Member Spotlight: Michael Johnson and Jane Forman

Based out of Dublin, Ireland, Michael Johnson and Jane Forman love using THIRDHOME to travel the world. Their coastal South Africa home has taken them to New Zealand and Australia. Learn how Michael and Jane use THIRDHOME to enhance their travel lifestyle.

Waipapa, Golf Course North Island, NZ

How did you get involved with THIRDHOME?

We were recommended by members of THIRDHOME based in Canada.

Where are you based?

Dublin, Ireland

Who do you usually travel with?

We like to travel together as a couple.

What do you do for a living?

I am now retired.

What are your favorite travel hobbies?

Local Cultures, sightseeing, foodies and golf.

Queenstown, South Island, NZ

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

New Zealand and Australia were very special, we planned a long trip and stayed in a range of THIRDHOME member properties over a period of 3 months – this was the trip of a lifetime made possible in part by other THIRDHOME members.

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

We have a number of trips already booked in the system, Arabella in South Africa,  Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Marabella in Spain.

Waipapa, Golf Course North Island, NZ

What do you love most about your property with THIRDHOME?

We know we have a lovely home in a great location that is very popular with members who enjoy what we have and that gives us a really good feeling.

Compared to other exchange and rental platforms, how has your experience been hosting other THIRDHOME members?

We get the type of guests who respect our home and are generally experienced in travel and protocols, we have never had a problem with THIRDHOME members as they are just like us!!

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

Being able to retire early enough to enjoy long trips and visit exotic places has been a real achievement.

How has THIRDHOME changed the way you travel?

It lets us stay in wonderful homes in super locations, we can visit places that otherwise may never have been on our radar and brings us luxury travel at affordable levels.

Janet on a helicopter tour to see the Great Barrier Reef

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

We have stayed in some truly spectacular properties that have everything you could ever want and one in particular in New Zealand had a wonderful master suite.

What makes a THIRDHOME stay so special?

Luxury is generally how we describe our experiences – properties live up to our expectations or exceed them, and the vetting and assistance from THIRDHOME staff is fantastic.

Michael and Janet’s view of The Great Barrier Reef

How is staying in a THIRDHOME different than other types of accommodations?

It’s home away from home, and the standards are very high and locations are special, we have not found that consistently elsewhere.

How would you describe THIRDHOME to a friend?

If you have a high-quality property that you wish to use for the purpose of traveling to similar quality properties in great locations, THIRDHOME is the best possible option.

Abel Tasman, South Island, NZ

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

Mudbrick Restaurant and Vinyard on Waiheke Island in Auckland, New Zealand. The food and ambiance was just fantastic.

Any travel tips for fellow members?

We found that building a “war chest of credits [Keys]”  allowed us to stay in THIRDHOME properties on a road trip type basis and this is a great way to assist organizing complex itineraries.

Pelican Point, Western Australia. 6 iron, 158 yards.