The Dos and Don’ts of House Swapping, According to an Expert

Sierra Hudson is a marketing project manager at HomeExchange Collection, a global community of homeowners seeking to share their exceptional spaces, marked by bespoke design and high-touch hospitality, with fellow travelers through either direct or points-based swaps. Here, she delivers insights into why this travel trend is worth trying and how to maximize your home for the best experience.

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As a house swapper, why is this your preferred way to travel? 

House swapping truly changes the way you experience travel; a trip can be so much more meaningful when you stay in someone’s actual home. You get a real sense of the area, settling into a place that feels lived-in and personal. It also allows you to immerse yourself in the culture, experiencing how someone in that city really lives. 

What are the best ways to prepare your home for house swapping? 

Preparation is about showcasing the home’s unique character while ensuring a seamless experience. Many members provide a short home guide, highlighting everything from smart home features to favorite local experiences so guests can fully enjoy the residence and destination with ease. As a host, it feels like welcoming friends for a stay, sharing my favorite spots or leaving a little welcome gift. We live a few blocks from the beach, so we make sure to leave out sunscreen, towels, and beach blankets—little things that make the stay more enjoyable.

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What are some of the most memorable touches you’ve experienced, and how can those be integrated into a stay? 

The most memorable moments often come from personalization: a warm welcome note, locally sourced treats, or curated recommendations that reflect the host’s personal taste. I recently visited Puglia and received a beautiful ceramic olive holiday ornament. It was a small gift that showcased the region’s connections to both ceramics and olives, which we will have for a long time. It’s simple touches like that which make it feel more personal. 

Travelers who choose an exchange are usually not looking for a hotel-style experience. Hotels are also designed to keep you inside their ecosystem: the room, the spa, the restaurant, the bar. Exchanging homes tends to push you in the opposite direction, to explore as if you were a local. That’s where the most memorable moments come from: not scripted luxury, but generosity and authenticity.

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Why is the West such an exciting place to house swap? 

The West offers an exceptional mix of architectural variety, design-forward homes, and a lifestyle centered on openness and hospitality. Many HomeExchange Collection residences in the region emphasize natural light, indoor-outdoor living, and thoughtful craftsmanship, whether it’s a modern desert retreat, a coastal home, or a mountain escape. There’s also a strong cultural emphasis on welcoming guests while maintaining a relaxed, refined sense of luxury.

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Where do you hope to see the luxury house swapping industry go in the coming years? 

I see it continuing to grow. There’s a real fatigue with repetitive, surface-level tourism. People no longer want to visit places the same way everyone else does. HomeExchange Collection adds depth and texture to travel, even in well-known destinations, by allowing people to experience a place as a local, rather than as a visitor passing through. No money changes hands between members, helping preserve the integrity of local communities. I see it as a move toward more intentional, immersive, and sustainable travel, not just as a niche option, but as a lasting part of how people choose to explore the world.