Londoner swapped apartments with a New Yorker during the holidays — one night of kindness with a stranger changed how she saw American men
A simple change of place can sometimes completely flip a person's perception of life. That idea came to life for a young woman from London who decided to live someone else’s life for a short while, which started just as a holiday plan. As reported by the New York Post on December 23, 2025, a Londoner swapped homes with a New Yorker during the holidays, and one kind exchange with strangers shifted how she viewed people, especially men, in the city. The TikTok post about the swap idea was shared on August 29, 2025, which gave way to the home exchange and also caught attention for its fresh take on travel and connection.
Marie Draxler, a British, had long imagined what it would be like to step into everyday life in New York, moving through the city as a resident rather than someone just passing through. That dream came true when she traded her London apartment with a Brooklyn resident, Lohanny Santos. The two women, both in their 20s, connected through social media and agreed to swap homes for two weeks. After only two FaceTime calls, Draxler felt sure about the plan. “It felt right from the very beginning,” she told the outlet, adding that it felt exciting rather than risky. "I trusted her instantly." Santos had first asked through a TikTok video if anyone in London wanted to switch apartments, and Draxler’s cozy Notting Hill home stood out. Santos showed her apartment in the video and also asked interested people in the caption to share photos of their own spaces.
Unlike a movie-style escape, the pair were not chasing romance. They wanted real life, not hotels or tour lists. Santos said Marie’s home felt personal and warm, filled with small details like photos and everyday items. “Marie’s home wasn’t like some average Airbnb, and I loved seeing the photos of her and her dog on display." Draxler felt the same in New York. She said leaving jewelry and personal things behind made it feel like staying at a friend's. In Brooklyn, she followed Santos’ routine, tried popular food spots, watched a Broadway show, and explored local neighborhoods. Yet what surprised her most were the people she met along the way.
Draxler said New Yorkers were far warmer than she expected. She recalled sitting with a stranger in Washington Square Park and sharing her entire life story. “New Yorkers truly surprised me with how warm and open they were,” she said. While she was not searching for romance, the kindness and openness of people, including men, stood out. She also pushed herself to film more of her trip, inspired by Santos’ confidence. That effort helped her return home feeling more sure of herself and less afraid to be seen.
Back in London, Santos embraced Marie’s lifestyle with the same care. She explored local shops, biked through quiet streets, and followed food and coffee tips left behind. Their daily updates drew thousands of viewers who followed their journeys online. In the end, the two met briefly in New York before heading home. “It felt like catching up with an old friend,” Draxler said. “It really did have a movie-like quality.”
@lohannysant Must be pet friendly bc my dog would join me 🤞🏼💕 dm me on instagram. I’m thinking sept to early oct. No roommates—a one bed flat prefered. Send me videos of your space!! #theholiday #nyc #london #apartmentswap ♬ The holiday theme - Siyana <3