Home (Swapping) for the Holidays

Have you seen the movie The Holiday? It’s a romantic comedy from 2006 where two women, played by Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz, exchange homes for Christmas. Cameron heads to Kate’s quaint, quintessential English cottage, where she falls in love with local bachelor Jude Law. Meanwhile, Kate stays in Cameron’s sleek Los Angeles mansion and meets crackup composer Jack Black.

During their swap, the women are immersed in each other’s day-to-day lives. They go to local shops, bond with neighbors, meet new friends, and take delight in what makes their temporary homes unique and different. The story leaves viewers with a warm-and-fuzzy “aha!” moment about the opportunities that come with home exchange.

We love this film because it’s what Kindred is all about. We offer the option to swap simultaneously, like Kate and Cameron, or simply stay in another Kindred member’s home while they’re away.

If you’re traveling for the holidays, swapping is an excellent choice for home-away-from-home accommodations—and much cozier than a hotel or short-term rental. Here, we’ll share some tips and inspiration for your holiday getaway. And while we can’t guarantee Jude Law will make an appearance, we know you’ll have a magical trip.

Home swapping vs. Airbnb

Home swapping allows travelers to travel authentically by tapping into a trusted network of like-minded homeowners and renters. Kindred members stay in each other’s vetted, comfortable, and stylish homes for a fraction of the cost of Airbnb or other short-term rentals. Members get to live like locals when they travel, making a Kindred home the best way to experience a city.

Plus, community members have the opportunity to forge friendships and connections around the world—just like Kate and Cameron.

New to Kindred? See how it works and apply to join. Once you’re accepted, you can download the app and start browsing. In the meantime, keep reading for tips on booking your perfect holiday.

How to book a holiday home swap

After you’re a member and have access to the Kindred app, there are a few ways to plan and book your upcoming trip.

Explore Kindred collections

If your dates and destination are flexible, browse our curated holiday collections in the Kindred app. Whether you’re celebrating with your family or trying to escape them (no judgment!), you’ll find plenty of options for your ideal trip. 

Build a wishlist by dates

If you want to travel during the holiday period but don’t have a plan yet, use the Kindred app to create a wishlist for your specific dates. We’ll show you homes that are available to help you find a perfect match. This is a great way to broaden your travel horizons and add some spontaneity to your holiday. You may end up somewhere that wasn’t even on your radar! 

Build a wishlist by destination

If you know where you’re going but don’t have firm dates, you can build your wishlist by destination instead. Being flexible with your dates can help you find the best Kindred home for you and your family.

Of course, if you have specific dates and a destination, create a wishlist with all your details.

Filter by swaps or stays

No matter how you approach your dates and destinations, you can filter by trip type. By default, when you create a wishlist, you’ll see both types of trips—swaps and stays. But if you only want a simultaneous exchange, make sure only the “swap” option is selected. Conversely, if you can’t host members on the dates you’re traveling, select only the “stay” filter.

Best places to visit in December

Still undecided about where to go this winter? We’ve compiled a list of top destinations from our holiday homes collection to get you inspired. 

Los Angeles

If Kate Winslet’s character in The Holiday inspires you, book a December trip to Los Angeles. The Southern California city is sunny over 70% of the year, so it’s a great option if a white Christmas isn’t your thing. Check out the festive decor at The Grove shopping center in the neighborhood of La Brea.

Berlin

Berlin is an ideal destination for the cultural omnivore. The German capital is rich with history, art, nightlife, and counter-culture. It boasts a 32-foot Hanukkah menorah—the largest in Europe—and festive Christmas markets serving warm glühwein, making it a great destination for all.

Paris

Paris is the perfect choice for the romantic. It’s chock full of picturesque holiday markets, twinkly lights, and street vendors roasting chestnuts. If you’re heading to Paris, visit the Galeries Lafayette to see the famous Christmas tree and seasonal window displays.

London

The English take Christmas seriously. Busy business districts fall silent as companies close during the festive period, and local pubs overflow with merrymaking friends and families. Don’t miss the annual lights in the major shopping areas on Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Carnaby Street.

New Orleans

NOLA might be best known for Mardi Gras in February, but it’s also full of entertainment in December, with dramatic light displays and plenty of holiday events.

Whistler

Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America and a world-renowned destination for snow sports. Only a two-hour drive from Vancouver, Whistler is an ideal winter getaway for skiing enthusiasts. 

New York

Last but certainly not least, NYC is a classic holiday destination. Enjoy the fabulous shopping and ice skating beneath the iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.

Book your holiday

Ready to book your trip? Apply to join Kindred and find your perfect home away from home for the holidays.