If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I love unique travel experiences—whether it’s staying in boutique hotels or renting an apartment in a tucked-away neighborhood instead of the usual tourist hubs.
So when I discovered Kindred, a home swapping app that makes it possible to “trade” homes with other like-minded travelers, I knew I had to share it with you.
At first, the idea of someone else staying in my home while I stay in theirs felt a little different. But once I dug in, I realized Kindred isn’t just about affordable accommodations (though that part is pretty amazing). It’s about creating a travel experience that feels more personal, cozy and connected than staying in a hotel.
TLDR; Get 5 nights on the Kindred app with my code sar.che2.
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What is Kindred?
Kindred is a home swapping app that lets members trade homes for short-term stays. The concept is simple. Instead of paying for hotels or short term vacation stays, you “swap” with other members who want to visit your city.
But here’s the best part—Kindred doesn’t require one-to-one swaps at the same time. This one-to-one swap is what previously prevented me from trying house swapping.
That means if someone stays in your home this month, you earn credits that you can use to stay in someone else’s home later on. It’s flexible, community-driven and makes travel so much more affordable.
Why I Like Kindred
From what I know about Kindred so far (with only having signed up and not yet booked), here’s what I like about it.
It’s Budget-Friendly
As much as I love travel, the cost of accommodations adds up quickly especially when traveling with a toddler.
With Kindred, all you pay is a small nightly cleaning/service fee (much less than a hotel or short term vacation rental). That frees up money for experiences, meals or just making the trip a little longer.
It Feels More Like Home
When I travel with my daughter, I want her to feel comfortable. Staying in a real home means having a kitchen, toys and a cozy living room to unwind in after a long day exploring. It’s so much easier than squeezing into a small hotel room.
The Community Vibe
Because Kindred is built around members swapping with other members, there’s an unspoken level of trust. Everyone wants to take good care of each other’s spaces. It feels more personal than a big, impersonal rental platform.
Tips for Using Kindred
- Set up your profile thoughtfully. The more information you include (and the better your photos), the more likely you’ll attract swaps.
- Be flexible with dates. The app works best when you’re open to different travel windows.
- Start local. If you’re unsure about the concept, try swapping for a nearby getaway before heading across the world.
Final Thoughts on Kindred Home Swapping
If you’re looking for a way to travel that’s affordable, community-driven and family-friendly, then try Kindred home swapping.
Get started on Kindred with 5 nights included here.
I’ll be using it for my trip to visit family in November so will update the post after I try using it myself.
What I know so far is that I love that it makes travel possible without breaking the bank while also letting us feel like locals instead of tourists.
Would I still book a hotel sometimes? For sure, but for longer trips, especially with my daughter, Kindred just makes sense.
Have you ever tried home swapping? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!