Whether you’re a ThirdHome club member or you simply travel frequently for either business or leisure (or both), our new multi-trip annual travel insurance plan is worth a look. Designed to take the hassle out of buying insurance for each trip, our plan offers a full suite of post-departure benefits, plus a selection of limits for Trip Cancellation coverage, up to $5,000 annually. The plan covers trips up to 40 days in duration during the plan year.

Post-departure benefits include Trip Interruption, Trip Delay, Missed Connection, Baggage Delay, Baggage & Personal Effects (for lost or damaged baggage), Travel Medical Expense, Emergency Medical Evacuation and more. Travelers may be pleased to know the plan offers coverage for pre-existing medical conditions (conditions apply – see website for details).

In addition to the insurance coverages, the plan also includes 24/7 worldwide travel assistance—a non-insurance benefit that many travelers find to be extremely valuable. The assistance services can support you in many circumstances, including if you experience a trip disruption and need to adjust your plans, lose your passport or another important document, need a new prescription when you’re far from home, experience illness or another medical emergency, or any other time you may need support on your trip. The service can offer guidance and solutions, plus coordinate with medical providers as needed.

Plans are rated based on the age of the traveler and the Trip Cancellation maximum benefit selected, starting at $92.27 for the year. With an annual plan, you have the convenience of using the same contacts all year – whether you need help from customer service, an emergency hotline, or to file a claim. Perhaps most importantly, you can focus on planning and packing for your trips, knowing that your travel is protected for a full 365 days from the plan start date.

Visit the plan website to get a quote and buy your plan today.

“A private, exclusive luxury exchange club recently celebrated over a decade of success at an event in Franklin, Tennessee, the home of celebrities including Christ Stapleton and Carrie Underwood.”

Like so many people, Michael Kologinski’s career came to a halt when the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. A sales and marketing executive, Kologinski found himself without a job even though he had no immediate plans to retire. He quickly discovered that life on the other side of a nine-to-five was irresistibly sweet. When a company approached him six months after the pandemic began with a job offer, Kologinski, who is based in Toronto, declined the opportunity. He had decided to enter retirement permanently.

Part of the reason for this was that Kologinski and his wife, Ann Clarkson, are members of ThirdHome, a private, luxury home exchange club they joined in 2013. Through the club, they have spent their early retirement years taking trips at luxury homes in Cape Cod, Vail, and New York City, among other locations. In exchange, they let other members stay at their second home in Lake Placid, New York.

As members of ThirdHome, Kologinski and Clarkson can choose from over 18,000 homes, residence clubs and yachts in 100 countries. The listed properties, which must be second homes, have an average value of $2.4 million and a minimum value of $500,000. ThirdHome, in essence, is like AirBnb for the very wealthy, although Kologinski doesn’t necessarily feel like a member of the elite. In fact, ThirdHome gives him access to properties and locations that he might not have splurged on otherwise.

“Vail is not an inexpensive location,” Kologinski notes. If he had to pay the nightly fee for the condo he’s staying at this winter with his best friend, which is within walking distance to a ski lift, he likely wouldn’t go. “It’s fantastic, quality-wise,” Kologinski says. As a member of ThirdHome, all he’s responsible for is his airfare, lift tickets and a booking fee that averages less than $1,000 a week — and opening his own Lake Placid home to other members on the weeks he’s not using it. A pretty good price for rubbing shoulders with celebrities and billionaires on the ski trails.

I first met Kologinski and Clarkson at the ThirdHome’s Founder Circle Event, which was held in late October at Lucky Dog Farm in Franklin, Tennessee, just outside of Nashville. The private home of ThirdHome’s founder and owner Wade Shealy, the farm looks like the physical manifestation of a classic country song about the joys of country living. But one written by a country music star whose album has gone platinum, and now views country living through the rose-colored glasses only millionaires can buy.

Marked by rolling hills, fall foliage, a covered bridge and a swimming pond, Lucky Dog Farms also has a corral full of Palomino horses, a splattering of guest cottages with luscious bedding, and living plant wall near the garage. The jewel of the property is the main house, which consists of an 18^th century log-cabin and a 19^th century chapel joined in the middle by a mid-century modern inspired glass living space. Marked by a continuous interior, the luxury home tells the story of American architecture through the past three centuries.

The event was presided over by Shealy himself, who was never far from his big, shaggy brown dog, Buster, or his girlfriend, Debbi Fields, the founder of Mrs. Fields Bakeries. Shealy has the money and status to be aloof and uninterested in small talk, but he is the opposite. He lingers in conversations. His mien radiates warmth and openness. In a speech in which he welcomed guests, who included over 200 members and investors in the company, to the event, he spent very little time talking about himself or his accomplishments. Instead, he singled out each one of the members of the ThirdHome team and thanked them personally for their contributions.

Shealy first came up with the idea for ThirdHome when he was working as a realtor on Hilton Head in the 1980s. “One of the things I noticed was that people would buy these vacation homes that they’d be really excited about, and they’d come the first year a lot,” he said over a tumbler of Tennessee whiskey in the Bourbon Cabin, a one of the reconstructed log cabins on Lucky Dog Farms. “The second year a little bit less, the third year a little bit less. And usually most everybody would come back into my real estate company and want to sell their house.” When pressed why, Shealy said that they’d tell him, “We’re tired of coming to the same place over and over.” He thought, what if they could keep the properties, and use them as leverage to stay in other places?

In the wake the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis, when many homeowners found the value of their properties much depleted, Shealy saw an opportunity to develop his idea. “People couldn’t sell their vacation homes for the same prices they had paid for them,” he notes. “If they had a $3 million house in the Hamptons, they didn’t want to go to Aspen and spend $40,000 to rent a house while the other house stayed empty.” In 2011, he founded ThirdHome in Nashville, a city where he lived— and grew to love — as a college student in the 1970s. At the time, he sold bibles door to door for the Southwestern Company, where he worked alongside people who went on to become notable politicians including U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn and U.S. Congressman Mike Johnson, who is currently the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Some of Shealy’s first employees for ThirdHome were bible salesman working for the Southwestern Company, which still operates today. “They’d been going door to door selling bibles, so travel was a piece of cake for them,” Shealy recalls. ThirdHome grew steadily via word of mouth over the following decade. In 2019, the company began offering Reserve properties, which are high-end estates, castles and villas that would otherwise rent for $25,000 or more a week. ThirdHome is in the process of rapidly expanding, and would like to have over 50,000 members in both the regular club and the reserve by the end of 2025.

Part of the appeal of the club isn’t only access to properties, but also, the promise of friendship with other members. Shealy sets the tone for this by traveling with members on curated tours, and renting houses through ThirdHome with Fields, including recent stays in Mendoza, Argentina, and the Cotswolds in the United Kingdom.

At the party, guests exchanged stories and made connections. Standing by the charcuterie table in what was deemed the “Party Barn,” I heard tales of members who watched out for each other during hurricanes or helped plan marriage proposals at their properties. Always, there was mention about a bottle of wine on a kitchen counter, or an liquor cabinet left open for guests to indulge.

Kologinski, who joined me at a picnic table overlooking the swimming pond, appreciates the hospitality other members have shown him. On a recent trip to New York, he was impressed when the owner of the apartment he was staying in changed her schedule to accommodate the early arrival of his flight. “She went out of her way to let us in, show us around and talk about the neighborhood,” he notes. Fostering a personal connection also encourages respect for the home. “Every, every person who uses a property at ThirdHome is an owner of a property on ThirdHome,” he says. “There’s an awareness that I’m going to treat this place like my own, right?”

As the light waned and temperatures dropped, guests at the Founder’s Circle event were ushered into waiting buses and taken to the Franklin Theater. There, they were treated to a private concert by Kenny Loggins, whose hits include “Footloose” (1984) and “Danger Zone” (1987), the theme song for the film Top Gun.

Kologinski was especially thrilled by Loggins’ opening act, which featured a set by Hunter Hawkins, a burgeoning singer songwriter. “As soon as Hawkins came out, I recognized the violinist and the cello player who were backing her up,” Kologinski recalled. “I turned to Ann, and said, you know, they were on stage with Joni Mitchell.”

The previous week, Kologinski and Clarkson had traveled to Los Angeles for Joni Mitchell & the Joni Jam live at the Hollywood Bowl. They had stayed, of course, at a ThirdHome, and caught two of Joni’s performances. That night in Franklin, Hawkins covered “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell to the accompaniment of the same musicians. “We though, ok, that’s kind of a cool coincidence,” Kologinski says.

ThirdHome, more than just an investment or a vacation opportunity, is a company that just gets Kologinski. He was not alone that night. Looking around the theater, I saw a group of people who were comfortable in the setting of a classic American theater, enjoying live music by an artist whose soundtrack had accompanied the youthful years of their lives. Years that had brought them success, and led to the luxuries they enjoy today. They were at home.

AVA offers ThirdHome members an all-inclusive option with oceanfront views, top tier dining, ample spa amenities, and more.

ThirdHome is thrilled to announce a partnership with AVA Resort Cancun. This is an all-inclusive like ThirdHome members have never had access to before. We have recently added 50+ weeks at AVA to the ThirdHome exchange. AVA offers ThirdHome members an all-inclusive option like none other.

AVA Resort boosts rooms that ALL have an oceanfront view. So, no matter where you stay you will be able to look out to the refreshing, clear waters of the Caribbean. There is no doubt that AVA offers ThirdHome members a delightful oceanfront experience.

They also offer a Spa sprawling over 66,000 square feet. Here, guests have access to amply beauty treatments and total relaxation of the body and mind. Plus, there is a fitness center with over 11,000 square feet of top-of-the-line workout equipment. At AVA, ThirdHome members can enjoy an all-inclusive experience with top-tier spa amenities.

If you are a vacation foodie, this is the place for you. With a collection of more than 17 bars and restaurants exclusive to AVA, this resort takes all-inclusive dining to a new level. For many that visit, the food is the highlight and said to be better than anywhere they’ve visited before. AVA offers ThirdHome members an exquisite all-inclusive culinary experience.

Nightlife at AVA is electric. If you’re looking for a good time at the pool bar or in a nightclub, AVA has just the place for you. AVA offers a high-end stay that’s enjoyable for families of all sizes. Experiences and areas designated for kids and teens offer entertainment for everyone while many areas of the resort offer places for families to come together and enjoy quality time in a luxurious venue. Truly, AVA offers an all-inclusive experience for ThirdHome members and their families.

When it comes to travel, AVA makes it easy. The resort is located 10 minutes from Cancun International Airport. Plus, it is set along Cancun’s largest shopping promenade and incredible beaches. You will never run out of things to do and see at AVA. For convenience in travel and luxury, AVA offers ThirdHome members an all-inclusive ideal location.

Bill Bymel learns the “nuts and bolts” of ThirdHome, the Nashville based network revolutionizing luxury travel in an interview with CEO and Founder, Wade Shealy.

Wade Shealy starts this chat by talking about Franklin, Tennessee, a beautiful location outside of Nashville where ThirdHome’s office is located. ThirdHome is an exclusive network revolutionizing luxury travel, as it allows its members to utilize their vacation homes in a new way.

In this episode, Wade and Bill dive into many facets of luxury travel and real estate. Wade explains how you’re saving money against typical rental rates when using ThirdHome. What inspired him to start was his experience in real estate. He saw people buying second homes and then wanting to sell them pretty quickly. This was because the owners quickly tired of the location and things to do in the area. With ThirdHome your house gives you the opportunity to explore destinations outside of its location and for a much lower price than other short term rentals. They also touch on the exclusive elements of ThirdHome, how they are beneficial to members, the rental and real estate injuries and their rapid evolutions, ThirdHome partnerships, and more. Spoiler alert: Bill was sold!

Host, Bill Bymel, is an author, speaker, fund manager, filmmaker, and real estate investor. His wide array of knowledge and impressive 25 year career are proof that he is an innovator. He started out as a Film Producer, attending NYU Film School. After a short but successful career in that industry he was ready to return home to South Florida and started a career in real estate as well as him family. He and Wade being able to bounce ideas off one another makes for interesting conversation worth tuning in for.

Listen to the episode by clicking the image above or here. You can also find more information about ThirdHome here. Follow our Instagram (@ThirdHome) and stay up to date on Club properties, member reviews, and more appearances by Wade and our amazing ThirdHome team.

Republished with permission from USI Travel Insurance Services

Peak travel season happens to coincide with peak hurricane season. If you’ll be traveling to (or from) a destination that may be prone to hurricanes, here’s what you need to know about insurance coverage.

Buy your plan EARLY

Buying your plan early can’t be stressed enough when it comes to coverage for hurricanes or other natural disasters and weather. Once a hurricane or storm becomes a named event, you will not be covered for related claims if you buy your plan after that date, as the hurricane or storm is now considered to be “foreseen.” So, buy your plan right after making your initial trip booking for optimal coverage.

Coverage for Hurricanes BEFORE Trip Departure

If a hurricane strikes prior to your trip departure, you may be eligible for a Trip Cancellation claim if the weather causes complete cessation of services for at least 48 hours of your common carrier (airline) and you’re prevented from reaching your destination. You would also be eligible for a Trip Cancellation claim if your primary residence OR your scheduled destination is made uninhabitable due to the hurricane or is inaccessible via your planned mode of transportation.

Keep in mind, travel insurance never covers fear of travel, so if you’re worried about your home or destination being hit by the hurricane but it doesn’t actually happen, it’s best to have the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade* so you have more flexibility to cancel and still recoup most of your investment.

Coverage for Hurricanes AFTER Trip Departure

If you’ve already departed on your trip, you may be eligible for a Trip Delay claim if your airline is delayed and prevents you from reaching your destination, or if there’s a mandatory evacuation at your scheduled trip departure city or destination which prevents you from traveling to/arriving at your destination. You may also be eligible for a Trip Interruption claim if you must end your trip early due to your destination becoming uninhabitable. 

Filing a Claim for a Hurricane or Other Weather-related Event

To file a claim for a hurricane or other weather event, gather official documentation showing the storm (such as a weather or news report), along with any documentation from your common carrier or destination accommodations showing the need to cancel, delay or interrupt your trip.

With this information in mind, hopefully next time you plan a trip it will be easier to know what to look for when researching travel insurance options. You can always visit our plan website, or contact the USI Travel Insurance Services Customer Service team for help selecting the best plan for your travel needs. Their representatives are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time and can be reached at (855) 874-0156 or customercare@travelinsure.com. Be sure to mention you are traveling with ThirdHome, account #50054.

*CFAR available at an additional cost if plan is purchased within 14 days of initial trip deposit. Terms apply. Not available to residents of NY.

Craig Lucie sits down with Wade Shealy to discuss an inspiring journey and his time in the real estate industry

Wade Shealy, ThirdHome’s CEO and Founder, says he feels like he’s never worked a day in his life. This is due to his love for his job and his ability to confidently take risks and create a community that people want and need. As a result, he has been doing business for 40 years and has gathered some great stories along the way.

In this episode, Craig Lucie shines the spotlight on Wade. They discuss ThirdHome, what it is, and what inspired the company. Wade explains how he got his friends in on the idea that has grown into the business he runs today. ThirdHome currently has member properties in over 100 countries around the world. Because of this continued growth, the company, based in Nashville, Tennessee is thriving. Wade is not only a risk taker in business but in life as well. Consequently, he has had some scary experiences and gained a new outlook on life. In this interview, he dives into this accident and the changes that came with it. Craig learns more about ThirdHome’s show on Paramount+, Millionaire Holiday Home Swap, and ThirdHome’s Realtor Ambassador program.

Your host, Craig Lucy, has almost 20 years of experience in the news business. Now, his focus is on helping businesses, non-profits, and individuals grow with one main thing, his motto: #Createyournews. Craig wanted to highlight more positive aspects of the world and find ways to share them with people. He has built a team, most of whom have newsroom or journalism experience. They’ve expanded this skillset to include content creation, marketing, PR, brand strategy, and more. A man of many talents, Craig has also authored a Children’s book called ‘Hold You.’ Furthermore, Craig is a recipient of many accolades including an EMMY, multiple Association of Broadcasters awards, multiple AP reporting awards, and an honoree of the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 under 40.

Listen to the episode at the YouTube link above or here. You can also find more information about ThirdHome here. Follow our Instagram (@ThirdHome) and stay up to date on Club properties, member reviews, and more appearances by Wade and our amazing ThirdHome team.

From Selling Bibles to Building an Empire: Wade’s Inspiring Journey of Perseverance and Success

Wade Shealy and Annette Walter discuss navigating risks with confidence on this episode of The Entrepreneur Evolution.

To be a successful entrepreneur, willingness to take risks and confidence are required. Wade Shealy, ThirdHome’s CEO and Founder, thrives in that mindset. Consequently, he has been doing business for 40 years. Wade was cutting grass and delivering papers as a child and he’s been an entrepreneur ever since. In this episode of Entrepreneur Evolution, Wade and Annette Walter cover what it takes to be an entrepreneur and thrive, Wade selling to Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, and risky situations that got him to where he sits today. Listeners can also hear about Wade’s creative side. This has guided him, not only in visual design, but also his ThirdHome business model. In 2010 he started with two houses and a never-before-seen concept and now there are 17,000 properties out there for members to share across 100 countries.

Your host, Annette Walter, is an experienced business strategist. She has experience in banking, management consulting, construction, and the lumber industry. Consequently, she has a lot of experience herself in taking risks and embodying confidence. Now, after a wide array of experiences, she serves as CEO and Owner of Timber Industries and iEvolve Consulting. Coaching is Annette’s true passion and on Entrepreneur Evolution she facilitates discussions with successful business owners. Consequently, she is able to share insight, with her audience on what these business owners are doing, feeling, and diving into in their current endeavors.

Listen to the episode here. You can also find more information about ThirdHome here. Follow our Instagram (@ThirdHome) and stay up to date on Club properties, member reviews, and more appearances by Wade and our amazing ThirdHome team.

From Selling Bibles to Building an Empire: Wade’s Inspiring Journey of Perseverance and Success

Wade Shealy and Daniel Alonzo discuss Real Estate and Travel Leadership Insights. As a result, motivation and inspiration are big topics in this episode of Wealth on The Beach.

ThirdHome‘s Founder and CEO, Wade Shealy, sat down with Daniel on The Wealth on The Beach Podcast to share his personal story. He recalls growing up in a small town in South Georgia, a near-fatal accident, selling Bibles door-to-door, and more. Consequently, Wade became who he is today and he and Daniel take a deep dive into how. They discuss mindset, faith, networking, and fulfillment and the impact all of this has on careers and goals. Viewers and listeners also get a look into Wade’s more personal side including his three children and his farm in Franklin, Tennessee. If you are looking for inspiration today, or are simply interested in real estate and travel leadership insights, this is a great watch for you.

Daniel Alonzo is an investor, author, speaker, coach, and entrepreneur. He made it his mission to have and provide financial freedom for his family. Now that he has reached his goals he is sharing his knowledge. He has been mentoring and inspiring all over the world for 25 years. He has co-authored his first, and highly anticipated, book with Kasey Phoenix Casal. The book, Wealth on the Beach: 11 Universal Laws to Building Financial Freedom, gives readers the 11 universal secret laws to building financial freedom.

Listen to the episode below or check it out wherever you get your podcasts. You can also find more information about ThirdHome here. Follow our Instagram (@ThirdHome) and stay up to date on Club properties, member reviews, and more appearances by Wade and our amazing ThirdHome team.

ThirdHome is one of Travel + Leisure’s best alongside 5 top-rated luxury rental companies with one reader calling it “one of the best-kept secrets.”

We are thrilled to announce that ThirdHome has been recognized as one of the top luxury villa rental companies in Travel + Leisure’s 2024 World’s Best Awards. Being featured is a moment of immense pride for us at ThirdHome. This recognition highlights our dedication to excellence in every aspect of our service, from our carefully curated portfolio of properties to our personalized member experiences.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our members for their continued trust and support. Your satisfaction and enthusiasm drive us to continually elevate our offerings and services. Your beautiful properties and respect for this community are how we continue to provide a top-tier service. We also want to thank Travel + Leisure for this incredible recognition, which inspires us to keep striving for excellence.

The Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards

Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards are among the most respected in the travel industry. The awards are based on a comprehensive survey that asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe. For the 2024 awards, an impressive number of readers participated, with 700,000 votes cast across various categories.

The luxury rentals category, evaluates companies based on several critical factors:

1. Service Quality

2. Variety of Locations

3. Luxury Amenities

4. Range of Properties

5. Overall Value

ThirdHome: A Cut Above the Rest

What sets ThirdHome apart in the competitive world of luxury rentals? Let’s delve into the key aspects that contributed to their award-winning status:

1. Exceptional Service

ThirdHome’s commitment to providing top-notch service is evident in every aspect of the rental experience. From the initial booking process to on-site support, ThirdHome ensures that every guest’s needs are met with professionalism and care.

2. Global Reach

With properties in over 100 countries, ThirdHome offers an unparalleled variety of destinations for luxury travelers. Whether you’re dreaming of a beachfront villa in the Maldives or a chalet in the Swiss Alps, ThirdHome has you covered.

3. Luxurious Amenities

Each ThirdHome property is handpicked to ensure it meets the highest standards of luxury. Guests can expect state-of-the-art facilities, gourmet kitchens, private pools, and often unique features that make each stay truly special.

4. Diverse Property Portfolio

ThirdHome’s range of properties caters to various preferences and group sizes. From intimate apartments in bustling city centers to sprawling estates in serene countryside settings, there’s a perfect match for every type of luxury traveler.

5. Exceptional Value

Perhaps most impressively, ThirdHome properties boast an average value of $2.4 million. This statistic underscores the company’s commitment to offering truly high-end experiences without compromising on quality or exclusivity.

Looking Ahead

As ThirdHome celebrates this remarkable achievement, it’s clear that the company is not resting on its laurels. The Travel + Leisure World’s Best award serves as both a recognition of past excellence and a motivation for future innovations in the luxury rental space.

For travelers seeking the very best in luxury accommodations, ThirdHome’s recent accolade provides a compelling reason to choose their services for upcoming adventures. With a proven track record of excellence now formally recognized by one of the travel industry’s most respected publications, ThirdHome is poised to continue its reign as a leader in luxury vacation rentals.

Whether you’re planning your next getaway or simply dreaming of future travels, ThirdHome’s world-class offerings and newly minted status as Travel + Leisure’s top choice for luxury rentals make it a name to remember in the world of high-end travel.

As we celebrate this milestone, we invite you to join us on this journey of luxury and adventure. Whether you are a current member or considering becoming one, we promise to deliver unforgettable experiences that embody the essence of luxury travel.

Thank you for being a part of the ThirdHome community. Here’s to many more years of exploration, luxury, and exceptional service! Stay worldly…

Vidanta owners can now enjoy getaways worldwide with the Exchange club membership.

Through your ownership at Vidanta, you are pre-qualified for a membership to ThirdHome luxury vacation exchange club.

This wonderful benefit allows you to stay in homes and resorts worldwide at a fraction of the cost!

You do not pay our joining fee. You do not pay our annual membership fee. And you do not have to exchange a week from your time at Vidanta.

What you Do get is unlimited access to 60-day Keyless properties. These are properties whose available stays are coming up within the next 60 days. They don’t require any keys to reserve. You only pay the booking fee.