Else Beekman
For many travellers, the biggest expense of a holiday is accommodation. But what if there was a way to stay in a comfortable home without paying for a hotel or rental? More and more people are discovering an alternative that allows them to explore new destinations while keeping their budget intact.
The concept is simple: instead of booking a hotel, travellers can arrange to stay in someone else’s home. The other person spends his or her holidays in yours. This home exchange setup allows for a unique and personal travel experience, offering the chance to live like a local rather than just visiting as a tourist.
For residents of Spain, this approach offers a valuable opportunity to reduce holiday expenses. Given that many Spanish destinations are fully booked during peak seasons, having a holiday home available for exchange can significantly enhance your chances of securing desirable accommodation elsewhere.
For example, Esther Z., a school director from Sineu, Mallorca, has received over 30 inquiries from people looking for a place to stay during Easter. While she currently has no travel plans herself, she enjoys the flexibility of this arrangement, knowing she can take advantage of it whenever she wants.
A more authentic travel experience
People who choose this way of travelling often find that it enhances their trip. Unlike hotels, where guests are surrounded by other tourists, staying in a real home lets visitors experience the destination from a local perspective. They can shop at neighbourhood markets, cook their own meals, and enjoy everyday comforts such as streaming services and household amenities.
Some agreements even include car-sharing options, though this must be arranged in advance. In some cases, guests are asked to take care of small tasks, such as watering plants or looking after pets. However, there may also be certain restrictions, such as no smoking or no children allowed.
Things to consider before joining
While this method of travel has many benefits, it also comes with responsibilities. Hosts must ensure their homes are clean and ready for guests, sometimes hiring a cleaning service or storing valuables elsewhere. Keys are often handed over through a trusted friend or a lockbox with a secure code.
Despite verification processes and reviews, there can be occasional issues, such as guests not following house rules or minor damages. Although most platforms provide support for complaints, refunds are not always guaranteed.
Where to start
Several online home exchange platforms connect travellers and homeowners, including:
- HomeExchange: For €160 per year, you could travel more and better
- HomeLink: Try this one out for free
- Intervac: A different way of life. Also, with free try-out period
- Trusted Housesitters For those willing to care for pets in exchange for accommodation
- Swaphouse: Specifically for remote workers and digital nomads.
- People Like Us: A community based on hospitality, trust, and friendship
- Kindred: Known for its good interface and reliable customer service
- Home Base Holidays: Offers worldwide free holiday accommodations since 1985
- ThirdHome: Luxury home exchange for owners of second and third homes.
- BeWelcome: A non-profit, open-source home exchange service
- Trustroots: With a focus on specific communities like bikers
- Warm Showers: a non-profit hospitality exchange service for bicycle tourists
- Couchers: A non-profit, community-led platform offering a modern alternative to Couchsurfing
Most of these services charge an annual membership fee, usually around €150, and use a points-based system to evaluate properties based on location, size, and amenities.