💜 2026: Built on Trust, Shaped by People
A New Year reflection on community, connection, and the journeys ahead
Happy New Year, People Like Us! 💜
As we step into 2026, it feels right to pause for a moment before rushing ahead.
For many, 2025 was a year of movement and adventure.
For others, it carried sadness, shock, and moments that reminded us how fragile things can be. Events close to home affected many of us deeply, and we know not everyone arrives at a new year feeling light or celebratory.
Wherever you’re landing today — hopeful, tired, grieving, excited, or all of the above — you’re very welcome here.
What we’ve seen again and again is that travel isn’t just about places. It’s about people. Doors opened, meals shared, dogs walked, plants watered, kids laughing in unfamiliar backyards — and the quiet reassurance of being trusted in someone else’s home. That sense of connection, especially in uncertain times, is what gives this community its meaning.
Looking ahead, 2026 already feels full of possibility.
New journeys are being dreamed up, calendars are being pencilled in, and there’s a lot quietly happening behind the scenes to make matching, connecting, and staying closer to home even easier this year. Some exciting new ideas are on their way — all designed to deepen trust, flexibility, and belonging — and we can’t wait to share them as they unfold.
Through everything, though, one thing hasn’t changed — and never will.
This community is the heart of People Like Us.
It always has been.
Every decision we make is guided by it.
The generosity, kindness, humour, patience, and care you show one another — in messages, exchanges, and meetups — continues to be our compass.
On a personal note, 2026 will be a big year for us too.
After 14 wonderful years in Warrawee, we’ve sold our family home and will be moving to Rozelle in March. A smaller place, closer to the city, and better set up for the next chapter of home exchanging. We’re really looking forward to welcoming PLUs there in 2026 and beyond.
Thank you for being here.
Thank you for looking after each other.
And thank you for helping make this little corner of the world feel more connected.
Here’s to safe travels, meaningful exchanges, and a year ahead that brings more light than shadow.
Happy New Year 💫
Drew & Kathy
People Like Us is the world's most trusted home exchange community. We believe in sharing, trust, generosity, respect, communication, equality, cooperation, honesty, hospitality, friendship, flexibility and adventure. We take pride in our homes and we care about the environment in which we live: our village, city, country and our planet. We care about the ethos of home exchange and we do it because we love the experience and the friendships that it generates.
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