A perfect escape without a plan

Jennifer Allen is a special needs mom and disability travel blogger who shares her experience on her blog, Wonders Within Reach.

For some, half the joy of travel is in the planning. They spend every free moment mapping routes, researching attractions, and organizing meals and attractions. For others, there’s just not that much time in a day. Planning a perfect itinerary can be exhausting, and when you finally get to live it out you may find that it was too packed for you to be able to just enjoy. 

That’s where HomeExchange comes in. Instead of stressing over how to fit everything into your trip, HomeExchange lets you find a home that’s already packed with fun, so you can spend more time enjoying your vacation and less time planning it.

Here’s how we embraced the “plan less, do more” mindset on recent trips, and how you can too!

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1. Let the Home Be Your Destination

One of the most surprising things we’ve learned through HomeExchange is that sometimes the best vacation spots aren’t the attractions—they’re the homes themselves! We’ve stayed in houses with everything our family needed to have a great time without even leaving the property. Picture this: a backyard playground for the kids, a fire pit for roasting marshmallows, a hot tub for those starry night soaks, and even a game room complete with arcade games. It’s like staying in your own private resort, tailored to your family’s needs.

We’ve found our favorite things to look for are pets, trampolines, play equipment, pools, and patios. In fact, I think our current favorite is chickens! The kids love being able to feed the chickens and collect eggs, and there’s nothing like a home that comes with fresh eggs for breakfast. No more rushing out in the morning to get to the first attraction. Instead, I relax with a cup of coffee on the deck while the kids enjoy playing in a new environment with exciting new play things.

It’s not just families who can benefit. Couples or solo travelers will love the homes with cozy fireplaces, private pools, or charming little reading nooks. For those who prefer a slower pace, having a beautiful home base means you don’t have to feel the pressure to go out and do things constantly. Sometimes, the best trips are the ones where you’re doing nothing at all.

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2. Hosts Are Your Built-In Travel Guides

An epic home base doesn’t mean you have to spend all of your time in it! A perk of HomeExchange is staying in a local home with insights from a local expert. Forget spending hours researching where to eat or which local spots are worth your time—most hosts provide local guides full of recommendations tailored to their area. These guides often include everything from the best family-friendly restaurants to hidden gems only locals know about. On one trip, our host even included a list of their kids’ favorite spots—with an adorable hand-drawn map (not quite to scale).

These local tips take the guesswork out of planning, so you can focus on enjoying your time away. Whether you’re looking for a great breakfast spot, an easy hiking trail, or the best place to grab a cup of coffee, the host’s guide is often more reliable (and more fun!) than a generic travel site or review. It’s like having a friend in town who’s already mapped out all the best places for you to check out. We’ve even had homes where beach tags and state park passes were left for us.

If there’s something you don’t see, ask. Hosts are happy to direct you to the best sunset, a seasonal festival, or local classes. They just might not have thought to include it in their guide.

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3. A Budget-Friendly Escape for Families and More

I’m sure you’re familiar with the budget perks of exchanging instead of renting or staying in a hotel, but the value is even greater when you consider the added benefits of entertainment. HomeExchange changes the game by offering budget-friendly accommodations that include so much more than just a place to sleep. We don’t need to pay admission to an indoor play space when we have one at home. The same is true for an arcade, pool, or movie theater.

Rainy days are instantly improved when you can come home from a soggy hike and enjoy a playroom or cozy up by the fire with some board games. Movie nights with popcorn are a novelty in someone else’s space with a big screen and projector. 

4. More Time to Focus on What Really Matters

With HomeExchange, you can let go of the pressure to plan every detail of your trip. There’s no need to cram in every tourist attraction or restaurant when you’re already staying in a place that’s comfortable, fun, and fully equipped for relaxation. We still go out and enjoy all the area has to offer, but the majority of those attractions are coming from our host’s guide. 

This “plan less, do more” mentality can completely change how you travel. Instead of coming home needing a vacation from your vacation, spend more time on your trip connecting with your family, partner, or even just yourself. The best adventures usually come from the parts we didn’t plan. Slow down, enjoy your home away from home, and embrace the journey!

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