Anyone traveling with children knows the tricky calculation: Holiday season is expensive, the nice apartment at the desired location quickly sells out, and a hotel room for four often feels too small after three days. GuestPoints or direct exchange Therefore, it is not a question of a complicated scoring system, but of a very practical question: How can we easily get into a real apartment, even if the other family doesn’t want to move in right away?
When we first discussed swapping apartments, the direct exchange seemed the most logical option at first: We live with you, you live with us. Fair, personal, simple. In practice, however, we quickly realized that vacation calendars, travel destinations, and available time periods rarely reflect this in such a clear way. That’s exactly why GuestPoints exists. Both options have their place – and anyone who understands the difference can plan much more flexibly and relaxed.
What happens during a direct exchange
A direct exchange works according to the classic principle: Two households agree to stay in each other’s home. For example, one spends two weeks in an apartment in Copenhagen while the host family stays with you at the same time. There is no money spent on accommodation, and usually no GuestPoints are used either.
The nice thing about it is the immediate reciprocity. Both sides consciously say “yes” to each other, plan together and know exactly who is in their own home. Especially when it comes to the first apartment exchange, this can be a good feeling. Often people write a little more, exchange tips for the neighborhood, and sometimes they even have the impression of getting to know each other a little bit, even though they never meet in person.
For families, the direct exchange is particularly appealing if both apartments suit each other well. The other family might have a children’s room, toys, and a garden, while you can offer exactly the same things. This also makes organizing longer summer holidays wonderfully easy, provided the timing suits both parties.
The catch is obvious: a lot of things have to fit together at the same time. The other family wants to move to your city; you want to move to theirs; both apartments must be available; and the dates must match. That’s possible, but not always realistic for short school holidays or popular travel destinations.
GuestPoints or direct exchange: the crucial difference
With GuestPoints, the exchange is decoupled. You stay with a host in Lisbon and exchange it for GuestPoints. This host does not have to come to you. Perhaps she collects the points for a later trip to Vienna, perhaps she uses them for a weekend trip to the mountains. Your own apartment can, in turn, welcome guests for whom you receive GuestPoints for their stay.
At first glance, this sounds more abstract than a direct exchange. However, after a few inquiries, it becomes clear why this model works so well for many travelers: it solves the calendar problem. You don’t have to wait for your dream apartment to become available exactly when the owners want to visit your region at the same time.
The Number of GuestPoints It is based, among other things, on location, size, amenities, and the number of sleeping places. A large family apartment in a sought-after city usually brings in more points than a small studio in a less touristy area. This is not a judgment on the value of a home, but rather intended to fairly balance out different travel options.
The key is to have the right expectations: GuestPoints are not a currency and do not guarantee that every request will be accepted. Ultimately, it is always the person who opens their home that decides. Therefore, a friendly, concrete letter of introduction and a reliable profile count at least as much as your points balance.
When I would recommend going directly for a trade
The direct exchange is ideal if you have a clear travel idea and your counterpart does too. This happens more often than you might think – for example, between families from cities that are exciting holiday destinations for each other. Even if you want to be away for longer, a suitable direct exchange can be wonderful: both parties have planning certainty, and no one has to worry about what the points will be used for later.
I would still prefer it if the communication went particularly well from the beginning. Some hosts write extensively, share their favorite cafes, explain the baby stroller in the basement, or offer to water the plants. This quickly turns an organizational deal into a very personal travel experience.
Nevertheless, it is not worth getting fixated on a direct exchange. If the data do not match, that is not a bad sign and does not mean you are being rejected. It usually just means that the other family’s life is just as busy as your own.
When GuestPoints are significantly more relaxed
GuestPoints are useful when you want to book flexibly or spread out your travels throughout the year. Perhaps you want to spend an extended weekend in Hamburg in spring, the seaside in summer, and visit friends in another city in autumn. It would be unrealistic to try to find the perfect match for every trip.
GuestPoints are especially useful when you have an irregular travel schedule. Maybe you live in a region that is very popular in the summer, but you’d rather travel outside of the season. Or your apartment is available during a visit to your grandparents while you don’t have time to host guests at the same time. With GuestPoints, you can take advantage of these opportunities instead of letting them pass you by.
There is another advantage for families: you can choose accommodations more specifically according to actual needs. For a city trip, perhaps a small apartment in a central location is enough. For the summer holidays, however, you are looking for a kitchen, a washing machine, a garden, or two separate bedrooms. Points give you the freedom to choose the type of trip—not just based on who might want to come to you in return.
The mix is often the best strategy
Anyone who signs up with HomeExchange doesn't have to make a final decision on a particular option. That's what makes the system so convenient. A direct exchange can be perfect for the big summer trip, while GuestPoints are much better suited for spontaneous weekends or a trip during the autumn holidays.
Therefore, we wouldn’t start with the question: „Which is better?“ It would be more meaningful to ask: „What do we need for this specific trip?“ With fixed dates and a suitable partner, direct exchange can be the most beautiful solution. In case of limited vacation windows, multiple vacation wishes, or a destination with high demand, GuestPoints are often the faster way.
Another practical idea: Don't make your apartment visible only when you immediately want to travel away yourself. Anyone who makes an early booking Full profile By creating a profile, selecting good photos and honestly describing what guests can expect, you build trust. If a nice request for a period when you are already traveling comes in, GuestPoints can be earned, which will give you a lot of choice later on.
Three things that are more important than the form of exchange
Whether points or a direct exchange: Good experiences almost always start with good communication. Don’t just write „Is your apartment available?“ but briefly tell them who you are, why you are interested in the place and why your trip fits well with the stated rules. If you are traveling with children, mention their age. This helps hosts much more than a formal standard message.
Secondly: Be honest with your requests. A residential apartment is not a hotel. Perhaps there’s a craft project on the kitchen table, maybe the floorboards creak, maybe a cat lives in the house. In return, you’ll get space, a real community, and often details that no booking platform can provide. Those who like this perspective will Love apartment swaps.
Thirdly: Don’t be too picky. In popular places, it’s worth sending several suitable requests and also exploring neighborhoods outside the well-known center. Especially with family, a quieter location with a playground, supermarket, and good transportation connections is often more valuable than the address right next to the main attraction.
GuestPoints and direct exchange are therefore not competing models, but two paths to the same goal: more travel experiences, less accommodation costs, and a temporary home that truly feels like home upon arrival. Start with the option that suits your next vacation – and remain open to the possibility that the other one will bring exactly the freedom you have lacked so far on the subsequent trip.
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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. 🧭 ❤️ 🏝️