Liliana and her partner recently used HomeExchange to travel out to Longmont, Colorado to be there for the much-anticipated birth of their grandchild. Through the twists and turns of their trip to see the newest member of their family, HomeExchange was there. Read Liliana’s reflections on her time in Colorado, the HomeExchange member who swept in and helped make it possible for them to visit their newborn granddaughter, tips, and other treasured memories with HomeExchange.
Learn more about HomeExchangeWhat did you appreciate most about the home you stayed in?
We were so anxious to travel to Colorado for the arrival of our new granddaughter. We had stayed at a lovely home not far from our daughter's and had arranged for a two week stay. At the last minute, our hosts caught COVID. You can well imagine our distress. We looked far and wide, with no success. I then reached out to the HE help (SOS) and in no time at all, they found us a wonderful replacement! John welcomed us with open arms, ceded his beautiful home to us, and we booked week one, hoping our former hosts would be ready. Alas, they were still ill, and John, one more time, offered his home. We woke up with the sunrise and came home in the evening to the sun setting over the Rockies. We could not be happier: we have a new granddaughter, Emy, born a day after our arrival, and have found a friend and a wonderful host in Superior, Colorado. Thank you HE staff and community for helping us at this wonderful moment in our lives!
What did you appreciate most about your exchange partner?
His generosity, his openness for us to stay longer when the other home fell through, the impeccable home, and great communication from day 1.
What did you see or do during your exchange?
There is nothing better than the birth of a new grandchild!
What is one of your best memories or experiences from a home exchange?
Staying at a lovely home in El Calafate in Argentina, and visiting the amazing Perito Moreno Glacier, eating the best lamb in the world, and enjoying the company of amazing hosts.
What would you say to your friends and family who are considering HomeExchange?
It's a global community of people who trust each other! We have literally saved tens of thousands of dollars in travel expenses over the years.
What tips and tricks would you give to new HomeExchangers?
As a host, create a "book" with all details. Leave a welcoming, personalized note along with a small gift, or a bottle of wine, and flowers! If there are kids, it's nice to leave a little something for them. Make beds and leave towels on each bed. Make sure that your guests have basic food needs in case they get in late: milk, eggs, coffee, bread. Make some room in closets and dressers for stays one week or longer. Dedicate a keyed closet for your valuables. It's ok to mark some dresser, closet, cupboard: "Owner's closet" or "private." Be available by text if you are not there for check in or check out. As a guest, your only job is to leave the home better than how you find it, even if you are charged a cleaning fee, and report any breakages or malfunctions. Always leave a review.
From the HomeExchange community, congrats on the birth of your granddaughter, Liliana!
