My HomeExchange Story: Utah, USA
Discover home exchange with stories from our Members.
This story was brought to us by Kathy and John who rediscovered traveling with HomeExchange.
1/ Where did you go on home exchange?
2/ How did you choose your destination and home exchange?
We traveled around the USA when we were married in 1975, and now, all these years later, decided we would go back to areas that we did not make it to. This HomeExchange listing in Boulder Utah fit the bill as it is in the middle of many National Parks.
3/ What was the conversation like with your host?
Our communication with our host was very easy and informative. He was very amenable and flexible in sorting out dates etc. He has created a”guest logistics document”, which has all of the information about the workings of his house, as well as many suggestions for day trips and hikes. Our host has written a guidebook about another area of Utah and is working on one for the Boulder area; he is very passionate about the environment.
4/ Your arrival: How was the house? Did you meet your host? Did they give you any gifts or tips for visiting the area?
Our hosts were traveling so we did not meet them. They did call us on the first night to make sure that all was well and we had a great conversation about our plans and what they were doing. They have an extensive library of hiking guides for the National parks in the area which were invaluable.
5/ How did exchange your home influence your vacation, compared to a traditional vacation rental?
We have found that in general, a home exchange is more personal than traditional rentals, and this was the case with our Boulder exchange. While we never met our hosts, we feel that we know quite a bit about them and would welcome them to our home anytime.
6/ Tell us what you saw during your trip.
Boulder Utah is central to many scenic areas. This home is directly on one of the USA Scenic byways Route 12. Driving this road from beginning to end is one amazing scene after another; millions of years of history in the endless, varied rock formations, rivers, mountains, and forests. We hiked slot canyons and creeks, traveled the Burr Trail and Hell’s Backbone Road, explored Capitol Reef National Park, Escalante National Monument, Bryce Canyon, the Petrified Forest and Kodachrome Basin. Each of the national park visitor centers had videos that help to give some understanding of the physical and cultural history of this amazing area. It is humbling to visit these ancient formations and to realize our place in time.
Bonus Question: What is the best memory from your trip?
Hiking through slot canyons can be challenging, exhilarating and beautiful. We negotiated Peek-a -Boo Slot Canyon thanks to some help from fellow hikers and most of Spooky Slot Canyon, and strolled through the easier Willis Slot Canyon. Each was different, but all were amazing.