About Us
For over 4 years our family has exchanged homes
with other families through out our nation. It is
actually hard for me to imagine traveling any other
way. We've stayed in many places including a
1950's 2 bedroom/1bath home just 2 blocks to the
beach with less than 800sf to "the castle" a 4
story home 5000+ sf with breathtaking views. No
matter where we went we made memories that
would last a life time.
Some of these locations were across the country,
some were only an hour away. It didn't matter
though, it gave us time together, time to explore
and time to learn. It gave us a chance to
experience destinations that otherwise may have
gone by unnoticed or would be unobtainable.
The only drawback to our old way was the time
and effort it took to arrange an exchange. I just
knew there had to be another way.
It was during a trip, while we were lost in
Washington, DC, that our oldest son gave me the
inspiration to find that better alternative.
"Mom, why can't all our lessons be this much fun?"
The "fun" was a day spent at the National Air and
Space Museum. He was floating on a
cloud and couldn't get enough. What was
also equally wonderful is that my animal
loving son was chatting away about the
great time he had and our daughter had
a monkey strapped around her waist
"just like the one in space." It was this
moment that made me realize that all the
effort was worth it.
Then it came to me, it would be much
easier if there were a group of families
For over 4 years our family has exchanged homes
with other families through out our nation. It is
actually hard for me to imagine traveling any other
way. We've stayed in many places including a
1950's 2 bedroom/1bath home just 2 blocks to the
beach with less than 800sf to "the castle" a 4
story home 5000+ sf with breathtaking views. No
matter where we went we made memories that
would last a life time.
Some of these locations were across the country,
some were only an hour away. It didn't matter
though, it gave us time together, time to explore
and time to learn. It gave us a chance to
experience destinations that otherwise may have
gone by unnoticed or would be unobtainable.
The only drawback to our old way was the time
and effort it took to arrange an exchange. I just
knew there had to be another way.
It was during a trip, while we were lost in
Washington, DC, that our oldest son gave me the
inspiration to find that better alternative.
"Mom, why can't all our lessons be this much fun?"
The "fun" was a day spent at the National Air and
Space Museum. He was floating on a
cloud and couldn't get enough. What was
also equally wonderful is that my animal
loving son was chatting away about the
great time he had and our daughter had
a monkey strapped around her waist
"just like the one in space." It was this
moment that made me realize that all the
effort was worth it.
Then it came to me, it would be much
easier if there were a group of families
| Defending the Jamestown Settlement in Virginia. |
| Taking a break at the Washington Monument. |
| Discovering Dinosaurs at the Children's Museum in Indiana |
H.E.L.M. Travel
Home Educated Learn More while Traveling
that all were home educating their children. We could pool our resources.
H.E.L.M. Travel would ultimately be that easier way.
It would allow travel opportunities not just for our family but for many
homeschooling families that would now be able to enjoy traveling with their family.
While our children haven't cared for the 12 hour drives in the car, they have
loved the opportunities the car rides and exchanges have provided.
This site is dedicated to the families that want a similar experience for their
children, whether it is our Nation's Capital, the Wild West, or the beaches of the
Pacific. There is always an adventure waiting.
Come Experience, Educated and Enjoy what home exchange can offer your
family!
Lara Chartier
H.E.L.M. Travel would ultimately be that easier way.
It would allow travel opportunities not just for our family but for many
homeschooling families that would now be able to enjoy traveling with their family.
While our children haven't cared for the 12 hour drives in the car, they have
loved the opportunities the car rides and exchanges have provided.
This site is dedicated to the families that want a similar experience for their
children, whether it is our Nation's Capital, the Wild West, or the beaches of the
Pacific. There is always an adventure waiting.
Come Experience, Educated and Enjoy what home exchange can offer your
family!
Lara Chartier
Building a castle near
the Pacific Ocean.
the Pacific Ocean.
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