We all know that feeling. You’re in need of a break, but family-friendly holidays aren’t always easy to arrange. They’re expensive. You’ll need to pack loads. And you’ve got a long list of doubts about whether it will be fun and safe for the small people. Step forward home swapping – possibly the best (and cheapest!) way to travel with the kids…
Many of us are planning a staycation for this year, but the cost of hotels and holiday rentals has gone through the roof. Which is why we’re so delighted to explore the wonderful world of home swapping with award-winning members-only site Love Home Swap.
Boasting 18,000 stunning homes in more than 100 countries, Love Home Swap is the ideal solution for families who want to secure lovely homes for amazing holidays – for the small cost of a membership.
Using Love Home Swap couldn’t be easier. Members have unlimited access to the website, and can arrange as many swaps as they like. After listing your home on the site, you can browse for properties in whatever area you fancy, using the search filters to find exactly what you’re looking for. Next, simply message the owners of the homes that you like the look of, and request a swap. If they’re agreeable, then you finalise the details – like whether you can bring your pet and whether you’ll also share cars. And that’s it!
Members share family-friendly properties with huge gardens, like this spacious historic home in Crowborough.
There are two ways to exchange homes:
1) Classic Swap
This is when members directly trade homes, either at the same time or on different dates. This type of swap is free, and is a particularly popular way for families to exchange their homes, as school holidays are often aligned. Furthermore, many members receive requests to stay in their homes from people in places they hadn’t considered staying in before – so it’s a great way to explore the world if you’re keen to try new adventures!
2) Points Swap
This is when members don’t want to directly trade homes. Instead, you can arrange a stay in another member’s home in exchange for Points (which is Love Home Swap’s virtual ‘currency’) plus a small administrative fee which starts at £49. This type of swap is popular with families who want ultra-flexibility, and is a great option for second homeowners who can earn Points by allowing guests to stay in one of their homes when they are not there.
Members are willing to share their incredible facilities, like the pool at this lovely home in Sheffield.
This pretty 6-bedroom Sheffield home also features a music room, plus a huge child-friendly garden.
Home swapping is a fantastically cost-effective way to travel, with members saving an average of £1,065 on a 7-night break. Plus it affords you the chance to stay in homes that are truly family-friendly. Love Home Swap member Janneke sums up why she thinks it’s the best way to travel:
“With four kids it is very difficult to find a vacation with enough space that is affordable – swapping is very exciting and comfortable! Because of swapping, we could get away in our own country and it was great. We had a great vacation because we went away for four weeks, and it cost almost nothing. It was as expensive as staying at home, not even a little bit more expensive than that!”
Members have access to uniquely family-friendly touches like this soft play area in a gorgeous Durham home – plus extras such as garden play equipment, bicycles and toys!
Fancy exploring home swapping? Then you’re in luck! You can sign up for a free 2-week trial. Simply use the site like a member and reach out to other homeowners to explore your holiday options – and if it’s not for you, just cancel your membership before the 14 days are up. Easy peasy.
