A house manual is a document, printed or digital, that informs guests about the property they’re visiting. If you already provide a house manual for guests, fantastic! If not, you may want to consider making one for future guests. They can come in all shapes and sizes. If you’ve ever visited a home with a property manager, you’ve probably seen some pretty nice ones with lamination, high-gloss print and tons of local information. But as a vacation homeowner without the benefits of a property manager, you might feel a little lost on where to start.
No worries, we’ll show you an easy way to create an informative and helpful house manual for your guests.
House manuals typically include a host introduction, arrival and departure information, a list of amenities, appliance information, and important contact information. They’re especially valuable to guests because no one knows your home and your destination like the host! You can use a house manual to share your favorite local activities, restaurants and hidden gems. So, are you ready to step up your hosting game?
You can start by downloading the ThirdHome house manual booklet template or U.S. Letter template for Microsoft Word or by starting with a template of your own. Our template only requires Microsoft Word, Letter size (8.5” x11”) paper and a basic color printer.
1.Start by clicking the button below to download our house manual template.
The booklet template uses U.S. Letter sized paper folded in half.
The U.S. Letter template is best for traditional 3-ring binder layout.
2. Open the document.
3. Now, all you have to do is swap out the template information with your own!
4. Don’t forget to add those personal touches to make guests feel welcome!
5. Don’t miss important information for guests, like Wi-fi access.
6. (For Booklet template) When you’re finished editing be sure to change your print settings to “Booklet” under “layout.” This template is designed to print out on two Letter size pages, front and back. Also be sure to set your Paper Handling for US Letter and scale to size. Use a high-gloss paper for a sleeker look.
7. Now all that’s left is to fold your two pages down the middle. You can secure your spine with staples if you like.
9. Place a copy on your coffee table. Also, consider making a version for digital distribution (Save as PDF), so you can email it directly to your guest before their arrival!
Whether you used the template or a leather-bound tome, we hope that this inspired you to become a 5-star host! Remember, it’s the little things that make a house a home.
Happy hosting!
ThirdHome Exchange members have recently returned from Milan, New York, and Laikipia, Kenya. Keep reading to learn about their ThirdHome experience.
Rustic Countryside Home | Milan, New York
Looking to escape the city? This rustic Upstate New York retreat is perfect for you. Surround yourself in the Hudson Valley’s majestic natural beauty while enjoying modern amenities and appointments in this home and guest cottage. The rolling expanse of the countryside certainly gives one a sense of space, but the 5,700 square-feet of home living space and 6 bedrooms certainly drives the point home. Enjoy a sense of privacy and tranquility that can only be afforded by countryside living. Keep a watch on this home for fall when the Hudson Valley’s transforming foliage is on full display.
ThirdHome member Jan says, “Wow. Just wow. This home is newly built and no expense has been spared. ‘Rustic’ is being modest…substitute the word ‘Luxurious’ in the description, and that doesn’t begin to cover it. Stunning architecture. Top-end appliances, linens, furniture…well, top-end everything, really. And the home is perfectly situated on the side of a hill with sweeping and unobstructed views of the mountains. ” click here to read more of Jan’s review
Nanyuki Family House | Laikipia, Kenya
Wild and remote, the Nanyuki Family House rests in the foothills of Mt. Kenya. Offering an oasis from the rugged and dry terrain of the Great Rift Valley, this spacious home features a pool, full-sized billiard room and indoor gym. The best part about this property is having the wilderness of Africa at your doorstep. A short ways from the grounds of the estate you’ll find elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hippos and more! Stay at this home for a combined walking safari and luxury home experience under the shadow of Mt. Kenya.
ThirdHome member Arthur says, “This was our first trip to Africa and there is a lot of planning and preparations required to explore and enjoy the culture and sites of Kenya. Richard and Amelia Leach were incredible with their insights and suggestions and I can’t thank them enough. The Nanyuki House is perfect for families to have a home away from home in Kenya.” click here to read more of Arthur’s review
Members, click here to view all available weeks and plan your next ThirdHome Exchange trip. Remember, you must be logged in to your account to see availability.
Want more information about our luxury home exchange club? Click here to learn more about ThirdHome.
Check out the infographics below to learn how to add a stay on your desktop or mobile device.
On Desktop
On Mobile
*Owners at certain resorts will need to pay their maintenance fee prior to offering their week(s) to ThirdHome. This is a requirement of the resort, not ThirdHome.
Need more assistance? Please reach out to your Member Experience associate or email us at memberexperience@thirdhome.com.
When I moved toward retirement my friend Paul offered me the following advice:
“There are 3 Stages in Retirement:
1. Go-Go.
2. Slow-Go. and
3. No-Go.
You better enjoy Stage 1 as long as you can because you never know when 2 and 3 are going to hit.”
Since Paul is about the smartest guy I know, I decided to follow his advice and over the past 3 years I’ve taken almost 40 trips as a member of ThirdHome across the US, Europe, South America and Mexico.
In fact, since last November, I’ve trekked across Mexico and Guatemala, from Cozumel in the East, to Zihuatenejo in the West, and south to Guatemala, staying in seven ThirdHome residences.
During my somewhat manic and adrenaline-filled adventure I visited 18 different cities and towns while meeting countless locals, taking hundreds of photos in numerous colorful markets and sampling many versions of guacamole and sipping tequila (one of life’s great combinations).
As an added bonus I had 27 friends share my south of the border adventures across all venues.
Now I admit to being a bit of a travel junkie and nothing excites me more than opening my latest edition of National Geographic Traveler or perusing the ThirdHome website to see what just became available.
To me, maximizing my travel opportunities provided by ThirdHome is simply a “no-brainer” and having the ability to invite friends and family on these trips has become a staple of my journeys.
I’ve become a pretty popular guy and if everyone is using me for my travel “hookup” so be it, because I’m having a ball. We are all seeing the world in a first-class manner that a few years ago, prior to joining ThirdHome, I couldn’t have imagined.
There were so many highlights on my recent South of the Border expedition that it is hard to isolate the best moments, but here are a few of my favorites:
1. Sampling a seafood stew served in a molcajete (volcanic rock bowl) at a beachfront restaurant in Bucerias, Mexico, while listening to an 8-piece mariachi band playing Mexican classics.
2. Spending a sunny February afternoon sitting on our deck in the awesome Novaispania ThirdHome property in Cabo San Lucas and watching dozens of whales breach and perform their unique acrobatics.
3. Kayaking in Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, surrounded by volcanoes, and watching local fishermen catch their dinner.
4. Observing while women in San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala, demonstrated a process called “backstrap weaving” to make the most colorful fabrics on earth, all dyed with plants, bark, vegetables, insects and fruits.
5. Taking a morning swim in the crystal clear Sea of Cortez in Ixtapa, Mexico, followed by a Mexican breakfast of fresh fruit and chilaquiles to begin the day.
6. Diving into cool water underneath a waterfall in the “lost in time” Mexican fishing village of Yelapa, Mexico.
In my “Retired Guy” travels I’ve found that my ThirdHome membership is an unmatchable tool to get me to some of the best places on earth. My plan is to savor this opportunity for first-class travel by continuing to deposit weeks into The Club and continue to take advantage of Keyless travel opportunities.
Back-to-back trips are a great treat for those members, who, like me, have a “nomadic” spirit. So little time and so many places to see. Adios Amigos until my next report!
Read more about Larry’s travels here.
Click here to view all available Exchange Properties in Mexico!
ThirdHome Exchange members have recently returned from Portland, Oregon and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Keep reading to learn about their ThirdHome experience.
Pearl District High-Rise | Portland, Oregon
Visit one of Portland’s most artistic and vibrant districts with this Pearl District High-Rise residence. Featuring room for up to 4 people, this property is a fantastic launching point for a week of gallery crawling, boutique shopping and proximity to world-class outdoor recreation. This property is an hour or less away from Oregon’s wine country, Mt. Hood and the Oregon Coast, giving you a bevy of activities for varied interests. This property is a part of the Pearl District’s fairly recent urban renaissance and revitalization, giving new life to industrial buildings and warehouses. You’ll find modern appointments, industrial architecture and cozy wooden beams woven together into a property as unique as the city in which it resides.
ThirdHome member Steve says, “I can’t say enough about our recent stay at the Pearl District High Rise. My wife and I were looking for a place to visit and came upon the Pearl District posting and decided to give it a try…The condo is beautiful and is in a perfect location. It was just a great stay and we would go back in a heartbeat.” click here to read more of Steve’s review
Villa Panorama | Misgunst, U.S. Virgin Islands
Poised over the turquoise waters of Magen’s Bay Beach is the stunning tropical Villa Panorama. True to its name, Villa Panorama features stellar sea views from every angle. The pool deck and lower hot tub deck are perfect for taking in the beauty of the Caribbean. This property includes room for up to 10 guests, making it an ideal family or small group retreat. Nearby you’ll find opportunities for scuba diving, snorkeling, and boating. St. John is a short island hop away for further exploration of the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you’re in need of a refreshing island experience look no further than Villa Panorama.
ThirdHome member Blake says, “ I could go on and on about the VIEWS! The pictures just can’t do the views justice. Every time we would drive up to the Villa, we would be blown away. We stayed post hurricane and had absolutely no issues with travel and the Villa was in pristine condition. The island has really done a nice job with rebuilding efforts. We swam in the hot tub and pool every day. We enjoyed the views from each and every room and balcony. There just wasn’t enough time to do it all!” click here to read more of Blake’s review
Members, click here to view all available weeks and plan your next ThirdHome Exchange trip. Remember, you must be logged in to your account to see availability.
Want more information about our luxury home exchange club? Click here to learn more about ThirdHome.
If you’ve booked or are thinking about booking a trip to The United Kingdom, this guide is for you. ThirdHome‘s Travel Concierge, Liz Bates, has collected The U.K.’s best local experiences, and is now sharing her insider knowledge with you!
DON’T JUST BE A TOURIST. LIVE LIKE A LOCAL, IN LONDON, WALES AND SCOTLAND, BY ADDING-ON ONE OF THESE PRIVATE OR SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCES!
Discover a bustling metropolis of art, history and culture in London. With much more to see than can be fit into a week-long stay, consider adding on a Live Like a Local experience to cover the essentials.
Evening Thames River Dinner Cruise – $179 per person
Enjoy a sumptuous dinner cruising past Big Ben, the London Eye, and more.
Rail it to Liverpool & Beatles Magical Tour – $259 per person
Included roundtrip rail tickets, Beatles Magical Mystery Tour, and entry to The Beatles Story.
Buckingham Palace – $129 per person
A panoramic tour of royal sites in central London followed by an audio tour of the staterooms, ballroom, and throne room in Buckingham Palace.
Stunning coasts and castles await in ancient Wales. Uncover mythical landscapes, historic landmarks and seaside charm in the Celtic land of Wales.
Private Brecon Beacons & Historic Sites – $429 per person
Find otherworldly views from mountains that tower over tiny hamlets boasting historic churches.
Private Pembrokeshire Coast – $429 per person
Visit Dylan Thomas’ home, Laugharne Castle, beautiful beaches, and more in this stunning coastal area.
Visit Edinburgh, the capital and cultural center of Scotland. It’s medieval architecture, craggy coast and exciting nightlife will have you longing for more time in this vibrant city.
Old & New Town Tasting Walking Tour – $125 per person
Enjoy good food, drink and company while learning the rich history of Edinburgh. Old & New Town are both listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Entrance to Edinburgh Castle w/Afternoon Tea – $69 per person
Visit this hilltop fortress, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels. After a self-guided tour, enjoy traditional afternoon tea with scones and sandwiches at the castle’s elegant tea room.
Beyond the marvels of Edinburgh lies an entire country filled with historic and cultural gems. From Loch Ness to the Isle of Sky, there’s no shortage of bucket list sites to see in Scotland.
Eileen Donan Castle & Isle of Skye – $125 per person
Behold some of Scotland’s most iconic scenery- Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Isle of Skye, and Black Isle.
Discover Malt Whisky Highlands Tour – $69 per person
Experience single malt Scotch whisky at two fascinating distilleries on the edge of the Highlands on this full-day tour.
Melrose Abbey & Alnwick Castle – $75 per person
Rolling hills, beautiful ruins, and a fascinating castle used as filming locations for Harry Potter and Downtown Abbey.
NO Keys are required to book these excursions and guided activities, however, a Personal Concierge assistance fee of $200 will be required upfront and does not include the actual tours and experiences you opt to add-on. If you would like to include a local excursion, please contact ThirdHome‘s Travel & Concierge, Liz Bates.
Click here to see the Live Like a Local directory.
Being a great guest for a home exchange or rental means treating the host’s home like your own.
The Golden Rule, do unto other’s homes as you would have them do unto your own, is the foundation of being a gracious guest. But as we discussed in our accompanying post, How to be the Perfect Home Exchange or Rental Host, it’s the small things that really leave an impression. Be sure to consider the following before, during and after your next ThirdHome stay:
- Host Guest Manual: Did the host leave a house manual with a detailed description of amenities, contacts and procedures? If they did, follow this document to the tee. If it’s absent, reach out to your host to make sure you have a clear understanding of the property during your stay.
- Feedback: Did you leave an account of your experience in their guest book? Did you review your host’s property page? Delivering positive or constructive feedback to your host is key to making sure that the ThirdHome experience remains consistent for both guests and hosts.
But being a perfect guest doesn’t end there. Keep reading to see how each stage of your trip should be approached as a guest.
Below we’ve outlined some of the most important things to consider when preparing for your stay at a host member’s property.
Before Booking your Stay
- Read the property page to see if you need to ask additional questions about the home
- Check for any additional fees before making a reservation
Directly After Booking your Stay
- After receiving your confirmation email reach out to your host to confirm arrival and departure details
- Make sure you know how to locate the home and have instructions for entry upon your arrival
During your Stay
- Treat the home as you would (or better than!) your own
- Upon arrival, if you see anything that is broken/damaged, be sure to let your host know right away
- Should anything be damaged during your stay, notify the owner so compensation can be discussed
Before Departing your Stay
- Tidy up after yourself
- Load the dishwasher and wipe off kitchen counters if dirty
- Collect and dispose of trash
- Follow any departure instructions left by the host (such as stripping beds, taking out trash, etc.)
- If your stay included staff or housekeeping, be sure to leave an appropriate tip for their services
Other Suggestions
- Bring a “thank you” gift for your host (bottle of wine, a souvenir from where you live, etc.)
- Leave a note thanking your host for opening their home to you!
- Leave a property review for other members! You will receive email/dashboard review prompts after your stay.
Ready to be the most gracious host in ThirdHome history?
Click here to browse ThirdHome Exchange availability.
Click here to browse ThirdHome Rental listings.
ThirdHome Adventures are made to transform your idea of travel. Advance your status to world-explorer with uniquely elevated journeys around the globe. From small groups to custom tours, the rugged outdoors to luxury lodgings, there is a heart-opening, perspective-changing experience for you. Which one fits your traveling taste? Take our quiz to find out!
ThirdHome Adventures are meant to transform your idea of travel. Discover what makes this ThirdHome Adventure to Argentina & Chile so special below:
Combine your love of wine, wildlife and the great outdoors with this ThirdHome Adventure:
Dates:
- September 16-26, 2018
- October 2-12, 2018
Top 5 Highlights from Landscapes of Argentina & Chile: Wines, Wildlife and Cowboys
1. Witnessing Southern right whales, elephant seals, fur seals, orcas and more on the Atlantic coast.
On this ThirdHome Adventure you will spend a day at the Valdes Peninsula Reserve. This nature reserve is inhabited by roughly 32,000 southern elephant seals, 8,000 southern sea lions and the largest breeding population of southern right whales on earth. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to photograph one of these majestic creatures emerging from the water off Argentina’s coast.
2. Walking with the Magellanic penguins.
Also located in the Valdez Peninsula Reserve is one of the world’s largest nesting colonies of Magellanic penguins. These medium size penguins are named for Ferdinand Magellan who saw them on his expedition in 1520. Walk with these adorable creatures at Estancia San Lorenzo, a private property that’s home to around 50,000 penguins. These penguins are very used to human visitors and will walk right along side you along the Patagonian steppe.
3. Watching for herds of guanaco and rhea, lesser & greater cavy, Patagonian fox and more.
There’s also an abundance of land critters to keep an eye out for. Watch for roaming herds of guanacos as they navigate their Patagonian terrain. Search for the flightless Rhea, South America’s largest bird. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the shy Patagonian grey fox as they emerge from their dens.
4. Experience tastings at exceptional wineries in Argentina and Chile’s world-famous wine regions.
Discover both Argetina’s and Chile’s world-class wineries. Visit Mendoza, Argentina, in the high-altitude Cuyo region to taste varietals from one of the “Great Wine Capitals” of the world. You’ll also have a chance to taste the wines of Uco Valley, primarily known for their Malbec, merlot, pinot noir, semillon and torrontes varieties. In Chile, you’ll explore the Maipu Valley and its many family-run wineries. You’ll have the opportunity to visit three wineries per region, learning about all the varieties and distillation processes amidst the scenic backdrop of the Andes Mountains.
5. Traversing the landscape as it changes from coast to mountain.
This Adventure will take you from the Atlantic coast of Argentina, through the Mendoza wine region, by road through the Andes, through Chile’s Andean desert and finally to Chile’s lush coastal region. You’ll be surrounded by stunning mountain views even as the setting changes around you. The variety of backdrops invokes an idea of drastically different worlds colliding into one masterful scene. You have the opportunity to discover this harmony of difference yourself by signing up for this ThirdHome Adventure.
To learn more about this ThirdHome Adventure visit our Landscapes of Argentina & Chile Adventure page to request more information.
ThirdHome members have recently returned from New Orleans, Louisiana, and Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Keep reading to learn about their ThirdHome experience.
French Quarter Paradise | New Orleans
If lively nights, cajun cuisine and jazz music sound like the makings of a great trip, then this Big Easy property is for you. This exquisite home is centrally located in The French Quarter, the oldest and most vibrant district of the city. After a long day of exploring local breweries, music venues and historic sites, this charming residence provides you with all the comforts of home, including two spacious bedrooms and an adjoining courtyard. The interior is decorated beautifully with antique furnishing reflecting its 19th-century origins and Greek Revival architecture. At night, step out onto the front balcony and listen to the wailing of brass horns and bustling nightlife in the near distance.
ThirdHome member Leslie says, “We had a ball staying in the French Quarter Paradise! The location is perfect for walking to many excellent restaurants, museums, walking tours, entertainment, shopping etc. Also close to the trolley stops when venturing further. Our days and nights were filled with all the fun things NOLA has to offer.” click here to read more of Leslie’s review
Lovely Loveladies | Long Beach Island, New Jersey
Made up of 18-miles of white sand and charming shore towns is the summer colony of Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Lovely Loveladies is a cozy beachfront home located on the northern finger of Long Beach Island. This impressive 6-bedroom oceanfront residence provides plenty of space for a gathering with friends or family. This beach-chic home also features a heated pool with a waterfall feature. This coastal paradise has plenty of entertaining activities to choose from. If you are feeling adventurous, surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing are popular area experiences. If you want to choose a more relaxing route, museums, local shops, movie theaters and the Long Beach Arts Foundation are nearby as well.
ThirdHome member William says, “Our family had the most wonderful week at LoveLadies!! The house was perfect for our extended family. It had everything you could possibly need to cook, entertain, relax and just have fun. ” click here to read more of William’s review
Members, click here to view all available weeks and plan your next ThirdHome Exchange trip. Remember, you must be logged in to your account to see availability.
Want more information about our luxury home exchange club? Click here to learn more about ThirdHome.
Did you know you can reserve these properties without using any Keys? Check out these Keyless properties, available now!
Keyless stays are last-minute trips that start within a 60-day window from the time of booking. These weeks can be reserved without Keys. Members only need to pay the exchange fee.
Members are eligible to book Keyless stays so long as they are deposit and dues-compliant.
Save your Keys and stay at Kapalua Villa on Maui Island. This 3-bedroom property sits on Kapalua Bay Golf Course and features owner rates to play at Kapalua Bay and Plantation courses. You’re also just a short walk away from some of Maui’s greatest beaches. If you’re looking for a tropical getaway with a bit of golf thrown in the mix, this property is perfect for you.
Take a short trip to the north and explore the art, culture and food of Old Montreal. There’s no better launching point for a trip like this. The 6-bedroom designer home features an expansive pool, billiards, a gourmet kitchen and space for the entire family. Besides exploring all that Montreal has to offer, you’re also a short distance from Quebec and the Laurentian mountains.
This staffed private retreat will leave you feeling like royalty. Enjoy sweeping views of the South Pacific from the property’s infinity pool or get a closer view from the private beach. Explore Taveuni Island’s rainforest and accompanying wildlife during your trip or snorkel along the world-renowned Rainbow Reef. If you’re looking for paradise you’re sure to find it at this 3-bedroom tropical retreat.
Love the outdoors? Experience Park City’s wide variety of summer offerings with a Keyless trip to the Rockies. This 3-bedroom residence is located at The Residences at Chateaux, a luxurious resort within the Deer Valley ski area. Explore the rugged terrain by hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fly-fishing and much more! Take advantage of The Residence at Chateaux’s concierge service to plan the perfect Keyless summer getaway.
Want a unique safari getaway beneath the gaze of Mt. Kenya? Discover the Great Rift Valley of Africa with this spacious villa. Spot elephants, giraffes, zebras and other exotic wildlife in Laikipia. Explore Mt. Kenya National Park’s glaciers, lakes, wilderness, mineral springs and endemic wildlife, if you’re up for a mountain climb. This 5-bedroom home is the perfect start to your next adventure.
Want to learn more about Keyless travel? Click here.
From an exquisite villa in Tuscany to an upcoming turtle hatching season in Central America, the Acheson’s make the most of ThirdHome!
How did you get involved with ThirdHome?
ThirdHome trip to MendocinoWhere do you usually travel?
What do you do for a living?
What are your favorite travel hobbies?
You can read more about Rick and Cheryl’s adventures at travelisbeautiful.com. Be on the lookout for the adventures at the Tuscan Villa!