Traveling as a Family doesn't have to be Expensive!
Traveling is an INCREDIBLE way to boost your child’s language skills because it shows them the language in use rather than being taught as a “school subject.” That said, I know…that can be a very pricey recommendation.
I have an amazing hack to make family travel more affordable: use HomeExchange for FREE accommodation!
Let me tell you a little about our own experiences with the homes we stayed in during our recent trip to France…
First, I should probably share that our ENTIRE 12 day vacation to France cost us…$175 (their current annual membership fee). I explain how that was possible a little further down.
Disclosure: I found HomeExchange completely on my own (thank you Google search), but after our wonderful experiences, I have become SO passionate about sharing that I signed up to be a HomeExchange affiliate. I truly believe this is a game-changer for families wishing to travel (whether it’s just to a neighbouring city for a weekend getaway, of a big European vacation- I highly recommend giving this a try!).
"Our children felt so 'at home' that our eldest now calls them our Lyon House and our Paris House." (If only!)
Where we stayed: Our Home Exchange Homes
Lyon: Family Apartment in the Heart of the City
Our travel began in Lyon, a city known for its cuisine and incredible architecture. For six nights, we called a family-owned apartment in the city center our home. This beautiful space offered more than just a place to stay; it had everything we needed for our young kids (6yrs and 1.5yrs), multiple bedrooms & bathrooms, a kitchen, living space, and the most spectacular view of the Fourvière Basilica. Click here to watch a quick video tour of our apartment.
Paris: A Dreamy Home in the 16th Arrondissement
From Lyon, we journeyed to the iconic city of Paris, a place that needs no introduction. This upscale apartment was located in a safe, clean neighbourhood with easy access to a nearby park and grocery store. But what truly stole our hearts was the beautiful outdoor terrace, where we could unwind and the kids could enjoy some fresh air while we prepared meals.
"After this first incredible experience, it's hard to imagine traveling any other way. Everything was too convenient."
After choosing HomeExchange for our family’s accommodations, it’s hard to imagine traveling any other way. The convenience is unparalleled; we had everything we needed for the children and ourselves right at our fingertips. From cooking to doing laundry, we felt at home despite being in a foreign country. Not to mention…the savings! Staying in such prime locations would have cost us a small fortune if we had opted for traditional rentals.
HomeExchange not only made our journey affordable but also authentic. We lived like locals, immersed in the vibrant culture of major French cities. The memories we made and the experiences we gathered will be remembered so fondly due to these beautiful places we got to call “home”.
After sharing about our experience on my Instagram page, so many of you were asking about the Home Exchange process and how it all works.
So let’s get into that..
How does HomeExchange work?
Two Types of Swaps
- Reciprocal: Swap homes with fellow travellers.
- Non-Reciprocal: Use your Guest Points to stay in someone’s home, no swap required. (This was how we traveled!)
Guest Points & How to Get Them
- Welcome Points: Getting guest points in the beginning is easy! Complete your profile and watch those bonus points roll in.
(We can ‘sponsor’ you for an extra 250 points too! See BONUS details below.) - Earn As You Host: Hosting travellers? Points are your reward!
The thing that makes HomeExchange SO unique…
What’s unique about HomeExchange? It’s a community where profit isn’t the motive. It’s all about the shared love of travel among home exchangers and you can really feel that that makes a difference throughout your stay. Everyone’s heart seems to be in the right place.
Steps to Getting BONUS HomeExchange Points:
Ready to join the HomeExchange community? Once you’ve made your profile…
Step 1. Click “My Account” (Top right)
Step 2. Click “My profile” (1st option in drop-down menu)
Step 3. Click “Social and Network” (Button is to the left of the page if on a desktop)
Step 4. Enter the code matt-8d2d0 (In the box that says “Add your sponsor’s code here”) for an extra 250 points! This usually worth an extra 1-2 nights 😉.
Will we Use HomeExchange Again?
100% we have already been planning our next trip! After these first two incredible experiences with HomeExchange, we feel as though the entire world has opened up to us and we now have a new hobby of searching the globe for fun places to visit. Prior to finding HomeExchange, traveling as a family did not seem so realistic, and we are incredible grateful for the creators of this platform for changing our lives and the lives of all our fellow HomeExchangers!
If you join the HomeExchange community, I would love to hear about your experiences! Pop me a message over on Instagram.
Madame Amy
Founder: 123 Petits Pas Inc.
Teaching French to Families through FUN & Raising Bilingual Children