EXCLUSIVE I've saved thousands on solo trips through home swapping - but my California stay wasn't what I expected
As the cost of travel continues to rise and frustrations with traditional accommodation mount, a growing number of travellers are rethinking how they holiday.
Among them is 27-year-old, Natália Amorim, from Canada, who has saved around £18,000 in just two years, globetrotting around the world to bucket list destinations, including California, Copenhagen and the Netherlands.
Next month, she's even managing to spend a month in a plush Notting Hill apartment for just $180 (£133) - less than the average price of one night at a hotel in the same area, £147.
But how has Natalia done it?
It's all thanks to ditching hotels and Airbnbs in favour of home-swapping on Kindred, which involves paying just the price of basic cleaning and membership fee.
Since joining, she's used the service to travel extensively for both leisure and work - clocking more than 90 nights in homes across the UK, Europe and the U.S.
But one of Natália's most memorable stays was at a three-storey house overlooking Amsterdam's canals, a home she describes as 'the most beautiful' she'd ever seen in an exclusive interview with MailOnline.
On another occasion, having only seen pictures of the interior, she arrived at what she thought was a modest California stay - but was greeted by something entirely different.
Since joining Kindred, she's used the service to travel extensively for both leisure and work - clocking more than 90 nights in homes across the UK, Europe and the U.S
She tells us: 'I only had pictures of the inside of the property, and it ended up being a whole ranch, almost, to ourselves.'
Natália's first experience with home swapping come through Facebook groups, but she found them disorganised and risky in terms of safety.
However, since discovering Kindred in 2022, Natalia insists she rarely worries about her security and comfort now when she's going to stay at others, or when there are guests in her house.
She doesn't even strip her home bare before guests arrive, though some hosts attach 'do not touch' notes to items they wish to be kept unused by guests.
Natália says: 'I think different people go about it different ways. I personally leave all of my stuff out. I will push away, like some some space in the closet if they need - I even keep my journals out.
'One host had little stickers called "Privacy, please." If there's a drawer that you don't want anyone to open, anyone to touch, you can just add the little privacy stickers.
'I've had a host recently that did it with Post-it notes, telling me, "This drawer has too much stuff. If you open it's gonna fall."'
Each swap is built on mutual trust and, unlike traditional rentals, Kindred users must host in order to stay.
She adds: 'I'm a big gift giver, so I every time I stay in a kindred I pay a lot of attention to their home and their mugs and their tastes and their art to like, try to find a gift that matches their personality'
She continues: 'There's a real community aspect, a human aspect, to home swapping. I'm really close with all my hosts that have hosted me and I still keep in touch with some of my guests.
'Guests have even taken selfies with my cat.
'Usually the host will leave a handwritten note whenever you get there. It was my first time in Edinburgh a few weeks ago with Kindred and the host left me some tea bags.
'I'm a big gift giver, so I every time I stay in a Kindred I pay a lot of attention to their home and their mugs and their tastes and their art to like, try to find a gift that matches their personality.'
For increased safety on Kindred, before confirming any trip, members arrange a video call and each home is verified.
Guests can personalise how they exchange keys - Natalia uses a keypad or lockbox - and support is available 24/7 in case something goes wrong.
Natália explains: 'Nothing is automatic.
'When someone requests to stay at your home, and when you request to stay at their home, you have the opportunity to book a video call with them.
For Natália, the decision to home swap wasn't just practical - it was a game-changer that saved her thousands, 'cleared her conscience,' and allowed her to experience unique, once-in-a-lifetime trips
'Then there's a waiting period before anything is actually lost.'
For Natália, the decision to home swap wasn't just practical - it was a game-changer that saved her thousands, 'cleared her conscience,' and allowed her to experience unique, once-in-a-lifetime trips whilst making lasting friendships along the way.
She says: 'When I house swap, I'm genuinely welcomed as a guest, and get to forge true connections with my hosts pre and post trip, while experiencing the city like a local.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
All the times Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been savaged by popular TV shows
They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. But is this true for mocking members of the Royal Family on television? Prince Harry and Meghan are no strangers to criticism. As early as 2016, when the couple had just started dating, Channel 4 comedy The Windsors mocked the couple by depicting Harry as telling Meghan that he had offered a producer a knighthood in exchange for helping her find work. The Duchess of Sussex's character is upset by this, telling Harry that if she 'is to make, I mean really make it, it needs to be because of who I am, not who I know'. She then storms off and says she's going back to Los Angeles. Animated TV show The Prince, with its cast including Sophie Turner and Orlando Bloom, mocked the couple's job prospects in 2021. Harry asks: 'What are we going to do? Can you get another show? I mean, not one that you act on, darling. I know people don't want to hire you for that anymore.' Meghan replies: 'HGTV did call my agent last week about us but, at the time, I thought we were too good for them.' Following the release of Harry's memoir Spare in 2023, the American show South Park - known for its satirical and surreal humor - made a jab at the Sussexes Creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone's episode follows the young royals, the Prince and Princess of Canada, flying around the world on a 'Global Privacy Tour' to promote his autobiography 'Aaargh'. The show has used Canada as a stand-in for other countries before. In season 19, the new Canadian president - who carries more than a resemblance to Donald Trump - looks to build a huge border wall to keep the Americans out. The Prince and Princess of Canada are seen at a large state funeral, where they are booed by the rest of the royal family - accused of bashing the Canadian monarchy. Against the backlash, the couple appear on breakfast television to demand their privacy. Arriving on the set of Good Morning Canada with a book to promote, the prince holds aloft a placard reading 'we want privacy', while the princess's banner reads: 'Stop looking at us.' The host asks whether, in reporting on the royal family for his new book, he has now become a journalist himself. 'We just want to be normal people - all this attention is so hard,' the prince replies. Another cartoon with a cult following - Family Guy - took a dig at the Sussexes' Netflix deal, which is reportedly worth $100million. Family Guy's third episode in its 22nd season, which aired in October 2023, shows the main character Peter Griffin going on an adventure to become a TV extra. 'I'll go it alone, just like Meghan Markle and Prince Harry,' he says. The scene then cuts to animated versions of Harry and Meghan, lounging by a pool, when their butler comes with a check. 'Sir, your millions from Netflix for… no one knows what,' the butler says. Harry replies: 'Put it with the rest of them.' The Sussexes have produced three series for Netflix since they signed an £80million deal with the streaming platform in 2020 And it's not only cartoons using satire to mock the royal couple. At the 65th Grammy Awards in February 2023, host Trevor Noah made fun of Harry for his notorious line about his 'frostbitten penis' in Spare. The prince claimed he was suffering from the shocking condition during William and Kate's wedding, after he undertook a 200-mile expedition to the North Pole in March 2011. While welcoming James Corden to the stage, Noah said: 'James Corden is a 12-time Emmy winner and the host of The Late Late Show. 'He's also living proof that a man can move from London to LA and not tell everyone about his frostbitten penis.' For many celebrities, being mocked on Saturday Night Live is a right of passage. Earlier this year the Sussexes were at the centre of a savage SNL quip as Colin Jost delivered a breakdown of the week's major news stories. The presenter addressed the UK-US trade deal between Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump, joking: 'President Trump also announced a new trade deal with the UK that will re-open British markets for American companies. 'All that Britain demands in return is that we keep these two,' as a photo of Harry and Meghan appeared on the screen behind him. Jost made a brutal joke about the couple, claiming the recent UK-US trade deal included a clause which meant they must stay in America It was reported as another sign that America is turning its back on the Sussexes, who stepped down as working royals and left Britain for a new life in US in 2020. Harry once again threw the breakdown of his relationship with his family back into the limelight with an explosive interview after he lost his court battle over the levels of security he and his family are entitled to when in the UK. Earlier this year he lost his attempt to overturn the Home Office's decision at the Court of Appeal - a ruling he has since furiously described as a 'good old-fashioned Establishment stitch-up'. Harry's bombshell interview with the BBC was met with a wave of criticism after he complained that his father, King Charles, 'won't speak to me ' and claimed he 'doesn't know how much longer he has left'. Just days later, a YouGov poll revealed that Harry is the second most popular living member of the Royal Family among Americans - behind only his brother Prince William. But William, Harry, Kate and King Charles were all more popular than Meghan - the only US citizen on the list. Harry has spoken at length about the constant pressure of being in the spotlight and the strain this has on his relationship. At the beginning of the year, a close friend of the prince told the Mail the barrage of criticism serves only to intensify his loyalty to Meghan. Earlier this year he lost his attempt to overturn the Home Office's decision regarding his family's security entitlement - a ruling he furiously described as a 'good old-fashioned Establishment stitch-up' 'It's horrible for him to know that people don't like his wife,' said Harry's friend. 'He adores her and doesn't think she deserves any of the backlash or criticism that has been thrown at her over the past few years.' Satire is seen as an important tool with which to poke fun at those in positions of power. It is a simple fact that as long as the duke and duchess are in the public eye, they will be held to a high standard and mocked for any perceived shortfall of this. There is a reason shows such as South Park and Family Guy have continued to produce episodes into their 20th seasons.
Geeky Gadgets
an hour ago
- Geeky Gadgets
iPhone 17 Air Leaks: Is This Apple's Thinnest iPhone Yet?
Apple is preparing to unveil the iPhone 17 Air, a device that aims to push the boundaries of smartphone design. With its ultra-thin, lightweight construction, the iPhone 17 Air is tailored for users who prioritize portability and sleek aesthetics. However, this innovative approach comes with certain compromises, positioning the device as a unique yet niche addition to Apple's product lineup. Here's an in-depth look at what this release could mean for the smartphone market in a new video from GregsGadgets. Watch this video on YouTube. Design and Weight: A New Era of Compact Smartphones The iPhone 17 Air is poised to set a new benchmark for smartphone portability. Weighing just 145 grams, it is significantly lighter than models like the iPhone 16 Pro Max, making it exceptionally easy to carry and handle. Its 6.66-inch OLED display, featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, ensures smooth visuals and vibrant color reproduction. The inclusion of an always-on display adds convenience, allowing users to view essential information without the need to unlock the device. Apple's commitment to minimalism is evident in the iPhone 17 Air's design. By emphasizing a lightweight and compact form factor, the company is targeting users who value convenience and portability over the bulkier, feature-rich alternatives available in the market. The device's slim profile and refined aesthetics make it a standout option for those seeking a modern, minimalist smartphone. Performance and Features: Streamlined Yet Capable Equipped with Apple's A19 chip and 8GB of memory, the iPhone 17 Air delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking. This hardware combination ensures smooth operation for most users, although it may not cater to power users with demanding needs. The 48MP main camera represents a notable improvement in resolution compared to older models, offering enhanced image quality for casual photography. However, the single-camera setup lacks the versatility of the ultra-wide and telephoto lenses found in Apple's Pro models. Key features such as MagSafe compatibility remain intact, allowing seamless use of magnetic accessories and wireless charging. The advanced OLED display technology further enhances the user experience, delivering sharp visuals and vibrant colors. While the iPhone 17 Air may not offer the extensive feature set of higher-end models, it provides a capable and streamlined option for users who prioritize simplicity and practicality. Compromises: The Cost of a Sleek Design The iPhone 17 Air's ultra-thin and lightweight design comes with certain trade-offs. The single-camera setup limits photography options, and advanced features like ProRAW and ProRes may not be supported. Additionally, the removal of the bottom speaker means audio output relies solely on the earpiece, which could impact sound quality and volume, particularly for users who frequently consume media on their devices. Battery capacity is another area where compromises have been made. To achieve its slim profile, the iPhone 17 Air features a smaller battery, which may result in shorter usage times compared to other iPhone models. While the A19 chip is expected to optimize power efficiency, heavy users might find the reduced battery life restrictive. These trade-offs highlight the balance Apple has struck between design innovation and functionality, making the iPhone 17 Air a device that caters to specific user preferences. Pricing and Market Position: Balancing Innovation and Accessibility Starting at $899, the iPhone 17 Air is positioned as a more affordable alternative to Apple's Pro models. This pricing strategy makes it an attractive option for users who prioritize design and portability over advanced features. By offering a modern smartphone at a relatively accessible price point, Apple is broadening its appeal to a wider audience, particularly those who value style and convenience. The iPhone 17 Air's price and design place it in a unique position within Apple's lineup. It serves as a forward-thinking choice for consumers who want a sleek, minimalist device without the premium cost associated with flagship models. This approach underscores Apple's ability to cater to diverse consumer preferences while maintaining its reputation for innovation and quality. Potential Impact: A Shift in Apple's Design Philosophy The iPhone 17 Air represents a significant departure from Apple's recent design trends, focusing on portability and simplicity rather than feature-packed complexity. This device reflects Apple's willingness to take calculated risks and explore new ways to meet evolving consumer needs. By prioritizing a lightweight and compact design, Apple is addressing a growing demand for smartphones that are both functional and easy to carry. If the iPhone 17 Air proves successful, it could influence the direction of future iPhone designs, encouraging a shift toward more innovative and daring concepts. While it may not satisfy the needs of power users or photography enthusiasts, it offers a compelling option for those who value aesthetics, convenience, and accessibility. This device has the potential to redefine consumer expectations and inspire new trends in the smartphone industry. Browse through more resources below from our in-depth content covering more areas on iPhone 17 Air. Source & Image Credit: GregsGadgets Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Exercise ‘rivals drugs' in bid to stop cancer returning after treatment
A new international study has found that a three-year exercise programme improved survival rates in colon cancer patients, as well as keeping the disease at bay. Experts have said that the benefits of the programme rival some drugs, and that cancer centres and insurance plans should consider making exercise coaching a new standard of care for colon cancer survivors. In the meantime, patients can increase their physical activity after treatment, knowing that they are helping to prevent the cancer from returning. 'It's an extremely exciting study,' said Dr. Jeffrey Meyerhardt of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, who wasn't involved in the research. It's the first randomized controlled trial to show how exercise can help cancer survivors, Meyerhardt said. Prior evidence was based on comparing active people with sedentary people, a type of study that can't prove cause and effect. The new study — conducted in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Israel and the United States — compared people who were randomly selected for an exercise program with those who instead received an educational booklet. 'This is about as high a quality of evidence as you can get,' said Dr. Julie Gralow, chief medical officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. 'I love this study because it's something I've been promoting but with less strong evidence for a long time.' The findings were featured Sunday at ASCO's annual meeting in Chicago and published by the New England Journal of Medicine. Academic research groups in Canada, Australia and the U.K. funded the work. Researchers followed 889 patients with treatable colon cancer who had completed chemotherapy. Half were given information promoting fitness and nutrition. The others worked with a coach, meeting every two weeks for a year, then monthly for the next two years. Coaches helped participants find ways to increase their physical activity. Many people, including Terri Swain-Collins, chose to walk for about 45 minutes several times a week. 'This is something I could do for myself to make me feel better,' said Swain-Collins, 62, of Kingston, Ontario. Regular contact with a friendly coach kept her motivated and accountable, she said. 'I wouldn't want to go there and say, 'I didn't do anything,' so I was always doing stuff and making sure I got it done.' After eight years, the people in the structured exercise program not only became more active than those in the control group but also had 28% fewer cancers and 37% fewer deaths from any cause. There were more muscle strains and other similar problems in the exercise group. 'When we saw the results, we were just astounded,' said study co-author Dr. Christopher Booth, a cancer doctor at Kingston Health Sciences Centre in Kingston, Ontario. Exercise programs can be offered for several thousand dollars per patient, Booth said, 'a remarkably affordable intervention that will make people feel better, have fewer cancer recurrences and help them live longer.' Researchers collected blood from participants and will look for clues tying exercise to cancer prevention, whether through insulin processing or building up the immune system or something else. Swain-Collins' coaching program ended, but she is still exercising. She listens to music while she walks in the countryside near her home. That kind of behavior change can be achieved when people believe in the benefits, when they find ways to make it fun and when there's a social component, said paper co-author Kerry Courneya, who studies exercise and cancer at the University of Alberta. The new evidence will give cancer patients a reason to stay motivated. 'Now we can say definitively exercise causes improvements in survival,' Courneya said. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
