Suddenly, the vacation apartment by the sea costs more than the entire trip there? Exactly at this point, we started seeing our own apartment differently. It's not just our home, but it can enable us to take trips that would otherwise be far too expensive. This beginner's guide to HomeExchange shows you how to start house swapping without complicated rules—and why this is one of the best travel hacks of all, especially for families.
When first thinking about HomeExchange, many are skeptical: Strange people are supposed to sleep in your own apartment? Understandable. We felt the same way. But after the first exchange requests, we quickly realized: behind the profiles are mostly families, couples, and travelers who treat your home just as carefully as they would want to be treated themselves. The key is not a perfect designer house, but an honest profile, clear communication, and an exchange that works for both sides.
Why HomeExchange works so well for families
Traveling with children quickly gets expensive. Not only because of the accommodation, but also because a hotel room for four people often offers little space, no refrigerator, and no washing machine. During a house exchange Do you live in a real home? There are usually separate rooms, a kitchen, toys, and often even a garden or a nearby playground.
That not only saves money. It also changes the feeling of travel. Instead of having to search for a café immediately in the morning, you have a relaxed breakfast in the kitchen. Instead of eating out every evening, you cook something simple in between. And if a child is tired after a long excursion, you have a living room instead of just a bed. For us, that is precisely the comfort we do not want to go without on a family vacation.
Of course Does HomeExchange suit me not for every trip. For a spontaneous weekend trip with very fixed dates, a hotel can sometimes be easier. But if you are a little flexible or plan your holidays early, home swapping opens up incredible possibilities – from city apartments in Paris to lakeside houses or family apartments in the mountains.
Guide for HomeExchange Beginners: Setting Up Your Profile Correctly
Your profile isn't a real estate listing. It's the first encounter between you and potential exchange partners. That's why it doesn't need to sound slick or polished. Describe your apartment the way you would explain it to friends: honestly, specifically, and with a focus on what actually helps travelers.
Good photos make a big difference. Rooms should look bright and tidy, but not uninhabited. Show the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living room as well as special features like a balcony, garden, parking space, or the view. Families are especially happy about pictures of the children's room, high chair, travel cot, or play area. Anyone who knows that Lego, books, and a suitable place to sleep are waiting on-site is more likely to send an inquiry.
The location also deserves more than a single sentence. Is the train station within walking distance? Is there a bakery around the corner, a swimming lake, or nice hiking trails? Is your apartment in a quiet location, even though the city is quickly accessible? Especially as a host, you know the little advantages of your area much better than any booking platform.
Availability is also important. Enter times when you can actually travel or are open to guests. A complete calendar signals: someone is active here and plans reliably. You don't have to make every week available. It's better to have a few realistic time periods than a calendar full of possibilities that ultimately don't work out.
Understanding the two ways of exchange
HomeExchange offers the classic reciprocal exchange: you stay at a family's home while they stay at yours – at the same time or at different times. This is especially nice when both sides have similar travel plans.
Besides that, there is exchanging with GuestPoints. Simply put: You take Guests with you on and you earn points for it that you can use later with other members. That makes you more independent. Maybe a family from Amsterdam wants to visit you in the spring, while you want to go to South Tyrol only in the fall. You do not need to have the same dates for both to benefit.
For beginners, GuestPoints are often the easier way to start. You don't have to wait for that one perfect reciprocal exchange. Still, it's worth taking a close look at every request: Does the person fit with you? Are the messages friendly and specific? Are there reviews, a complete profile, and understandable travel plans? Your gut feeling can help make the decision.
How to write inquiries that actually get answered
A message asking «Is your apartment available?» is easily overlooked. Hosts often receive multiple inquiries, especially in popular cities and vacation regions. A good inquiry therefore shows that you have read the profile and are not just messaging twenty apartments at the same time.
Mention your travel dates, the number of travelers, and the reason for the trip. Briefly explain why this particular accommodation suits you. Perhaps you want to go to the lake with the kids, visit friends nearby, or finally see a specific museum. A personal sentence about the apartment or area makes a real difference.
At the same time, you shouldn't be disappointed if rejections come in. Some hosts have visitors, are using their home themselves, or aren't comfortable with very short-notice requests. That is not a judgment about you or your apartment. Especially in the beginning, patience is part of it. We prefer to write a few individually phrased requests rather than relying on a single accommodation.
Before the first commitment: You should clarify these things
Once a potential exchange feels right, it is about the practical details. For families, sleeping arrangements are particularly important: who sleeps where, is there a cot, does anyone need an extra bed? Arrival time, key handover, parking, and the use of a washing machine or bicycle should also be discussed early on.
Talk openly about everything that needs special attention in your home. Perhaps the cat is not allowed outside, a room remains closed, or the coffee maker is a bit quirky. Conversely, you are welcome to ask if there are rules in the house, whether neighbors are informed, and how garbage, heating, or pets are organized.
Before every departure, we create a short, friendly house guide. It contains the Wi-Fi details, important appliances, shopping and public transport tips, and emergency contacts. This doesn't have to be a 20-page manual. Two or three pages are often completely sufficient. Recommendations that you won't find in any guidebook are especially helpful: the best playground, the bakery with the good bread, or the short loop for a walk after arrival.
Preparing your own home without turning it into a major project
Many hesitate because their apartment doesn't look like a vacation home. It doesn't have to. Guests expect a clean, functional, and livable home, not a high-gloss apartment. Clean up, make space in a closet or dresser, and store your personal documents and valuables wherever you feel they are safe.
We deliberately leave things behind that make the stay more pleasant: spices, oil, a bit of coffee, games, and a small selection of books. This isn't mandatory, but it's a nice gesture. On the other hand, we lower our own expectations. With a home exchange, not everything is identical to a hotel—in return, it's more personal, more spacious, and usually much more relaxed.
Cleanliness, however, remains non-negotiable. Clarify beforehand how the final cleaning will work. Some families clean themselves before departure, others organize a cleaner, or split the costs. There is no single right solution. The crucial thing is that both sides know in advance what has been agreed upon.
During the exchange: Trust doesn't mean never asking questions
A short message upon arrival is polite and relieves tension on both sides: «We have arrived safely, everything is wonderful.» If anything is unclear, it is better to ask directly rather than improvising. A fuse blows, the key gets stuck, or the stove works differently than usual – that happens at home, too.
Treat the apartment the way you would want to find your own apartment after a trip. Small mishaps can happen. If something breaks, tell us immediately and let's find a fair solution together. Honesty is much more valuable during a home exchange than trying to hide a problem.
After returning, an honest review is part of the process. It helps other members and makes the community more reliable. If you felt at home, don't just write «All good,» but specifically mention what you liked. Such reviews give new hosts confidence and make future exchanges easier.
Before committing, the first home exchange often feels bigger than it actually is. Start with a manageable destination, take the time to create a complete profile, and write your first personal inquiry. Perhaps a budget-friendly overnight stay won't be a one-time exception, but rather your new way to see the world with your family.
- About the Author
- Latest posts
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. 🧭 ❤️ 🏝️