How We’ve Completed Over 150 Home Exchanges: Our Most Unforgettable Stays Around the World
Discover how HomeExchange has transformed our family travel since 2019
🎉 SPECIAL SEPTEMBER OFFER: New HomeExchange members get 1,800 total GuestPoints when signing up with our referral link before September 30th!
When people ask us how we've managed to travel so extensively since 2019, the answer always surprises them: we've completed over 150 home exchanges using HomeExchange. This incredible platform has allowed us to stay in amazing homes around the world completely free while creating authentic travel experiences that no hotel could ever provide.
From beachfront villas in the Bahamas to cozy family homes in New Zealand, every exchange has given us a window into local life that transforms how we experience each destination. Today, I'm sharing some of our most memorable HomeExchange stays and why this travel hack has become our family's secret to affordable, authentic adventures.
Why HomeExchange Changed Everything for Our Family
Before discovering HomeExchange, accommodation costs were eating up huge chunks of our travel budget. Hotels meant cramped rooms, expensive meals, and staying in tourist zones that felt disconnected from real local life.
HomeExchange flipped that script entirely. Suddenly, we had:
- Full homes with kitchens – saving hundreds on dining costs
- Real neighborhoods – living where locals actually live
- Authentic connections – hosts who became friends and local guides
- Massive savings – tens of thousands saved on accommodation
But the real magic? The memories we've created in these homes go far beyond what any hotel stay could offer.
Our Most Unforgettable HomeExchange Destinations
🇧🇸 The Bahamas: Paradise Found

🇨🇴 Colombia: Cultural Immersion in Chía
Our Colombian exchange opened our eyes to a country that's often misunderstood by travelers. We stayed in a massive house in the hills of Chía, complete with sprawling fields, a huge kitchen, and even a studio apartment next door.
The elevated location gave us incredible views and a sense of space that felt worlds away from typical tourist accommodations. Our girls loved having so much room to spread out and explore the property.
The HomeExchange advantage: We earned Guest Points by hosting other travelers in our home, then used those points to stay in this incredible Colombian property. This flexible system means exchanges don't need to be reciprocal - you can host when it works for you and travel when you want to explore.
🇳🇿 New Zealand: Adventure Base Camp
We completed multiple exchanges in homes all around New Zealand - not just Queenstown. During our 2-year stay, these many homes became our base camps for exploring day trips to surrounding areas. This particular exchange was our favorite simply because of the amazing views and the incredible house itself!
HomeExchange allowed us to travel across both the South Island and the North Island and experience different regions without the massive accommodation costs that would have made extended stays impossible. From cozy family homes to luxury properties, each exchange gave us a different perspective on New Zealand life.
The Global Reach: More Amazing Exchanges
Beyond our featured destinations, HomeExchange has taken us to incredible homes across the globe:
🇲🇽 Mexico – Our very first exchange! We bunked in with a local family, sleeping in hammocks and getting our first taste of authentic home exchange culture.
🇺🇸 USA – Epic stays including a huge Florida house where we hosted friends, and a couple luxurious Texas "mansions" that gave us unforgettable American experiences.
🇩🇪 Germany – From a Berlin house perfect for exploring the city's legendary club scene, to a countryside home with a garden and chickens in a charming small town.
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka – A beachfront paradise with a beautiful pool and access to world-class surfing spots.
🇮🇩 Indonesia – An incredible indoor/outdoor house with a pool and outdoor kitchen that perfectly captured tropical living.
🇲🇦 Morocco – A unique community setting that felt like living in a bustling marketplace, complete with friendly cats and stunning traditional architecture.
🇬🇲 The Gambia – Three weeks in a local complex where we played card games, taught and learned from our neighbors, and truly lived like locals.
🇦🇪 Dubai – A modern apartment with stunning city views and access to world-class amenities.
🇯🇴 Jordan – A family home in Amman that became our base for exploring Petra and Wadi Rum.
Each exchange brought unique experiences, cultural insights, and memories that standard accommodations simply cannot provide.
How HomeExchange Works: The Basics
If you're new to home exchanging, here's how it works:
Option 1: Direct Swaps
Option 2: GuestPoints System
Use points to stay in homes without hosting in return. Earn points by hosting others or through the referral program.
The Process:
1. Create your profile and home listing
2. Search for homes in your desired destinations
3. Send personalized messages to potential hosts
4. Arrange the exchange details
5. Enjoy your authentic travel experience!
Special September Opportunity: Double GuestPoints
Right now, there's never been a better time to join the HomeExchange community.
September 2025 Special Offer (Ends September 30th):
- ]for new members who complete their profile and activate membership
- PLUS 500 BONUS GuestPoints when you sign up with our referral link
- Total: 1,800 GuestPoints to start your home exchange journey
Important: You must use our referral link to qualify for the bonus points. Regular signups don't receive these extras.
Join HomeExchange with our referral link 👉https://growingupwithoutborderslife.com/homeexchange and start planning your first exchange adventure.
The Real Value: Beyond Money Savings
While the financial savings are incredible (we've saved tens of thousands on accommodation), the real value of HomeExchange goes much deeper:
Cultural Immersion: Living in real neighborhoods gives you authentic cultural experiences that tourist areas can't provide.
Local Connections: Many of our hosts have become lifelong friends who we visit whenever we're in their area.
Unique Experiences: From sleeping in hammocks in Mexico to caring for chickens in rural Germany, our exchanges have provided authentic cultural experiences that money can't buy.
Family Bonding: Having real living space means quality family time that cramped hotel rooms don't allow.
Educational Value: Our kids have learned about different cultures, languages, and ways of life through these authentic experiences.
Ready to Start Your HomeExchange Adventure?
After years of using HomeExchange for the majority of our travels, we can confidently say it's transformed how our family sees the world. We've stayed in incredible homes, made lifelong friends, and created memories that will last forever all while saving tens of thousands on accommodation costs.
The September promotion offering 1,800 total GuestPoints won't last long. If you've been considering trying home exchange, there's never been a better time to start.
Sign up for HomeExchange today using our referral link and join thousands of families who've discovered that the best travel experiences happen when you live like a local, not a tourist.
Ready to plan your first HomeExchange adventure? Comment below with your dream destination, and we'll share tips for finding the perfect exchange! Don't forget to follow our journey as we continue exploring the world through authentic home exchanges.
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