A Traveling Dental Hygiene Coach’s Journey!

After a painful breakup that left Amanda feeling heartbroken, she decided to escape her reality by trading her palatial Los Angeles home for Iris’s charming cottage in the Cotswolds.

Inspired by the movie The Holiday, I took a leap of faith and became a traveling consultant, hoping to find my own slice of adventure. Did I experience the same whirlwind moments as Amanda or Iris? Well, I won’t give everything away just yet, but what an adventure it has been!

Since embarking on this home exchange journey fourteen years ago, I’ve explored a variety of exotic locales. From the sun-soaked beaches of Lanzarote and Mallorca to the vibrant nightlife of Ibiza and the stunning landscapes of Tenerife, my travels have been nothing short of remarkable. I’ve wandered through the charming streets of southern Spain: Malaga, with its breathtaking Caminito del Rey; Marbella, known as Spain’s answer to St. Tropez; Cadiz, the oldest city in Europe; Seville, with its enchanting Plaza de España; Córdoba’s beautiful mosque; Granada’s majestic Alhambra; and Ronda, the cradle of bullfighters and artists. These are destinations I might never have visited if it weren’t for the opportunity to exchange homes with travelers eager to experience life in my hometown of Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Along the way, I’ve mastered the art of navigating trains, planes, and automobiles—sometimes even swapping cars as part of the exchange. This has given me the freedom to roam and discover hidden gems. In Europe, the local transit system makes travel a breeze, something I rarely venture to do in my hometown. I’ve forged incredible friendships with fellow home exchangers, locals, and travelers alike, learning about different cultures and ways of life, enriching my journey in ways I never anticipated.

One highlight was an invitation from my host in Manhattan to explore the Hamptons. I took a ride on the Jitney, an experience in itself, as this is how fashionable Manhattanites travel! There, I roamed the playground of the rich and famous, visited markets, strolled beautiful beaches, and explored charming towns, all while staying in a home that rents for a staggering $50,000 per month in summer. You can only imagine the experience!

Recently, I attended the Key West Dental Festival, where I met amazing entertainers, speakers, and dental professionals. In the days leading up to the conference, I delved into the life of Hemingway, enjoyed jet skiing in crystal-clear waters, and kayaked through serene mangroves, all from an exquisite Old Town home exchange. It was so spacious and palatial that I opted to stay in the beach house; it felt like too much space for just me!

Oh, did I mention I’m a solo traveler? While friends and family sometimes join me, I usually embark on my adventures alone, which I find to be the perfect blend of independence and exploration. Many assume I’m on a perpetual holiday, but I’m actually working and establishing my routine wherever I go. I seek out local gyms, coffee shops, organic food stores, pubs, and running trails, immersing myself in the lives of my home exchangers more as a resident than a tourist. Of course, I still enjoy the occasional touristy experience.25 RESILIENCE

Each home exchange adds a unique layer to my life, leading me to ponder the idea of retirement. To be honest, it doesn’t seem necessary, I already feel like I’m living a retired life filled with adventure. Stepping outside my comfort zone has opened doors to breathtaking sights, unforgettable memories, and incredible moments. However, this lifestyle isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires comfort in solitude, especially if you’re not in a relationship, as navigating challenges alone is part of the journey—and they always arise.

What I cherish most about this journey are the close friendships I’ve formed with people around the world, many of whom I’ve never met in person. We’re united by either my adventures or a mutual trust in caring for each other’s most prized possessions, our homes. Some hosts I’ve exchanged with multiple times, while others are still on the horizon. I’m not sure if they will ever venture this far, but if they do, I will gladly vacate my home in gratitude for the generosity and kindness they showed me.

My only stipulation for home exchanges is the need for the internet, allowing me to work. Since I need to be awake during North American time zones for my clients, this limits my travel options. In Europe, I can embrace the tourist life during the day and start my workday at 4 PM, just as everyone in North America is waking up. While I dream of visiting places like New Zealand and Australia, the time zone difference would mean starting my day late into the evening, so I’ll have to save those adventures for retirement.

So, how does home exchange work? First and foremost, you must be comfortable with others in your home. It’s essential to put away valuables and create space for your guests, making room in closets and drawers. They’re welcome to use your condiments and supplies, but if they stay for an extended period, the rule is simple: please don’t leave anything empty. They’re encouraged to replenish what they consume.

I use HomeExchange.com for my swaps, which has an annual fee of $199. For their exclusive home collection, it’s $1,000, but I prefer not to spend that, as these homes are also available on the regular site. The only advantage is that your home is valued higher in points if you join the Home Collection. I don’t particularly like point exchanges; they feel too impersonal. My home is desirable enough that it’s in demand among top-rated homes.

Once you create an account, HomeExchange allows you to upload photos and details about your home. The company verifies your information and guarantees exchanges with other members. If either party needs to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, like illness or a family emergency, HomeExchange will attempt to find another home to exchange or cover hotel accommodations and flights. Similar to Airbnb, guests rate you, making it important to maintain a 5-star rating. It’s a system built on trust and mutual respect, making every exchange a rewarding experience.

You can choose from simultaneous, non-simultaneous, or points exchanges. I’ve never had a bad experience, but I avoid point exchanges as they don’t suit my style or the type of home I have. For those who exchange their Airbnb properties, this is a great system since it’s not their primary home filled with valuables.

Since Covid, I’ve transitioned from a part-time traveler to being away almost eight months of the year. Most of my clients enjoy my Zoom educational workshops, which I make highly interactive. My Gen Z participants (my participants are getting younger) prefer not to travel; often, they join my sessions with their children on their laps or while strolling through parks. When in-person sessions are needed, I make that happen, even flying back to accommodate clients. However, with Zoom, my clients can easily join a half-day educational session without the hassle of travel and incurring too much clinical downtime.

In February 2025, my daughter had twins, so I have promised to be around more. However, two months after their birth, in April 2025, we escaped to Scottsdale, Arizona, with her and the newborns. I secured a spacious home through a home exchange, ensuring comfort for everyone and allowing visits from my son-in-law’s parents and grandpa. I guess my solo traveling days are numbered; soon, my grandbabies will find themselves with me in Paris shopping or enjoying a musical in London!

As I reflect on these incredible experiences, I can’t help but think back to Amanda and Iris. Have I had my own adventures reminiscent of theirs? I must admit, there have been a few! All the while, I’ve been working, blending my professional life with my travels. From unexpected friendships to breathtaking landscapes, this journey has woven an incredible tapestry of experiences, all thanks to the beauty of home exchange.

About the author:

Gabriele Eva Maycher, CEO & Founder, GEM Dental Experts Inc. BSc, PID, dip DH, RDH – A passionate educator with more than 30 years of clinical experience and a diverse business background, Gabriele has revolutionized the way clinicians optimize patient outcomes. She has contributed as a published author, educator, Dental Hygiene Program Director, Quality Assurance Program assessor, content advisor for Oral Health Hygiene Magazine, entrepreneur of the year, and consultant for forward-thinking dental practices.