A hotel room, two tired children, and wet hiking boots in the hallway: At the latest, that is when it becomes clear why accommodation on family travel is more than just a bed for the night. Our HomeExchange review for family travel is therefore very clear: home exchange is one of the best ways for us to travel more affordably while still living in a way that keeps daily life with children running smoothly.
We are not talking about a theoretical money-saving idea. We are talking about trips where there is cereal on the table in the morning, where the kids are allowed to settle into their own room, and where the washing machine is worth its weight in gold after a rainy day. HomeExchange is not equally suited for every trip and every family. But anyone who has their own apartment or house and travels at least once a year should definitely take a look at the concept.
Our HomeExchange review for family travel
HomeExchange brings together people who open their homes to other members. This can be a direct exchange: We stay with a family in South Tyrol while they stay at our place later. More often, however, we use GuestPoints. We provide our home to others available, collect points for it and use them for accommodation in a completely different place.
Exactly this flexibility makes the model family-friendly. We don't have to wait for a family from our desired destination happen to want to come to us at the same time. Instead, we can send matching requests, coordinate dates, and plan with GuestPoints. This feels like a bit of organization, but it is much less complicated than it looks from the outside.
The biggest advantage naturally lies in the accommodation costs. Family rooms, vacation rentals, or apartments can consume a significant portion of the travel budget during vacation times. With a home exchange, this money is left over for experiences: museum admission, a mountain hut during a hike, a rental car, or simply a good dinner without having a calculator in your head.
At least as valuable is the space. A real apartment usually has separate bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining table, and things that families really need in everyday life. With many exchange partners, children's books, toys, a high chair, a travel crib, or bicycles are ready to use. That is not a guaranteed standard, but a frequent and very pleasant side effect when families exchange with families.
What particularly convinced us as a family
We remember the square meters of a place to stay less than the moments inside it. The child who is already putting together a puzzle in the unfamiliar children's room on the first evening. The large dining table where maps, snacks, and finds from the walk end up. The kitchen where you don't have to wonder every morning where to quickly find something to eat now.
In an exchanged home, you live in a neighborhood for a few days or weeks instead of next to a reception desk. You buy from the bakery around the corner, know the way to the playground after two days, and discover places that don't appear in any classic family package deal. For us, this is the authentic part of travel that you cannot book.
In addition, there is the interaction with the hosts. Good HomeExchange messages are often much helpful than a list of sights. Where is the most relaxing swimming spot? Which supermarket is open on Sundays? Which hike works even with smaller children? Such tips come from people who actually live there.
Of course, there is also a financial model behind the platform: membership costs an annual fee. Compared to several hotel nights, it can pay off very quickly for families. However, anyone who is only planning a single weekend trip or is unable to offer a home of their own should honestly consider whether the system is a good fit right now. HomeExchange is at its strongest when used as a long-term travel style use, not as a one-time last-minute trick.
Kitchen, washing machine, retreat: small things, big impact
With children, it is often the unspectacular amenities that make a vacation relaxing. A kitchen not only saves money, but also nerves. Breakfast before the first outing, pasta after a long day of travel, or a familiar snack for a picky child suddenly cease to be a logistical project.
A washing machine makes packing easier. A living room creates space when there's a storm outside. And separate rooms mean that the evening doesn't necessarily end at 7:30 p.m. just because everyone is sleeping in the same room. Families with small children in particular know how much quality of life lies in such small details.
The honest disadvantages of home swapping
A credible review must also say what is not always convenient. HomeExchange does not work like a booking portal where you have guaranteed accommodation after three clicks. Especially during school holidays, in very popular locations, or with last-minute plans, it takes patience. Not every request is answered, and not every agreement feels right for both sides.
We therefore advise, to search early and to send multiple requests. No mass email, but personal messages. A sentence about why this exact home fits your trip makes a big difference. Families know that planning takes time, and an appreciative request immediately builds more trust.
Opening up one's own home is also a hurdle for some people at first. You have to tidy up, make space in closets, and leave clear information. Our tip: Don't try to stage a sterile vacation rental. A tidy, functional home is enough. We put away personal and valuable things, write down important instructions in an understandable way, and honestly explain what guests can expect.
It may also be that a home does not match one's own style. The photos, reviews, and communication are very helpful for assessment, but you are staying with people, not in a perfectly styled hotel. Those who expect flawless uniformity and round-the-clock service will probably feel more comfortable in a resort. Those who prefer to travel generously, personally, and close to everyday life will love the difference.
How HomeExchange with kids becomes stress-free
The best home exchanges begin long before departure. We specifically filter for family-friendly features: number of beds, separate bedrooms, kitchen, washing machine, outdoor space, and location. Depending on the children's age, an elevator, ground floor, or proximity to public transportation may be more important than particularly chic furnishings.
Before confirming, we clarify the few points that truly matter. Is there anything in the house that children need to watch out for? How does the key handover work? Can a parking space be used? Are there any pets? And how reachable are the hosts in case a practical question comes up along the way? This communication is not a hassle, but rather the reason why both sides feel secure.
For our own home, we are putting together a short welcome folder. It includes Wi-Fi, waste separation, important appliances, emergency contacts, and a few favorite places in the area. Especially nice are recommendations you would give to a friend: the bakery with the best rolls, the quiet route for the balance bike, or the café where children aren't given dirty looks.
When searching, it is worth not just staring at the best-known metropolises. An apartment slightly further out can actually be the better choice for families if it is well connected, has a garden, and everyday life remains simpler. Especially on road trips or hiking holidays, exceptionally beautiful options are often found away from the tourist hotspots.
Safety and Trust: What We Pay Attention To
On HomeExchange, trust is not built blindly. Profiles, photos, verifications, and reviews give a good preliminary sense of who you are dealing with. We read reviews not just by stars, but by specific statements: Was the communication reliable? Was the home clean and as described? How did the guests treat the property?
If something is unclear to us, we ask. A friendly, specific answer often says more than a perfectly set up profile. Equally important: No one has to accept an exchange if their gut feeling isn't right. It is completely fine to politely decline and keep looking.
This mutual consideration is particularly wonderful for families. Anyone who has children of their own usually knows that a glass can tip over or a toy can be left lying around. Nevertheless, of course, the following applies: We treat every home with care, just as we would wish for our own. This simple attitude sustains the entire concept.
Who HomeExchange is really worth it for
Our review of HomeExchange for family travel is especially positive for families who like to travel independently and don't view accommodation merely as a place to sleep. If you like making your own breakfast, need space to settle in, and prefer to use your travel budget for shared memories rather than expensive rooms, home exchanging is a surprisingly good fit.
It can also be a great solution for solo travelers without children. However, families benefit particularly significantly, because the savings become more noticeable with each additional person and the advantages of a real apartment on vacation increase. A home of one's own is not a luxury item in this context. A well-maintained rental apartment, a small house, or a city apartment can be precisely the place other travelers are looking for.
Our most helpful thought to close: Don't wait for the perfect first exchange. Create your profile honestly, show your home as it is, and send a friendly request to a place you really want to go. The first home exchange might feel a bit brave. After that, you often just wonder why you booked expensive family accommodations for so long.
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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. 🧭 ❤️ 🏝️