Family of Six in Costa Rica: How We Planned Our Dream Trip with HomeExchange

At HomeExchange, we love giving the floor to those who can talk about it best: our members. This testimonial was written by Alison, a member of HomeExchange and mother of four who shared with us how HomeExchange have completely transformed their experiences of travel.

A Way of Travel That Makes the Difference

Traveling as a family of six isn’t always easy. Hotels can feel cramped, dining out for every meal gets expensive, and sharing one small space while on the road doesn’t exactly make for a relaxing trip. That’s why our recent trip to Costa Rica felt so different - and so much better. Thanks to HomeExchange, we were able to stay in a full home instead of a hotel, and it completely transformed our experience.

Why HomeExchange Was a Game-Changer for Our Costa Rica Family trip

When you’re traveling with kids, having the right space makes all the difference. In Costa Rica, we had an entire house to ourselves - two stories with three bedrooms and three full baths. 

Everyone had their own bed, the kids had plenty of room to play, and we enjoyed quiet mornings with coffee in hand before gathering each evening around the dining table for meals and games. The highlight, though, was the gorgeous private pool just steps from the living room. 

With sweeping ocean views and some of the most breathtaking sunsets of our trip, it quickly became a family favorite. We loved it so much that some days we chose to stay “home” at the pool instead of heading to the beach. The whole experience was comfortable, easy, and stress-free - something that’s nearly impossible to achieve in a hotel.

Enjoy Costa Rica while Saving Money

One of the greatest benefits of HomeExchange is the savings. Instead of paying for costly hotels, we’re able to stay in beautiful homes for nothing more than our membership fee. In Costa Rica, that made all the difference. 

As an extra bonus, our hosts invited us to pick fresh limes right from their backyard. We turned them into homemade limeade, and it quickly became one of our family’s favorite parts of the trip.

All the Comforts of Home Abroad

HomeExchange doesn’t just provide space - it provides convenience. Our Costa Rican home came stocked with things that made traveling with kids so much easier:

• Beach chairs and towels
• Pool floats for long afternoons in the water
• Family games for cozy nights in
• Laundry machines for sandy clothes
• A kitchen with everything from pots and pans to spices
• Directory of local restaurants and beaches 

These little touches made a huge difference and gave us the freedom to pack lighter and stress less.

Home exchange: Santa Cruz - Steve’s home - Santa Cruz/Costa Rica - HomeExchange

Welcome to Casa Gran Vista, nestled in the exclusive Mar Vista Community in Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. This luxurio

HomeExchange

The Extras That Made All the Difference

One of the best surprises? The insider tips our hosts left for us. They recommended a little-known beach just north of Tamarindo called Playa Conchal, where the sand is made up of crushed seashells instead of fine sand. 

It turned out to be one of our favorite spots - calm waters perfect for the kids to snorkel, fewer crowds than the main beaches, and a little beachside vendor who made the best fresh fruit smoothies. Without our hosts’ recommendation, we never would have found it.

Why We’ll Keep Traveling with HomeExchange

Looking back, this trip to Costa Rica could have easily felt out of reach. But HomeExchange made it possible - and unforgettable. From sipping homemade limeade on the patio to discovering secret beaches, we experienced Costa Rica in a way no hotel could have given us.

For our family, HomeExchange wasn’t just about saving money - it was about creating space, comfort, and a home away from home. 

If you’ve been dreaming of international travel with your family but worried about the cost or logistics, we can’t recommend HomeExchange enough. It’s not just a place to stay - it’s a whole new way to experience the world.

Why This Costa Rica Trip Mattered

Costa Rica gave us more than beautiful scenery - it gave us a chance to reconnect as a family. Having the right accommodations made all the difference. With HomeExchange, we weren’t just visiting Costa Rica; we were living in it. From cooking together in the kitchen to sipping limeade on the patio, we felt less like tourists and more like part of the community.

For families considering Costa Rica, here are a few quick tips:

• Pack light: Many homes are equipped with essentials like beach gear and laundry, so you don’t need to bring as much.
• Shop local: Farmers’ markets are abundant and affordable - perfect for stocking up on fresh fruits, vegetables, and local specialties.
• Plan a mix of adventure and downtime: Costa Rica is full of hikes, waterfalls, and beaches, but some of our favorite memories came from relaxing at “home” together.

Final Thoughts

Traveling as a family of six isn’t always easy, but with the right setup, it can be deeply rewarding. Our Costa Rica trip through HomeExchange gave us adventure, connection, and a sense of belonging that we’ll always treasure. If you’re planning a family getaway, we can’t recommend HomeExchange - and Costa Rica - enough.