Member Spotlight: Jeri and Michael Archuleta

Jeri and Michael Archuleta, who are Texas natives, have been THIRDHOME members for 6 years. The Archuleta family has been traveling non-stop ever since, averaging slightly over 1 booking a month. The Archuleta’s have a laissez-faire approach to travel; if they see a property they like, they book it! This carefree approach to travel has brought their family amazing experiences, new cultures and unique adventures. Get to know the Archuleta family below!

 

How did you get involved with THIRDHOME?

In 2011, THIRDHOME reached out to us to inquire about our VRBO property on Lake Travis in Austin. We were somewhat skeptical, but after meeting other THIRDHOME members and having our first stay in Bachelors Gulch, we were convinced THIRDHOME would be a fabulous opportunity!

 

Where are you based?

The beautiful Hill Country of Austin, Texas.

 

 

Who do you usually travel with?

We love to travel with our adult children when their busy schedules allow. It’s a treat to take extended family and friends also. We just took my niece to Paris. It was a dream come true for her. I love that the homes are big enough that we can have guests join us.

 

What do you do for a living?

Michael is an attorney. Jeri manages various investment properties.

 

 

What are your favorite travel hobbies?

We enjoy playing tennis, hiking, photography, walking and exploring. Our new found hobby is bicycling…with electric bikes!

 

In your past travels with THIRDHOME, what was your favorite destination and what did you love about it?

Our first white Christmas, in Aspen, was magical! Being with family and sharing that experience with each other will always be cherished. The kids still talk about it. Making magical memories. Thank you, THIRDHOME.

 

What’s the next destination you are eyeing to travel to with THIRDHOME?

So thrilled to take my 23-year-old son and his girlfriend to New York City this Thanksgiving. It will be such an experience for them and another memory maker. Thank you, Monica the owner in NYC, and THIRDHOME!

 

What do you love most about your property with THIRDHOME?

Allows us to enjoy the outdoors with cooler temperatures, beautiful scenery and a variety of outdoor activities.

 

Any personal/family achievements you’d like to share?

Michael has run and completed five marathons.

 

How has THIRDHOME changed the way you travel?

We let THIRDHOME decide where our next adventure will take us. That makes the planning stages easier. It’s a mystery where our next adventure will be, but one thing we know, it will be magical. Having the opportunity to travel with family and friends has been very gratifying and being open to new places has been most rewarding. For instance, traveling to Argentina was not on our radar, but given the opportunity, we decided to be adventurous and go for it. Michael’s mother and sister joined us at the Estancia La Fortuna, about an hour outside of Buenos Aires. Michael and I spent a few days in Buenos Aires afterward and loved our experiences there, especially the food. It has been a treat for us to travel to parts of the world unknown to us and trust the owners and THIRDHOME that our stay will be delightful.

 

What is the nicest amenity you have encountered while staying at a THIRDHOME property?

Staying healthy is a priority and having kitchens has allowed us to stay on track. We dine out less, saving money and saving calories!

 

How would you describe THIRDHOME to a friend?

A travel club that was expertly designed to provide opportunities for travel to fabulous places all over the world and stay at wonderful residences or hotels very economically.

 

What’s the most memorable restaurant you’ve eaten at during one of your trips?

So many! I will try to narrow it down: best breakfast, Le Bristol in Paris; best brunch, The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida; best lunch, Michael’s favorite is Mama’s Fish House, in Maui; best dinner, Daniel in NYC.

 

Any travel tips for fellow members?

Watch and check the THIRDHOME site daily. Upgrade your membership for all the added perks. Add to your “watch” properties regularly. Be adventurous and explore different places, that you never thought about. Use Trip Advisor, Yelp and our great THIRDHOME concierge, Liz, for travel tips.

 

Anything else you’d like to add?

We loved using the gift you sent for our phone/camera to take hands-free photos using the NanoHold.  Here is a photo we took using it, in St. Moritz. It shows the phone on the window and the result, our photo.  We had a blast using it and got some wonderful photos of the two of us that we would not have had otherwise.  Thank you so much for the very thoughtful gift!