My HomeExchange Story: "You'll have opportunities to make connections with some really great people."

Alisha, her kids, and her partner went on a trip to Washington, D.C. in spring 2019 and used HomeExchange to stay in Pat’s home. She shared with us her experience swapping homes during a once-in-a-lifetime trip to America’s capitol.

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What did you appreciate most about the home you stayed in?

Pat's home is a beautiful traditional row home with a patio oasis.

What did you appreciate most about your exchange partner?

Pat takes an extra effort to communicate details and her home and area. She is definitely a pro.

What did you see or do during your exchange?

It had always been a dream of mine to experience the pink cloudlike mass blooming of the Yoshinio Cherry blossoms in DC’s Tidal Basin. I was so excited about this trip. Blossoms are fragile and peak bloom times can be easily missed or brief so seeing the peak bloom is very lucky. I booked our trip and hoped for the best. Frequently checking the DC Cherry Blossom Watch, BloomCams, and weather forecasts. When our moment came the blooms did not disappoint. We walked the Tidal basin in all its glory. I remember being wowed at the beauty of it. I felt reverenced walking among the blossoms at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, then seeing the Tidal basin and DC from the vantage point at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Superb bucket list experience.

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What is one of your best memories or experiences from a home exchange?

This trip to Washington DC was very memorable. From staying in a traditional row home to visiting the sites of DC this trip was a favorite. We'd love to get back to DC again within the next few years and see a few more of the things we missed.

What would you say to your friends and family who are considering HomeExchange?

Using HomeExchange takes some extra work but it's well worth the effort. Staying in a home provides comforts you are going to find elsewhere and you'll have opportunities to make connections with some really great people.

What tips and tricks would you give to new HomeExchangers?

Provide a clean space and plan some fun.

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