The bill for accommodation used to be the moment when a beautiful travel idea suddenly turned into a calculation: Do we really need two rooms? Is the holiday apartment big enough? And how do we explain to the children that while the ice cream at the beach is available, the outing might not be? A family doesn’t save on vacation by swapping it for nice things along the way, but on the place that costs the most: the accommodation.
That’s exactly what has changed our way of traveling. Instead of planning a four-digit sum for a hotel or a vacation apartment in a big city or by the sea for a week, we live in a real home. With a kitchen, a children’s room, a washing machine and often even a small garden. That doesn’t feel like a sacrifice. More like the travel version of the good feeling of being able to stay with friends – only in a city you’ve wanted to see for a long time.
Why a family saves money by swapping holidays
During family vacations, accommodation quickly becomes the biggest expense. A hotel room is often too small for four people, two rooms are expensive, and even a simple vacation rental often costs more during the school holidays than the flight or train ride. In addition, there are meals out of house because there is no suitable kitchen available, as well as laundry costs or the constant shopping for small items that one would have in an apartment anyway.
With a home exchange, the rent for the accommodation is eliminated. Of course, one still remains. Membership in a trading platform, And getting there, eating out, entering attractions, or renting a car still cost money. But the bill shifts noticeably: Suddenly, a week in one place is possible that was previously only possible for a short trip.
The real advantage for us lies not only in the savings. It lies in the fact that we plan more relaxed. If the accommodation doesn’t cost 1,800 euros, not every day of vacation has to be completely filled out. Then an afternoon at the playground, a visit to the market, or a rainy day with books are also allowed.
An honest calculation example for a holiday week
Let’s take a week in a popular European city during the school holidays. A family-friendly apartment with two bedrooms quickly costs between 180 and 280 euros per night. Even with a conservative calculation of 200 euros, 1,400 euros is enough for seven nights.
With a home exchange, we do not pay for these overnight stays. Instead, we charge an annual membership fee and, if necessary, small expenses for preparing our own apartment. Fresh bedding, a welcome snack, or a thorough cleaning are nice, but not mandatory and not comparable to a holiday rental bill.
Then there’s the kitchen effect. Breakfast in peace, pasta after a long day of museum-hopping, snacks on the go – not only does this save money but also time with children. We still like to eat out when we travel. But we don’t have to do it three times a day just because the fridge in the hotel room is missing.
Our first exchange was less complicated than we thought
Before our first house swap, we had the same questions as many families: Who sleeps in our beds? What about personal belongings? And what if our apartment doesn't look like it came from a home decor magazine?
The short answer: Regular, residential family apartments are in demand. People are looking for not just designer homes, but accommodation that suits their trip. An additional children's room, a well-equipped kitchen, a parking space, or proximity to the train station can be much more valuable to others than perfectly matched pillows.
For our first swap, we closed cabinets with personal documents, removed valuable items, and wrote a simple house-keeping list. It included Wi-Fi, waste separation, a coffee maker, important contacts, and a few tips for the area. It wasn’t a huge task; more like a thorough cleaning that we would do anyway before each departure.
When we finally arrived at our hosts’ apartment ourselves, it became clear why this model worked so well. There were books, toys, spices, an umbrella in the closet, and tips on the best baker. We weren’t living anonymously next to attractions; we were living in the middle of a neighborhood for a week, in the midst of everyday life.
This is how home swapping with children is relaxed
Home swapping is not a magic trick. Good communication is what determines whether both parties feel secure. Before making a commitment, we pay special attention to ensuring expectations are clear: arrival and departure times, the number of travelers, pet handling, use of the car, and the question of which rooms are kept private.
We always clarify these four points beforehand:
- Is there a suitable sleeping place for each child, or do we need a travel cot?
- Are stairs, balconies, a pool or a garden suitable for the age of our children?
- What rules apply to pets, plants, parking spaces, and any bicycles that may be present?
- How is the key handover going if the arrival times change?
The choice of accommodation can also be pragmatic. With young children, an apartment on the outskirts with a playground right outside is often better than a chic apartment in the center on the fourth floor without an elevator. With teenagers, proximity to the city center, good bus connections, and private Wi-Fi are more important than a garden.
With HomeExchange We can target filters to filter out features that really help families. We don't just look at the photos; we also read the descriptions carefully and ask questions if something is unclear. Hosts who respond kindly and specifically are usually a good sign for us.
Not every trade works – and that’s completely okay
House hunting is particularly strong if you are flexible regarding travel dates or destinations. Those who are looking exclusively for a specific house by the sea in the first week of August need patience and, ideally, several requests. Those who can choose between two regions or are considering a longer period have significantly better chances.
Another point: You have to be willing to share your own home. That’s not always suitable for everyone. After a move, during a very stressful phase, or if you feel generally uncomfortable with the idea, a traditional accommodation is the better choice. You should never feel like you have to save as if it were a pressure.
There are also differences in comfort. Some apartments are perfectly prepared for guests; others are much more personal and lively. In return, you often get things that a hotel cannot provide: a family table, games for the evening, honest restaurant recommendations, and the feeling of truly arriving at a place.
The smart travel hack starts at home
Many believe that they would have to travel a lot or own an exceptional house in order for a profile to be worthwhile. Our experience is different: Those who have a decent apartment or a house that someone else can use for a trip already have the essentials. Good photos in daylight, an honest description, and a complete profile make the beginning easier.
It doesn't just describe square meters and rooms. It tells what makes your area pleasant for guests: the lake within walking distance, the weekly market, the direct train connection, or the forest trail behind the house. Families often look for exactly these everyday-applicable details.
Whoever sends the first request doesn't need to know everything yet. Be kind, be honest, say who is traveling with you, and mention a specific timeframe – there's really no need for more at the beginning. The routine comes quickly, and with it, the desire to choose destinations that previously seemed too expensive usually grows as well.
Perhaps your next vacation planning won’t start with the question of which hotel is still affordable. Start by looking at your own home. It could be the key to a week where your family experiences more, spends less on accommodation, and still lives in a way that is most enjoyable for children.
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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. 🧭 ❤️ 🏝️