Imagine residing in a sprawling penthouse with panoramic city views or a chic apartment in the vibrant heart of a metropolis. For savvy traveller Petra Novak, this dream is a reality achieved through an ingenious and cost-free method. The 34-year-old, originally from Hungary, has mastered a travel hack that allows her to enjoy premium accommodations without the exorbitant price tag.
The Digital Nomad Lifestyle
Petra Novak divides her time between a one-bedroom flat in Brixton, London, and an apartment shared with her sister in Budapest. Working as a forensic auditor contractor, she embraces a digital nomad lifestyle, granting her full control over her work schedule and location. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Petra reflected on her pre-pandemic travels, which involved global journeys for one to two weeks monthly. "I loved it. It was so exciting," she said. However, the pandemic halted this, and remote work became the norm. "Now we can work remotely as well, so we don't need to travel anymore—which is a shame," she added, prompting her to seek new travel opportunities.
Discovering Kindred: A Game-Changer
Petra's search for affordable travel led her to the house-swapping platform Kindred, a discovery that transformed her approach to exploration. Kindred operates on a unique "give to get" credit system, where no money is exchanged between members. Instead, users earn credits by hosting guests in their own homes, which can then be redeemed for stays in other properties worldwide. This system effectively offsets travel costs, making luxury accommodations accessible at a fraction of the price of hotels or short-term rentals.
Luxury Stays Across Europe
In the past 12 months alone, Petra has utilized her accumulated credits to enjoy 138 nights in high-end properties across Europe, saving an estimated £10,500. Her stays included two weeks in Lisbon, ten weeks in Barcelona, four weeks in Madrid, three weeks in Paris, and two weeks in Zurich. The total cost for these accommodations was merely £1,330, covering only cleaning fees and a Kindred Passport subscription.
One standout experience was a three-week stay in a central Lisbon penthouse last February. "It was a penthouse, and had a balcony overlooking the bridge and the river," Petra recalled. "It was really miserable in London and it was 15 degrees in Lisbon, and I was in a little bikini on the balcony. It was just so nice." The property, listed on Kindred as a "spacious and cozy Lisbon home," featured glamorous interiors and stunning views, owned by an American couple on a worldwide yacht trip.
Exclusive Neighborhoods and Premium Perks
Another memorable stay was in Madrid, where Petra found an apartment in an upscale area akin to Chelsea. "Tourists don't really go there, because there's no sights there, but it's really posh and nice, and you have all sorts of beautiful cafes and gyms," she explained. This penthouse, the highest building in the vicinity, offered a quiet retreat in August when the city was largely deserted. Petra enjoyed sunbathing on the balcony and appreciated the local ambiance.
To maximize savings, Petra upgraded to a Kindred Passport, which costs £475 annually or £520 in quarterly instalments. This pass eliminates service fees on all trips, regardless of duration or location, providing significant benefits for frequent travellers. Without it, service fees range from £15 to £35 per night, but with the passport, members can travel for approximately ten trips for the price of one compared to similar short-term rentals.
Safety and Comfort Assured
Petra has hosted 196 nights at her Brixton flat, welcoming 34 different members from countries including the United States, Canada, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Finland. She emphasizes the comfort and personal touch of Kindred stays compared to generic hotels or Airbnbs. "It's much more comfortable than being in a hotel or Airbnb, because obviously when people think of their own home, they get the best quality stuff that they can get," she noted, mentioning amenities like air fryers and blenders.
Safety concerns are addressed through Kindred's $100,000 Host Protection Guarantee Policy, Trip Protection Program, and General Liability Insurance, all provided at no extra cost. A professional cleaning team ensures accommodations are immaculate, with clean bed sheets—Petra hasn't personally cleaned her flat in over a year. Personal touches, such as gift cards and pet toys, are encouraged, adding a special element to the experience.
The Future of Affordable Luxury Travel
With over 250,000 members in 150 cities globally, Kindred offers a viable alternative for travellers seeking quality homes at about a tenth of the cost of traditional options. Petra's story highlights how digital nomads and remote workers can leverage such platforms to explore the world without financial strain. The blend of luxury, savings, and cultural immersion makes house swapping an attractive proposition for those eager to travel smartly and stylishly.
