Planning a family vacation comes with unique challenges, from finding enough space to keeping kids entertained and staying within budget. HomeExchange offers a solution by giving families access to entire homes around the world, often with kid-friendly amenities and flexible arrangements. In this article, we’ll explore why HomeExchange can offer good value for families traveling with kids.

Reason How it benefits families with kids
Home comfort and space Families get access to entire homes with multiple bedrooms, kitchens, and living areas, making it easier to accommodate children and enjoy family time together.
Cost-effective stays By swapping homes instead of booking hotels, families can save money on accommodation and often have extra space for longer stays, making vacations more affordable.
Kid-friendly amenities Many homes are equipped with family-friendly features such as cribs, high chairs, toys, and safe play areas, reducing the stress of packing and planning for children.
Local experiences Staying in a neighborhood home allows families to explore local life, visit parks, and enjoy community activities, offering a more authentic and enriching experience for kids.
Flexible arrangements Families can choose exchange durations that fit school schedules and holidays, and often find homes that accommodate different family sizes and needs.
Plan your next family adventure

1- More space and comfort for everyone

Exchanging homes gives families access to full living spaces with multiple bedrooms, kitchens, and living areas. Kids can play freely, parents can prepare meals, and everyone has room to relax. This is especially valuable for longer trips where hotels may feel cramped.

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When browsing homes, look for listings that mention a garden, backyard, or playroom. These extra spaces can make a big difference for kids after a day of sightseeing.

2- Affordable stays anywhere in the world

HomeExchange allows families to avoid expensive hotel rates by swapping homes instead. This can make a huge difference for families traveling on a budget, allowing them to stay longer, enjoy more activities, and even save for special experiences during the trip.

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Use the savings from accommodation to plan kid-friendly activities to make the trip even more memorable.

3- Everything kids need, already there

Many homes on HomeExchange offer family-friendly features such as cribs, high chairs, toys, and safe play areas. This reduces the stress of packing bulky items for children and ensures that families have the resources they need for a comfortable stay.

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Check the host’s description or ask in advance if they have baby gear or toys; it will save you luggage space and help kids feel at home right away.

4- Authentic local adventures for kids

Staying in a home within a neighborhood provides families the chance to explore local life. Kids can visit parks, attend community events, or discover hidden gems with their parents. This offers a richer, more authentic experience than typical tourist accommodations.

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Ask your exchange partner for recommendations of local playgrounds, family-friendly cafés, or hidden gems that don’t appear in tourist guides.

5- Flexibility that fits family life

HomeExchange allows families to tailor the duration and timing of their stays. Many homes accommodate different family sizes, making it easier to plan vacations around school holidays or long weekends, and giving families the flexibility to travel comfortably.

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Check local school holiday calendars when planning your exchange — you’ll have a better chance of swapping with other families who are traveling at the same time, making it easier to find a home that fits everyone.

What families are saying about HomeExchange

Home Exchange has really changed the way in which our family travels! It’s a great way to really live the travel experience and allows us to have a home away from home, especially for the children! It’s a form of travel that works for us! You have to be patient to find the home that works for you, but it’s worth it in the end!

Norma, see their TrustPilot review

As a family of travelers who have been members of HomeExchange for about three years now, I can honestly say that our ability to travel with our family has been completely unlocked thanks to this incredible platform. If you've ever dreamed of exploring new destinations without the hassle and expense of traditional hotels, or if you're looking for a way to make those dream vacations a reality for your family, then HomeExchange is an absolute game-changer.

Before discovering HomeExchange, family travel often felt like a logistical puzzle. We'd be limited by the cost of multiple hotel rooms, the lack of space for everyone to spread out, and the general feeling of being confined to a small, impersonal space. HomeExchange has utterly transformed our approach to travel.

Hugo, see their TrustPilot review

As parent if three children we have really struggled to afford to travel. But swapping our home makes adventures affordable and I feel like the world has opened up to us again. Our experience has been so positive. Thank you.

Sarah, see their TrustPilot review