Paul and Samantha have found a way to save thousands on holidays for their family of six
Updated . First published
It will forever be associated with hit Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet film, The Holiday.
And house swapping trips might have been boosted by the 2006 film, but the practice is on the up again for Aussies looking save money on holidays, according to experts.
One home-swap platform, Home Exchange, has had an increase in memberships of 35 per cent in one year, and a steep rise in swaps completed by Australian members.
It's also booming across social media, with a younger generation now turning to home-swapping as a cost-saving "third option" between hotels and short-term rentals.
Paul Sheavils and his family of six save money by house swapping, including to New Zealand. Supplied
One Aussie family is using it as a way to save money on trips for their family of six, including two teenagers
"Just in terms of taking the accommodation out of the equation and swapping cars is handy as well," Paul Sheavils, a graphic designer from Noosa on the Sunshine Coast, tells 9Travel.
READ MORE: This ship proves you don't need a theme park on board for a great cruise
Paul and wife Samantha have swapped a couple of times, including staying in Wanaka in New Zealand. A stay they loved so much they're even considering moving there.
They've always done it simultaneously with the other family, though it doesn't always have to be.
In fact, they ended up staying with the family for a few nights to get a once-in-a-lifetime locals experience.
Arna, left, has swapped her house with the Sheavils family. Supplied
While they have paid to join house swapping websites and swapped with a family in Tasmania via one, Paul found their Kiwi host, Arna Craig, after she posted on a Noosa Facebook page.
He said both are options.
"If you want to do it via social media you have to be prepared to sift though and do due diligence," he tells us.
"You do pay for the sites and they give that safety net."
READ MORE: 'Forget Paris and Rome, these are the most romantic spots we've been'
The Holiday film 20 years ago sparked an interest in house swapping. Universal Pictures
READ MORE: This Fiji hotel is about to open the biggest pool in the South Pacific
After several chats over text and email and a live video call the couple crossed over in Noosa and were able to show Arna's family around.
Admittedly, having a lavish house which he has also rented on Airbnb helps with attracting swappers.
Arna's is equally desirable.
Arna's New Zealand home. Supplied
Paul says holiday rental experience also means they're used to clearing their house of clutter and setting things up so guests can have a luxury experience.
Checking your home insurance is essential should anything go wrong.
Meanwhile, Arna, who has a digital marketing agency, has become a home swapping expert.
Other locals in Wanaka now ask her for tips.
READ MORE: 'Weekending' Aussies are ditching Europe and Asia for these understated local spots
Paul Sheavils from Noosa did a house swap of his lavish home. Supplied
Arna travels with husband Layton and their two children, and admits the main reason she does it is "you save so much".
"When you travel the biggest expense is your accommodation," she tells 9Travel.
"It makes it possible to go for the extended amount of time. It's been such an incredible way to get out of here in winter."
She says it means the family can slow down and spend time together.
And while she has also rented out their home for holidays, she finds swapping offers a "much nicer connection."
She leaves guides she has put together for Wanaka and Central Otago areas for guests.
Wanaka in New Zealand is a popular place for holidays. Getty Images/iStockphoto
READ MORE: Big change coming to Jetstar planes for long-haul flights
However, both Arna and Paul say it's essential you're realistic about swapping.
Somebody with a lavish property might not want to stay in a cramped studio in return.
Neither Paul nor Arna has had anything go wrong on swaps.
Once it even came with a happy extra.
"In the second year our house was for sale at the time, it had been on the market for three years. We actually sold it while they were looking after it," Arna says.
READ MORE: This ship proves you don't need a theme park on board for a great cruise
Arna leaves guides she has put together for Wanaka and Central Otago areas for guests. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Andrew Waddel, Regional Director Australia, Tourism New Zealand said house swapping in the country offers a way to get a special local insight such as the best coffee shops and other places to go.
"Not only do visitors get to experience the beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand, but it also allows them to feel a sense of Manaakitanga through their host, a Māori value of extending hospitality and care for others," he says.
It's also not just families swapping their desirable homes around the world. It's also taking off among younger travellers.
TikTok creators Lohanny Santos and Marie Draxler swapped homes and shared the experience online. Instagram
House swapping has well and truly hit the Gen Z space, after a New Yorker's Tiktocker's videos took off online gaining over 22 million likes.
Online content creators Lohanny Santos and Marie Draxler swapped homes (New York to London) and shared the experience online last year.
It shows home swapping is a big area of growth for new audiences.
