Family of 5 saved $30,000+ in 2019 traveling with HomeExchange

At HomeExchange, we love letting the people who know best do the talking: our members. Scott and Erica, parents of three from Jacksonville, Florida, have been HomeExchange members since 2018 and have completed 97 exchanges: enough to travel the world without breaking the bank.

Having a large family and a budget hasn't stopped Scott and Erica from traveling the world. In 2019, the travel enthusiasts traveled for 138 days of the year and saved more than $30,000. The couple accomplished these massive savings using HomeExchange.com, a home swap website that offers unlimited free accommodations with membership. Scott and Erica and their three young children - ages 8, 6, and 1 - are a self-proclaimed middle-class family from Jacksonville, Florida.

Opting for home exchange accommodations, the family saved $30,000 on all aspects of travel from accommodation to transportation to other amenities, down to baby necessities for their 1-year-old daughter like a crib, high chair, and stroller.

The family of five discovered HomeExchange in 2018 and made their first exchange in January 2019, when they ventured to Charlestown, South Carolina. Last year, they spent 104 nights traveling Europe (UK, Sweden, Switzerland, France, Italy) and in the U.S. (Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Rhode Island).

Accommodation savings: $20,700

Before discovering HomeExchange, Scott and Erica used Airbnb when traveling. They found that it turned into an expensive way to travel because of "hidden fees" (cleaning fee, taxes, service fees) not included in the initial price.

Erica said searching for an Airbnb home was time-consuming, and there were times when at the final stage she realized she couldn't afford the booking and would have to restart. When Scott discovered HomeExchange, he learned the annual fee of US$235 meant their travel opportunities for 2019 were endless.

In 2019, the family traveled throughout the US and Europe for 138 days (39% of the year - average member stays 14 nights/year). Each night cost them approximately $1.27. They estimate they saved $20,700 on accommodation, assuming an Airbnb night would cost $220 on average ("that's a conservative estimate," Erica said). Erica found the exchanges "more comfortable and livable due to the fact that they are people's primary residences": mattress toppers, extra pillows, cozy blankets.

Transportation savings: $5,000

Some members include cars, motorcycles, boats, and bikes when exchanging. Erica and Scott opted for homes with a vehicle included, avoiding rental costs. Over three months in Europe, they estimate they saved approximately $5,000 on transportation.

"We wouldn't be able to afford to travel if we were having to pay that much. We're a modest, middle-class family who doesn't have a lot of extra funds."

Food savings: $5,000

Kitchens were fully stocked with herbs, spices, and cookware, so the family could cook at home instead of eating out. They cooked 90% of the time and used the money saved for experiences and museums.

"HomeExchange does make it possible to cook in the house and save money that way." "We tried to eat as local as we can, and that stuff is cheaper in the supermarkets."

When eating out, hosts gave restaurant/dish recommendations (often via WhatsApp), helping them anticipate costs and find authentic local cuisine.

Entertaining kids savings: $500

Living in real homes helped save on baby gear and toys, since homes were already equipped.

"The fact that these homes are equipped with baby gear, plus just toys in general... you're not buying as many souvenirs or silly toys for kids because it's all brand new toys when they arrive at the home."

Most homes offer pools, swingsets, trampolines, games, books - plus host tips on budget-friendly kid activities.

"When it's time to leave, every single time they say 'We don't want to leave yet, this has been our favorite home exchange!'" "Every home to them is their favorite home exchange. New toys, new experiences, and activities - they absolutely love it."

Erica and Scott book flights via Google Flights, staying flexible on dates (kids homeschooled, Scott works remotely) and traveling off-season.

House sitting savings: $500

No need to pay a house-sitter - hosting means someone takes care of the home. Hosting also earns GuestPoints. In 2019: 13 exchanges completed, 8 times hosted, with more trips planned (South America already booked).

"It gives you peace of mind knowing that your house isn't sitting empty for three months at a time... Knowing that someone is there and taking great care of your place is one of the reasons we love it."

In 2020, as the pandemic disrupted global travel, Erica and Scott adapted by taking shorter, local trips in safe, private homes. HomeExchange's guarantees and flexible cancellation policy gave them the confidence to keep exchanging even during uncertain times. And with a growing global community of members across dozens of countries, Scott and Erica are already planning their next adventure.