From Cape Cod to the French Alps: A Family’s ThirdHome Journey

When did you join ThirdHome, and what made you decide to give home exchange a try?

We joined in March, 2024. I was fascinated by the idea of an organization that was tapping into what would otherwise be unused space – people’s second homes because they can’t be in both places at the same time. What a brilliant idea!

Where did you go on your first ThirdHome trip? Did it feel different from a typical vacation rental or hotel stay?

We went to Cape Cod for Christmas of 2024.  It felt different from a typical vacation rental or hotel stay.  It felt more like our place for the week, including our two sons and their families – 10 of us altogether.  

Did you have any hesitations before your first exchange? If so, what changed your mind?

No hesitation, just a bit of anxiety that immediately went away once I heard from our host – the owner of the waterfront home on Cape Cod – who was warm and personable when he welcomed us to his home within minutes of making the booking.

How has the way you travel changed since joining ThirdHome?

We love to travel and ThirdHome has enhanced our travel experiences.  Before joining ThirdHome, my wife and I had visited nearly 40 foreign countries and all 50 US states.  Traveling with ThirdHome is fun and relaxing.  Some of the homes in the program are spectacular and all of the hosts are so nice!  

Your French Alps trip sounds incredible. What made that trip so memorable for you and your family?

The property itself was incredible!  A French chateau that will be 1,000 years old in 6 years. The property manager, Remi, and his girlfriend Roxi prepared “salty crepes” for us in the wine cellar one night. They joined us for dinner as we enjoyed their crepes with delicious wine my wife and I picked up in Meursault in the Burgundy wine region before our stay at the chateau.  And my 9 year old granddaughter Allie singing “Count On Me” in a cave off the wine cellar was the best birthday gift I’ve ever received.  This ThirdHome experience, with our family of 11 was like a dream come true!

Any funny, unexpected, or “only on ThirdHome” moments you can share?

Where else can you be swimming with your grandkids in a pool with a 1,000 year old chateau on one side and the French Alps on the other?

Have there been any other ThirdHome trips or moments that have been especially meaningful to you?

During our first ThirdHome stay in Cape Cod, I dressed up like Santa and snuck into the rooms of our four grandkids, who were ages 5-8 at the time.  Two were so sound asleep Santa could not wake them, but the two who saw Santa were true believers at that moment.  

You mentioned how nice the owners are — have you built any friendships with other members through your travels?

Yes – momentary friendships with guests as well as hosts.  We had guests from Germany who I took for a ride in one of my vintage Porsches to a nearby plantation in Charleston. This was special to them because it is a significant automotive brand from their home country.

What advice would you give to someone who is nervous about taking their first ThirdHome exchange?

Don’t be nervous.  Travel to places you’ve always dreamed of.  Rest assured that the professionals at ThirdHome have properly vetted your hosts.  And remember, hosts are potential guests and everyone will treat your property with the respect it deserves.  

You’re building a place on Edisto Island specifically to add to ThirdHome. What made you want to create a home with ThirdHome in mind?

We like the program that much.  We are building a “Barndominium” with living space above on a 27 acre marshfront property on Edisto Island in the South Carolina ACE Basin, minutes from the Beach and we look forward to welcoming ThirdHome guests to our property on Edisto Island.

Looking back on your ThirdHome experience, what does reaching 100,000 bookings mean to you?

It means the business model is sound and should be around for a long time, creating memorable trips for people from around the world.