Each month, we introduce you to a member of the group. It’s not necessarily someone who is very active or often heard from in the group, either. Just like HomeExchange itself, this group is made up of people from all walks of life, with different homes, stories, and experiences. Through this series, we want to celebrate that diversity and, most importantly, get to know you better. 
So today, we’re taking you to meet Fiona
What’s your name, how old are you and where do you live?
Fiona Poole, aged 64 from London in England.
How long have you been a member of HomeExchange, and what made you want to give it a try?
I’ve been a member since 2012. I had wanted to join for a few years but I was worried the house wasn’t up to scratch. The catalyst for joining was a brief period of redundancy which gave me time to spruce the house up.
In general, do you travel solo, with your family or with friends?
We travel now mostly as a couple but sometimes with adult children and friends.
What’s your most memorable exchange — what made it special?
We have had so many fabulous exchanges but probably the most memorable was part of a 10 week trip to the US. We had a 10 day stay in a beautiful log cabin near Yellowstone. In June we had sunshine, rain, storms and snow. The cabin was in a remote spot with amazing lake views. We had Elk visiting the cabin and spotted a grizzly bear on the hill behind the house. Otters in the lake and eagles. A long stay allowed us to explore the park at leisure. Not least was the warm welcome gifts of homemade English muffins and cookies left by our hosts. You couldn’t have got further away from life in London.
One piece of advice for members who are just starting out?
My advice would be to go with the flow and not be fixed on top tourist locations. Our first exchange was to the Danish coast. We had a great experience but would have not thought about Denmark had we been paying for a holiday.
If you could change one thing on the platform, what would it be? (Think big! Ask for anything!)
The thing I want most of all is a large bed filter.
Your home in two words?
Characterful and colourful 
What do you like about this Facebook group?
I like to see reports of interesting trips on the Facebook page. Something to spur my interest. Please no more cleaning threads!
The next destination you’re dreaming of?
Dreaming of Nova Scotia where we’re going in August. Also would love to visit Glacier National Park.
What’s your listing link?
A big thank you to Fiona for taking the time to share her HomeExchange journey with us.
Have you ever been to London? Feel free to say hello and leave a message for Fiona in the comments!
