With a dozen home exchanges under her belt, Gaëlle and her partner went to Rita’s home on the Spanish island of Menorca for a GuestPoints exchange in the summer of 2021. To inspire new and experienced HomeExchange members alike, and to inspire aficionados of Spain as well as those who have never visited the Balearic Islands, Gaëlle tells us about her exchange and shares all her ideas for activities and tips to make the most of a visit to Menorca.
What to Do in Menorca: Gaëlle's Favorite Things
From Beaches to Villages
“ We travelled the length and breadth of the island. We rented a scooter to see everything: the magnificent beaches of the North, the coves of the South, the charming villages of the island as well as those of the interior like Alaior and on the coast like the white village of Binibeca, the natural park of S'Albufera, and the alleys of Ciutadella. An amazing memory is the splendid sunset from the lighthouse of Cavalleria. The colors are incredible at nightfall. We also went to see Fornells, and lastly, we could not leave Menorca without having crossed its mythical “camí de cavalls” (horse trail). We didn't meet any wild horses despite the name of the path, but we had the feeling of being alone and in the middle of nature on the portion we visited. ”
A Paradisiacal Meander Through the Creeks
“ We kayaked from creek to creek between Cala Galdana, Cala Mitjana and Cala de Trebalúger, one of our best memories. The water was translucent, so we put on our masks and went in search of fish. The creeks were magnificent and frequented very rarely. ”
Lodging in Menorca: The Warm Welcome of a HomeExchange Host
Hosts Who Take Care of You
“ The detailed visit of the home, with advice on things to see, guide books left at our disposal, and little extras like the use of fruits and vegetables from their garden.... Our hosts were really attentive to our needs! They even accommodated our arrival and departure times, as we were dependent on public transportation. ”
A Well-Equipped House and the Joy of a Terrace in Summer
“ We also loved their very large, super well-equipped kitchen. The facilities were restaurant worthy! We really enjoyed eating outside on the terrace adjacent to the kitchen. From there, we could see the roofs of the other homes. And in the summer, a terrace was very nice even in the evening for an outdoor dinner. ”
See homes in the Balearic Islands
Discovering the World Differently Thanks to Home Exchange
Gaëlle's Fondest Memory of Home Exchange
“ Our most beautiful encounter without any question was meeting Line, on Vancouver Island, in Victoria, Canada. At the time, we had just arrived on the island with the objective of settling down, but we were having trouble finding a place to live. Line, who had just lost a loved one, welcomed us into her home and gave us a glimpse into her daily life. After the HomeExchange experience, we continued to exchange, and we met for a meal. This remains my fondest memory, as it showed great generosity. ”
Gaelle's Advice: "Go for It!"
“ The first time I heard about HomeExchange was on a travel blog, and since then, I swear by it and recommend it to everyone I know. Go for it! We were able to discover exceptional places and people thanks to this exchange platform, thought out in every detail, which allows us to travel or host with complete peace of mind.”
“ I would recommend not hesitating to contact several people when you are looking for temporary lodging, and to explain well how you envision the exchange, and why you chose this destination.”
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