Thursday, November 17, 2022 – The winter season is approaching and with it the holidays: For many families, this is the time to celebrate and get together together. Why not combine your winter holiday with family time, escape the cramped apartment with a folding sofa and air beds for the guests – and spend the Christmas holidays in a large house in beautiful surroundings, where grandma and grandpa, cousins and uncles can also comfortably sit? An affordable alternative to a hotel is a home exchange holiday. It is not only easy on the travel budget, but also leaves nothing to be desired in terms of sustainability and comfort: There is hardly a more authentic way to accommodate the extended family.
“After a long year that was particularly difficult for all of us, 2022 is almost over. What could be better than ending the year with your loved ones? What makes a home exchange so attractive is the character and authenticity of the homes, where you live like a local and create real memories,” muses Emmanuel Arnaud, co-founder and CEO of home exchange platform HomeExchange. And if you want to spend the holidays with grandparents, siblings, uncles, aunts or good friends, you’re guaranteed to find what you’re looking for here: Four particularly spacious domiciles in dreamlike holiday resorts that are easily accessible by car or train show where Christmas and New Year’s Eve 2022 could become a winter fairy tale for the XXL family with a house exchange.
1. Val D’Anniviers, Switzerland
Right in the heart of the Swiss Alps lies one of the most beautiful mountain valleys and nature areas – the Val D’Anniviers. The Alpine Valley is characterised by its well-developed sports infrastructure. In winter, ski enthusiasts get their money’s worth here on over 200 kilometres of ski slopes. At around 3000 metres, the highest slope summit invites you to spectacular descents. And if you like it quieter, you can explore the numerous hiking trails. Val D’Anniviers also has a lot to offer in terms of culinary delights: Valais raclette and traditionally produced glacier wine are among the famous regional products. Located not far from the valley is the cozy mountain cabin of Michael, a member of HomeExchange. It has four bedrooms and eleven beds, spread over 120 square meters. Here the extended family can be together undisturbed and enjoy the panoramic view of the magnificent mountain range.
https://www.homeexchange.fr/maison-vacances/1983567
2. Florence, Italy
The Italian city of Florence is known for its impressive artistic and cultural heritage and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A tourist magnet in summer, the Tuscan city is less crowded during the winter months. Holidaymakers save themselves crowded streets and long queues during this time. This makes sightseeing more relaxed and allows extensive strolling. In keeping with the Mediterranean flair, a true dream accommodation is offered by HomeExchange member Helen in an unbeatable location: the frescoed apartment is located in an old palazzo and directly on the banks of the Arno. It covers 350 square meters and offers eleven sleeping places. So after a stroll through the city, everyone in the family group can put their feet up together.
https://www.homeexchange.com/holiday-home/2111123
3. Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium
Families who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and everyday life will certainly find peace and quiet in the rural village of Braine-l’Alleud. The extensive fields offer wonderful sunsets and lead to numerous popular excursion destinations. A piece of history can be experienced on relaxed walks and bike tours: historic castles and monuments such as the “Lion of Waterloo” are located in the area. Despite the quiet and secluded location, there are various restaurants and shopping facilities within walking distance. An ideal place to consciously disconnect from the digital hustle and bustle and devote yourself intensively to your family. In this property you would like to stay for a long time anyway: the huge property of David and Andrea, two long-time members of HomeExchange, combines everything your heart desires and impresses with a jacuzzi, bar, library, home cinema and private garden. A postmodern, exclusively furnished house that sleeps 15. So “hyggelig” and comfortable that you would like to stay until spring.
https://www.homeexchange.com/holiday-home/2015073
4. Mladé Buky, Czech Republic
Mladé Buky is a village in the Czech Republic. Especially in the winter season, the village flourishes, as many ski tourists go to the slopes. The largest ski resort in the Czech Republic is located there. With golf courses, night skiing and a huge children’s amusement park with heated paddling pools and trampolines, there is something for young and old. Guests will also find the family-friendly ambience at Marek, another member of HomeExchange: Twelve beds are spread over five bedrooms. The house he offers for exchange offers 150 square meters of living space and has three bathrooms as well as a garden and swimming pool.
https://www.homeexchange.com/holiday-home/2165700
