Don’t like your home? Trade! Not really … but you can shake up your family vacation with a home swap. Sure, Airbnb and hotels are readily available, but there’s something fun about having a built-in house sitter while your family is away, and feeling like locals in a new locale.
Search available homes in a destination your family has been meaning to visit and see if there’s one enticing enough to trade yours for a week or two. This site is also great for travel inspo. Just browse incredible houses worth traveling for and see where the kids want to call home, even if only temporary. Destinations include nearly every corner of the world, including villas in Thailand, ski-ready apartments in Quebec, farm houses in British Columbia or rustic stays in Huachuca City, Arizona. The tough part will be deciding who gets what room.
Another option your family might want to consider, trading spaces with homeowners around the world using Home Exchange. You can find the perfect apartment for two in Paris; a lofty space in New York or London; or something that can accommodate your whole group in Sydney, Rome and Portugal.
For true luxury seekers, Third Home is an upscale way to vacation. For families who already have two homes in their repertoire, Third Home is a way to swap with fellow travelers in “the club” — literally, you have to join a club. Swap the family beach house with one across the country, or rent out the cabin for a 5-star stay abroad. Not exactly roughing it, but your family will just be out of their element in someone else’s vacation home for a change. The only catch, users have to apply for a membership, get accepted into the club and pay a minimum $395 fee for swaps. Ahh, the cost of luxury.
Swapping homes for that last summer vacation can be an easy way to save some cash. Your family will still feel completely immersed in a new location, but with a built-in house sitter and sense of general security you can appreciate. Typically, rates are more affordable during peak seasons, unlike many of the competing home-away options — just a few reasons to consider a house swap.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations
May 19, 20263 Destinations for Sea Turtle Release Experiences
Sea turtle nesting season takes place between May and October, making summer the perfect time to plan family travel to one of these destinations with turtle release experiences.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Travel Goods
May 19, 20264 Disney Baby Strollers for Little One’s First Trip to Disney
Disney parents preparing for the upcoming summer travel season to Disney World and Disneyland have much to plan before the trip because, let’s face it, it can be stressful getting everything together, especially with little ones in tow. And when it comes to maneuvering the crowds and parks, having the proper stroller can make or break the day.
Hotels
May 18, 2026Experience the Magic of Mermaids in Orlando This Summer
Orlando is known for its iconic theme parks, but that isn’t the only place to find magic this spring and summer. Orlando World Center Marriott offers an experience that will bring magic to life for the little ones with Mermaid & Glow parties at the pool.
Hotels
May 18, 2026Marriott Opens Boise’s Largest Hotel, First Dual-Branded Property
Family travelers have new options in Idaho. Last week Pennbridge Hospitality opened AC Hotel Boise Downtown and Element by Marriott Boise Downtown, the largest and first dual-branded property in Boise, Idaho.
Hotels
May 18, 2026Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island Launches Family Adventure Package
This summer, Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island partners with Outside Hilton Head, the Lowcountry’s premier outdoor adventure company, to enhance family travelers’ experiences through seamless access to the island’s top eco-adventures.
ShareThis