As our first HomeExchange with two children approached, the anticipation was great – but the usual questions were also running through our minds: Is the apartment really childproof? What if the little ones sleep poorly? And isn't it weird to live in a stranger's home with your own family? After a few hours on-site, these thoughts were surprisingly quiet. Instead of a cramped hotel room, we had space, a kitchen, and a daily routine that immediately felt easier.
For us, that was precisely the point: When traveling with children, it's rarely about checking off as many sights as possible. It's about everyone getting enough sleep, being able to eat when they're hungry, and making sure there's time for a break every now and then. Apartment swap can absorb that much better than traditional accommodation – and saves an item that otherwise quickly makes family travel expensive.
Why our first HomeExchange with two kids was so relaxed
The best thing about a home exchange is not just that there is no hotel bill waiting for you. It is that feeling of truly living in a place for a few days or weeks. In the mornings, there was breakfast at the kitchen table instead of a frantic search for a suitable café. In the afternoons, the children could play with the toys that were already there while we were allowed to settle in.
It is often small details that make a big difference. A high chair, books in the children's room, a quiet courtyard, or a playground around the corner are things you often have to search for a long time when booking a hotel. In a family home, they are often simply there. Of course, not every exchange home is perfectly tailored to the age of your own children. But with honest communication, you can usually figure out quickly whether it is a real fit.
The location was also more important to us than a particularly chic living room. A supermarket within walking distance, a good connection to the city, and a park for the last burst of energy before dinner add more value during a family vacation than an apartment right at the tourist hotspot.
The nervousness before the home exchange is normal
Before the first exchange, your own apartment suddenly feels very private. You wonder if everything is tidy enough, if someone will manage the plants, or if your favorite glass will stay in one piece. That is understandable. At the same time, it helps to keep in mind: on the other side, there is almost always a family or a travel-loving person with the exact same thoughts.
HomeExchange works not because people carelessly give away their apartments. It works because both sides treat each other with respect and clearly agree in advance on what is important to them. We have noticed: the more personal and specific the exchange in advance, the better the decision feels.
A few messages aren't always enough. When children are traveling along, it's worth asking for a quick video call. Then questions can be sorted out easily and you get a quicker sense of who is coming into your home. That's not distrust, simply pleasant.
This is how we prepared the exchange
We wanted to leave our guests an apartment where they could settle in without having to search for things for a long time. Not everything had to look like a vacation rental for that. Personal items are allowed to stay. But a little structure creates relaxation for both sides.
Particularly helpful was a short welcome folder with the most important info: Wi-Fi, garbage, coffee machine, heating, and a few honest recommendations for the surrounding area. We also noted which playground gets muddy when it rains and where to get the best bread rolls. It is precisely such little details that turn a place to stay into a home away from home.
For families, I would clarify these four points in particular before the exchange:
- Is there a cot, bed rail, or do we need to bring anything?
- Which rooms or cabinets are private and remain locked?
- Are there any special rules, for example regarding the balcony, pets, musical instruments, or parking?
- How can we be reached if you have an urgent question during your stay?
We also cleared away a corner with important documents and personal items. Not out of fear, but so we don't have to think about them while on vacation. Anyone who wants to leave feeling relaxed should prepare their apartment in such a way that they can put it out of their mind with a clear conscience.
Do not over-perfect
The most common mistake before the first home exchange is probably wanting to make everything over-perfect. Of course, the apartment should be clean and functional. But nobody expects a sterile showroom home. Families with children know scattered Lego bricks, scratches on the dining table, and the laundry basket that is never completely empty.
We cleaned up thoroughly, put out fresh bed linen and made room in the fridge. That was all it took. If a drawer looks a bit chaotic, that is no reason to cancel the exchange. Authentic travel also means living in real homes.
What is different with two children
With two children, the amount of luggage doesn't simply double. Above all, needs often double. One child might need their bedtime story, the other immediately needs something to eat in the morning. In an apartment with a kitchen and separate rooms, this is much easier to manage in a relaxed way than in just a few square meters.
Nevertheless, it is worth taking a close look at the accommodation. Photos say a lot, but not everything. In the meantime, we pay attention to unsecured stairs, open bodies of water nearby, balconies, the sleeping arrangements, and the question of whether both children can really settle down. A baby can often still sleep in a travel cot, but for older children, two real beds are worth their weight in gold.
Sometimes the nicest apartment is not the best choice. A great old building on the fourth floor without an elevator can turn into a test of patience with a stroller and bags. A smaller, practical apartment near a park and tram is then the wiser decision. Home swapping is not a competition for the most spectacular accommodation, but rather a way to shape the trip to suit one's own family routine.
The small surprises that we did not expect
What surprised us the most: The children settled in much faster than we did. A few books, an unfamiliar children's room, and a new path to the playground – and the place already felt like an adventure. The fact that we weren't staying in an anonymous hotel, but in a home, made it easier for them to get settled.
We adults also grew calmer. We didn't have to plan every meal out and could simply spend a rainy morning indoors. Especially when staying for several days, this saves not only money, but also nerves. A restaurant visit then remains a lovely experience rather than a daily logistical chore.
Of course, things might not always go completely as hoped. Maybe the coffee machine is different than expected, a kitchen utensil is missing, or the children have a restless first night. That is part of traveling. The difference is: In a home exchange, there is usually enough room to react flexibly.
My honest advice for the first exchange
Do not look for the perfect apartment and don't wait for the moment when all uncertainty has vanished. Instead, look for an exchange that feels right on a human level and practically fits your journey. A friendly exchange, clear agreements, and a home that fits your family's daily routine are more important than designer furniture or a dream address.
If you communicate openly, you will quickly realize that HomeExchange is not a complicated idea for particularly adventurous travelers. It is a very everyday way to discover new places with your own home. Especially with children, this often creates the kind of vacation you remember later: less organized, more lived, and surprisingly affordable.
Our first exchange didn't make us perfect travelers. But it showed us that a family vacation doesn't always need an expensive hotel, a cramped room, and a fixed breakfast schedule. Sometimes all it takes is someone else's front door key, a local playground, and the courage to just give it a try.
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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. 🧭 ❤️ 🏝️