Home-swapping has become a popular trend in the travel industry, allowing individuals to exchange their homes with others in different locations. This concept has often been romanticized in movies such as ‘The Holiday’, where individuals find friendship and possibly even love through this unique travel experience. However, the idea of allowing strangers to live in your home while you are away can be daunting and requires a significant level of trust.
One company, Kindred, offers a modern and curated version of home-swapping, operating on a ‘give a night, get a night’ model. Started in San Francisco four years ago, Kindred now has over 50,000 homes across 150 cities in Europe and North America. Unlike traditional short-term rental providers, Kindred focuses on creating a human connection and meaningful travel experiences rather than just promoting property businesses. Members need to list their homes in order to access the platform, ensuring a shared empathy and aligned incentives among users.
Kindred offers a full-service experience, including cleaning coordination before and after trips, concierge support, and comprehensive host and trip protection. The platform verifies government IDs of new members to ensure safety and security. Despite these reassurances, the cost of using Kindred is relatively low compared to traditional accommodation options, with a small one-time service fee as a host or cleaning fee as a guest. This makes home-swapping through Kindred an affordable and empowering option for travelers.
With a focus on Europe, Kindred offers travelers the opportunity to explore both popular and off-the-beaten-path destinations. The platform has seen a significant increase in homes accepted in Europe, with over a third of trips booked in European locations in the last three months. Through Kindred, travelers can discover unique listings such as cottages in Portugal, traditional homes in Sweden, and contemporary country homesteads in Andorra. This variety allows travelers to experience diverse cultures and landscapes beyond the usual hotspots.
One of the perks of home-swapping is the local knowledge and experiences shared by hosts. Members on Kindred often go above and beyond to create memorable experiences for their guests, such as arranging surprise activities or writing songs as thank-you gestures. The platform appeals to a diverse demographic, with millennial remote workers, families, retirees, and individuals seeking unique travel experiences all enjoying the benefits of home-swapping. Kindred also hosts in-person events and dinner parties for members to connect and potentially form friendships through the shared love of travel.
Overall, home-swapping can offer a unique and enriching travel experience for those willing to open their homes and hearts to strangers. Kindred’s curated approach to home-swapping provides a safe and affordable way to explore new destinations while forming meaningful connections with others. Whether travelers are looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a remote working experience, home-swapping through Kindred offers a refreshing alternative to traditional accommodation options.
