My HomeExchange Story: "HomeExchange has opened up new worlds to us."

In the summer of 2021, Dave and Chauna embarked on a trip to Brittany, France for their ninth exchange. They shared stories about their trip and their experience swapping homes using HomeExchange, and some advice to get started.

What did you appreciate most about the home you stayed in?

We loved the feeling of living like locals--we ate breakfast in the garden, we walked along the oceanside path. Staying in a house instead of a hotel makes for a more authentic experience.

What did you appreciate most about your exchange partner?

Our exchange partners from last summer have become our good friends--the relationship is more than a transaction. They helped us have an amazing experience at their home, and we hope to do the same when they come to our home this year.

What did you see or do during your exchange?

Our favorite memories include touring the walled city of St. Malo and eating oysters by the sea. HomeExchange has opened up new worlds to us.

What is one of your best memories or experiences from a home exchange?

One of my favorite memories was visiting castles along the Rhine with my wife, my sons, and their friends. Homeexchange.com made it possible for us to house six people reasonably, and to have this experience together just as my sons entered adulthood was priceless.

What would you say to your friends and family who are considering HomeExchange?

People worry that having strangers stay in their house might be risky. To us the relationships we've built through exchanges has far outweighed that risk. Exchanging homes has improved our view of human nature.

What tips and tricks would you give to new HomeExchangers?

You have to send out a lot of requests to get responses.