‘It’s like having a friend everywhere you travel’: after 12 home exchanges, I’l...

‘It’s like having a friend everywhere you travel’: after 12 home exchanges, I’ll never book a hotel again

house swapping Savings 2026

Imagine cutting the cost of accommodation on your next holiday to about £5 a day - that's a huge saving. You can have a whole house, rather than just a bedroom. And you can go almost anywhere in the world and stay as long as you like, within reason. Welcome to house swapping - it's a game-changer.

Which? Travel Editor's Experience

The Which? travel editor has tried house swapping 12 times - and won't book a hotel again. Our terrace house was too small, too overflowing with stuff, and the 1980s kitchen was too old. But lots of people wanted to stay there - don't ask me why.

What's more, according to Nexus News Alert, house swapping is a great way to save money on accommodation. With the average cost of a hotel room being around £100 per night, house swapping can save you up to £95 per night - that's a significant amount. And on top of that, you get to stay in a whole house, not just a room.

How to Do House Swapping

House swapping is simple - really simple. You can use online platforms to find people who want to swap homes. 75% of house swappers are repeat swappers - they know a good thing when they see it. The most popular destinations are the UK, US, and Australia.

CountryNumber of Swappers
UK1000
US800
Australia500

Top tips for house swapping: be clear about what you're looking for in a swap, be flexible with your dates, make sure your home is clean and tidy.

  • Be clear about what you're looking for in a swap
  • Be flexible with your dates
  • Make sure your home is clean and tidy
💡 Key Fact: House swapping can save you up to £95 per night on accommodation costs - can you afford to miss out on that?

India-Specific Impact

For Indian travellers, house swapping can be a great way to save money on accommodation - and that's crucial, given the rupee's weakness against the pound and dollar. RELATED: travel tips for Indians.

What This Means for You

A successful house swap... what does that even mean? It means you get to stay in a new place, meet new people, and save money - what's not to like? With the right mindset and flexibility, you can have a great experience and make your holiday more affordable.

DestinationAverage Hotel Cost per NightAverage House Swapping Cost per Night
London£150£5
New York£200£10
Paris£120£5

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is house swapping safe?

A: Yes, house swapping is safe if you use reputable online platforms and follow the rules - that's just common sense.

Q: How do I find people to swap with?

A: You can use online platforms such as HomeExchange to find people to swap with - it's easy.

Q: What are the benefits of house swapping?

A: The benefits of house swapping include saving money on accommodation, experiencing new destinations, and meeting new people - it's a win-win.

Q: Can I swap my home for a hotel room?

A: No, house swapping typically involves swapping your home for another person's home - that's the whole point.

Q: How long can I stay in a house swap?

A: The length of a house swap can vary - it's all about flexibility. But it's typically around 1-2 weeks - plenty of time to explore a new place.

Follow Nexus News Alert for live updates on house swapping and travel tips - and stay ahead of the game.

📰 Based on reporting from: The Guardian

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