Swapping homes could save you hundreds of dollars on your summer vacation - especially if you live in a World Cup host city

By Genna Contino Demand for home exchanges is up 24% this year. Here's how to swap your way to a free stay. Home-swapping services are seeing increased demand in U.S. host cities ahead of the World Cup this summer. Millions of international visitors are expected to flock to the U.S. this summer to experience the 2026 FIFA World Cup. And with hotel prices on the rise due to increased demand, tourists are seeking alternative lodging options. Home-swap site HomeExchange is already seeing a 24% increase in exchanges finalized for summer 2026 when compared to this time last year. Demand has surged for individual U.S. World Cup host cities since the schedule was announced - with Kansas City, Mo., and Boston seeing the biggest increases at 500% and 450%, respectively. Home exchanges - in which travelers stay in one another's homes, typically without a direct exchange of money, rather than booking traditional accommodations - are gaining traction as the World Cup pushes hotel prices higher and limits availability in host cities. While the idea may seem strange at first, the model has become more mainstream in recent years as platforms have added identity verification, messaging tools and review systems designed to reduce risk. For some, especially those planning longer stays around major events, the trade-off offers a way to travel during peak periods without paying premium lodging rates - and it's good for homeowners who want to get out of town during a hectic period. "It's a home - it's furnished, you have a kitchen, you're going grocery shopping, you're doing what the locals do," said Matt Kepnes, who runs the travel site Nomadic Matt. "The other thing is, the hard economics of it is: I can save money. With hotels, especially around the World Cup, being $400-plus a night, that could represent a significant saving." Cities such as Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Seattle are also seeing significant demand, according to HomeExchange. New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area have only seen about a 6% uptick in exchanges during World Cup match dates compared to the year prior - but Jessica Poillucci, a public-relations manager at HomeExchange, noted that those cities are already frequent top destinations on the platform. What to know before home swapping While home swapping is romanticized in movies like "The Holiday," the idea of actually letting a stranger stay in your house while you're not there might feel daunting. However, the industry's major players say they have built trust over the course of decades in the business. HomeLink and Intervac, for instance, both trace their roots back to the 1950s, when they began as home-exchange networks for teachers. Modern platforms like HomeExchange and Kindred have digitized this trust by requiring government-issued identification and address verification to minimize anonymity. These companies vet users and provide customer support, typically charging an annual membership fee ranging from $100 to $200 to list a home. Still, some say the uncertainty that comes with home swapping isn't worth it. Travel agency CIRE Travel, an affiliate of Global Travel Collection, avoids booking clients through home-exchange sites, and opts for hotels or private villas instead. "Working with our industry partners gives us a direct line of communication to a real, live human to address any issues 24/7," said Eric Hrubant, founder and president of CIRE Travel. "With the vacation-rental or home-exchange sites, there's no person to call, so we wouldn't be able to properly troubleshoot if anything went sideways." Experts say open communication is key with house swapping: Be clear about your expectations and agree on how to handle worst-case scenarios. Make sure both parties know how to find the key, where the nearest grocery store is, instructions for appliances and the password for the wifi before the swap. This builds a mutual trust that brings peace of mind to travelers, Kepnes said. He also recommends home swapping only if you're traveling for more than a few days, as the effort required to set up an exchange may outweigh the savings if you're only staying briefly. To ensure safety, vet your potential guest by reviewing their profile on a home-exchange site and setting up a video call with them to talk through logistics. Also, remove or lock up any valuables from your home before your guest arrives. Some sites offer damage protection or insurance. Kindred, for example, has a $100,000 host-protection guarantee in the event of damage and $1 million in liability insurance for all hosts included in its membership fee. HomeExchange memberships include up to $1 million in property-damage coverage and covers hosts in instances of theft; the company also recommends checking with your insurance agency for additional coverage options. -Genna Contino This content was created by MarketWatch, which is operated by Dow Jones & Co. MarketWatch is published independently from Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal. (END) Dow Jones Newswires 02-19-26 1000ET