Cork Family Saves Thousands, Increases Holidays Fivefold Through Home Swapping
A family of six from Cork, Ireland, has dramatically reduced their vacation costs and increased their travel frequency from one holiday per year to five by utilizing home-swapping platforms. The Lysaght family estimates savings of between €7,000 and €8,000 on accommodation over the past two years.
The Rise of Home Swapping
Catriona Lysaght, 44, a speech and language therapist, and her husband Donal, 49, a secondary school teacher, joined the home-swapping platform HomeExchange in September 2023. Since April 2024, they’ve completed 15 exchanges, with three more planned for this year. The platform allows users to exchange homes on mutually agreed-upon dates, or offer “GuestPoints” to compensate hosts for non-reciprocal swaps. CorkBeo first reported on the family’s success.
From Limited Vacations to Global Adventures
Prior to discovering home swapping, the Lysaghts were limited to one annual holiday, often within Ireland or a short trip to visit family in the UK. The cost of accommodation for a family of six, combined with school schedules, made frequent or more exotic vacations unattainable. “Before HomeExchange, how many holidays would we have gone on a year? It would have been one,” Catriona Lysaght told PA Real Life. “I’d say we do four or five holidays a year now… and I reckon HomeExchange saves about a third of the price of each holiday for us.”
How It Works: HomeExchange and GuestPoints
HomeExchange facilitates direct swaps, where families exchange homes simultaneously. It also offers a GuestPoints system, allowing members to earn points by hosting others and then redeem those points for stays at other properties without a reciprocal exchange. The platform charges an annual membership fee of approximately £190 (€217). CorkBeo
Memorable Experiences and Unexpected Benefits
The Lysaghts have enjoyed exchanges in France, Amsterdam, London, and various locations within Ireland. A particularly memorable trip was to London over New Year’s Eve, where they were able to view fireworks, which are restricted in Ireland. A recent trip to Paris was described as “absolutely magical.”
Beyond the financial savings, the family has found that home swapping offers unique benefits. They’ve discovered local recommendations from hosts, enjoyed access to amenities like board games and swimming pools, and even had their children care for pets during exchanges. Catriona Lysaght noted that staying in someone’s home provides a more authentic travel experience. “You get hidden little nuggets of places to visit, and little charming spots that you wouldn’t hear of,” she said.
Looking Ahead
The Lysaghts have three upcoming exchanges planned, including trips to Sydney and Tasmania, and another to France. They encourage others to consider home swapping as a way to make travel more affordable and enriching. The family’s experience demonstrates the growing appeal of alternative travel arrangements as families seek cost-effective ways to explore the world.