Marie Draxler, 20, from London, had always dreamed of living like a local in New York. Her dream became a reality when she found herself having breakfast in Williamsburg, strolling through Bushwick, and engaging in conversations with strangers in Washington Square Park.

What made the experience unique was that Marie was staying in the apartment of someone she had never met in person.

Marie Draxler swapped her apartment in Notting Hill, London, for a flat in Brooklyn's trendy Bushwick neighborhood. *Jayr Myx/@officialjayrmyx*

Marie and Lohanny Santos brought a real-life version of the classic romantic film The Holiday to fruition. They exchanged living spaces and daily routines between New York and London after a chance connection on social media.

The idea originated in 8/2025, when Santos, a content creator with nearly 300,000 TikTok followers, posted a video seeking a home swap. "I'm in New York, anyone in London want to swap places for two to three weeks?" she asked. The video quickly garnered 11 million views.

Among thousands of comments, Marie's cozy apartment in Notting Hill caught Santos's attention. After just two video calls, they finalized their flight arrangements. "I trusted her immediately. Instead of fearing risks, I felt nothing but excitement," Marie told the media in early 2026.

Unlike the film's characters, neither woman was seeking romance. Their goal was to escape the rigidity of traditional tourist destinations and immerse themselves in the personal space of a new acquaintance. Santos particularly enjoyed the cups, blankets, and photos of a small dog in Marie's home. Conversely, Marie found New York felt more intimate upon seeing Santos's jewelry and cosmetics on the dressing table.

In America, Marie fully embraced the role of a Brooklyn resident. She queued for bagels, watched Broadway shows, had aura photos taken in Chinatown, and visited photo booths in the Lower East Side. The city residents' openness helped the once reserved young woman become more confident. "I could sit down in a park and share my life story with a stranger, something I rarely do at home," Marie recounted.

Across the Atlantic, Santos similarly enjoyed London in her own unique way. She spent hours exploring antique shops in Marylebone, cycled through Notting Hill's vibrant streets, and savored steak at a local eatery recommended by Marie.

On the final day of their trip, the two women arranged to meet in person in New York for one hour. "It felt like reconnecting with an old friend, a truly cinematic moment," Marie recalled. They remain in contact and are already planning their next reunion.

Santos showcases her temporary living space across the ocean.

Marie and Lohanny's experience highlights the growing popularity of "set-jetting" (travel inspired by film locations) and home swapping among young Europeans and Americans. A recent study indicates that 56% of Americans select travel destinations after watching shows like The White Lotus or Emily in Paris.

While home swapping offers substantial savings on accommodation and provides an immersive cultural experience often unavailable through traditional tourism, experts advise caution. Participants should thoroughly verify their exchange partners' identities and utilize reputable platforms to ensure safety.

Nhat Minh, *Nypost*