Rental’s portfolio has now more than 1,200 high-end properties available in 19 different countries. New destinations added are France, Austria, Ireland, United Kingdom, Caribbean Netherlands and Dominican Republic. 

Don’t miss out the opportunity to book one of the stunning properties available in Greece, for instance. Greece has become one of the most demanded destinations during summer holidays. You will enjoy the most beautiful sunset in any of the Greek Islands like Mykonos, Santorini, Paros or Crete among many others.

THIRDHOME rentals features more than 500 high-ends properties in Greece. Whether you are traveling as a couple, with family, or with friends to a charmingly natural and authentic island – or to the bustling heart of a destination packed with relics of the past – their villas boast different styles (and sizes!) to suit any requirement and any holiday preference. Whether a traditional house, a historic estate, or a luxury residence, all accommodations have something special to offer – a soul, a family history, an authentic location, and the taste of their owners.

THIRDHOME makes the cut in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards survey!

Keep reading to learn how to vote for THIRDHOME and enter the sweepstakes to win a dream getaway with Viking Cruises!

Condé Nast Traveler asked readers to participate in the first Readers’ Choice Awards survey over three decades ago. It was created so they could learn more about where their readers had recently vacationed, which destinations were next on their bucket lists and all their favorite travel necessities. Your favorite destinations and travel stables need your love more than ever this year! THIRDHOME is thrilled to be a part of it in the Homestays & Villa Rentals category once again and would love for members to consider voting for THIRDHOME!

If THIRDHOME is one of your favorite ways to travel, and we sure hope it is, keep reading to find out how to vote in the 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards Survey. By taking the survey, you enter Condé Nast Traveler‘s sweepstakes to win a dream getaway for two with Viking Cruises!

Step 1: Click here to visit the Condé Nast Traveler‘s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards website

Step 2: Create an account or “Sign In”.

Step 3: Click on our category, “Homestays & Villa Rentals”!

Step 4: Type “THIRDHOME” in the search bar.

Step 5: You will be prompted to answer a few questions about your last stay…

Step 6: Rate THIRDHOME on bookability, customer service, photos/information, portfolio, website, and variety.

Step 7: Last but not least, write a few sentences about your best THIRDHOME experience and why you’re voting!

Click “Submit” to cast your vote!

After taking these steps and completing the survey, you’re all finished! THIRDHOME is thrilled to be included in Condé Nast Traveler‘s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. Voting closes May 31st, 2021. Thank you for reading and voting!

Want more information about our Exchange Club? Click here to learn more about THIRDHOME.

People are ready for more vacations and more bucket list trips in 2022. 65% of surveyed respondents are planning big and exciting trips this year. But how do you ensure your vacation accommodation meets expectations?

A house swap holiday is a perfect way to enjoy your vacation this year. House exchange is also called a house swap, home exchange, and many other names. But essentially, a house swap holiday is when you trade residences with another party for an agreed time. 

There are many different types of accommodation out there, but house exchange is steadily increasing in popularity. The market size of house exchange sites and services is expected to reach $4.91 billion by 2027; as more people realize the many benefits of home exchange. 

A house exchange offers unique benefits that other forms of travel cannot provide. Read on to learn five reasons you should try a home swap for your next vacation. 

1. Live Like a Local

Do you like getting off the beaten path on your vacation? Do you want authentic experiences that help you connect with locals? An exchange house is a perfect way to discover a destination through a local’s eyes.

You will get to live like a local in their home, so you not only feel comfortable and at home, but you can learn about how they live. It is a personal experience with all the amenities you need and more; homes often include children’s toys, pools, fitness rooms, movies, and other home comforts. 

You may also get recommendations from the owners on what to see and do in the area. You will be in a neighborhood, too, so you get a better sense of the destination’s culture, having easy access to local food, activities, and sites. Avoid tourist prices and get straight to the authenticity of the location.

2. Save Money 

A home swapper vacation means you do not have to pay rental fees. Both parties benefit from the home swap, so all you have to do is pay the home exchange site’s membership and exchange fees.

Usually, the average US family vacation can cost around $5,000, so you can make significant savings with a home exchange. Home exchange members can expect an average savings of 90-95% off a standard rental booking rate.

House exchange means you can travel more often without losing out on quality or wasting money on accommodation that does not meet expectations. It is low-cost with high-quality accommodation that suits your needs.

Plus, you will have many amenities in your home, such as a fully-equipped kitchen, so you can also cook some meals. Sometimes hosts agree to swap cars too, which eliminates car rental fees. 

3. Flexibility 

A house swap vacation offers more flexibility than other types of holidays. You have various accommodation options, such as yachts, waterfront villas, resorts, estates, and private residences. You never have to visit the same place twice, even if you want to return to the same location.

Plus, it is the perfect opportunity to enjoy different types of accommodations. Maybe you are looking for a new vacation home or have always wanted to stay on a yacht. A house exchange allows you to personalize all details, so it can meet your needs and be the dream vacation you deserve. 

Home exchange sites also have a variety of destinations on offer. Here at THIRDHOME, we have over 1,700 home swapper destinations, so you can experience luxury home exchanges in many different locations.

With THIRDHOME, you earn travel credits and tokens when people stay at your second home. So you also have the flexibility to enjoy home exchange at different times; the other person’s holiday dates do not restrict you. 

4. Utilize Your Home 

If you have a second home, there is often a period of time it is not in use. Joining a home exchange site is the best way to leverage your second home investment while supporting your travel needs. 

Thanks to the home swapper membership requirements, it can also give you peace of mind that your home is in good hands. Sites such as THIRDHOME also offer host protection coverage.

So, you get to share your second home with respectful guests and get the benefits of vacation opportunities in return. It is nice to share tips about the local area your second home is in and remember why you invested in the first place. You will get to see your home through fresh eyes and even discover new places to visit through your guests, so you are up-to-date for your next visit to your second home. 

5. Travel Light 

For many, packing is not an enjoyable experience. There can be a lot of anxiety around ensuring you do not forget any essential items, especially if you have a specific health routine or need to keep children entertained.

The good news is that a house swap vacation allows you to travel light. You can find homes that offer the amenities you need, such as access to a well-stocked kitchen with a blender, a car, and other essential appliances or a gym. You can also find child-friendly homes, often with toys, movies, and other amenities to keep them entertained.

You can pack a lighter load for your next vacation with peace of mind that the home will meet your needs. Avoid the stress of overpacking and have more space to bring back items with a house exchange. Plus, you do not have to worry about wasting valuable vacation time searching for things when you arrive, as everything will be available at the home swap. 

The Best Luxury Home Exchange Site 

There are many reasons you should try a house exchange for your next vacation. You will reap many benefits, no matter what your vacation needs are. You can search for an ‘exchange house near me’ or find a destination on the other side of the world.

However, there are many home exchange sites, so you need to pick a reputable option that meets your needs. THIRDHOME is the world’s largest global network of luxury second homeowners, adventurers, and renters. Sign up today for access to over 14,000 homes in 100 countries.  

There are many home exchange sites out there. But they are not all created equal.

Different sites offer different amenities and prices to their members, and some sites are specifically designed for families or luxury homes.

The best way to find the right site for you is by researching the various options that are available.

Here is a list of popular home exchange sites and what they offer to get you started.

The Different Types of Home Exchanges Available

There are a variety of different home exchange sites out there. Some of the most popular ones include HomeExchange.com, HomeLink.org, and IntervacHomeExchange.com with sites like THIRDHOME specializing in the luxury market.

To find the right site for you, you have to know what type of experience you’re looking to have as different websites cater to different needs.

Below is a list of popular types of experiences:

A house swap is one where you will be living in someone’s home for a certain amount of time while they live in your home (usually for an equal amount of time and at the same time but this is not necessary if you use a website like THIRDHOME). The idea here is that you have a property (you don’t necessarily have to own it, you could be renting it) that you can swap with someone else’s property in a different location.

A vacation rental is when you stay at someone else’s place but only rent it out for short periods of time (usually by the week). It’s like staying at a hotel but you’re renting someone else’s space instead. In this case, you don’t have to own a place to participate and, if you do, you don’t have to find someone willing to swap houses with you.

You may also be considering a shared holiday exchange. This type involves taking turns hosting people who visit your country during Christmas or other major holidays every year. This is usually done by families or small groups of friends who want to keep traditions alive while making new memories together every year.

House-sitting is a popular alternative to traditional home exchange because it offers the potential for free lodging even if you don’t have a home to swap. Many house-sitting sites offer a list of homes available for house sitters, as well as listing opportunities for homeowners looking to place their home with someone.

Some sites allow both property owners and house sitters to post their information, including pictures and details about the property, as well as set availability rules and requirements. House sitters can also write a profile that includes what they’re looking for in a house-sit, their experience level, and why they want to house-sit. Then homeowners can filter through various profiles to find the perfect match for them.

Below, we’ll dive more into some specific types of home exchanges and how specialized websites cater to them.

House Swapping

As mentioned above, house swapping is the practice of exchanging houses for a certain amount of time. This can involve either private homes or vacation rental.

House swapping has many benefits. It’s a great way to explore other parts of the world and experience new cultures like a local and it can also save you lots of money on accommodation in addition to giving you the opportunity to make new friends.

Home exchange sites focusing on this niche provide listings of houses available for exchange for your time away from your home country.

For Families

Sites like HomeAway.com are specifically designed for home-sharing with families and they offer a variety of amenities. They offer a range of options, including accommodations that have cooking and laundry facilities and others that have more high-end features like hot tubs and pools.

It is free to list your home on the site and they charge a small fee per night for any guests who stay at your property.

VRBO is a website also allows you to host rooms in your home for travelers coming to visit. This includes rooms with kitchens, bedrooms, living spaces, and other features. A one-night stay starts at $50 per person so it may be more expensive than other sites depending on what you’re looking for.

Luxury Homes

Traditionally, home exchanges have been for people looking to live in a home that is different and more exciting than their own. Therefore, luxury homes are becoming increasingly popular on the home swapping market.

By using a luxury home exchange site, you get to live in your dream house and have access to things you would not have otherwise the opportunity to experience. Luxury homes offer amenities like pools, game rooms, or outdoor living spaces that standard properties do not.

THIRDHOME specializes in this luxury space with over 13,000 high profile listings all over the world. Perusing their properties is like looking at a catalogue of dream homes and it’s almost impossible to choose among all their incredible options!

Conclusion

Home exchanges are a great way to save money and stay somewhere new while feeling like a local. Home exchange websites make the job of finding your preferred solution uber easy these days.

However, there are so many websites and options to choose from.

The best way to find the perfect one for your needs is to decide what kind of accommodation you want, whether it is house-sitting, house swapping, or luxury accommodation.

Once you decide, take a look at the different websites specializing in that niche and go through the search filters in order to find the best solution for you!

Get started on your home exchange adventure with THIRDHOME here

Traveling around Europe is one of the most pleasurable things you can do.

It’s an amazing experience to see all the different cultures that are out there. There are tons of different activities that you can partake in, and many different countries you can visit.

And there’s no better way to do it than by house swapping if you’re interested in traveling to another country but don’t want to stay in a pricey hotel.

Setting up a house swap may sound intimidating if you’ve never done it before, but it’s actually quite simple if you know what to do.

Here is a complete guide to how to do a successful house swap in Europe.

What is a House Swap?

If you’ve never heard of it before, a house swap is an agreement between two people who want to live in each other’s country to trade accommodations for a certain amount of time.

Generally, one person stays in the other’s home while the other stays in theirs.

A house swap is an excellent way to save money on lodging expenses, as well as learn about new cultures and customs and have access to things only known to locals.

Why Should You Consider House Swapping?

House swapping usually doesn’t involve any money since you’ll be trading your house for your exchange partner’s house in the location of your choice.

For this reason, house swapping can be a great way to save money on lodging, while also gaining knowledge about the culture of the country you’re visiting since you’ll be living there like a local.

You can also personalize your experience based on your interests. For example, if you’re traveling to France and want to stay in someone’s French-style bungalow, then you can request that in exchange for your house.

It is becoming more common for people to swap homes for several reasons:

1. To save money on accommodations
2. To experience life in another country
3. To see how others live
4. To travel with friends or family, especially with children

The Process of House Swapping

House swapping has been around for a long time, and it’s growing increasingly popular.

Staying in someone else’s home is an incredible way to see a country, and you will often get a more personal feel for the culture.

The process of house swapping usually begins with one person listing their home on a house swapping website.

The swapper then invites another individual selected on the basis of their location to stay at their residence.

This is typically done by exchanging contact information, discussing the details of the house swap, and arranging a time frame for the exchange.

There are different home swap websites available to help with this process depending on your needs and goals. For example, THIRDHOME specializes in high-end homes and luxury stays all over the globe, including Europe.

How To Find A Good Exchange Partner

One of the most important things to do when house swapping is to find a good exchange partner.

If you’re not too familiar with the process, it might seem like an impossible task to find someone who wants to stay in your house, but that’s actually not the case!

As mentioned, an easy way to go about this is to start by browsing through different websites that specialize in the type of house swap you’re looking for. Then find the house you want to stay at and do your research on your potential exchange partner.

Make sure that your match can provide references or can be verified online through feedback and reviews before committing to swapping. That way you know they are trustworthy and have no intention of scamming you.

You can also set up a call via Skype or Facetime so you can see them, talk with them, and ask any questions you might have.

Tips for a Successful House Swap

• First and foremost, make sure that you have a verified profile on the site of your choice.
• Some house swap sites will require you to pay a membership fee, however, some offer free trials as well as paid memberships and the membership fees is more than worth it if the website offers additional insurance coverage for your property, like THIRDHOME does.
• Fill out as much information as possible on your profile. This includes pictures of your home and family, but also other bits of information that may be relevant.
• Make sure you have insurance coverage on your house, personal possessions, and guests before letting anyone stay in your house even if the house swap website offers additional coverage.

Conclusion

House swapping is a great way to experience life in another country while still enjoying some of the comforts of home.

It’s also a great way to save money on accommodations which means more money left over to do the fun things you like to do when traveling.

And the best part might be that it gives you access to a whole new network of friends! So, what are you waiting for? House swapping is a win-win all around!

Get started on your home exchange adventure with THIRDHOME here.

House swapping is a great alternative to buying or renting a house if you want to live in a different country.

You can swap houses with someone for any length of time that you agree upon; it could be days, weeks, or months.

House swapping has been around for over 100 years and has been popular in England since the late 1950s. But it has become even more popular with the advent of home exchange websites like THIRDHOME that specialize in this niche and make the whole process much easier, fun, and secure.

Below are some tips for new house swappers and reasons why the UK is a great place to do a home exchange.

What is house swapping?

House swapping is when you trade houses with someone for a set amount of time.

It’s a great way to live without the risk of renting or buying a home, but it’s also an amazing way to travel since it lowers the cost of lodging in your destination country.

In places like the United Kingdom and especially London, being able to lower your cost of accommodation is key as London is notorious for being expensive.

House swapping also allows you to live like a local. There is no comparison in the experience you’re going to get by becoming an insider. Just having the time to go to your corner pub and hang out with the locals to eat fish and chips over a pint of beer is a whole new level of understanding of the culture as opposed to darting around from site to site to make sure you don’t miss anything in your travel guide.

House swapping tips for newbies

If you’re a newcomer to the world of house swapping, it’s a good idea to learn about the process. With a little knowledge and preparation, you’ll be able to successfully swap with someone in no time!

First, read up on the basics, so you know what to expect. You can find blog posts like this one on how house swapping works and what exactly is involved.

Next, unless you’re trying to do this on your own which takes time and persistence, get on a professional house exchange site like THIRDHOME and list your house for swapping. Make sure you post lots of photos and mention everything you can think of to make it easier for someone to decide to swap with you.

Then, decide where you want to go. There are plenty of choices out there. For example, THIRDHOME has over 14,000 listings all over the globe including the UK, so it’s easy to find your dream swap home.

The beauty of this kind of setup is that your house exchange partner wants you to have a great time as much as he would want to have a great time at your house. So, your host will often offer tips and recommendations for local offerings and adventures and tell you things that only an insider would know. He may even ask his friends or family to check on you and help you out.

These are all invaluable resources to have at your disposal that make the difference between mostly enjoying a place and loving a place so much that you’re left with wonderful memories for life.

Top 8 reasons to do a home exchange in the UK

1. Low lodging cost compared to other types of accommodations.
2. Don’t have to stay in an anonymous hotel but you get to stay at a place with personality instead.
3. Flexibility – You can stay in a property for days, weeks, or months. All you have to do is agree with your house exchange partner.
4. You can become friends with people you would not have met any other way.
5. You get to live in a different city or country without having to buy or rent a house.
6. You get to learn about other cultures and customs in depth.
7. You avoid tourist traps, like awful food and overpriced vendors who target tourists who are pressed for time and have no transportation, and you don’t have to brave crowds to enjoy the popular sites as you can visit during “off-times”.
8. You get to see things that no tourist will ever see. This alone gives you an intimate knowledge of the place that no other way of traveling will allow.

Conclusion

If you’re interested in having unique experiences when traveling, you can’t beat exchanging homes with someone and becoming an instant local anywhere in the world.

The cherry on top is that you get to save money on lodging, and this is particularly welcome when you visit a place like London in the United Kingdom which can get expensive very quickly.

So, come on and join millions of people around the world who have made the choice to swap their home. The UK is waiting!

Get started on your home exchange UK adventure with THIRDHOME.

THIRDHOME is continually seeking the best partners to add to our portfolio. Over the past year, the following partnerships were established further enhancing our global roster of exceptional homes, resorts, and destinations. Click any of the partners below to learn more about what they have to offer!

Have you been considering a vacation home exchange? You might not know it, but there are a few things to take into consideration before deciding on one.

From finding the perfect location to verifying the safety of your potential exchange partner to picking the right time for your trip, here are some tips to make sure that your vacation house exchange is a great experience.

Tips for finding the perfect vacation home exchange

When considering a vacation home exchange, location is one of the most important factors to keep in mind. Unless your goal is to be off-grid, you want to be able to enjoy your home away from home without being too far away from all the activities, so it’s best to stay within driving distance of areas with things to do that you enjoy.

One way to find safe and great locations for your house swap is by using a reputable website like THIRDHOME. This type of specialized home swap site allows you to search based on certain features like location and amenities. It also enables you to list your own home for swaps.

If you are looking for a more personalized choice on locations, consider asking family members or friends who tend to travel often about favorite places they have visited.

How to verify your potential exchange partner

When considering a holiday house exchange, it’s important to make sure your potential partner is trustworthy.

To put your mind at ease, we recommend doing some research on your potential partner before making any commitments.

You can verify their identity and find out more about them by checking their profile and recent reviews on specialized house-swapping sites. If they have a good track record with other hosts, this is a good sign that they’re trustworthy and are vetted.

Also, you can reach out directly and ask any relevant questions you might have.

A lot of people are using sites like THIRDHOME to set up home swaps so that the exchange is safer than if you were setting it up all on your own. This is a great way to find someone you can trust for a house exchange.

Tips for picking the right time for your trip

One important component to think about when planning a house trade is when you would like to travel. There are many factors that can affect your decision, but generally, the best time for a vacation house exchange is during shoulder season.

As you might expect, this time of the year has fewer tourists and more opportunities for peaceful relaxation. You will also save money on flights because there is less demand, so ticket prices are lower. If you’re looking for a change of pace from the busy holiday season, then shoulder season could be right for you!

Most people think of summer when they think of using a vacation house, but winter may be an even better option for some people! It all comes down to what you’re looking for in an exchange experience and the purpose of your trip. If you’re trying to write your next novel, it may be best to go during off times when things are quieter…

But you can really go anytime you want, as long as your potential exchange partners are open to it. Just keep in mind that there may be more crowds and higher prices around the holidays and during high season, whenever that might be in the destination of your choice.

Tips for making the experience more memorable

Since it takes time and effort to find the perfect location, to avoid regretting your choice, for most people, we recommend finding a place that:

• Is within driving distance of major attractions and restaurants
• Is in a scenic area that will bring you peace and relaxation
• Has the amenities you want available nearby
• Is in an area with low crime rates, so you can enjoy your stay without worrying about safety.

Conclusion

No matter what your dream vacation looks like, you’ll be sure to find your perfect house and location for swapping on specialized sites like THIRDHOME which has over 14,000 listings all over the globe. Then it’s just a matter of deciding when to go and you’re ready for your next adventure.

Happy vacation home exchange planning!

Get started on your home exchange adventure with THIRDHOME here: https://www.thirdhome.com/

Niki Christian Nutsch (THIRDHOME Vice President, International) recently returned from a family vacation at Vidanta in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Keep reading to learn about his experiences!

“Vidanta Riviera Maya is truly a haven of luxury, entertainment, relaxation, and natural beauty.”

– Niki Christian Nutsch

Nestled in the midst of the tropical Mayan Jungle, Vidanta Riviera Maya is an experience like no other. This is the perfect destination for your next beach escape, as luxury vacationing meets the pristine, natural beauty of the Caribbean Sea and the Mayan jungle.

THIRDHOME members can explore over 1,000 acres of paradise, dotted with pristine pools and bordered by magnificent beach. The resort also includes nearly 20 bars and restaurants, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, lavish spa services, and fantastic entertainment—including access to Riviera Maya’s resident Cirque du Soleil show JOYÀ, and to the fantastic water world that is Jungala Aqua Experience.

Grupo Vidanta has been a great partner for THIRDHOME for many years, so Niki wanted to get a firsthand experience. “Traveling to Cancun from Europe is much more convenient and easier than you would expect, even with small kids.“ There are plenty of direct flights from many airports such as London, Manchester, Paris, Rome, Milan, Frankfurt, Madrid or Lisbon, with an average flight time of 10 to 11 hours.

Niki – who is based in THIRDHOME’s International office in Marbella, Spain – flew from Malaga via Lisbon to Cancun. At the time of posting this blog, there are no entry restrictions in Mexico and no obligation to carry a COVID test or quarantine, which made entering into the country fast and hassle free. Upon arrival, the complimentary Vidanta shuttle brought the family to the resort in about 30 minutes.

Offering access to everything Riviera Maya has to offer, as well as exclusive admission to a secluded beach area and pool, Grand Luxxe Riviera Maya is a private oasis in this lavish jungle paradise. The resort truly provides the perfect setting for a tropical escape. Spacious, modern accommodations feature open-plan living areas, gourmet kitchens, Italian-design bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs, and terraces with a plunge pool – ranging from one bedroom to four-bedroom (sleeping up to 12).

A plethora of activities were available during Niki’s stay, including cooking classes, salsa lessons, poolside activities, and the opportunity to book tours to explore the entirety of the Riviera Maya! Vidanta put a lot of care and thought into making everyone happy during every stay. The Kid’s Club kept Niki’s kids, Liam (5) and Sofia (2), completely entertained with an assortment of amazing activities, including water activities at the on-premise pool, arts and crafts, games, and so much more.

Dining at Vidanta Riviera Maya is an adventure in the jungle, allowing guests to experience fantastic cuisine from all around the world. Snack on ceviche, savor a juicy gourmet burger, or enjoy a perfectly cooked steak and signature cocktails at one of nearly 20 restaurants and lounges. At Salum, a bohemian village situated on the beach, you can explore the intoxicating allure of Mexico by browsing artisan goods, tasting beloved regional street foods, enjoying live music and entertainment, or dining on gourmet delicacies. Take a stroll through authentic flavors, sights, and sounds at this can’t-miss marketplace.

“The entire staff at Vidanta is outstanding! They far exceeded our expectations! Luisa and Estefany from the concierge service, Aurea the guest experience manager, Sergio the restaurant manager at Salum, just to name a few. So many staff members work in concert in front and behind the scenes to assure our stay was pleasing to the senses. Chefs, bellboys, concierges, pool staff, gardeners, waiter, housekeepers—they are all committed to creating the best possible vacation experience, and it shows in everything they do. At the Vidanta destinations, they greet you with their hand to their heart. This is called the “Saludo Vidanta”, and it’s a heartfelt gesture of gratitude for choosing to make your vacation memories with them. Here, you are their cherished guest and they have no greater pleasure than looking after you.”

– Niki Christian Nutsch

“Vidanta Riviera Maya is truly a haven of luxury, entertainment, relaxation, and natural beauty,” concludes Niki. “The resort offers an unforgettable vacation for all ages and I encourage all our European members to discover all this and the other amazing Vidanta resorts for themselves. I have no doubt that they will have fantastic time and enjoy every single moment the way as my family did. In terms of traveling to Mexico, because it’s a long flight for us Europeans to consider, I recommend planning on a couple of weeks if you can.“

Members, click here to view all available Mexico weeks. Remember, you must be logged in to your account to see availability.

Want more information about our Exchange Club? Click here to learn more about THIRDHOME.

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THIRDHOME Rentals is pleased to announce our new partnership with Luxury Home Rental by The Maimon Group. 

Luxury Home Rental is a family owned and operated business in Los Angeles. They have compiled a unique portfolio of the best and most luxurious properties of vacation rentals for travelers. Whether for family vacation or romantic gateway, Luxury Home Rental has acquired all the necessities and accommodation for every occasion.

Each property is exclusively managed by a dedicated team. They take pride in providing upscale services and management for their homeowners. Luxury Home Rental by The Maimon Group helps with providing amenities, interior design consulting, and professional management.

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Learn more about Luxury Home Rental by The Maimon Group here. Looking to reserve a luxury rental home now? Browse available THIRDHOME Rentals here.

While you don’t have to use a house swapping site to help you find someone to swap houses with for business or vacation, if you want to save yourself time, effort, and some potentially huge headaches, you can’t beat the convenience and safety provided by specialized house swapping websites.

Why use a home exchange site?

Like everything else, not all sites are created equal.

Home exchange sites allow you to list your property for free and they have a vetting process to make sure you’re not dealing with a scam. Also, some of these sites offer insurance plans, while others do not.

All THIRDHOME trips are covered by SUPERHOG, a digital trust platform that provides protection for our Hosts. In the rare event a THIRDHOME Guest causes damage during a stay and doesn’t reimburse the Host, they are covered for property damage and liability protection. Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. This can give you huge peace of mind when letting a stranger stay at your house.

No matter what, before you decide to do a home swap, you should always talk with your insurance company to ensure your home is insured and that coverage includes your guests.

The best home exchange sites are easy to navigate and use.

These websites allow people from all over the world to swap residences with one another. There are even home exchange sites for people who don’t own a home. For example, if you’re renting an apartment, you can list your apartment on a home exchange site and then rent it out to a stranger for period of time.

To participate in the home exchange, you simply create a listing with a detailed description of your home that includes photos and specify where you’re looking to stay. The most popular arrangements are simultaneous ones, but this is not strictly necessary in all instances.

However, if you have any questions, be sure to contact the owner first. These people want you to enjoy your stay just as much as you want them to enjoy theirs at your place and they can be a huge source of information for you!

A home exchange site will help you find a home swap partner who meets your criteria quickly and easily. For example, THIRDHOME has over 13,000 listings all over the world categorized by location, so you can’t help but find what you’re looking for. If anything, you might have trouble choosing among several incredible options!

Don’t you wish these were the only kind of problems we ever had to deal with in life: too many amazing choices?

You found a home exchange site. What’s next?

After coordinating the dates of your stay with your exchange partner, you should also check their reputation by reviewing feedback that is available on most of these sites.

While most websites offer free listings, watch out for the ones that charge fees or hidden fees to list your house. Some of the most reliable home exchange sites like THIRDHOME are membership based.

Tips to help you avoid scams when choosing a home exchange site:

• As there are many home exchange networks available on the internet, make sure that you sign up with one that matches your situation and what you’re trying to accomplish.
• Different sites focus on different types of housing and locations. It is important to choose a home exchange network that has locations in the country you want to visit. A network with a wide range of locations, like THIRDHOME, makes it easier to find a home swap partner.
• A home exchange site should be safe. If you’re not sure about the safety of a particular website, ask around for recommendations or find reviews online.
• Additionally, a site should offer insurance to protect you. The membership fee is well worth it just because of the insurance coverage.
• When you use a home exchange site, be sure to choose one that offers protection against scams. This is an important upside to using an established home exchange site as opposed to being a do-it-yourself kind of home swapper.

Overall, the safety offered is one of the biggest advantages of a home swapping site. While there are many more benefits to using a specialized exchange, nothing beats the peace of mind that come with knowing that your house will be safe and secure during your swap. This comfort will then allow you to fully enjoy your new travel adventure!

Get started on your home exchange adventure with THIRDHOME here.

House swapping vacations are such a great way to explore new locations without feeling like a tourist! And who wants to be a tourist when you could be experiencing things in style like a local?

How to get started:

The first step in the house swapping process is to find a host to trade homes with through your contacts, Facebook group, or other social platform. When you do, ask the host for references, and always communicate with the owner well in advance of your holiday.

While home swaps are usually simultaneous, they don’t have to be. Also, it’s not impossible to arrange a home exchange if you don’t have a home in either destination. But generally, if you live in New York and want to visit Paris, for example, you’d need to find someone in Paris who wants to visit New York.

The great thing is that, whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, many times house swaps offer free accommodations for both parties. And not only you’ll get to experience a new city, but you’ll also get to enjoy the local life of a neighborhood that you may have missed had you stayed in a different type of accommodation.

This is the difference between being a tourist and a real world-traveler.

To make sure you have a good experience, you must take a few precautions when house swapping.

First of all, make sure you thoroughly study the pictures and read reviews and feedback left by other people who may have visited the home you’re interested in.

It’s also advisable to ask the host to show you the property in real time by using apps like Whatsap, Skype or Facetime. This will ensure a degree of accountability since you won’t be able to view the property before your visit.

Moreover, before starting your house swap, make sure you’ve checked your homeowner’s insurance coverage. It should cover your personal belongings and certain types of damage to the home. You should also ensure that your insurance covers your guests. You may need to increase the limits of your coverage for complete peace of mind.

As all of the above can quickly add up to a lot of work and become overwhelming, a safer, more convenient solution that has become available over the last several years is to use websites that specialize in house swapping for holidays or business. If you’re looking for a house swap, you’ll find a host of opportunities at these sites.

Meet THIRDHOME:

THIRDHOME is a private travel club that specializes in luxury home swap, and offers over 13,000 listings all over the world organized by location. You can’t help but find the perfect solution for your home swapping desires!

Every home swapping site is different, but in general, you simply have to find a member with a home you’d like to swap with. Once you’ve found someone, it’s just a matter of coordinating dates before booking.

When it comes to safety, house swapping is almost always safe. But, for additional peace of mind, most home exchange sites have insurance coverage for the house and even for personal items.

Do your research.

In addition, many sites offer review and feedback systems, so, not only you will know what to expect, but you can also be sure that your property will be in good hands.

Using a reputable house swap service is especially important when traveling internationally where there are different customs and expectations, and you may not know what you’ll find.

Overall, the process can be fun and a great way to save money, in addition to providing you with an exciting way to see the world and meet interesting people.

Although this is not a solution for itinerant travellers, home exchanges can be a great base for weekend excursions, and a wonderful place to feel at home while away from home.

In fact, one of the highlights of house swapping is that you’ll become a part of the local community, which can make your trip feel as if you are staying in your own home even while exploring the world.

So, you end up getting the best of both worlds… and that’s hard to beat! Get started on your home exchange adventure with THIRDHOME here.