Buying a second home has long been recognized as a profitable venture, and one particular niche that has gained significant popularity is investing in second homes in vacation markets. From potential financial gains to personal enjoyment, in this blog post, we will delve into the top five reasons why buying in a second home in a vacation market can be a smart financial move.

Potential for Rental Income:

One of the most compelling reasons to buy a second home in a vacation market is the potential for generating rental income. By renting out your property when you are not using it, you can offset a portion, if not all, of your mortgage and other expenses. This additional income stream can significantly enhance your overall return on investment. Websites such as Mashvisor provide valuable data and insights on rental income potential, occupancy rates, and rental market trends.

Appreciation and Long-Term Investment:

Buying a second home in a vacation market can be a wise long-term investment strategy. Popular vacation destinations tend to experience consistent appreciation in property values over time. The limited supply and high demand in such markets often result in increased property prices. Reliable real estate websites like Zillow and Redfin offer comprehensive data and market analysis, allowing you to make informed decisions about potential appreciation and investment prospects.

Diversification of Assets:

Owning a second home in a vacation market adds diversification to your investment portfolio. Real estate is a tangible asset that can provide stability and act as a hedge against inflation. It can offer a counterbalance to more volatile investment options such as stocks and bonds. By investing in a different geographic location, you reduce the risk of being solely dependent on the performance of your primary residence or local real estate market.

Tax Benefits:

Buying a second home can also bring various tax advantages. Depending on your specific circumstances and the jurisdiction, you may be eligible for tax deductions on mortgage interest, property taxes, and even some expenses related to maintenance and management of the property. It is advisable to consult with a qualified tax professional or refer to reputable financial websites like Investopedia (www.investopedia.com) for accurate information on tax benefits associated with second-home investments.

Personal Enjoyment and Lifestyle Enhancement:

Beyond financial gains, owning a second home in a vacation market provides the opportunity for personal enjoyment and lifestyle enhancement. Having a place to retreat and unwind in your favorite vacation destination offers convenience, comfort, and the chance to create lasting memories with family and friends. It also provides the flexibility to escape the stresses of everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty and leisure activities of the vacation market you choose. Joining a home exchange club like ThirdHome can even further your enjoyment by expanding your vacation options. Unlike other home exchanges, they only allow second homes, vet all members, and also include access to resorts, private islands, and yachts.

Conclusion

Buying a second home in a vacation market can be a lucrative and rewarding endeavor. The potential for rental income, appreciation, asset diversification, tax benefits, and personal enjoyment make it an attractive option for investors seeking both financial returns and lifestyle enhancements. While travel websites can provide valuable information on vacation destinations, it is essential to consult credible investment-related sources such as Mashvisor, Zillow, Redfin, Investopedia, Bankrate, and other reputable financial platforms to make informed investment decisions. Remember to conduct thorough research, assess your financial goals, and seek professional advice when necessary before making any investment commitments.

ThirdHome makes the cut in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards survey!

Keep reading to learn how to vote for ThirdHome and enter the sweepstakes to win a dream getaway with Viking Cruises!

Condé Nast Traveler asked readers to participate in the first Readers’ Choice Awards survey over three decades ago. It was created so they could learn more about where their readers had recently vacationed, which destinations were next on their bucket lists, and all their favorite travel necessities. Your favorite destinations and travel stables need your love more than ever this year! ThirdHome is thrilled to be a part of it in the Homestays & Villa Rentals category once again and would love for members to consider voting for ThirdHome!

If ThirdHome is one of your favorite ways to travel, and we sure hope it is, keep reading to find out how to vote in the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards Survey. By taking the survey, you enter Condé Nast Traveler‘s sweepstakes to win a dream getaway for two with Viking Cruises!

Step 1: Click here to visit the Condé Nast Traveler‘s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards website

Step 2: Create an account or “Sign In”.

Step 3: Click on our category, “Homestays & Villa Rentals”!

Step 5: You will be prompted to answer a few questions…

Step 6: Last but not least, write a few sentences about your best ThirdHome experience and why you’re voting!

Click “Submit” to cast your vote!

After taking these steps and completing the survey, you’re all finished! ThirdHome is thrilled to be included in Condé Nast Traveler‘s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. Voting closes June 30th, 2023. Thank you for reading and voting!

Want more information about our Exchange Club? Click here to learn more about ThirdHome.

Interested in doing a home exchange? Many people find that home exchanges are the perfect way to explore the world safely and inexpensively. You get the same comforts of home for much less than you would pay for other accommodations like hotels. Swapping homes is relatively simple and quite exciting, but for first-timers, it may be overwhelming wondering where to begin. Luckily, this guide will explain the basics of each type of home exchange, such as direct and indirect, and how to choose the best option for you. Let’s get started!

What Does It Mean to Exchange Homes?

The name says it all. A home exchange or house swap is when two people temporarily exchange homes for a set period of time. Generally, both homes are located in different areas, be it different cities, states, or even countries. What’s more, is that the properties often vary in style. You might own a high-rise apartment in New York City or Chicago, whereas your exchange partner might have a beach house in Jamaica or a ski chalet in the mountains. The beauty of trading homes is that you never have to visit the same place twice.

What Types of Homes Are Eligible for Exchange?

If you were to search for a home exchange website, you’d find several different options. However, not all home exchange sites are created equal because there is more than one way to do a house swap. For starters, a house exchange can occur between homeowners’ primary residences or their second residences, such as vacation homes, investment properties, or fractional resort properties.

ThirdHome’s exchange club, for example, is exclusive to luxury second homes rather than primary residences to ensure the best experience possible. Staying in someone’s primary home often feels intrusive and uncomfortable because they contain the owner’s personal belongings. What’s more, is that exchanging primary residences limits when and where you can travel. When you swap primary residences, both parties are bound to that property’s specific location. 

A vacation home exchange, on the other hand, enables members to travel to more destinations and in more unique accommodations, such as yachts and five-star resorts. Not only can you swap your home for a stay in any destination of your choosing, but you’re also using your investment to your advantage. Rather than feeling guilty about your second property sitting empty, you can leverage it for additional and unique travel opportunities. It’s a win-win.

Understanding the Different Types of Home Swap Models

Direct Exchanges

Swapping primary residences translates to a direct exchange, which is where you simultaneously stay in somebody else’s home while they stay in yours. However, direct exchanges require you to find not only someone who wants to stay in your home but whose calendar and schedule also align with yours, which is especially challenging if you’re interested in a long-term swap. The direct exchange model doesn’t allow for flexibility of location or time frame and demands more advanced and extensive planning.

If you were to search for the perfect home swap match, it would take a lot of time and effort, including frequent correspondence. In fact, on average, 40 emails are exchanged between the guest and host members, which can be cumbersome.

Additionally, a direct home exchange may be difficult to arrange, depending on the location of your home. For example, someone with a penthouse in New York City might not be particularly interested in trading houses with someone in Oklahoma or Kansas. Consequently, direct exchanges tend to have a low rate of success.

Indirect Exchanges

An indirect exchange allows you to stay at another member’s home, even if they don’t stay in yours. The accommodating member receives an exchange credit to use as payment for their next exchange. This eliminates the need to coordinate schedules and allows maximum flexibility. 

ThirdHome, for example, uses the indirect exchange model by awarding Keys (credits) to members when they offer stays at their home. This, in turn, allows the member to use their Keys where and when they want without having to find another member who wants to use their home. As a result, members are able to make real-time bookings and plans without having to send speculative requests and wait for responses. 

Best of all, ThirdHome’s indirect exchange model is designed to work in tandem with conventional renting. Because our members choose which weeks they make available to other members of the Club, they are able to list any additional weeks on rental platforms, so they never need to worry about losing rental income.

Now that you’re familiar with the different types of home exchanges getting started is easy. To join ThirdHome’s exchange club, simply qualify your home, browse our wide array of inventory, and begin traveling.

If you would like to learn more about our luxury home exchange opportunities, click here to browse our properties or visit our FAQ page.

ThirdHome’s private exchange club offers luxury second homeowners unique benefits and exclusive experiences that other short-term rental sites can’t provide.

Rather than renting a home through traditional vacation sites like Airbnb or Vrbo, home swapping allows owners to spend time at other luxurious homes for a fraction of the cost. When you book stays through our Club, you pay a nominal fee between $495 and $1,395 for the week, saving an average of 90-95% compared to rental rates. What’s more, is the peace of mind knowing that only vetted, qualified second homeowners can exchange with your property.

Perhaps the most exciting perk is that our members have access to incredible properties worldwide that are exclusive to ThirdHome. Here are five luxury vacation properties only available to Club members.

1. Blowing Rock Mountain Dream Home | Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Nestled in western North Carolina, this dreamy mountain abode is dressed to impress, with large windows and balconies overlooking Blue Ridge Parkway – AKA “America’s Favorite Drive.” The 8,250-square-foot home sports eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms, offering plenty of comfort and space for up to 16 guests. ThirdHome members who book Blowing Rock Mountain Dream Home will marvel at its luxurious amenities, which include a baby grand piano, elevator, game room with a 150″ projection screen, table tennis, pool table, and karaoke. You will be only minutes from Appalachian Ski Mountain, downtown, and the Blowing Rock Country Club.

2. La Quinta Escape | La Quinta, California

Located within minutes of 25 world-class golf courses, mountain biking, hiking, shopping, and high-end dining, your time at this luxurious Southern California destination will be well spent. The four-bedroom, five-bathroom home resides in a gated community, only five minutes from Old Town La Quinta. Those who escape to this marvelous exchange home will be in awe of its resort-style patio with panoramic views of the Santa Ana Mountains. And with a crystal blue heated pool, spa, and lounge seating, you can enjoy time soaking up the endless sunshine.

3. Miranda Penthouse by the Sea | Playa del Carmen, Mexico

With expansive, open ocean views, this stunning penthouse is located on Calle 38 Norte. This is the most popular, tree-lined street location in Playa del Carmen, situated only 150 feet from one of the most beautiful Caribbean beaches in the world. Miranda Penthouse by the Sea offers three bedrooms, four bathrooms, and access to the building’s outstanding guest amenities. Here, you will find a resort-style rooftop pool area, complete with more panoramic ocean views, loungers, two large jacuzzi hot tubs, a built-in bar, an outdoor shower, and an outdoor dining and lounging area with a TV for additional entertainment. Plus, members who book this lavish property can also take advantage of a state-of-the-art gym.

4. Maui Oceanview Estate with a Pool | Wailea, Hawaii

If we had to sum up this spectacular Hawaiian estate in one word, it would be “WOW!” As you approach this private, fully-gated property, you’ll immediately see the magnificent glistening sapphire blue ocean, which offers breathtaking sunsets year-round. The home is approximately 5,000 square feet and includes four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a separate cottage, and unobstructed, 180-degree ocean views of Lanai, Molokai, and West Maui. Outdoor living is plentiful and peaceful, with large covered ocean-view decks surrounding the saltwater pool and spa (heated year-round at no additional charge). Best of all, ThirdHome members can bring their four-legged friends, as there is plenty of gated outside space for them to discover.

5. Modern Mountain Masterpiece | Glenwood Springs, Colorado

This beautifully curated, four-bedroom, three-bathroom home has been exceptionally engineered, with attention to detail everywhere you look. Situated on six elevated acres, the house is positioned to take advantage of the spectacular mountain views! Members who book this Colorado getaway will enjoy several lavish features, such as a covered outdoor living room, media room, fitness room, large laundry room, and sauna. Whether you are looking for an adventurous outdoor/ski vacation or a quiet getaway, this exclusive ThirdHome property has it all!

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 Exchange Club? Click here to learn more about ThirdHome.

As temperatures rise, so does wanderlust. Join us as we explore the top European destinations that travelers are heading to this summer.

Many find summertime synonymous with vacation, perhaps in part because of the idyllic weather or more time off from work. Now, with a reopening world, and the official start of summer approaching June 21, more people are itching to travel than ever before. In a recent article penned for Fortune, the President of American Express Travel reveals an exciting increase in foreign travel this summer, particularly to some of Europe’s greatest cities.

Let’s take a closer peek into the top four international destinations worthy of making your summer vacation roster.

London, England

Thinking of venturing across the pond? Now’s a great time to do so! Fortunately, London has a mild climate year-round, which translates to comfortable summertime temperatures resting in the mid-70s (°F). What’s more, you’ll enjoy longer daylight hours, making it easier to check off all the can’t-miss attractions on your itinerary. This may include Buckingham Palace, which is only open to the public from July to September. Better yet, if your next exciting home swap lands you in London between late June and early July, you might just find yourself in the stands at Wimbledon!

Paris, France

“Summer loving had me a blast…” — The lyrics don’t lie; it just so happens the best time to visit the most romantic city in the world is from June to August. Long days of sunshine averaging in the high 70s (°F) will grace you as you wander the streets in search of authentic Parisian cuisine and exciting activities. You can enjoy the summer’s many open-air events, such as the Paris Street Music Festival (Fete de la Musique) in June or the three-day Rock En Seine Festival in August.

Athens, Greece

Athens, Greece’s capital city, is a wonderful year-round destination. While the summer heats up quickly, reaching the low 90s (°F), there are plenty of ways to stay cool during your travels. An easy trick? Include museums and cultural centers with air conditioning in your itinerary. You can see some of Athen’s best attractions like the Benaki Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, and the National Archaeological Museum without breaking a sweat. Another tip is to embrace nightlife. Many bars, clubs, and cafés in Athens boast open-air features, including courtyards and rooftops, so as the temperatures fall with the setting sun, have yourselves a fantastic night out!

Rome, Italy

There’s no denying that summertime is peak season in Rome. The warm, mid-upper 80s (°F) weather and exciting annual events, like Vinòforum and Lungo il Tevere, draw visitors from across the globe. As such, hotels can become costly, which is another great reason to try a house exchange for your summer vacation. Don’t just take our word for it; see what our members are saying:

“Absolute Perfection.”

This is by far the best property we have had the pleasure of booking. Everything about this apartment is perfect – the location, the spaciousness, the amenities, the thoughtfulness of the owners – welcome wine, charcuterie, breads, waters. We have been to Rome many times but this was one of the best visits we’ve ever made to the Eternal City. We ate at many of our favorites and David’s suggestions are spot on – Armando’s, Nino, Emma, Ditrirambo, La Pergola, Taverna Angelica, and Life. We took the Scavi tour, visited many of the smaller churches we hadn’t had an opportunity to see, walked this beautiful city, and attended the Opera, We even experienced a Roman snowfall which is a true rarity. We look forward to returning to this beautiful apartment in the not too distant future.”

– Emma L., Member since 2020

“Great location and beautiful apartment!

We stayed during the month of July 2021. From the time we reserved this beautiful apartment, the host was very helpful providing useful information, sharing the websites, and made sure that our stay would be comfortable. The manager was very helpful upon arrival and during the stay, made sure that all was in place to make sure we enjoyed the stay. We felt very well taken care of and made us feel very special. Location of the apartment was closed to every places where we wanted to visit. We usually stay at St. Regis for our short stay in Rome, but this apartment location made our stay in Rome for a week especially very enjoyable. Apartment was very specious, clean and comfortable with updated modern interior. Nothing like staying at the hotel. We would love to return to this property again. Thank you for letting us book and stay at your beautiful property.”

– Mark U., Member since 2019

Ready to plan your ultimate summer vacation? Click here to learn more about traveling to Europe this summer with ThirdHome.

ThirdHome makes the cut in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards survey!

Keep reading to learn how to vote for ThirdHome and enter the sweepstakes to win a dream getaway with Viking Cruises!

Condé Nast Traveler asked readers to participate in the first Readers’ Choice Awards survey over three decades ago. It was created so they could learn more about where their readers had recently vacationed, which destinations were next on their bucket lists and all their favorite travel necessities. Your favorite destinations and travel stables need your love more than ever this year! ThirdHome is thrilled to be a part of it in the Homestays & Villa Rentals category once again and would love for members to consider voting for ThirdHome!

If ThirdHome is one of your favorite ways to travel, and we sure hope it is, keep reading to find out how to vote in the 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards Survey. By taking the survey, you enter Condé Nast Traveler‘s sweepstakes to win a dream getaway for two with Viking Cruises!

Step 1: Click here to visit the Condé Nast Traveler‘s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards website

Step 2: Create an account or “Sign In”.

Step 3: Click on our category, “Homestays & Villa Rentals”!

Step 5: You will be prompted to answer a few questions about your last stay…

Step 6: Rate ThirdHome on bookability, customer service, photos/information, portfolio, website, and variety.

Step 7: Last but not least, write a few sentences about your best ThirdHome experience and why you’re voting!

Click “Submit” to cast your vote!

After taking these steps and completing the survey, you’re all finished! ThirdHome is thrilled to be included in Condé Nast Traveler‘s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. Voting closes May 31st, 2021. Thank you for reading and voting!

Want more information about our Exchange Club? Click here to learn more about ThirdHome.

There are many home exchange sites out there. But they are not all created equal.

Different sites offer different amenities and prices to their members, and some sites are specifically designed for families or luxury homes.

The best way to find the right site for you is by researching the various options that are available.

Here is a list of popular home exchange sites and what they offer to get you started.

The Different Types of Home Exchanges Available

There are a variety of different home exchange sites out there. Some of the most popular ones include HomeExchange.com, HomeLink.org, and IntervacHomeExchange.com with sites like ThirdHome specializing in the luxury market.

To find the right site for you, you have to know what type of experience you’re looking to have as different websites cater to different needs.

A house swap is one where you will be living in someone’s home for a certain amount of time while they live in your home (usually for an equal amount of time and at the same time but this is not necessary if you use a website like ThirdHome). The idea here is that you have a property (you don’t necessarily have to own it, you could be renting it) that you can swap with someone else’s property in a different location.

A vacation rental is when you stay at someone else’s place but only rent it out for short periods of time (usually by the week). It’s like staying at a hotel but you’re renting someone else’s space instead. In this case, you don’t have to own a place to participate and, if you do, you don’t have to find someone willing to swap houses with you.

You may also be considering a shared holiday exchange. This type involves taking turns hosting people who visit your country during Christmas or other major holidays every year. This is usually done by families or small groups of friends who want to keep traditions alive while making new memories together every year.

House-sitting is a popular alternative to traditional home exchange because it offers the potential for free lodging even if you don’t have a home to swap. Many house-sitting sites offer a list of homes available for house sitters, as well as listing opportunities for homeowners looking to place their home with someone.

Some sites allow both property owners and house sitters to post their information, including pictures and details about the property, as well as set availability rules and requirements. House sitters can also write a profile that includes what they’re looking for in a house-sit, their experience level, and why they want to house-sit. Then homeowners can filter through various profiles to find the perfect match for them.

Below, we’ll dive more into some specific types of home exchanges and how specialized websites cater to them.

House Swapping

As mentioned above, house swapping is the practice of exchanging houses for a certain amount of time. This can involve either private homes or vacation rental.

House swapping has many benefits. It’s a great way to explore other parts of the world and experience new cultures like a local and it can also save you lots of money on accommodation in addition to giving you the opportunity to make new friends.

Home exchange sites focusing on this niche provide listings of houses available for exchange for your time away from your home country.

For Families

Sites like HomeAway.com are specifically designed for home-sharing with families and they offer a variety of amenities. They offer a range of options, including accommodations that have cooking and laundry facilities and others that have more high-end features like hot tubs and pools.
It is free to list your home on the site and they charge a small fee per night for any guests who stay at your property.

VRBO is a website also allows you to host rooms in your home for travelers coming to visit. This includes rooms with kitchens, bedrooms, living spaces, and other features. A one-night stay starts at $50 per person so it may be more expensive than other sites depending on what you’re looking for.

Luxury Homes

Traditionally, home exchanges have been for people looking to live in a home that is different and more exciting than their own. Therefore, luxury homes are becoming increasingly popular on the home swapping market.

By using a luxury home exchange site, you get to live in your dream house and have access to things you would not have otherwise the opportunity to experience. Luxury homes offer amenities like pools, game rooms, or outdoor living spaces that standard properties do not.

ThirdHome specializes in this luxury space with over 13,000 high profile listings all over the world. Perusing their properties is like looking at a catalogue of dream homes and it’s almost impossible to choose among all their incredible options!

Conclusion

Home exchanges are a great way to save money and stay somewhere new while feeling like a local. Home exchange websites make the job of finding your preferred solution uber easy these days.

However, there are so many websites and options to choose from.

The best way to find the perfect one for your needs is to decide what kind of accommodation you want, whether it is house-sitting, house swapping, or luxury accommodation.

Once you decide, take a look at the different websites specializing in that niche and go through the search filters in order to find the best solution for you!

Get started on your home exchange adventure with ThirdHome here

What is the best home exchange site?

There are a variety of different home exchange sites out there. Some of the most popular ones include HomeExchange.com, HomeLink.org, and IntervacHomeExchange.com with sites like ThirdHome specializing in the luxury market.

ThirdHome member, Larry Grossman, heads down to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for a luxury stay at Hacienda del Mar.

Cabo San Lucas in February. What’s not to like?  Warm weather, breaching whales, beautiful beaches and all the guacamole a gringo can eat. My friends and I had a week through ThirdHome in a large three-bedroom condo at Hacienda del Mar, located in between Cabo San Lucas and San José Del Cabo.  If you like traditional Mexican architecture (and I do), you’ll love this place.  Fountains everywhere, red tile roofs, soft arches, and grand exteriors blended with old-style swimming pools winding across the property. 

But the highlight of the resort is the wide and beautiful beach facing the Sea of Cortez.  Our first morning at the resort, we carried our coffee to the beach and watched a crazy-beautiful sunrise followed by several whale sightings from the shore.  Wow!  Pretty great start to the week!  Each day that followed, more of the same. Coffee, sunrise, whales and Mexican style eggs in a seaside restaurant.  And the afternoon featured not UNO, but DOS happy hours every day, whether sitting poolside or on the beach.

Of course, food and drinks always figure prominently into the travel satisfaction index with my crew and the Cabo corridor is a foodie’s dream location.

Highlights:

  1. The most original taco I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating served right on premises: a combo pulpo (octopus) and pork taco with fresh pico and hot sauce.
  2. Dinner at Flora Farms with farm-to-table veggies, fresh Chilean bass, brick oven pizza and one-of-a-kind drinks.
  3. Street food with tacos al pastor and churros that make your mouth water.
  4. Fresh margaritas prepared by Paco at the Cuban cigar lounge located in central San José del Cabo.
  5. 12 flavors of gelato including “Moose Tracks” to choose from in the Fresco La Comer supermarket.  (Who knew they had moose in Mexico?)

This was the sort of vacation in which daily outings and big-time adventures took a back seat to long walks on the beach, lounging at the pool, reading a book and simply enjoying the resort.  You want yoga, you got it every morning!  Cooking class, bring on the quesadillas!  Movies on the beach, “Grease” rocks!  After 3 months of U.S. winter, hanging out in this beautifully landscaped slice of paradise fit the moment perfectly.  The operative words were “decompress” and “unwind” and so it went.  Thanks Hacienda, for providing the perfect location for recharging and preparing to survive the last gasp of winter upon our return up north. 

Members Andrew and Anne from Australia have been part of ThirdHome Exchange for more than eight years. Learn about their favorite trips and experiences as long-time members of the the Club.

ThirdHome’s website is second to none. It is great fun to explore the world.”

– Andrew, January 2022

Read Andrew’s full testimonial below:

We have been members of ThirdHome for more than eight years. In that time, we have enjoyed 21 home exchanges (needless to say we are retired), and had to cancel a further seven due to COVID pandemic travel restrictions. It has been an amazing experience and in many cases, not accessible through other means.

Their favorite trips?

Picking favorites from such wonderful experiences is difficult. We both agree that the best was a game lodge (unfenced!) in a private South African game park. The following were also amazing:

Owners have been wonderful – many outstandingly so.  Hiccups have been few, mainly because ThirdHome was very proactive in resolving the few issues that arose. 

Their experience as Hosts

Likewise, the members who have stayed at our property in Sydney were wonderful, appreciative, and respectful.  

Traveling with ThirdHome is like no other.

ThirdHome’s appeal to us is that it is global, cost is offset by credits earned by making your property accessible to other members, and because it is not driven by a profit-focused management company.  Members are free to join or leave at any time. Staff have been invariably wonderful.

ThirdHome’s website is second to none. It is great fun to explore the world or just an area you plan to visit for other reasons to see if there is a ThirdHome property available.

Find out why Debbie Wingham, the designer of the “World’s Most Expensive Advent Calendar,” thinks home exchange is the innovative solution for your luxury travel needs.

With ThirdHome, a new destination is always on the horizon. Meet Debbie Wingham: luxury designer, travel extraordinaire, and ThirdHome Exchange member. Debbie joined The Club as a solution to the problem many second homeowners face: you love your vacation property, but you want to explore somewhere new.

Thus, home exchange is the perfect solution. Debbie explains, “I can use [my vacation home] as leverage and become a part of this exclusive club and travel the world.”

Watch this video for more of Debbie’s thoughts on home exchange and ThirdHome:

ThirdHome member Larry Grossman turns 70 this year.

In celebration of this milestone, he’s hitting all 7 continents with the help of ThirdHome.

Meet Larry:

World Traveler, Philanthropist, Friend, & ThirdHome Member

As Larry travels the globe with ThirdHome, he’ll be blogging about his experiences as he navigates the post-pandemic world. His planning began in 2019 with ThirdHome Director of Adventures, Liz Bates, who has assisted him in pivoting to satisfy his travel cravings when COVID-19 restrictions have not allowed him to visit a destination. Keep reading to learn more about Larry’s most recent travel experiences.

Next Stop: Morocco

I didn’t like the camel and the camel didn’t like me!  It was a rout, a blowout, a first-round knockout.  If there was a scoreboard, it would have read “Camel 70 – Larry 0.”  So, after five agonizing minutes aboard this gargantuan dromedary, I accepted the fact that I was a “desert weenie,” and came back down to the Sahara dunes and did two things I felt comfortable doing: walking in the Sahara and taking pictures. Gone forever was my fantasy of reprising the role of Lawrence of Arabia on the big screen, and winning the Best Actor Oscar wrongly denied to Peter O’Toole in 1963. 

My Morocco adventure started more than two years ago when my “travel muse” and ThirdHome Director of Adventures, Liz Bates, called me and said, “Don’t miss our Colors of Morocco tour! I’ve been there and the country is spectacular.” I had to confess that I knew little about Morocco beyond the fact that Casablanca, to this day, remains one of my favorite classic movies. I also knew a that an endorsement from Liz had proven to be the closest thing to a guaranteed great travel experience. She got me to the Peruvian Amazon and to the Galapagos, so why not Morocco?  Finally, I remembered just enough geography to know that Morocco was in northern Africa, and would therefore move me forward in my 7 at 70 Adventure to visit all 7 continents in the next 18 months. Thus, with the words from “Marrakech Express” (Crosby, Stills, and Nash) and “Midnight at the Oasis” (Maria Muldaur) dancing in my head, my daughter Morgan and I proceeded to meet 10 fellow travelers in Rabat, Morocco to begin our journey.

I’ve learned that a successful tour is dependent on a charismatic leader, and we were lucky enough to have resident Moroccan Berber villager, Abdou Imelouane, guiding us for the 14-day adventure.  Abdou was knowledgeable about all things Morocco (culture, food, history, religion, and art) and he patiently answered every question we threw at him, often with a wry sense of humor. 

Some of the many interesting factoids about Morocco we learned from Abdou on our adventure:

  1. Although tourists can visit “Rick’s Café” in Casablanca and listen to live piano music, the movie Casablanca was filmed in its entirety on the Warner Brothers lot in Burbank, California.
  2. There are massive underground reserves of water under the Sahara Desert, making water easily available to residents. Long hot shower, no problem!
  3. Morocco has been the site of 37 feature length films including Gladiator, The Mummy, Lawrence of Arabia, Sahara, Hidalgo, Sex and the City 2, and Kingdom of Heaven.
  4. In 1777, Morocco became the first country to formally recognize the United States as an independent nation.
  5. The national drink of Morocco is a special green tea drink called atai, a mixture of green tea, mint, and sugar. Guests are offered tea at every meal and it is considered rude to refuse the tea.    
  6. Morocco is the third largest exporter of olives (behind Spain and Tunisia) in the world.
  7. The Moroccan military has gone deep into the desert to vaccinate the nomad population against COVID-19.    

Our tour included visits to Roman ruins, Kasbahs, Royal Palaces, Unesco World Heritage sites, the Sahara Desert, as well as ancient Medinas (walled historic city sections) and Riads (large traditional houses with open areas/gardens in the center) in both Marrakech and Fes. We enjoyed meals in restaurants and villas across the country, and sampled typical Moroccan cuisine including lamb tangine, chicken pastilla, vegetarian couscous, and olives of every shape and color. Our accommodations ranged from funky and colorful Riad residences to luxury hotels.  Our group bonded during long rides through the Atlas Mountains with breathtaking scenery and hair-raising curved roads.  We witnessed nomads moving across the desert with mules and donkeys while establishing temporary homes held together with wood, blankets, and rugs. 

Highlights? There were so many:

Sunrise, sunset, and starry nights over the Sahara were mystical and unforgettable.

Our “back-of-the-bus” discussions during long rides solved no pressing problems, but we covered politics, movies, sports at every level, and established new friendships that are destined to lead to more adventures.

Walking through the Marrakech market at night shopping, haggling, taking photos, and talking to shop owners.  Massive crowds everywhere: monkeys with handlers, horse drawn carriages, shop owners selling, drums beating, and the smell of lamb, chicken, and beef wafting over the main square.

Our culinary workshop cooking various versions of Moroccan tangine. Not only was the final product photo worthy, but absolutely delicious and ready for prime time.

Touring the Hassan II Mosque inside and out.  This magnificent structure completed in 1993 is the second largest mosque in Africa, and features the tallest minaret in the world. 

“Colors of Morocco” offered an exceptional opportunity to experience the African Continent for the first time. 


To read more about Larry’s adventures with ThirdHome, click here. Stay tuned for more of his travels!

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