Member Spotlight: Tom and Pam Bernhardt

Tom and Pam Bernhardt have been ThirdHome members since 2011. In the past 6 years, they’ve managed to travel to some amazing places. From Jamaica to Umbria and beyond, the Bernhardt’s have leveraged their Austin homes to take 18 trips with ThirdHome, with more slated for 2018.

How did you get involved with ThirdHome?

We joined in 2006 when ThirdHome reached via a phone call.

Where are you based?

Austin, TX.

Pam with her son and daughter

Who do you usually travel with?

We travel as a couple frequently and at least once a year with all five grown children.

What do you do for a living?

Pam is a real estate agent in Austin. Tom is retired for the fourth time.

What are your favorite travel hobbies?

Hiking, walking, beach going, swimming, boating, tennis

Tom and Pam hiking in Aspen

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

I would have to say, Aspen.  We went for three weeks during the summer and hiked daily.  We go there every summer and know the town well.

Pam hunting for truffles in Umbria

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

France.  We are traveling to Cap Benat which is on the ocean near St. Tropez.  La Radieuse is the name of the villa.

The Bernhardt’s Austin Clarksville Home

What do you love most about your property with ThirdHome?

We have two and soon to be three.  The two that we currently have (Austin Bungalow and Austin Clarksville Home) are located downtown, so walking to morning coffee shop or going to listen to music at neighborhood pub after dinner are fun things to do.  You can walk everywhere including the three-mile trail along Town Lake.

Girls trip to Aspen

How has ThirdHome changed the way you travel?

It has allowed us to travel much more than we use to.  I also can now take multiple girl trips.  This summer my husband is doing the motorcycle trip in Europe.  This will truly be a first for him.

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

My husband Tom was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst and Young in 2000.

Family trip to the Carribean

What makes a ThirdHome stay so special?

The people. When people own a second home they tend to keep your home like they want others to keep their home. All good.

How would you describe ThirdHome to a friend?

It is like entertaining friends.  Much different than the general population.

Christmas trip to Times Square, NYC

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

Jean Georges in NYC.

Trip to Westhampton at Westhampton Estate

Any travel tips for fellow members?

Look very carefully at the location and condition of each home. This is what can make your trip very special.

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

I have had all positive experiences and have met some very interesting people.

More pictures from the Bernhardt’s travels