After an incredible vacation with HomeExchange, returning home and settling into your regular daily routine can a hard adjustment. Here are a few tips to make the most of your to-dos and keep that spirit of adventure and travel alive until your next trip.
Sort and organize your travel photos
Besides the memories you made, the photos you took while traveling are some of the best ways to keep your adventures alive. Make a photo album (digitally or physically) that collects the highlights of your exchange. It will help you remember the experiences, and the relaxation, that you enjoyed during your trip. You can also choose your favorite pictures and have them printed and framed, either individually or as a college, and place them at home. Every time you see these photos, they are sure to bring back fond memories and a smile on your face!
Make a world map of all the places you have explored
Every time you return from an exchange, add one more pin to your individualized map of the world. It is another subtle but exciting way to mark your adventures. Can you imagine where you’ll place the next thumbtack? Why not use a different color to mark the places you’d like to go!
Explore your own city
Sometimes exploring close to home can be almost as exciting as visiting a new location. Take a moment and look at your home city like a traveler and discover those unexplored corners. Have dinner at a restaurant you haven’t been to before, go up to that viewpoint you’ve kept meaning to visit, or take a bike ride and investigate from a different perspective. Another tip: check the schedule of local activities and try out something you haven’t before.
Plan a short getaway
Still, need a break from your routine? Planning a weekend adventure is a surefire way to help you to escape. Pick a place that is close to home that has been on your list to visit. There are 52 weekends just waiting to be filled with your next exploration!
Organize a Member meetup in your area
It is easier than ever to organize meeting HomeExchange members join our Members-only Facebook groups, arranging a Get Together is available at the click of a button! Go to the Group where you can “write something” then click “Get Together” option. Propose a date and location and explain a little about what you plan on doing. It is a great way to connect with the community and continue to share your experiences and anecdotes of your travels!
Earn GuestPoints for your next exchange
Use this time to say “Yes!” host another member in your home and earn GuestPoints that you can use on a future exchange. Continue to connect with people from other places around the world. Listen to their traveling stories and maybe even practice another language.
Share your story with us (and with the whole community!)
We love hearing from you! Just like your family and friends, we love to hear about your travels. Share your experiences with other Members through the Facebook groups. Post on your Facebook or Twitter page and make sure to tag us with @homeexchange or by using #HomeExchange. Hearing the stories of real Members who enjoy traveling around the world and exchanging homes is the best gift we can imagine.
Reconnect with your host family
You may have been posting and sharing while on your travels, but that isn’t the same from hearing it firsthand. Sure, you were still connected through Whatsapp with your host family, but taking the time to sit down for a lunch or dinner and tell about that restaurant that you discovered or the person you met when catching a train, that’s the real treasure. Plus, they can give you more ideas for your next Exchange!
Start planning your next exchange
We know you just got back, but there is no better time to start thinking about your next travel. Make a list of your favorite destinations and begin searching for potential Exchanges. Start sending messages to members and imagine yourself in that “dream” place. Or maybe it’s time to say yes to that surprise offer in a location you never imagined visiting. It could be the beginning of a beautiful exchange.
