Spring Home Swap Destinations: Where to Exchange Homes in April and May 2025

I was sitting on a stranger's balcony in Seville last April, watching orange trees bloom in the courtyard below, when it hit me: I'd spent €0 on accommodation for two weeks in one of Europe's most expensive spring destinations. Meanwhile, a lovely retired couple from Andalusia was enjoying my San Francisco apartment, probably confused by my excessive collection of travel guides.

That's the magic of spring home swap destinations—you get to experience places at their absolute peak without the peak prices.

April and May hit this sweet spot in the travel calendar. Easter crowds? Gone. Summer price hikes? Not yet. And half the world is exploding into color—cherry blossoms in Japan, tulip fields in the Netherlands, wildflowers carpeting the California coast. The question isn't whether to travel. It's where to do a home exchange that'll make you feel like you've stumbled into a postcard.

Seven years of swapping homes, and spring trips consistently deliver the best experiences. The weather cooperates. Locals are friendlier (not yet exhausted by tourist season). And somehow, the light just hits differently.

Let me walk you through the destinations that have genuinely impressed me—and a few I'm planning for next year.

Best European Spring Home Swap Destinations

Lisbon, Portugal: The Obvious Choice That's Obvious for Good Reason

I know, I know. Everyone recommends Lisbon.

But here's the thing—they're right.

April in Lisbon hovers around 64°F (18°C), which means you can actually walk the city's seven hills without arriving everywhere drenched in sweat. The jacaranda trees start blooming in late April, turning entire neighborhoods purple. And the sardine festival crowds? Still a month away.

For home swaps, focus on these neighborhoods:

Alfama sits at the heart of traditional Lisbon. The apartments here tend to be smaller—think cozy studios and one-bedrooms in buildings that have been standing since before Columbus sailed. Expect narrow staircases (no elevators), but also expect to wake up to fado music drifting from somewhere and church bells marking the hours. A typical Alfama swap will save you $150-180/night compared to boutique hotels in the area.

Príncipe Real attracts a younger, design-conscious crowd. The home exchanges here often feature renovated apartments with those gorgeous hydraulic tile floors, modern kitchens, and small terraces. Saturday mornings, the organic market sets up in the garden—you'll find yourself buying goat cheese and sourdough bread like a local.

Belém works brilliantly if you're traveling with kids or want more space. Larger apartments, often with actual parking (rare in Lisbon), and you're walking distance to the famous pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém. Get there before 9 AM or accept a 45-minute wait.

Provence, France: When the Lavender Is Just Starting

Most people think of Provence and picture those iconic lavender fields. But here's what the Instagram crowd doesn't tell you—the full lavender bloom happens in late June and July, when it's also 95°F and packed with tour buses.

May in Provence? That's when you get the poppies.

Fields of red poppies mixed with wild herbs, temperatures in the low 70s, and villages that feel genuinely sleepy rather than performatively charming.

I did a home swap in Gordes two Mays ago—a stone farmhouse about fifteen minutes outside the village center. The owners had left detailed notes about their favorite bakery (Boulangerie de Mamie Jane, closed Mondays), which hiking trails had the best wildflower displays, and crucially, where to find the only gas station that wasn't perpetually closed.

For spring home exchanges in Provence, consider Aix-en-Provence for a mix of culture and countryside—the Wednesday and Saturday markets are legendary, arrive by 8 AM for the best produce. L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue if you're into antiques; the town hosts a massive antique market every Sunday, and the home exchange options often include charming canal-side houses. And the Luberon villages (Bonnieux, Ménerbes, Lacoste) for that Peter Mayle fantasy. These hilltop villages have limited accommodation, which makes home swapping particularly valuable—you're staying where tourists simply can't book.

Amsterdam and Beyond: Dutch Spring Home Swap Opportunities

The Netherlands in spring is almost aggressively beautiful. The tulip fields at Keukenhof are the headline act, but the entire country transforms.

Amsterdam itself becomes rideable—the weather finally cooperates with the cycling culture, and you can actually enjoy those canal-side café terraces without huddling under heat lamps.

But here's my real recommendation: don't just swap in Amsterdam. The Dutch rail system is so efficient that you can base yourself in smaller cities and day-trip easily.

Haarlem sits fifteen minutes from Amsterdam by train and offers a more relaxed atmosphere. The home exchanges here often include proper Dutch townhouses with those steep, narrow staircases and surprisingly spacious interiors. The Saturday market in Grote Markt is one of the best in the country. Utrecht has become my favorite Dutch city for home swaps—it's got the canals (with unique wharf-level terraces), the historic center, and a university energy that keeps things lively. Plus, home exchange options are more plentiful and often more spacious than Amsterdam equivalents. Delft delivers that quintessential Dutch postcard experience. Small enough to walk everywhere, the blue pottery factories offer fascinating tours, and you're twenty minutes from The Hague and Rotterdam.

Spring Home Swap Destinations in Asia

Japan During Cherry Blossom Season: Yes, It's Worth the Hype

I'll be honest—I resisted the cherry blossom hype for years. Seemed too touristy, too predictable.

Then I did a home swap in Kyoto during late March/early April, and I understood everything.

The timing is tricky. Cherry blossoms (sakura) are famously unpredictable, with the bloom lasting only about two weeks and varying by region and year. The Japan Meteorological Corporation releases forecasts starting in January, and serious hanami (flower viewing) planners watch these like stock tickers.

For spring 2025, current predictions suggest Tokyo peaks late March to early April, Kyoto early to mid-April, Osaka late March to early April, northern Honshu mid to late April, and Hokkaido late April to early May.

Home swapping in Japan requires some cultural awareness. Japanese hosts often leave incredibly detailed instructions—I'm talking laminated cards explaining garbage separation (which is complex), neighborhood etiquette, and local customs. Follow them meticulously. The Japanese approach to home exchange tends toward the formal, with extensive communication beforehand.

Tokyo neighborhoods for spring home swaps: Nakameguro has become the cherry blossom hotspot, with trees lining the Meguro River creating a tunnel of pink. Home exchanges here put you walking distance from the spectacle but also from excellent cafes and boutiques. Expect smaller apartments—Tokyo space constraints are real. Shimokitazawa offers a different vibe entirely: vintage shops, live music venues, and a bohemian energy. The home swaps here tend to be in older buildings with more character, and you're well-connected by train to major blossom viewing spots.

Kyoto for the full spring experience: The Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku-no-michi) is lined with cherry trees and connects several major temples. Home exchanges in the Higashiyama district put you walking distance from this route and from Gion, the geisha district. Arashiyama, on Kyoto's western edge, offers bamboo groves and temple gardens—the home swap options here often include traditional machiya townhouses, those long, narrow buildings with interior gardens that represent classic Kyoto living.

Bali, Indonesia: The Secret Spring Season

Most travelers hit Bali in July and August, when it's dry season but also peak everything—prices, crowds, traffic.

April and May mark the tail end of wet season, which sounds worse than it is.

In practice? Afternoon thunderstorms that clear the air and make everything impossibly green, followed by spectacular sunsets. The rice terraces are flooded and luminous. And the home exchange options? Wide open.

Ubud remains the cultural heart, with home swaps ranging from simple guesthouses to elaborate villa compounds. A two-bedroom villa with a private pool that would cost $300+/night on Airbnb becomes accessible through home exchange. The Tegallalang rice terraces are twenty minutes away, and the town's yoga studios, galleries, and restaurants are walkable. Canggu has evolved from surf village to digital nomad hub, which means plenty of well-equipped homes available for exchange—the vibe is younger, the coffee shops are excellent, and the sunsets at Echo Beach rival anything in Bali. Sidemen offers what Ubud was twenty years ago: rice terraces without the crowds, genuine village life, and Mount Agung looming magnificently. Home exchanges here often include traditional Balinese compounds with multiple buildings around a central courtyard.

North American Spring Home Swap Destinations

California's Central Coast: Wildflower Season

Every spring, California's hillsides erupt in orange poppies, purple lupines, and yellow mustard flowers. The timing varies with winter rainfall, but April typically delivers peak bloom.

The Central Coast—roughly from Santa Barbara to Monterey—offers the best combination of wildflowers, mild weather, and home exchange opportunities.

San Luis Obispo has become my go-to recommendation for spring home swaps. The downtown is walkable and charming (Thursday night farmers market is a local institution), wine country is fifteen minutes away, and the beaches are uncrowded. Home exchanges here often include Spanish-style houses with gardens and actual space—a novelty for urban Californians. Paso Robles wine country in spring means green hills, fewer crowds than Napa, and genuinely excellent wines at reasonable prices. Many home swaps include properties with views of vineyards or oak-studded hillsides. Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Monterey Peninsula offer dramatic coastline, world-class golf (if that's your thing), and that particular Central Coast light that makes everything look like a painting. Home exchanges here tend toward the upscale—we're talking cottages with ocean views and fireplaces.

Pacific Northwest: When the Rain Finally Stops (Mostly)

Seattle and Portland get a bad rap for weather, but April and May genuinely deliver. The rain eases up, temperatures hit the pleasant 60s, and the entire region celebrates by going outside constantly.

Seattle in spring means cherry blossoms at the University of Washington (one of the best displays outside Japan), tulip festivals in the Skagit Valley (an hour north), and enough dry days to actually enjoy the outdoor markets and waterfront. Home exchanges in Capitol Hill or Ballard put you in walkable neighborhoods with excellent food and coffee scenes. Portland offers similar spring conditions with a slightly different personality. The home swap options in neighborhoods like Alberta Arts District or Hawthorne often include those classic Portland bungalows with gardens. The Saturday Market returns to full swing, the hiking trails in the Columbia River Gorge are accessible, and the food cart pods are in peak form.

Mediterranean Islands for Spring Home Exchanges

Mallorca, Spain: Before the Beach Crowds Arrive

Mallorca in July is a beach resort.

Mallorca in April and May is something entirely different—a genuine Mediterranean island with almond blossoms, hiking trails through the Tramuntana mountains, and villages that haven't yet filled with German and British package tourists.

The home exchange opportunities here range dramatically. Palma offers urban sophistication with a historic old town, excellent restaurants, and a surprisingly good art scene. Home swaps in the old town mean atmospheric apartments in centuries-old buildings; the newer developments near the marina offer more modern amenities. Sóller and the Tramuntana represent the other Mallorca—mountains, citrus groves, and stone villages. The home exchanges here often include fincas (traditional farmhouses) with pools and views. Honestly, the vintage train from Palma to Sóller is worth the trip alone. The East Coast (Artà, Capdepera) stays quieter even in summer, and in spring it's practically deserted. Pristine beaches, spectacular caves at Artà, and home swap options that include both village houses and countryside properties.

Sicily: The Mediterranean's Best-Kept Spring Secret

I did a home swap in Ortigia (Syracuse's island old town) last May, and I'm still thinking about it. The baroque architecture, the daily fish market, the evening passeggiata along the waterfront—it felt like stepping into a different era.

Sicily in spring means wildflowers on ancient Greek ruins, temperatures perfect for exploring, and a fraction of summer's crowds and prices.

Palermo has undergone a renaissance, with restored palaces, excellent street food, and a gritty energy that feels authentic rather than polished. Home exchanges in the historic center put you walking distance from the Ballarò market and the Norman palace. Taormina perches dramatically above the coast with Mount Etna as backdrop—touristy but undeniably beautiful, and spring home swaps here offer the views without the summer chaos. The Baroque towns (Noto, Ragusa, Modica) in southeastern Sicily represent some of the best-preserved baroque architecture in Europe. Home exchanges in these smaller towns offer genuine immersion in Sicilian life—and access to some of the island's best chocolate (Modica's specialty).

How to Find Spring Home Swap Opportunities

Timing matters enormously for spring home exchanges. Here's what I've learned:

Start looking in January for April/May swaps. Popular destinations—particularly Japan during cherry blossom season—get claimed early. I've had luck with last-minute requests too, but for specific dates in high-demand locations, early planning pays off.

Be flexible on exact dates if possible. Moving your trip by even a few days can open up options that weren't available for your original dates. Spring weather is variable anyway—building in flexibility just makes sense.

Highlight your home's spring appeal in your listing. If you've got a garden that blooms in spring, a patio perfect for mild weather, or proximity to seasonal attractions, make that clear. Hosts looking for spring destinations want to know what makes your place special in that season.

Consider offering longer stays. Many hosts prefer two-week exchanges over one-week ones—less turnover, more committed guests. If you can extend your trip, you'll find more options.

SwappaHome's credit system makes spring travel particularly accessible. You don't need to find someone who wants to visit your city at exactly the same time—you can host guests throughout the year and bank credits for your spring adventure. I hosted a family from Melbourne over Christmas (they wanted a white Christmas experience) and used those credits for my Provence trip in May.

Practical Tips for Spring Home Exchanges

Packing for Spring Travel

Spring weather is notoriously variable. My approach: layers, always.

A light rain jacket that packs small has saved me countless times. Spring showers in Europe are frequent but usually brief—you want something you can stuff in a day bag, not a heavy raincoat. And comfortable walking shoes matter more in spring than any other season. The weather finally cooperates with extensive exploration, and you'll cover more ground than you expect.

Communication with Your Host

Spring-specific questions worth asking: Are there any seasonal events or festivals during my dates? What's blooming in the garden or neighborhood? Are there outdoor spaces I should know about using? Any spring-specific quirks—pollen allergies, heating vs. cooling?

I always ask about local farmers markets too. Spring markets are special—the first asparagus, strawberries, artichokes. Knowing when and where to find them transforms a trip.

Managing Expectations

Real talk: spring weather is unpredictable. Cherry blossoms might peak a week early. That famous wildflower bloom might be muted after a dry winter. The tulip fields might be past peak.

Build flexibility into your plans. Have indoor alternatives ready. And remember that even a "bad" spring trip usually delivers better weather than winter and fewer crowds than summer.

Why Spring Home Swapping Beats Traditional Travel

Here's what I keep coming back to: spring is when places feel most alive. The transition from dormancy to bloom, the lengthening days, the collective relief after winter—it creates an energy that's hard to replicate.

Home swapping lets you settle into that energy rather than just passing through. You're not checking into a hotel room that looks the same in April as it does in August. You're waking up in someone's actual home, noticing how they've arranged their terrace furniture for the season, finding their favorite bakery, understanding how a neighborhood moves through spring.

My Seville host had left a note about the orange tree in the courtyard: "The blossoms will be at their peak around April 10th. Open the windows in the morning—the smell is incredible."

She was right. That scent, drifting up to the balcony with my morning coffee, is what I remember most about that trip.

You can't get that from a hotel. You can't even get it from a rental. It requires someone sharing their home, their knowledge, their spring.

That's the real magic of spring home swap destinations. You're not just visiting a place at a beautiful time of year—you're experiencing it the way someone who lives there experiences it. Through their windows, in their neighborhood, with their recommendations.

Start browsing SwappaHome's listings now, and by April, you could be watching cherry blossoms from a Tokyo apartment, or sipping wine on a Provençal terrace, or walking through Dutch tulip fields with a local's tips in your pocket.

Spring is coming. Where will you swap?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best spring home swap destinations in Europe?

The best European spring home swap destinations include Lisbon (Portugal) for jacaranda blooms and mild weather, Provence (France) for wildflowers and uncrowded villages, Amsterdam and the Netherlands for tulip season, and Mediterranean islands like Mallorca and Sicily before summer crowds arrive. April and May offer ideal temperatures between 60-75°F across most European destinations.

How far in advance should I book a spring home exchange?

For popular spring home swap destinations, start searching in January for April and May trips. High-demand locations like Japan during cherry blossom season or Amsterdam during tulip festivals get claimed early. However, flexibility on exact dates can open last-minute opportunities, as spring weather is variable and many hosts appreciate adaptable guests.

Is April or May better for home swapping in Japan?

Both months offer excellent home swap opportunities in Japan, but timing depends on location. Cherry blossoms typically peak in Tokyo and Kyoto in early April, while northern regions like Hokkaido bloom in late April to early May. May offers pleasant weather without the intense cherry blossom crowds, plus you can experience Golden Week festivities and spring festivals.

How much can I save with spring home exchanges versus hotels?

Spring home swaps can save $150-300+ per night compared to hotels in popular destinations. For example, a two-week spring trip to Lisbon might cost $2,100-2,800 in boutique hotels but zero accommodation costs through home exchange. With SwappaHome's credit system, you earn credits by hosting guests anytime and spend them on spring trips when destinations are at their peak.

What should I pack for a spring home swap trip?

Pack layers for variable spring weather—temperatures can range 20°F within a single day. Essential items include a packable rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes (you'll explore more in pleasant spring weather), and versatile clothing that works for both sunny afternoons and cool evenings. Ask your host about specific conditions and any spring events requiring particular attire.