Discover home exchange stories from our Members.

This one was brought to us by Leticia while on a home exchange in Boston.

1. Where did you go on home exchange?

Boston, MA, USA

2. How did you choose your destination and home exchange?

My friend from middle school was coming from South America where we grew up and where she lives. She had an extensive trip planned to the East Coast of the United States and we decided to go on a short adventure to Boston, spending three days there.

3. What was the conversation like with your host?**

We had a few message exchanges with our host. They were very detailed about their house, the furniture and how they wanted for us to take care of it. They gave us great directions to get to their house from the airport.

4. Your arrival: How was the house? Did you meet your host? Did they give you any gifts or tips for visiting the area?

We arrived during the day on a beautiful August morning. Our hosts were not at the house as they spend their summers in France. The person cleaning the house received us and showed us around the house. The house can accommodate 6 people. It is furnished with antique finds that made me feel right at home. I was very happy to find that although the house is located in a suburb of Boston, it is a short block from the subway that provides an easy ride to downtown Boston. The neighbourhood itself was great to stroll around, the main street a few blocks from the house, featuring restaurants and small shops.

5. How did exchanging your home influence your vacation, compared to a traditional vacation rental?

There is nothing comparable to staying at a beautiful, comfortable house. My friend and I enjoyed lazy breakfasts at the house’s veranda and prepared simple meals in their beautiful fully equipped kitchen. The house was on a quiet street where we could sleep in and relax.

6. Tell us what you saw during your trip.

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States, full of historic places to visit and right by the ocean. We followed the Freedom Trail, which is a red line on the cobblestones that guides you through the historic places that make the fabric of the city. We took the subway to Revere Beach for a picnic lunch and strolled down Harvard University campus. After the longest day walking the city, we had a fabulous meal at an Italian restaurant in the north end, the Italian neighbourhood with restaurants owned and served by actual Italians.

Bonus Question: What is the best memory from your trip?

This was one of those trips that were just perfect: weather, accommodation and location. Personally, I got to spend three days traveling with my best friend from middle school, and as I told her at the end of our trip, back in those years, when we both lived in South America, we would have never imagined we’d meet thirty-some years later in a far away city to have a trip together.