July 2024: together with my husband and our two children, we were getting ready for an epic interrailing trip across the UK, France and Switzerland (90% hosted through HomeExchange of course!). 
We were due to start our adventures on the Eurostar from London to Lille, where we would then catch a TGV to Strasbourg. As it happened, it was the opening day of the Olympic Games and we were getting very excited.
On our journey to catch the Eurostar in London, I receive an email from SNCF, the French train company: “there’s been a terrorist attack in France and many TGVs are cancelled, including yours!”. Oh non! I try to look for another train to get to Strasbourg, but it is clear we are stuck in Lille for the night. Because Lille was also hosting the Olympic Games, all the hotels are sold out or incredibly expensive.
In a panic, I message around 20 people on HomeExchange to ask if any of them could host us overnight. Jean-Philippe replies immediately. He kindly offers to meet us that afternoon. As it turns out, his apartment is perfectly located in the old town, not far from the station, and perfect for a family of four. There are even soft toys there for our kids! In the end we were able to get another train to Strasbourg the next day and continue our journey. We felt so incredibly lucky - Jean-Philippe, you really saved the day!
Epilogue: a few months later Jean-Philippe came to stay with us in the UK for a few days. We were happy to return the favour and host him as well. Big thanks to him and the HomeExchange community for this incredible experience!