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At HomeExchange, we like to give a voice to those who can speak best: our members. This testimonial is written by Bobbi, who shares with us her experience traveling with her dog Sunshine.

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Ten years and 55 exchanges later

When I look back on my journey on HomeExchange, I’m amazed at the impact it has had not only on the way I travel, but also on the way I connect with people around the world. What started as an affordable way to travel with my son has grown into a lifestyle filled with stories, friendships, and adventures that are often shared with my adorable golden retriever, Sunshine.

Sunshine has been my constant traveling companion for about half the exchange and she has proven to be the best adventurer. Whether we’re vacationing at the beach, hiking in the mountains, exploring around the lake, or just enjoying the magic of the sunset, she’s happiest when the sun is around her.

Over the years, she has hiked, swam in mountain lakes, rafted rivers, rode chairlifts to the Olympic Mountains, balanced on a paddle board, traversed calm waters in a kayak, played in the snow, sidecarred on her bike, and greeted the day with me watching the sunrise. She reminds me every day that travel is not only about the places you go, but also the people (or animals) you share it with.

My tips for traveling with dogs on HomeExchange

One of the questions I get asked most often is: “How do you travel with a dog?“The truth is, it’s all about preparation and respect. Here are some of the things that really made a difference for us:

• Essential for daily work : I always grab Sunny’s food, her basket, and her snacks. Finding familiar landmarks helps them adapt quickly to new surroundings. She knows that her basket is her safe space and it is important that she is not allowed to climb on guests’ furniture and belongings.
• Be transparent with sponsors : When I contact members to communicate, I tell them that I have a dog with me and that we will take good care of where we stay. Sunshine even has a good reputation (she left a review in our previous discussion!), which reassures the owner that she will be a model guest.
• Find pet-friendly accommodation : I reverse-searched for pet-friendly hosts and read their descriptions carefully. If someone mentions allergies or specifies that they don’t allow pets, I would respect that restriction and continue my research elsewhere.
• unexpected act of kindness : Many hosts welcome sunshine with special heart. On our last trip, the Lake Tahoe hosts left snacks, a bowl, and a sweet welcome note. These little details make the communication experience even more special.

Even when I was planning an outing, some presenters offered to watch Sunshine. This has been very positive and perfectly reflects the spirit of trust and connection that HomeExchange encourages.

Adventures with my dogs in Lake Tahoe

This summer, Sunshine and I experienced another unforgettable trip. This time, we returned to lake tahoe (Fourth time!). Two years ago we lived just a few blocks away and I feel like she really recognized the neighborhood when the sunshine arrived!

Visit Lake Tahoe with HomeExchange

The adventure begins with six hour road tripmy sister joined us after flying to my city. Sunshine immediately got into the car: prepared snacks, closed the windows, and of course, grabbed her must-have drink at Starbucks Puppy cup favorite.

When we arrived at our host’s house, the first thing we did was take a walk around the neighborhood so the sunlight could get its bearings. This is one of my and her arrival rituals that helps both of us ground ourselves in a new place.

Every morning we take a short walk to the local cafe (yes, there is another cafe) Puppy cup), then head to the lake for a swim. Lake Tahoe’s sparkling waters and pet-friendly beaches never disappoint. One day we got off truckee river drifting. Sunshine proudly put on a life jacket and couldn’t help but dive in and swim a few times (only once was an accident!). Another day we took the cable car to Palisades Highlands Campground and participated in a ranger-led walk. point of view Sierra Nevada The sun stretched as far as the eye could see, trotting along the path as if she were a queen.

We also explored the city center Truckeemany stores welcomed her inside. The afternoon was interrupted by these spectacular storm A typical mountain summer. We huddled in the hut and listened to the rain until the sun came out again. Even these quiet, cozy moments are completely part of the adventure.

Why HomeExchange is the right solution for us

Trips like this one to Lake Tahoe remind me why HomeExchange has become such an important part of my life. It’s not just about finding a place to live, it’s about joining an organization A community of people who share their homes and lives. Live like a local in a real home and receive recommendations specific to our needs…it had nothing to do with hotel rooms!

Owners leave dog food at the door, neighbors stop to chat on their morning walks, and every trip becomes less of a tourist experience and more like a trip. Immerse yourself in your new daily life.

Over the past ten years, I have had the opportunity to take my son and his friends on unforgettable adventures, invite loved ones to accompany us, welcome my family into our interactions, and of course, travel with the sun. Every journey enriches our historythis is a story I never imagined when I first signed up for the exchange.

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With our 55 exchanges under our belt, I’m already dreaming of our next destination (like joshua tree national park My birthday, in a lovely house with two baths in the garden). Maybe another alpine lake where the sun can swim, or a small coastal town where we can watch the sunrise together. No matter where it is, I know the trip will be filled with laughter, wagging tails, and An encounter that makes the world smaller and warmer.

travel with you home exchange gave me more than just a vacation: it gave me a real way of lifebuilt on a shared foundation of trust, adventure, and community. Everything is sweeter when the sun is around you.