house exchange

7 Reasons to Do a House Exchange

February 15, 2022 • By THIRDHOME

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When it comes to booking travel accommodations, most people decide based on the location, price, and if the accommodation offers a taste of authentic culture.

And instead of choosing between hotels, more and more tourists are turning to house swaps for the best amenities and local experience. A house swap is where two families exchange homes, each staying in the other’s home while on a simultaneous vacation.

house exchange

If you’ve never tried a house exchange before, read on to learn the top seven reasons to host your own.

1. Save Money

Traveling can be expensive, and lodging is one of the top expenses during most vacations, just behind transportation.

But trading houses can save a lot of money, freeing up your budget to be spent on local food, souvenirs, and other fun items during your trip. In fact, families don’t typically charge each other anything to stay in their homes during the swap. The only cost you may have to budget for is a relatively inexpensive fee required to use a trusted house exchange platform.

2. Experience Your Destination Like a Local

It’s no surprise that traditional hotels can feel a little touristy and impersonal. That’s why, if you want the true locals’ experience, it helps to stay in a home just like the people who live there.

When you trade houses, you get to see what homes are really like in your destination, and you can better imagine what everyday life is like there. And if you find a home tucked away from the tourist traps and crowded sights, you get a peek at what an authentic neighborhood is like in your holiday spot.

In some cases, you may also be able to get insider tips from the family you’re exchanging homes with, giving you a chance to visit the spots locals really love.

3. Get More Cozy Amenities

When you do a home swap, you get all the items and amenities that another family actually uses in their daily lives. You won’t be confined to one, minimalist hotel room. Instead, you’ll likely have access to a kitchen, full bathroom, space to lounge, and more.

You’ll also have plenty of towels, blankets, toys, and other items that will help make the space feel like home-sweet-home for your family on vacation.

And in some home swaps, you might have access to bonus amenities like a community pool or a car. Just be sure to check with the family first before grabbing the keys and going for a drive.

4. Get a House Sitter or Pet Sitter (For Free!)

When you go on vacation, you may be used to paying someone to check on your house, water your plants, or take care of your furry friend. But a house swap means you’ll have someone staying in your home, keeping an eye on things while you’re away.

This can offer a sense of security you may not have when leaving your home empty and unattended for days.

If you have a pet, they may even be able to feed and take care of them during their stay. But be sure to confirm these details before to make sure the other family is in agreement.

5. Try Unique Accommodations

Part of the excitement of going on vacation is getting to experience a new way of life in an exotic location. And when you do a house exchange, you have a chance to experience accommodations you may not get to stay in otherwise.

For example, you could look to swap your home with a houseboat on a lake, or you could try testing out a tiny house in nature. If you want to be near the action, a luxury penthouse in the middle of the city might be a great fit instead.

These types of unique accommodations are rare without doing a house exchange.

6. Get More Space to Relax

If you want plenty of room to stretch your legs after sightseeing all day, or if you have a large family that requires multiple rooms, nothing beats staying in a real home.

Most hotels and vacation properties are small, offering just enough space to sleep. But a home swap offers all the space of a real home, from luxury condos to full mansions.

If space is important to you, skip the tiny hotel and try a house swap instead.

7. It’s Easier Than Ever

Exchanging houses may sound complicated or even dangerous. But today, it’s easier and safer than ever to trade homes on vacation. And you can turn to house exchange services to help you work out all the details, without wasting time and energy trying to find the perfect home away from home.

With house exchange clubs and platforms, you can quickly and easily find a family in your dream city who is looking to offer their home to you. And these clubs and platforms have special requirements, ensuring that each house is safe, clean, and luxurious.

There may also be insurance and other protections in place so that you have peace of mind while lending your home to other travelers.

Are You Ready to Plan Your House Exchange?

A house exchange offers a unique and exciting alternative to traditional accommodations, giving you a chance to stay in another family’s home during your trip.

If you’re ready to experience the convenience and coziness of a home swap, browse available homes and destinations on THIRDHOME Exchange. From tropical hotspots to the soothing mountains, find your next dream vacation destination now!

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