We’re excited to launch a new monthly series where we’ll be introducing members of our community. Each month, we’ll highlight someone from the group — sometimes active, sometimes quieter — but always part of what makes this community so special.
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.
To kick things off, we’re starting with Palmira Mariz Seiler
What’s your name, how old are you and where do you live?
My name is Palmira, I am 59 years old and I live in Austria.
How long have you been a member of HomeExchange, and what did you want to give it a try?
I joined HE in November 2025 after 3 years exchanging in another platform. I moved to HE because I met other members that recommended it to me. As we are retiring in 4 years, I am interested in meeting as many exchangers as possible and I am creating organized lists of favorite homes. This should make exchanging easy once we can travel extensively.
In general, do you travel solo, with your family or with friends?
Usually we travel as a couple but I also enjoy solo trips or trips with a friend when my husband cannot make it. It is likely that at some stage we also travel with our adult children but it has not happened yet.
What’s your most memorable exchange — what made it special?
I have had quite a few very nice exchanges, but the best so far was a 3-week exchange in NYC. The location was great but what made it special was the fact I got the phone call with the news that our first grandchild was born while enjoying the lights and 4th July fireworks from the rooftop of my host building. It felt like all the city was sharing my joyful moment! So NYC is now a very special city for me and on top of my list for multiple exchanges.
One piece of advice for members who are just starting out? My main advice to new exchangers is to be genuine and look for good matches. Exchanging is all about building connections. Host and get to know your guests well.
If you could change one thing on the platform, what would it be? (Think big! Ask for anything!)
What I miss most in the platform is the option to set the text of the automated replies. I miss the out of office reply as sometimes we travel to remote areas with little or no internet connection and it is difficult to manage the messages.
Your home in two words?
We offer 3 homes so this is too difficult: our primary home in a village which we hope will allow us to meet other members that what to combine it with our home in Vienna. We also have a flat in the Algarve that we reserve for reciprocal exchanges unless we are away. All our homes reflect our passion for traveling and discovering new cultures.
What do you like about this Facebook group?
I love the Facebook groups as they are great to meet other members and get to know about interesting places to visit. They are live catalogs. I just wished they could also be used to arrange frequent Meetups. You can learn so much from other members if you chat for a couple of hours! Exchangers are generally very interesting people with a full life and many stories to share!
The next destination you’re dreaming of? We have a long bucket list but we prioritize mostly tropical destinations during our Christmas break.
What’s your listing link?
A big thank you to Palmira for taking the time to share her HomeExchange journey with us.
Have you ever been to Austria? Feel free to say hello and leave a message for Palmira in the comments!
