Kindred Home Swapping Review: How I Save Thousands on Travel
After three full years of traveling full time; living out of suitcases, bouncing between Airbnbs, and navigating hotel check-ins—I finally decided to slow down. Spain’s digital nomad visa gave me the chance to set up a home base, and I chose Barcelona. (If you’re curious about that process, check out my post on how I got my digital nomad visa in Spain here).
But even with a home base, my travel cravings didn’t stop. I still wanted to explore new places just without spending thousands every time I left. I briefly considered subletting, but the logistics (screening guests, coordinating stays, the legal gray area) made it feel like more stress than it was worth.
That’s when I discovered Kindred, a home-swapping platform designed for people like me: frequent travelers who still have a place to come home to.
If you’ve ever wanted to travel more without constantly paying for hotels or short-term rentals, Kindred home swapping for travelers has completely changed the way I explore new cities. As a full-time traveler and digital nomad, finding comfortable, reliable places to stay long-term is essential, and Kindred has become one of my favorite ways to do that.
What is Kindred?
Kindred is a members-only home-swapping network for travelers who have a home base but still want to explore the world affordably. The concept is simple:
➡️ When you host someone in your home, you earn credits
➡️ You use those credits to stay in other members’ homes while you travel
✔️ You can also choose to swap directly with another member—but it’s totally optional
Kindred handles the logistics, vetting, and scheduling across the entire network, making it super flexible.
At its core, Kindred home swapping for travelers allows members to stay in vetted homes around the world using a credit-based system, rather than exchanging homes at the exact same time. This makes it far more flexible than traditional home exchanges.
Why I Chose Kindred Over Subletting
I was initially hesitant. Hosting strangers? Letting someone stay in my home? But Kindred makes the process feel safe and seamless. They handle cleaning, linens, and even insurance with their host protection policy. You just set up your space, review requests, and get ready to earn travel credits.
Plus, you get to approve who stays in your home. I personally requested FaceTime chats with both of my guests, and it helped me feel confident about saying yes.
So far, I’ve hosted twice in my Barcelona apartment, and both experiences have been smooth and positive. In return, I’ve already used my credits to stay in Italy, London, Nerja, and Barcelona through the platform.
What I love most about Kindred home swapping for travelers is how well it fits into a flexible, location-independent lifestyle. Whether I’m staying somewhere for a few days or a few weeks, it truly feels like living in a home, not just visiting.
My First Taste of the Kindred Community
Before signing up, I actually attended a Kindred event in Barcelona to get a feel for the community. The event was hosted at a member’s beautiful home, and I met other people who had already been using the platform. Their stories, advice, and rave reviews really gave me the reassurance I needed to give it a shot. You can see my recent video on how it works here.
It honestly felt like a group of like-minded, thoughtful travelers—people I’d actually want to swap homes with.
Why It’s a Game-Changer for Frequent Travelers
If you’re someone who travels often—whether that’s for work, creative projects, or just because you can’t stay still—Kindred makes it possible to keep your travel lifestyle going without draining your budget. Even the most affordable hotels or short-term rentals start to add up quickly.
Kindred has totally transformed the way I travel. Not only am I saving money, I’m also staying in real homes, hosted by people who also live this lifestyle and know how to make a space feel welcoming.
✨ Want to Try Kindred?
You can sign up for early access using my referral link:
👉 https://livekindred.com?invite_code=nan.sev
Use code: nan.sev when you apply to get 5 nights of travel credit once you’re accepted into the network!
Overall, Kindred home swapping for travelers has become one of my favorite ways to travel more sustainably, affordably, and comfortably, especially as someone living abroad and constantly on the move.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kindred
Is Kindred free to use?
Kindred is not completely free, but it’s far more affordable than paying for hotels or short-term rentals. Members typically pay an annual membership fee, and stays are booked using credits rather than nightly rates, which can save you a significant amount of money over time.
Is home swapping safe for solo travelers?
Yes, especially with Kindred. All homes and members are vetted, and the platform is designed with trust and safety in mind. As a solo traveler myself, I’ve found Kindred to be one of the more secure and comfortable ways to stay in new cities, particularly compared to booking random short-term rentals.
How does Kindred compare to Airbnb?
The biggest difference is cost and experience. Airbnb charges nightly rates plus service and cleaning fees, while Kindred uses a credit-based home swapping model. With Kindred, you’re staying in real homes that are lived in, which often feels more authentic, and much more budget-friendly for longer stays.
Can digital nomads use Kindred?
Absolutely. Kindred is especially well-suited for digital nomads, remote workers, and slow travelers. The homes are fully equipped, comfortable for longer stays, and often better set up for daily life and work than hotels or short-term rentals.
