House Exchange: The next big thing in tourism?

 

Looking for a House Exchange? You might want to try the newly revamped HomeExchange.com, the result of its 2017 merger with GuestToGuest. Together the two popular home exchange platforms have become a single, united community under the name of HomeExchange.

Very roughly, GuestToGuest was aimed at younger travellers and HomeExchange.com was considered the platform of choice for a premium travel experience. Together the new community offers more choice, options and security for home exchanging. 

I’m a member of HomeExchange.com, going to Paris in our first exchange last summer. I have to say it was a fantastic experience. My host was engaged and communicative – giving me loads of tips on what to do and where to eat in the area. We are still in touch and I feel like I’ve connected with a kindred travelling spirit.

The newly updated HomeExchange.com site now includes:

  • More than 400,000 homes (up from 65,000) in 187 countries. This means way more choice and holiday opportunities. This to me is the most exciting feature of the merger!
  • Insurance! As part of the terms of service, insurance is now included 
  • The use of “GuestPoints” as the exchange currency. This is slightly controversial (points are assigned to your home based on factors such as size and location, though you can manually adjust this). 
  • Reciprocal exchanges without points are still part of the process and are actively encouraged. GuestPoints are a great method for non-reciprocal exchanges which allow people to use and earn them. 

 

Should we explore this 3-bed, 3-bath Maui Beach Home which is close to the best beaches in Kihei?

 

The new site has come with mixed feelings from the community. Home Exchangers are very passionate about travel, and the most passionate are usually the most vocal. The introduction of GuestPoints seems to be the most controversial.

From my perspective, I like the idea of GuestPoints. This will eliminate some crazy exchange requests (i.e. can I stay in your home for a month with 16 guests) and allow you to store up points for future travel. In a way it is an alternative to Airbnb and HomeAway – although no money changes hands between guest and host with HomeExchange, the guest points act as a credit system for future stays. It’s an intriguing concept and possibly the next big thing in tourism!.

 

… or should we check out this open floor-plan single story modern home in La Jolla (San Diego), in walking distance to the famous Windansea surf beach?

 

Meanwhile I’ve been enjoying checking out the new website and figuring out where I want to go in 2019. Should we explore this 3-bed, 3-bath Maui Beach Home which is close to the best beaches in Kihei or this open floor-plan single story modern home in La Jolla (San Diego), in walking distance to the famous Windansea surf beach?

I’m not decided myself but I’m sure having fun looking!

 

Pin it for later: Is Home Exchanging the next big thing in tourism?

 

Suitcases and Sandcastles

 

9 COMMENTS

  1. Elizabeth Morgan | 16th Mar 19

    What an idea you share! It would be very helpful for both exchanges. it reduces my traveling cost. Thanks for treat.

  2. Sinead | 26th Jan 19

    Thanks for this article. This is something we have been looking into to help keep our travel affordable, just need to take the plunge!

  3. Kat | 15th Jan 19

    Before I read the comments, I was thinking the same – ‘Holiday’ ! 🙂 I think it’s a brilliant idea though I’m not so keen on having people staying in my apartment while I’m gone, haha…but still it’s a wonderful concept. #FarawayFiles

  4. Emma Raphael | 14th Jan 19

    I LOVE this idea, it’s not something we have been able to do before as we have been in rented property abroad obviously. My Grandparents were always adventurous, they did a house swap with a Danish Couple back which coincided with moon landing. My Gran still talks about feeling bad as the Danish house had a TV so they could watch it, but their own house didn’t! 😀 #farawayfiles

  5. Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles) | 14th Jan 19

    Like Angie from Changing Pages, I rewatched Holiday over Christmas – it’s such a great advert for house exchange! It’s something I’m really interested in finding out more about. I always feel that we’d be able to stay in better quality homes if we did a house exchange. I’d love to find out more about it. My husband is really nervous about having other people stay in our house though. Thanks so much for sharing this on #FarawayFiles

    • Susanna | 14th Jan 19

      A lot of the success comes from vetting – checking out someone’s profile and info/comments about past exchanges (or lack of info!). Also many have a Skype call with the family to check them out. I think you quickly get the feel if a family is “for you”.

  6. Angela Vincent | 12th Jan 19

    This is interesting. Home exchange is something i have never done but I have started to think about it. Watching ‘Holiday’ over Christmas made me think about it again!

  7. beatravelling | 12th Jan 19

    I love the idea, but still have reservations leaving my home in someone else’s hands 😀 #farawayfiles

  8. Melissa C. | 6th Jan 19

    Hi Susanna! We’ve been traveling for the last ~16 months as partners of GuesttoGuest 🙂 We’ve done some incredible exchanges so far. I’d be curious to compare notes on some differences between the two programs, and I’m also happy to suggest some AMAZING GtG houses for you to look at.

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