Photo by Yaopey Yong on Unsplash
Times are changing within the travel industry, the days of vacation rentals are ending, and a more community-based travel experience is on the horizon. Home swapping is a great way to tap into the sharing economy, offering an authentic opportunity to live like a local. Sites like Kindred allow members to live a globetrotting lifestyle for a fraction of the cost of a rental or hotel.
What Is House Swapping?
Home swapping is a temporary exchange of homes. The process allows two people to enjoy a new place with all the amenities of a home without the costs and fees of an Airbnb or hotel.
Home swapping has been around in the form of websites or chat groups where people can post their home listings. Remember the film ‘The Holiday’ where Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz swap homes for their vacations? There are several different kinds of home exchange websites out there, but the sad truth is most have unverified users and no vetting process.
With typical home swapping platforms, users can never be sure that the homes are real, and it can be challenging to find a good match. On the other hand, member-based sites provide a vetted community for a full-service travel experience.
Take Kindred for example, every home is manually vetted by a member of the team for quality and accuracy. Membership includes 24/7 trip support that is delivered through a convenient mobile app and members are provided with essentials such as sheets and towels that make hosting a breeze. Unlike other home swapping platforms, Kindred also coordinates cleaning before and after each stay, so that members don’t have to, which helps provide a stress-free travel experience.
How Does a House Swap Work? The Home Exchange Process
The home swap process is simple and straightforward. While it differs a little bit depending on the home swapping platform, here is how it works on Kindred:
- First, apply to be a member, be accepted, and enjoy zero hosting requirements or fees to keep an active membership.
- Once you are accepted, browse homes on the app or have your concierge find the best options for you. As a host, there are no hosting requirements & you’ll get to approve every guest that stays.
- All members must host their own home to travel, so everyone has skin in this game. One of the best parts? There is no nightly rental fee when you book a trip, you only cover the cost of cleaning and a service fee per stay.
You can either swap 1-for-1 or host your home while away to earn credits. These credits can be used to book stays at another home later. You earn 1 night of travel (or 1 credit) for each night you host a member in your home. As a new member, you are given 5 complimentary credits (equal to 5 nights) to book your first trip.
Advantages of Home Swaps
Home swapping isn’t just about finding a place to stay; it’s about creating a home wherever you go, immersing yourself in local cultures, and making your travel budget stretch further.
Smart Savings
Tired of overspending on short hotel stays? We get it! Dropping over $500 for a brief escape doesn’t make much sense for your budget. That’s where house swapping shines. It’s a gateway to charming, affordable accommodations. You end up saving a significant amount, giving you the freedom to enjoy more – from tasting local delicacies to exploring new sights, and indulging in a bit of shopping. More experiences, less expense!
Homey Comforts
House swapping offers the comforts of home while you travel. Everyone loves the feeling of coming back to a homely space after a day out. Imagine a place that’s not just a stay but a home, with all the amenities you need – a ready-to-use kitchen, a welcoming bathroom, and that overall cozy atmosphere.
Live like a Local
House swapping is the key to immersing yourself in the local lifestyle. Wander the streets, mingle with the neighbors, and discover the local secrets that only residents know. Hosts usually leave a guest book with all their favorite spots! It’s more than just a vacation; it’s an opportunity to integrate into a new community, even if it’s just for a short while. Embrace it, enjoy it, and create your own unique memories!
Is Swapping Homes Right For You? Is a Home Exchange Worth it?
The short answer is – yes! Home swapping provides a different kind of intentional travel at a fraction of the cost of a conventional trip. For the price alone, home swapping is worth it. However, the benefits extend far beyond the cost.
Home swapping communities connect members with something or someone in common, such as a mutual friend or a shared network, allowing them to stay in each other’s homes. The sense of community and authentic travel experiences can’t be beat, in our humble opinion.
Home swapping isn’t for everyone, but for those looking for an authentic travel experience and a sense of community, it is an excellent fit.
Home Swapping FAQs
What is a home exchange?
A home exchange, also known as a “home swap,” allows you to stay in someone else’s home as they stay in yours. Home exchanges enable you to experience a new place with the comforts of staying at home at a fraction of the cost. You get to taste life as a local while living as they live in their town or city.
Am I in control of who stays at my home?
Yes. You are always in control of whether a guest stays at your home – and get to approve all requests! Plus, there are no minimum hosting requirements as a member.
Do I need to remove my personal belongings when I host?
Absolutely not! Home swapping guests understand that this is a home and not a vacation rental – so don’t worry about having clothes in your closets, pictures on your walls, or stuff in your drawers.
