Are you looking for an affordable way to travel with your family? We have the answer! How about a house swap?
House swapping is a unique way of holidaying that allows families to exchange homes with another family in a different location. It provides a brilliant opportunity to experience new places while avoiding the high costs of traditional holiday accommodation.
This article will explore the benefits of house swapping for family vacations, including cost savings, flexibility, and the authentic experience it provides.
So pack your bags and prepare to discover the world with house swapping.
Note: Head to Aussie House Swap for more information on how house swapping works.
1. You don’t have to pay for holiday accommodation
The most significant advantage of a home swap is that you don’t have to pay for holiday accommodation. We all know this can take a considerable chunk of our budget and, even then, we are not always happy with it.
Think of the money you will save and what you could do with it instead!
More attractions and meals out, or simply more holidays. Put it this way: For the cost of a standard package holiday, including accommodation, you could book two or more house swap holidays.
Start thinking of destinations as holidaying just got cheaper!
2. Live like a local when you house swap
By swapping homes with someone else, you get to stay in a real neighbourhood, rather than a tourist area and live in a real home, rather than a hotel room.
All up, you’ll have a more authentic and immersive experience. You get the opportunity to live in a genuine neighbourhood, shop at local markets, and explore the hidden gems that might have been otherwise undiscovered.
House swapping allows you to experience the daily life of the locals, which can provide a more meaningful and enriching travel experience.
Say “hi” to your neighbours, watch the school run, and be part of life in your holiday destination.
3. All your home comforts
Another massive advantage of house swapping for the holidays is that you’re in a real home, not an apartment or hotel where thousands of people have stayed.
When you stay in a hotel, you’re often limited to a small room with basic amenities, which can be uncomfortable, especially if you’re traveling with a family or for an extended period.
With house swapping, you get to stay in a real home with all the creature comforts you’re used to. You’ll have access to a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable couch, full laundry, and all the other amenities you’d expect to find in your own home.
This can make a huge difference to your travel experience, allowing you to relax and feel more at home, even when you’re thousands of miles away.
4. It’s super convenient
Home swapping can be incredibly convenient, especially for those who value flexibility and independence while traveling.
Unlike traditional accommodation options like hotels or resorts, home swapping allows you to create your own schedule and travel at your own pace. Just think, you won’t have to worry about check-in or check-out times, and you can come and go as you please … without bumping into heaps of other tourists on the way!
It’s particularly great for larger families as it allows everyone to stay together in one comfortable and spacious home rather than split into multiple hotel rooms with annoying interconnecting doors. This means families can spend more quality time together, cooking meals, playing games, and enjoying each other’s company.
5. Child-friendly if you need it
One of the biggest advantages of home swapping is peace of mind with child safety.
By choosing to swap homes with a family with children the same age as yours, you can rest easy knowing their home is kitted out just as you need it. Think stair gate, cupboard safety locks and no glass coffee tables that grace every holiday accommodation unit in the world!
Also, your holiday home will come equipped with other baby/child equipment such as water warmers, cots and baby baths.
And don’t forget the toys! Your child will have a chance to play with a whole new set of age-appropriate toys for the duration of your holiday.
6. Super safe and secure
Being in a family home in a more residential area will keep your family safe from crime hot stops that often come alongside tourist destinations.
Home swapping platforms offer verification and review systems, which can help you feel more secure about the people you’re swapping homes with. You can check their profile, read feedback from other users, and communicate with them directly to ensure their home is the safe environment you want to take your family to.
Also, in this post-pandemic era, staying in a private home means avoiding the germ risks associated with public spaces.
7. Free pet care
Pet hotels and apartments can be super expensive. So, if you have to leave your pets at home during vacation, swap with someone who also has pets.
This way, they can look after your pets and you can take care of theirs. Think of how much you can save!
You also get to meet and care for other pets. Say you’ve always had cats and dogs. You and your kids can get to experience looking after something different … like lizards or parrots!
8. Get local tips and recommendations
The final but also one of the best benefits of house swapping is you can ask the family for tips on everything you need for your vacation.
This way, you can save time discovering where the best places are through trial and error.
You get instant information on the best vacation spots, local play areas, restaurants, favourite cafes, and fun things to do. You also get helpful tips, like recommended clothes and shoes for specific spots.
