home exchange if I have pets? Yes! List your pets and their needs in your profile. If they're staying home, let the other member know. If they're traveling with you, still mention them in case of allergies. And if you want to take them to someone else's home, be clear when arranging the exchange.

4. Can I host people in my spare room as an exchange? Yes. Just select "private room" instead of "whole unit" in your listing and communicate clearly.

5. Is there a minimum number of nights required for an exchange? There's no site - wide minimum, but many hosts set their own, usually 3 - 7 days. And when you're traveling for an exchange, you'll probably want to stay that long anyway!

HomeExchange is a great platform for those who want a private, local - neighborhood home on a budget. It's also a cool way to connect with a family. Sharing a home can create a special bond, and you might even make some friends. It's like grown - up Couchsurfing. Click here to learn more and sign up today!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

1. Book Your Flight

Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights. It searches all over the place, so you know you're getting the best deal.

1. Book Your Accommodation

For hostels, use Hostelworld. If you want something else, Booking.com usually has the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

1. Don't Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects you from illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. I never travel without it. My favorite companies are:

• SafetyWing (best for budget travelers)

• World Nomads (best for mid - range travelers)

• InsureMyTrip (for those 70 and over)

• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

• Want to Travel for Free?

Travel credit cards let you earn points for free flights and accommodation without extra spending. Check out my guide to pick the right card and see my favorites.

1. Need a Rental Car?

Discover Cars is a great, budget - friendly international car rental website. They'll find you the best deal, no matter where you're going.

1. Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?

Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace. You can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip - the - line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip?

Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I use them all, and they're the best!