What is Home Swapping?
Home swapping — also called home exchange — is the third wave of travel accommodation, after hotels and Airbnb. Rather than paying a full market-rate nightly bill, members of a Club stay in one another’s Homes, funded by a membership and by Exchange Currency earned from hosting. For anyone travelling more than once a year it typically costs over 80% less than the equivalent hotel or Airbnb stay.
The Home Swap Guy is the independent expert who helps you see the world by swapping Homes. Just as importantly, it helps you choose the right way in. Loyal only to the traveller.
The Idea, In One Breath
First hotels. Then Airbnb. Now Home Swap — the Third Wave of travel. Stay in real Homes worldwide, from a Tokyo studio to a Tuscan villa, for a fraction of hotel or Airbnb cost — typically over 80% less. Live like a local, not a guest.
Why This Guy
15 years. 100+ trips and hostings, personally. Across the major Home Swap Clubs, and advising them on the Third Wave. When The Home Swap Guy says something works, or doesn't, it's from the road, not a Club's marketing. Full disclosure →
What It Actually Is
Home swapping runs through member Clubs of vetted members who open their Homes to one another. Your Home is your membership: Clubs self-select for quality, and everyone hosts as well as stays.
How It Works
Earn credit by hosting at your Home, then spend it staying at another member's Home whenever suits you: by far the most common way to Home Swap. A smaller number of trips are Simultaneous, swapping Homes with another member at the same time.
Interested in learning more? The Home Swap Guy has more detailed guides that start answering the most frequent questions: How do I get started? What happens once I've chosen? How's it different from Airbnb? Which Club fits me? How much will I actually save? Is it safe? We're continually building out more to help you make the most of Home Swapping. Or just ask the guy at concierge@thehomeswapguy.com.
Travel More ✦ Fraction of the Cost ✦ Live Like a Local