If you’ve been around Wonders Within Reach for any amount of time, you’ve heard me mention HomeExchange for both its accessible options and its incredibly budget-friendly opportunity. It’s because of HomeExchange that we’ve stayed in Europe for about $2 per night.

If you’re new around here, the short introduction to HomeExchange is really all in the name: it’s a membership platform for exchanging homes. There’s a small membership fee, but exchanges are free – as many as you can squeeze in, up to 365 nights per year. You can learn more on the good, the bad, and the ugly here.

How Experienced HomeExchangers Are Missing Out

But here’s what I’ve realized lately. Even experienced HomeExchangers are leaving one of the most valuable tools on the table. 

When I’m scrolling through homes for an upcoming stay, I regularly see some version of “No GuestPoints Please” in the description. Every time, I can’t help but think… are they missing the best part? GuestPoints make it possible to book homes without a direct exchange.

I’ve previously responded to the concern that your home may not be nice enough for a HomeExchange, but I have a feeling these homes are facing the opposite problem. These are typically in popular destinations or larger homes that could accommodate multi-family stays. Once you start thinking beyond the traditional swap, GuestPoints open up a completely different way to travel, solve problems, and create space when you need it most.

How to Make the Most of GuestPoints

1. Extra space for a multigenerational family vacation

We live in a cozy cottage for six, but HomeExchange has given me the ability to gift my parents with vacations for the extended family. GuestPoints can open the door to larger homes that don’t necessarily make sense in a direct swap. Instead of squeezing everyone into separate hotel rooms or spending thousands on a rental that can fit us all, I save up GuestPoints for a home that’s not comparable to mine. 

2. Staycation without the distractions of home

I absolutely love staycations. We can enjoy the local attractions and restaurants and live large without actually traveling anywhere. The lifestyle shift is more important than the location. A nearby HomeExchange gives you a clean slate, free from the laundry pile and the constant pull of your to-do list. You get the mental reset of travel without the logistics of going far. Unfortunately, I haven’t found any neighbors interested in setting up a reciprocal exchange, so this is a great use for GuestPoints!

3. Personal retreat without the guilt

Sometimes you just need a moment. Personal retreats and times of silence bring new life where it seems to be fading. I’ve found special needs mom retreats or respite weekends, but they’re not practical in cost or distance. With HomeExchange, I can find a relaxing home and take a breather without worrying about taking a hit on the family budget or rearranging my kids’ schedules. Using GuestPoints for a solo or low-key stay nearby can give you space to rest, think, or simply be quiet for a minute. I can even pop home for dinner and to put the kids to bed, if I want to. This may be one of the most underrated ways to use HomeExchange.

4. Solution for visiting friends when accessibility or allergies limit hosting

Not every home works for everybody, and that can make visits complicated. One of my best friends is allergic to my pets and has some unique schedule and accessibility needs. GuestPoints allowed him to stay close without having to compromise on health, comfort, or accessibility. A GuestPoints exchange keeps the focus on time together instead of logistics.

5. Comfortable base during home renovations or life transitions

Life gets messy in the in-between seasons. We just finished making our downstairs bathroom wheelchair accessible, and I wish I had done this even for this minor renovation – what a mess! Whether you’re renovating, relocating, or navigating a major change, having a clean, safe, and comfortable place to land can make all the difference. GuestPoints give you flexibility without the cost of long hotel stays, without needing to leverage your own home that’s currently out of commission.

6. A way to test-drive a neighborhood or destination

My in-laws are in the process of trying to find a new home and they’re putting in the neighborhood research I wish we’d thought of before buying. A few days on location can tell you more than hours of online research ever will. Staying in a real home lets you experience the rhythm of a neighborhood, from morning traffic and routines to evening lights-out. It’s a low-risk way to explore a place before making a bigger commitment. 

7. Extended hospital stays

This is probably how we’ve used GuestPoints the most. When medical care pulls you away from home and your family is split between the hospital and school, the last thing you need is the added stress of figuring out where to stay. GuestPoints can provide a stable, comfortable space near the hospital, with room to meet your daily needs. The comfort of a home away from home when everything else is unknown is invaluable.

How to Save HomeExchange GuestPoints

If you’re not one of those people constantly turning away GuestPoints, you may be wondering how you can accrue a stash for all these great uses. In short: if you’re not in your home, list it!

When you’re not looking to arrange an exchange because you’re visiting Grandma or traveling with the hockey team or staying with your sister because she just had a baby – let someone else use your home! You can earn GuestPoints over Christmas break with the in-laws, and then use those GuestPoints for a personal retreat to recover when it’s over. Brilliant.