More and more travelers are spending their holidays at a stranger’s home, letting that same stranger stay at their home for the same period of time. The trend helps you save on accommodation expenses.
In an era of rising travel costs and a growing desire for authentic local experiences, the exchange of apartments is emerging as a popular trend among travelers looking to explore new destinations without breaking the bank.
This unique travel strategy, reminiscent of the 2006 romantic comedy The Holiday, involves exchange homes with someone else over a set period, offering participants an affordable and engaging way to experience life in a different city.
Brianna Horn, a 30-year-old Paris resident, exemplifies the appeal of this trend. In October 2022, spent three weeks in New Yorkstaying in a stranger’s apartment while he enjoyed his home in Paris. The exchange, facilitated by a mutual acquaintance, allowed Horn to live like a true New Yorker, participating in events, exploring neighborhoods and saving significantly on accommodation costs.
“It was perfect,” Horn shared to . “We both got to have fun for three weeks and live like locals.” Inspired by the experience, Horn has since become a regular participant in apartment exchanges, exploring destinations such as San Francisco and London, offering your apartment in Paris in exchange.
With the 15% higher flight prices than five years ago, apartment swaps offer an attractive solution for budget-conscious travelers. By eliminating lodging expenses, participants save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. This financial relief is particularly attractive to young professionals who prioritize long stays and authentic experiences over luxury accommodations.
Matthew Kepnes, budget travel expert and author of Nomadic Matt, highlighted the financial benefits: “You don’t want to pay double the rent. If you keep mine and I keep yours, we are quiet.”
Travelers are increasingly attracted to the authenticity of apartment exchanges, as traditional platforms, such as Airbnb, have started to favor professional accommodation. According to Makarand Mody, a professor at Boston University’s School of Hotel Administration, Airbnb’s transformation into a curated platform has left a gap for those seeking genuine local experiences.
Horn highlighted the personal touch of staying in someone’s home: “It’s very intimate to be in someone’s space. You see how they live, something you don’t often get with Airbnb.”
The rise in apartment exchanges has been fueled by digital platforms like HomeExchange, which reported a 111% increase in US subscribers since 2020, and new applications like Kindred, launched in 2022. Groups on personal networks also facilitate exchanges, expanding access for those with desirable homes in large cities.
However, the trend is not without limitations. Typically, participants need their own property in a sought-after location and have to face the challenges of managing someone else’s home.
In addition to financial savings, exchanging apartments promotes a sense of community and mutual trust. “Both put themselves at risk,” says Valerie Hamerling, a participant from Los Angeles who founded a Facebook swap group. “We are taking over someone else’s space while they take over ours.”
For people like Horn, this practice offers not only a way to explore the world, but also an opportunity to connect with others and live authentically in new environments.
