My HomeExchange Story: Swap Canada Camping with Brooklyn, NY

Tim and Kemila tell us about their recent home swap with a couple from Brooklyn that was looking to explore the nature or British Columbia.

How did you find your exchange?

Another member contacted me about a non-simultaneous exchange.

What attracted you to this exchange opportunity?

A young couple in Brooklyn contacted us last year in August 2018 saying they were attracted to the wild life in British Columbia and they were preparing for a camping trip to BC, all the way from New York! They needed a two weekend stay, at the beginning and end of their camping trip. In return, they offered us up a 10 day stay in Brooklyn this past April. We always loved New York, so we jumped right into this opportunity! Especially because it was during my birthday. What a bonus! In the past we found it wasn't easy to exchange with New York, but this opportunity just landed into our laps effortlessly. We also went camping ourselves near our home while our guests from NY were staying at our place. What fun!

How was your arrival at the home?

We first met our guests in August when they came to camp in BC. We even gave them a ride to the airport after their stay. When we visited NY this year in April, we didn't meet them as they were off to Europe. They did give us a guide full of tips and things to do around the neighborhood.

What did you see or do during your exchange?

We followed their guide book for local breweries and restaurants and visited Prospect Park. We walked a lot in Brooklyn. And we took subways to Manhattan visiting museums, Chelsea market, walked the high line, enjoyed a jazz bar, and took the ferry to Staten Island. We also walked the Brooklyn Bridge.

What is your favorite memory from the exchange?

When my wife put her Hudson Yards photos on social media and a friend of hers (who had not been in contact with us for some years and had just moved to New York) said she was living in a luxury apartment there. So the next day, we were invited to visit her 62-story rooftop garden lounge - A stunningly beautiful gorgeous panoramic view, completely unplanned.

How would you describe home exchange to your family and friends?

It's a great opportunity to explore a place like a local. We felt that we stepped into our host's life for 10 days in Brooklyn, going to the places they go (we even said hello to a server in a restaurant for them).