The moment when the cost of accommodation suddenly becomes a few thousand euros is familiar to many families. That is exactly when it makes sense to consider swapping home for a vacation in Europe not as a complicated niche model, but as what it really is: a real travel hack. Instead of paying for a small apartment for two weeks, we live in a home with a children's room, a kitchen, a washing machine, and often even a garden – and in return we provide our own home for use.
For us, traveling has changed things. Not because every exchange is perfect, but because the benefits are so tangible in our daily family life while traveling. Breakfast before the excursion, letting wet hiking shoes dry, having a machine wash clothes in the middle of the day, and not having everyone sit together on a hotel bed after a long day: That’s more valuable than it looks on a book page.
Why home swapping in Europe suits families so well
Europe is perfect for apartment swapping. The distances are manageable, many destinations can be reached by train or car, and the differences between the regions are still huge. A week at the North Sea feels completely different from a summer in the Dolomites, a city trip to Copenhagen, or autumn holidays in a village in southern France.
With a classic vacation, a large part of the budget goes towards accommodation. With a home exchange, this expense is largely eliminated. Of course, there are still travel expenses, food, entrance fees, and small extras. But a real kitchen also saves a lot of money right there: not having to eat out every day makes the travel budget go a lot further.
In addition, there is something that is more difficult to quantify. When you arrive in a populated home, you don’t end up in a replaceable accommodation; instead, you find yourself in the middle of a neighborhood. You buy bread from the bakery around the corner, know the playground after two days, and often receive personal tips from the hosts. Through this way, we have experienced places that we probably would never have known as hotel guests.
Exchangeing holidays at home in Europe: That's how it really works
The basic idea is simple: you create a profile for your house or apartment, honestly describe how you live there, and search for suitable accommodations for your travel period. A direct exchange means that two households live with each other at the same time or at different times. In addition, there are platforms with a Point system. There you earn points for nights spent with you and can use them later to book stays with other members.
For families, this model is particularly practical because travel schedules rarely align perfectly. Perhaps a family from Barcelona would like to spend a few days in the Allgäu in October, while they won’t be heading to the coast until next summer. With points, this doesn’t have to be a complicated back and forth.
We would like an established community for the start-up phase. like HomeExchange Choose because many different types of apartments, houses and travel options come together there. However, what is crucial is not just the platform; a good profile and a friendly, concrete inquiry often make the difference in practice.
A profile that creates trust
The most beautiful photos are of little help if it remains unclear who lives with you. Therefore, do not write like in an real estate ad. Briefly tell who you are, how many people are traveling and what guests can expect at your place. Families with small children appreciate the information about high chairs, games, baby cots or a quiet garden. Other travelers want to know if there are parking spaces, how the public transport connection is or whether the bedroom is really dark enough.
Honesty is much more convincing than glitz and glam. If your apartment is on the fourth floor without an elevator, that’s a given. If it’s a bit lively in the morning with the window open, that’s a sign. For that, you can also show what makes your home special: the view of the mountains, the lake within cycling distance, the forest behind the house, or the spacious living kitchen where everyone has room to move around.
The request: in person instead of by copy
A message with „We would like to exchange“ quickly gets ignored. A short request that explains why this particular home is a good fit for you works better. Perhaps you travel with two children and the proximity to the beach would be ideal. Perhaps you want to explore the region for hiking or visit friends nearby.
Name your exact details, the number of travelers and whether you are flexible. And write one or two sentences about your own home. This immediately creates reciprocity. Anyone who has a good feeling that careful guests are coming will respond much more readily – even if a direct exchange is not possible.
What we always clarify before making a commitment
Not every beautiful accommodation is automatically suitable for every trip. Especially with children, it’s worth asking questions before making a reservation. This is not suspicious, but prevents misunderstandings on both sides.
- Are there sleeping arrangements that really suit your children?
- How do key handover, arrival and departure work?
- Are pets allowed in the home, and are there any allergies or rules regarding them?
- What will happen to plants, mailboxes, or trash during your stay?
- Which areas are private, and which things are allowed for guests to use?
That sounds like a lot, but it’s usually resolved with a few messages. We especially like hosts who leave behind a short house manual: Wi-Fi, heating, waste separation, favorite bakery, emergency number, and maybe even an idea for a rainy day. In return, we prepare the same information for our guests.
The small compromises are part of it
Home swapping is not an anonymous hotel booking. You live in a real everyday life, and that is exactly its appeal. However, it can also mean that the decor does not suit your taste, that the children's room is full of toys, or that you have a closet closed because private things are stored there.
A realistic expectation also helps with cleanliness. We do not expect a sterilely clean vacation apartment, but of course we leave behind a tidy home. Our standard is simple: we want to come back to an apartment where we immediately feel at home again. That is how we treat other people’s homes as well.
If you travel very spontaneously or are looking for very specific luxury standards, you won’t find them everywhere. In popular holiday destinations, you also need patience. Sometimes ten rejections occur before a replacement can be arranged. This is normal and not a sign that your home is not attractive. Search early, send several requests, and be flexible regarding the destination or period of time – this greatly increases your chances.
This way the first exchange becomes relaxed rather than nervous.
For the first attempt, I wouldn’t choose an overly ambitious goal. Find a European destination that is easily accessible and plan enough time for your arrival. A weekend or a week in a city you’ve been wanting to visit for a long time is a good start. Then you’ll quickly realize how effortless it feels to unpack, explore the neighborhood, and arrive in a foreign but cozy living room in the evening.
Prepare your own home the way you would like to be welcomed. Free up space in the fridge and in a cupboard, secure very personal documents, and prepare fresh bedding. Often, that’s all that’s needed. No one expects a show home. Guests primarily want clarity, cleanliness, and a sense of being welcome.
A small gesture makes a big difference. We usually have a few regional tips ready: the way to the next playground, our favorite easy hike, a good café, and a hint on where to get bread on Sunday. This kind of information costs almost nothing, but makes the stay more personal than any reception desk.
In the end, apartment swapping is not just about getting a cheap place to stay. It’s about, Europe as a temporary guest To experience something new and to turn your own home into a possibility for new ways of doing things. If you travel at least once a year anyway, this travel hack might already be in your living room – you just need to try it out.
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On my travel blog Wandernotizen I'll take you along on our family trips around the globe. Between wanderlust and everyday chaos, you'll find honest travel reports, tips, and plenty of material to ignite your wanderlust. 🧭 ❤️ 🏝️