Yolande and her kids traveled to Berlin, Germany for a home swap using HomeExchange. Even though a family emergency meant that they had to push their trip back by a week, their hosts were accommodating enough to change the date of the exchange for Yolande and her family to when things were best for them. Read all about their home exchange experience below!
Learn about HomeExchangeWhat did you appreciate most about the home you stayed in?
The fact that it was a sort of village in the capital of Germany. Approximately 70 families had bought a plot of land, hired an architect and thus created their own community. There were community creativity rooms, offices and a sauna as well as a playground and large garden with a fire pit and a kitchen garden.
What did you appreciate most about your exchange partner?
Due to illness and a sudden operation with our family I had to postpone our vacation a week. For the family this was not a problem. Since we really needed a break we were very grateful that the family was so flexible. Also they were very kind and inquired if our family member was doing better.
What did you see or do during your exchange?
We were in Berlin for three weeks so we saw a lot of things. We enjoyed swimming in the small lakes within the city boundaries and had a lot of fun at Devils Mountain with abandoned military buildings (furniture still there) and huge satellite dishes. Graffiti artists had taken over the place which was really lovely.
Travel with HomeExchangeWhat is one of your best memories or experiences from a home exchange?
The fantastic casserole a French lady prepared for us since she knew we would be arriving too late to do any grocery shopping. So we could eat right away and put the children to bed in time.
What would you say to your friends and family who are considering HomeExchange?
With home exchange you get the holiday you can not invent yourself since you have to be open for everything. Once I started looking in Italy and the south of France but alas I could not find an exchange match. Finally we ended up in Copenhagen which was really lovely. HomeExchange widens your horizons in many ways!
What tips and tricks would you give to new HomeExchangers?
Show good and attractive pictures but make sure they match the accurate situation. The same goes for the description, so expectations are met. If you are not completely sure about a possible exchange partner, arrange for an online meeting.
HomeExchange has more than 1000,000 members in over 130 countries and is looking forward to welcoming you. Join our community and start organizing your next vacation with HomeExchange.
