Home exchanges have become an increasingly popular way to travel affordably, with families like the Vanderpumps saving significant amounts. Henry Vanderpump, 42, and his wife Elliw, 39, along with their two young children, have successfully swapped homes with strangers, leading to a total savings of £6,000 on holidays over the past two years.
The Vanderpumps have utilized the home exchange service Home Link to facilitate their trips, allowing them to stay in other families' homes while those families reside in their five-bedroom house in Tarporley, rural Cheshire. Neither side incurs accommodation costs, apart from a nominal annual membership fee.
Significant savings through home exchanges
In their experiences, the Vanderpumps have saved approximately £2,500 on accommodation per trip and an additional £700 on transportation due to car swaps. Henry notes, "We used to have one holiday a summer, now we have two because of the savings we make from home exchanges." The children enjoy the novelty of living in someone else's home while that family enjoys their own.
Authentic travel experiences
Henry emphasizes that the best aspect of home swapping is not just the financial savings but the opportunity to immerse themselves in local cultures. During their 2024 trip to Hamburg, they lived "like a German family" for a week, exploring local lakes and attractions recommended by their hosts. Last year, they enjoyed a stay in a Scandinavian-style house in suburban Copenhagen, which included access to electric bikes for local excursions.
