Here's How to Travel for Free

They say the best things in life are free, but when it comes to travel that can seem impossible. Travelling domestically and abroad opens our horizons, heightens our senses, and leads to fulfilling experiences that we can keep with us for a lifetime. It often comes at a price though, and we don't mean figuratively. Smart travelers know though that your budget shouldn't stop you from seeing the world, and that it's even possible to travel for free with certain insider tips. Let us share the biggest one yet: HomeExchange. If you want to know how to travel the world for free, our platform is one of the greatest ways to do so.

Travel the World (Almost) For Free With HomeExchange

Unlimited Travel All Year For $220

Is it possible to travel for free? With HomeExchange it sure feels like it. While we do have a one time annual fee of $220, this unlocks unlimited exchanges for the entire year. Plus, signing up and searching for home exchanges in our network is free. It won't cost you anything unless you find an exchange that's suitable for you and another host. Once your membership activated, you unlock one full year of unlimited home exchanges for a price less than the average cost of 2 night hotel stay in Europe or North America.

Largest Selection of Homes Worldwide

For anyone wondering how to travel abroad for free, HomeExchange is a global network. In fact, we're the largest and most reputable home exchange site in the world with over 150,000 members in over 145 countries. Nearly anywhere you want to travel, you'll find our hosts there ready to welcome you so you can feel at home anywhere in the world. It's a great way to settle in in a foreign country, as you can find the comforts of a real home along with support from your hosts to help you get the most out of your stay with local recommendations and more.

A Flexible System

HomeExchange isn't about money changing hands, it's about how we can get more out of travel while also spending less. That's also why we created our innovative GuestPoints system, to make exchanges more flexible for our members. GuestPoints are points you earn for hosting members, that you can spend later, when a reciprocal exchange isn't possible. Going to away to visit family or for work? Have a spare bedroom? You can host members at your home while you're at home or away and earn these points. Then, when you want to travel you can spend them on stays at other's homes. It's great for people who want to know how to travel for free.

Your Home is Taken Care Of

Plus, HomeExchange helps you save money while you're away. That's because if you hosts members in your home while you're away, you can save by not paying for boarding pets or someone to look after your home in your absence. We have experienced pet-sitters and animal lovers in our network who will love caring for your animal companions in the comfort of your home, tending to your garden, and more. If you want to bring your animals along, these details can be discussed and arranged with your hosts as well, which is why HomeExchange is a great option for pet owners who want to know how to travel for free.

Why Choose Home Exchange When Deciding How to Travel For Free

The Oldest HomeExchange Site

In addition to having the most extensive network of any home exchange site, we've also been in the business longer. In fact, HomeExchange began over 70 years ago as a paper catalog and we haven't stopped since. With so much experience we've been able to perfect the process to make home exchanging the most amazing experience possible for all of our members...

With Proven Satisfaction

...So much so that our over 10,000 reviews on TrustPilot have earned us an excellent rating of 4.7/5. We love hearing about how our members have been able to travel more often, longer, and further thanks to possibility of HomeExchange. Our members say HomeExchange has become their preferred way of travel for the comfort, security, and cultural experience it offers. Here are some recent experience our members shared.

"For over three years, I’ve been a part of the Home Exchange community, and it’s been a fantastic journey. This unique travel style has allowed me to immerse myself in local cultures while enjoying the convenience of a well-appointed home. It’s more than just a travel option; it’s a way to connect with a global network of travelers who share similar values." Violeta, France

"I love everything about the concept. It is a wonderful idea to exchange homes - it makes travelling so much more affordable for everyone." Claudia, Canada

"Such a great way to travel! We have done around 20 exchanges so far to places all over the world and often prefer the quality of accommodation and personal touches over the standard Airbnb offerings. And of course it’s a great money saver too!" Lucy, Great Britain

Strong Support Team

In addition to the size and quality of our network, HomeExchange is always finding reasons to be the preferred site of choice for home exchanges. Part of that is making that our support team is always there for you, every step of the process. We're here for your before, during, and after you travel to answer questions and solve problems in the very rare event that one may arise. Our support team is just another great reason to use HomeExchange for travellers wondering how to travel for free. Plus, our HomeExchange Guarantees are reassuring and cover hosts and guests.

Encouraging Sustainable Travel

We ensure you a successful home exchange. Just finalize your exchange and pack your bags, we'll take care of the rest! You can rest assured that we will be with you through any unforeseen circumstances. We want all the members of our community to be able to enjoy safe and satisfying home exchanges. Part of that is also achieving B Corporation Status, and we are happy to say that we are certified. This international label means that HomeExchange meets the highest standards of economic and environmental sustainability and always strives to improve.

Start Planning How to Travel for Free

It's exciting when we finally learn how to travel for free! So if you're eager to get started, the time is now because the world awaits you and with HomeExchange it's at your fingertips. For a quicker rundown, simply follow these easy steps and you'll be online in no time and ready to start making travel plans no matter your budget!

1. Sign up for free. You don't have to pay anything to start exploring and begin setting up an exchange. You'll only pay to sign up once you are ready to finalize an exchange so it's risk free!
2. Complete & verify your profile. This is the moment to introduce yourself to the community. Talk about yourself, your interests, where your home is, and what brings you to HomeExchange.
3. Activate your membership When your profile is ready, pay the one time annual $220 fee and enjoy unlimited exchanges for one year from there on out.
4. Begin searching & setting up exchanges. You can search by location and a number of other filters that allow you to find the perfect home exchange. When you do, start reaching out to set them up!

So, the best things in life are free and with HomeExchange that includes travel! The experiences that come out of HomeExchange and how they have allowed our members to have meaningful travel experiences show the quality of their experience had nothing to do with how much it cost them. Our members aim to enrich travel with a spirit of generosity and openness. So while you might try HomeExchange on your quest for how to travel for free, we're confident you'll find it's your preferred way of travel even when money doesn't matter.