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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
Amex Travel’s Trend forecast for 2018 has some classics and some newcomers in the realm of international travel; Bali, Costa Rica, Dubai and Vietnam to name a few. But how do the industry-wide trends line up with THIRDHOME users in 2018? It’s looking to be a strong year for cultural immersion trips paired with luxury experiences.
Several of these destinations come as no surprise. Costa Rican properties have been increasingly popular in the club as have Bali homes. The “United States Hot Spots” are longtime favorites of THIRDHOME members. But what sticks out within THIRDHOME’s membership for 2018?
Of our member bookings for 2018, here are THIRDHOME‘s Top 10 Destinations of 2018:
10. “United States Hot Spots”: Florida, California, Aspen, Park City, Vail, Truckee, San Francisco
It’s not difficult to guess why over 16% of 2018 bookings end up concentrating near the Rockies and West Coast. World-class ski resorts and mountain homes with stunning views are the main attractions. But year-round outdoor recreation opportunities make Western U.S. Hot Spot cities even more attractive for active travelers. Southeast bookings have unsurprisingly been dominated by Florida stays around the Gulf. These U.S. destinations are definitely worth a Saved Search, given how quickly and often they’re booked. If being more outdoorsy was one of your resolutions for the New Year, consider making a trip out West.
Click here to see available properties in the United States.
9. Mexico: Cabo San Lucas
Great weather, beautiful beaches and amazing golf. Mexico, particularly the Baja del Sur region, seems to have it all. With all the Affiliate resort properties available, making a trip to Mexico is just so easy. And even if you aren’t looking for a coastal resort town there are so many cultural experiences to be had in cities like San Miguel de Allende. Taking an estimated 11% of 2018 bookings, Mexico is very popular with many THIRDHOME users.
Click here to see available properties in Mexico.
8. France: Paris, French Alps and Provence
Who doesn’t dream of flying away to Paris for a week of relaxation and cultural immersion? Centrally located Parisian properties have always been popular for club members, but a few new French destinations are gaining popularity. The French Alps are drawing more adventurous skiers this year. Also, more members are exploring Provence and other pastoral Southern regions. Yes, landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport and not leaving Paris makes for a wonderful trip, but don’t be afraid to explore new areas of the French countryside, mountains and coast in 2018.
Click here to see available properties in France.
7. Costa Rica: Playa Flamingo and Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica has emerged as a must-go eco-travel destination over the last few years. With an abundance of luxurious villas available in gorgeous areas like Playa Flamingo and the Manuel Antonio Rainforest, it would be criminal not to make a quick stop in Costa Rica in 2018. Most destinations are easily accessible, usually only requiring one transfer flight when flying from the United States.
Click here to see available properties in Costa Rica.
6. The United Kingdom: London
Similar to Paris, a trip to London is an easy European adventure. The city is filled with endless activities and experiences, making the city one of our top destinations of 2018. But more members are also venturing out to different U.K. locales. Naturally, more golf enthusiasts have been booking properties in Scotland while others are venturing to smaller towns, such as Cornwall.
Click here to see available properties in The United Kingdom.
5. Italy: Rome and Venice
Holidays in Rome and Venice have remained fairly popular in the club. Historic properties with central access to attractions have kept bookings up in Italy for 2018. A wide range of rural Tuscan properties have also been popular. Smaller coastal cities like Trieste are making for a slightly different Italian experience, more akin to a Croatian holiday. The Italian Alps are also drawing more and more skiers into cozy mountainside chalets. Be sure to explore Italy’s diverse range of destinations this year.
Click here to see available properties in Italy.
4. Canada: Mont-Tremblant
2017 was a big year for Canadian travel and 2018 will probably see even more bookings in the great North. With urban centers like Quebec and Toronto anchoring huge swaths of national parkland, Canada has the best of city living and natural wonder. Not to mention some of the world’s best skiing at Mont-Tremblant and Whistler. Cozying up by the fire in a timber ski chalet alongside Lac Tremblant is something everyone should experience.
Click here to see available properties in Canada.
3. South Africa: Cape Town and Plettenberg
With a diversity of landscapes only paralleled by New Zealand, South Africa is a one-stop shop for coastal wonder, safari adventure and serene wine country. THIRDHOME members are mostly booking stays along the coastline in places like Cape Town and Plettenberg Bay. In a country like South Africa, it’s easy to stay on the coast and make day trips to the Franschhoek Winelands or the safari lands alongside the Zimbabwe and Mozambique borders. Or, just play with the penguins at Table Mountain National Park in Boulders Beach. South Africa is filled with out-of-this-world experiences.
Click here to see available properties in South Africa.
2. Spain: Marbella
Surprisingly, large urban centers like Madrid and Barcelona aren’t topping THIRDHOME‘s charts. Spain’s booking numbers are led largely by Marbella properties and other Costa del Sol homes. The Andalusia region’s rich history, Moorish influence and warm weather make Costa del Sol a prime location for a summer vacation with cultural immersion built-in. The luxurious private property selection in Costa del Sol is an attraction in itself. Some of these villas are to die for. If you haven’t already explored the land of Don Quixote, do yourself a favor in 2018 and book an Andalusian property.
Click here to see available properties in Spain.
1. The U.S. Virgin Islands: St. Thomas
Demand for the U.S. Virgin Islands was hardly diminished despite Hurricane Irma. Private homes and resort properties, mostly The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club St. Thomas, have seen healthy bookings for 2018. Luckily, the Virgin Islands have rebounded from Hurricane season and have been tourist operational since this past November. St. Thomas has always been a THIRDHOME favorite and will most-likely make the Top 10 list for years to come.
Click here to see available properties in The U.S. Virgin Islands.
THIRDHOME’s Top 10 Destinations 2018
2018 should be a fresh year of discovery for members. So, we recommend trying something new. Whether it’s ecological exploration, cultural discovery or new outdoor recreation experiences, make 2018 a year to remember.
Now that you’ve seen what fellow club members are booking for 2018, where will you go? Click here to browse through all available properties. Remember, you must be logged in to see availability.
EOY THIRDHOME Booking data 2017: Top 10 Destinations 2018 accounts for 45% of 2018 bookings.
Hit the fresh powder with these THIRDHOME Exclusive Stay ski weeks. Each exclusive stay pairs a THIRDHOME property, a ski resort, and rental services from Ski Butlers. Between their amazing customer service and the help of your personal concierge, your next vacation will be a breeze.
What can you expect from Ski Butlers? You will never lug around your ski gear again with Ski Butler rentals. They’ll fit you at your property, deliver the gear, and pick it up when you’re done from wherever you are. Operating in 37 North American ski resorts, Ski Butlers is available at your favorite ski destinations. Even better, book your Ski Butler service through THIRDHOME and get 10% off the price of your rentals.
Our Travel Concierge is ready to make your dream ski vacation a reality with these exclusive trips
Heavenly Hideaway | California
Get cozy around the fireplace at this elegant Lake Tahoe treehouse. From this amazing property, you’re only 8 blocks away from The Heavenly lift. With room to sleep 6 people, 3 and a half baths and 2,200 square feet, you’ll have plenty of room to spread out and enjoy your trip to Lake Tahoe. Get your gear fitted and delivered directly to the treehouse through Ski Butlers, and hit the slopes in no time. You can also arrange lift tickets, sleigh rides, snowmobile adventures, in-home private dinners, spa reservations and paddle-wheeler boat dinner on Lake Tahoe through your travel concierge. Click here to learn more about the Heavenly Hideaway Experience.
Park City Powder | Utah
Settle into one of the largest homes in Park City’s Old Town during your exclusive ski trip. This 4,400 square-foot home can easily host a party of 12 and can be your home base for an epic day on the slopes. It’s even located in the neighborhood that the stars call home during the Sundance Film Festival. The home features a gourmet kitchen, a Jacuzzi, game systems for the kids and easy access to all that Main Street has to offer. Within walking distance of Park City Mountain Resort, you’ll have no trouble getting to your favorite slopes from here. As always, Ski Butlers can show up right to your house to have you outfitted for the slopes. Your travel concierge can arrange lift tickets, sleigh rides, spa reservations, private dinners and much more for your Park City Powder adventure. Click here to learn more about the Park City Powder Experience.
Aspen Wonderland | Colorado
Shred Snowmass Mountain by day and stay at this Stunning Mountain Home by night. Within 10 minutes of all four Aspen ski mountains, this mountain home is perfect for skiing pros. This house can sleep 10 people, has four fireplaces, a gourmet kitchen, four master suites and a bunk room. There’s no reason to leave the house (besides skiing) when your gear can be delivered by Ski Butlers and your dinners and massages can be provided in-home. Spoil yourself with this decadent Snowmass Village getaway this ski season. Your travel concierge can arrange spa reservations, dinner reservations, dog sledding adventures, sleigh rides and so much more at your request. Click here to learn more about the Aspen Wonderland Experience.
Squaw Valley Views | California
Schuss like an Olympian at The Resort at Squaw Valley, site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. This AAA Four-Diamond resort overlooks the Sierra Nevada Mountains and offers access to both Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows slopes. The residence can accommodate up to 4 people and is perfect for small family trips. The resort is also ski-in/ski out making for seamless transitions from skiing to relaxation. Again, you’ll never have to worry about your gear when you use Ski Butlers for your rental needs. Your travel concierge can arrange lift tickets, sleigh rides, dogsledding, in-home massages therapy, spa reservations and so much more. Book a hand-tailored ski trip for your family at Squaw Valley today. Click here to learn more about the Squaw Valley Views Experience.