What are THIRDHOME members saying about their luxury home exchange trips to Kiawah Island and Useppa Island this week?
Southern Tide | Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Southern Tide, located on Kiawah Island, South Carolina, is the perfect place to get away with the family or reunite with a group of friends! Boasting 5 bedrooms, there is plenty of space for 14 guests to stay comfortably. Convene in the modern great room with family members after a relaxing day spent poolside. Complimentary bikes will allow you easy access to all the island has to offer. Dine and shop at Kiawah Island’s best restaurants and boutique stores, all within biking distance of the property! Southern Tide is the perfect Carolina summer vacation home.
THIRDHOME member Larry says, “Our group of four couples stayed here in April 2019. We came in with high expectations and this home blew them away. The pictures simply do not do this property justice.” Click here to read more of Larry’s review.
Hideaway Cottage | Useppa Island, Florida
The Hideaway Cottage on Useppa Island, Florida gives guests access to one of the most exclusive clubs in South Florida. This beautiful five-bedroom home features impressive views down Pine Island Sound, all the way to the Gulf of Mexico, along with an expansive waterfront and private dock. Guests of this property have full access to Useppa Island Club’s incredible amenities, including elegant restaurants, use of the club’s pool and hot tub, tennis, and croquet, as well as access to a serene private beach. The Hideaway Cottage is truly a marvelous hidden gem on Useppa Island!
Members, click here to view all available weeks and plan your next THIRHOME 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
Everything you need to know about Home Exchange:
The history, how to get started, and how it works with THIRDHOME.
How Did It Start?
The concept of “home exchange” or “home sharing” came in to play in the 1950s when teachers and professors were looking for a less-costly way to travel during their sabbaticals and holiday months. They would connect with other teachers, in a country or city far away, to discuss swapping residences by mail. As this cost-effective method for finding accommodations became more popular, the idea spread to other communities, with similar vacation schedules, who were willing to exchange their homes. Printed catalogs were distributed to limited destinations and swaps were coordinated via handwritten mail.
As the Internet was evolving, companies began to capitalize on the idea, and home sharing has continued to change the travel industry ever since. The first home exchange site was officially launched in 1995. In the mid-2000s, vacation rental companies like Airbnb and HomeAway made the idea of renting someone else’s private home more palatable, paving the way for vacation home exchange sites to grow. Home exchange became popular when companies, such as HomeLink, began to expand their networks, in the early 1980s, to individuals with occupations that allowed similar travel flexibility.
Benefits of Home Exchange
You may be wondering why you’d consider a home exchange rather than booking a hotel or a vacation rental. Here are a few reasons why:
First, home exchanges can cut down on your accommodation costs quite a bit! Home exchange isn’t exactly free and companies usually require a fee to facilitate the exchange. For example, a luxury vacation rental home in Florida can cost around $5,000 per week during peak season. With THIRDHOME, you could exchange time at your second home for a week in Florida and pay a much less significant, one-time exchange fee (THIRDHOME’s range from $395-$1,295 for an entire week). For this example, that’s upwards of $3,000 saved that could be spent on travel, activities and dining.
The second reason why a home exchange might be appealing is that the experience of staying in another person’s home allows you the opportunity to explore the destination around you as a local. The owner can provide you with restaurant or activity recommendations and help you discover local gems, typically not frequented by tourists.
Another major benefit is having access to resorts and resort-style properties. Some home exchange companies have partnerships with resorts where fractional owners can exchange time they have at their resort residences, rather than fully owning a second home.
Lastly, it can help address buyer’s remorse. By about the 5th year of owning a second home, buyers begin to question if they made a good investment and are ready to start traveling somewhere besides their second home. Being part of an exchange, allows you to parlay that single vacation home into countless others.
Drawbacks of Home Exchange
Make sure to trust the company you choose to exchange with to ease your mind when it comes to how your guests will treat your home. When staying in another person’s home during an exchange, you must be aware of the potential downsides that might not appeal to you. You may encounter personal paraphernalia, family photos, or unfriendly neighbors. When hosting a guest, just like a vacation rental, be aware that there is potential that the guest might cause damage to your home. That’s why it’s essential to join an exchange club that offers a trustworthy and verified membership-base. THIRDHOME addresses this concern by partnering with third party security and verification companies to assist in vetting home owners before they ever even become a member.
Primary Home vs. Vacation Home Exchange vs. Fractional Ownerships
Thanks to movies like The Holiday (2006), home exchanging has continued to grow and evolve over the years. In the movie, two characters swap homes for two weeks. One lives in Surrey, England while the other lives in Los Angeles. This swap, is an example of primary home exchange, and is defined as the usage of an owner’s primary home that they live in full time. A vacation home exchange, on the other hand, involves the exchange of a second home, investment property, or fractional resort property. THIRDHOME is a home exchange that facilitates vacation home exchanges.
Reciprocal vs. Direct Exchange
A direct exchange is where two homeowners coordinate calendars to stay in each other’s properties during the same period. Direct exchanges were popular among academic groups in the 1950s because academia shared similar schedules in which they could travel. Those outside of academia didn’t have the same flexibility in schedule, so the trend didn’t catch on. Eventually, the Internet allowed exchange companies to create marketplaces where direct exchanges weren’t necessary. A reciprocal exchange or indirect exchange, allows more flexibility for an owner by utilizing a credit system. THIRDHOME, for example, uses the reciprocal exchange model by awarding Keys to owners when they deposit stays. This, in turn, allows an owner to use their credits (Keys in our case) during a time that suits them.
How Home Exchange Works With THIRDHOME
THIRDHOME is a private luxury-only home exchange club that provides its members a way to get value out of unused time at their second home. What sets THIRDHOME apart from other home exchange companies is that there is criteria for joining, including home value, location and quality appointments.
Even more importantly, our membership base is made up of second homeowners who share a mutual respect for each other’s homes. They follow the Golden Rule of home exchanging: Respect other member’s homes, as if it were your own. Our peer-to-peer review requirements applies to both the guest and the host experiences, which helps to keep the system in check, further enhancing the trust and safety elements of The Club.
Instead of members having to coordinate exchanges directly with those they’d like to visit, hoping to agree on a mutual date, they deposit available weeks into the collective to earn travel credits called “Keys”. The more often members deposit, the more Keys they earn, allowing them to travel to other properties within The Club. The Key value of a week is based on the value of the property as well as the desirability of the stay. Once you’ve booked another home using your Keys, simply pay the nominal THIRDHOME exchange fee and your reservation is confirmed.
Guest Responsibilities
Being a guest of a THIRDHOME Exchange means treating the home like it is your own. The Club is based on the idea of having like-minded members, so the fears of renting to a complete stranger are no longer relevant. Each home is carefully evaluated and accepted into The Club to make sure they meet the high standards of our members. Before booking your next stay, make sure you read the property page carefully to be aware of specific amenities the home has to offer or any additional fees. If you have any questions for the host, our team is happy to help get those answers for you by contacting the host member on your behalf. After receiving your email confirmation for the reservation, contact the host to be clear on arrival and departure dates before making your flight arrangements. After your stay, write a review on your experience for other members to read. THIRDHOME has more tips on Guest Responsibilities here.
Host Responsibilities
To be a perfect host, you must pay close attention to detail and be prepared to communicate effectively with your guest. We suggest leaving a home manual to give your guest a description of all the amenities your home has to offer. Wifi passwords, television directions, and anything your guest might need to know to help them have a positive experience. A welcome package is also recommended, as your guests are your fellow members within The Club! A bottle of wine, local treats, or even a simple note can give a personal touch for your guest. Having a guest book for members to sign can also help build lasting relationships with other members. Building relationships between members help strengthen the club community. Warmly welcoming a member to your luxury second home can help you have the same experience on your next trip! For more information on Host Responsibility, you can view THIRDHOME‘s suggestions here.
Is Home Exchange For You?
Home exchange isn’t for everyone and there are benefits as well as drawbacks. But there are plenty of companies out there to make sure that you have a positive and beneficial experience when participating in home exchange. At THIRDHOME, we strive to make sure each and every one of our members has a luxury-filled, incredible experience every time they travel with us. Our team is dedicated to helping you see the world from a different perspective while also getting the most value out of your second home.
Interested in learning more about THIRDHOME Exchange?
Click the button below to get in touch with our team and learn more about home exchanging and how it works with THIRDHOME.
What are THIRDHOME members saying about their luxury home exchange trips to Napa Valley and Yellowstone this week?
Mount Veeder Retreat | Napa, California
Mount Veeder Retreat is perched at the highest point of a gorgeous 55-acre private vineyard. This incredible farmhouse-style residence is in the heart of Napa Valley wine country. Boasting 5 peaceful and innately designed bedrooms, guests are sure to have the experience of a lifetime when staying at Mount Veeder Retreat. The town of Napa is only a few minutes down the road, where guests are able to find 5-star cuisine and exquisite shopping. If you’re looking for a flawless California wine country experience, reserve this spectacular Napa Valley retreat today.
THIRDHOME member Brendan says, “Our group of four couples stayed here in April 2019. We came in with high expectations and this home blew them away. The pictures simply do not do this property justice.” Click here to read more of Brendan’s review.
Island Park Lodge in Yellowstone Country | Island Park, Idaho
This luxurious mountain lakehouse has never been rented and is only open to family and THIRDHOME guests! The Island Park Lodge is located just minutes away from the exploding geysers, incredible waterfalls and spectacular views of Yellowstone National Park. Sleep in 1 of 5 bedrooms after a fun day of relaxing on the property’s private beach. Or visit in winter to ski at surrounding mountain resorts. With a spacious 6,000 sq. ft. open floor plan, guests will enjoy breathtaking lake views from virtually every room in the house. It will be difficult to leave Island Park Lodge after a week long stay!
Members, click here to view all available weeks and plan your next THIRHOME 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 makes the cut in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards survey!
Keep reading to learn how to vote for THIRDHOME and enter the sweepstakes to win a dream getaway for two!
Condé Nast Traveler asked readers to participate in the first Readers’ Choice Awards survey over 3 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. Back then, readers filled out paper ballots. Last year’s poll attracted 429,000 readers who filled out the survey online. This year, THIRDHOME is thrilled to be a part of it in the Homestays & Villa Rentals category and would love for members to consider voting for THIRDHOME!
If THIRDHOME is one of your favorite ways to travel, keep reading to find out how to vote in the 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards Survey. By taking the survey, you enter Condé Nast Traveler‘s sweepstakes to win a dream getaway for two!
Step 1: Click here to visit the Condé Nast Traveler‘s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards website
Step 2: Click on “Vote Now” and sign up with your email address.
Step 3: Click on our category, “Homestays & Villa Rentals”!
Step 4: Fill out the form pictured below to begin the survey. Make sure to check the box at the end of this page if you’d like to be entered in the Condé Nast Traveler‘s sweepstakes!
Step 5: Type “THIRD HOME ” in the search bar.
Step 6: Rate THIRDHOME on bookability, customer service, photos/information, property database, value and website.
Step 7: Choose which group you’d recommend THIRDHOME to: Family/Kids or Family/Reunion?
Step 8: 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 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards. Thank you for reading and voting!
Want more information about our Exchange Club? Click here to learn more about THIRDHOME.
What are THIRDHOME members saying about their luxury home exchange trips to Scotland and South Africa this week?
An Cos | Torridon Highlands, Scotland
“An Cos”, meaning “The Hollow” in Gaelic, is a unique and wonderful getaway in the Scottish highlands. The home overlooks the village of Shieldaig with incredible views of the Isle of Lewis. An Cos is a cozy residence that features 5 bedrooms and under-floor heating throughout! Open log fires give a relaxing ambiance to the master bedroom, the main family room and study. You can even enjoy dinner with fellow guests out on the back patio and take in the beautiful views and surrounding greenery. If you’re interested in getting outside during your stay, kayaking, boat trips, fishing and cycling are all very popular. An Cos won’t disappoint on any level of majestic luxury!
THIRDHOME member Annie says, “We stayed a week at An Cos with our grown up children, their partners and baby grandson. The house is even more gorgeous than it appears in the photos, spacious, warm and comfortable, with a gratifyingly well-equipped kitchen.” Click here to read more of Annie’s review.
Magnificent Home in St. Francis Bay | St. Francis Bay, South Africa
This Magnificent Home in St. Francis Bay, South Africa is a luxury residence like no other! Resting on 8,000 square-feet, this one-of-a-kind villa looks out over shimmering ocean waters and the Humansdorp Mountains. With rustic, hardwood floors and other smooth wood finishes, the island-inspired interior will make you feel right at home. This home offers 4 large bedrooms all with lavish king-sized beds for pure relaxation at the end of each day. If you’re interested in visiting the town, plenty of delicious seafood restaurants are available as well as local shops. St. Francis Bay offers amazing views, cuisine and the ultimate South African holiday!
Members, click here to view all available weeks and plan your next THIRHOME 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
“We are traveling more, and consequently, enjoying life even more.”
Petronio Nogueira joined
Get to know THIRD HOME member, Petronio Nogueira, and how he uses The Club to Stay Worldly!
How did you get involved with
Where are you based?
Currently, we are living in London, United Kingdom.
Who do you usually travel with?
My wife and when it is possible, my son, my daughter and her husband. Sometimes we also invite friends.
What do you do for a living?
Enjoy life, among other less important things!
What are your favorite travel hobbies?
Hiking, going to the beach, dining, sight-seeing.
What do you love most about your property with
Compared to other exchange and rental platforms, how has your experience been hosting other
Hosting THIRDHOME members has been a fantastic experience.
Any personal/family achievements you’d like to share?
My wife and I have expanded our horizons as we have been traveling more and to new and interesting places.
How has
It has definitely changed the way we plan our trips for three main reasons: First, we’re thrilled by the idea of staying in a beautiful house with family and friends. My wife and I have discovered the joy of staying for a full week in one place. Finally, and more importantly, we’re traveling more, and consequently, enjoying life even more.
How would you describe
What’s the most memorable restaurant you’ve eaten at during one of your trips?
Restaurant Le Gabriel in Paris.
Any travel tips for fellow members?
Go beyond and enjoy life!
Lisa and Rusty have traveled with THIRDHOME since joining the club in 2012. They’ve visited some of the most beautiful beaches in the world while hosting members at their incredible penthouse in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Get to know THIRDHOME members, Lisa and Rusty Alexander, and how they use The Club to Stay Worldly!
How did you get involved with THIRDHOME?
Our architect was a THIRDHOME member and suggested we join.
Where are you based?
We are based in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
Who do you usually travel with?
Ourselves or another couple or two.
What do you do for a living?
I am a luxury home builder.
What are your favorite travel hobbies?
We really enjoy exploring new surroundings and laying out in the pool. Also, dining would be high on the list! Just relaxing!
Where will you travel to next with THIRDHOME?
Not sure yet. There are so many great places now that it’s hard to choose! Jamaica or somewhere out west (United States) probably.
What do you love most about your property with THIRDHOME?
That whenever we deposit weeks, they are taken up rather quickly.
Compared to other exchange and rental platforms, how has your experience been hosting other THIRDHOME members?
Everyone has been very thoughtful of our property and they seem to enjoy the quaintness of the area.
Any personal/family achievements you’d like to share?
We have received several regional awards for home building in the Southeast.
How has THIRDHOME changed the way you travel?
We have been able to travel to places we never thought of at a fraction of the price.
What is the nicest amenity you have encountered while staying at a THIRDHOME property?
Wow, not really sure. They each have their own special amenities that complement the location.
What makes a THIRDHOME stay so special?
Each place just feels like “home” with very relaxing atmospheres.
How is staying in a THIRDHOME different than other types of accommodations?
You are staying in someone’s second home which is sometimes better than your primary residence!
How would you describe THIRDHOME to a friend?
If you have a second home you NEED to be in THIRDHOME! It’s just that simple!
What’s the most memorable restaurant you’ve eaten at during one of your trips?
Our favorite restaurants are probably the Lavender Bistro in LaQuinta, California, and Asolare in St. John U.S. Virgin Islands, which sadly was very badly damaged in a hurricane last year.
Relax and pack light!
Get to know Sam and Leann and how they’re making the most of their retirement below.
How did you get involved with THIRDHOME?
A close friend and THIRDHOME early investor, Marilyn Connelly, recommended THIRDHOME to us.
How is staying in a THIRDHOME different than other types of accommodations?
That it is a home, not a hotel.
What’s the most memorable restaurant you’ve eaten at during one of your trips?
Did you know you can reserve these properties without using any Keys? Check out these Keyless properties, available now!
Reserve these properties without using any Keys. All you have to do is pay the nominal exchange fee!
Keyless travel that has a start date of 30 days or less is available to Member’s Club and President’s Club. Keyless travel that has a start date of 60 days out or less is available to the Chairman’s Club tier and higher.
Save your Keys and stay at Kapalua Villa on Maui Island. This 3-bedroom property sits on Kapalua Bay Golf Course and features owner rates to play at Kapalua Bay and Plantation courses. You’re also just a short walk away from some of Maui’s greatest beaches. If you’re looking for a tropical getaway with a bit of golf thrown in the mix, this property is perfect for you.
Take a short trip to the north and explore the art, culture and food of Old Montreal. There’s no better launching point for a trip like this. The 6-bedroom designer home features an expansive pool, billiards, a gourmet kitchen and space for the entire family. Besides exploring all that Montreal has to offer, you’re also a short distance from Quebec and the Laurentian mountains.
This staffed private retreat will leave you feeling like royalty. Enjoy sweeping views of the South Pacific from the property’s infinity pool or get a closer view from the private beach. Explore Taveuni Island’s rainforest and accompanying wildlife during your trip or snorkel along the world-renowned Rainbow Reef. If you’re looking for paradise you’re sure to find it at this 3-bedroom tropical retreat.
Love the outdoors? Experience Park City’s wide variety of summer offerings with a Keyless trip to the Rockies. This 3-bedroom residence is located at The Residences at Chateaux, a luxurious resort within the Deer Valley ski area. Explore the rugged terrain by hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fly-fishing and much more! Take advantage of The Residence at Chateaux’s concierge service to plan the perfect Keyless summer getaway.
Want a unique safari getaway beneath the gaze of Mt. Kenya? Discover the Great Rift Valley of Africa with this spacious villa. Spot elephants, giraffes, zebras and other exotic wildlife in Laikipia. Explore Mt. Kenya National Park’s glaciers, lakes, wilderness, mineral springs and endemic wildlife, if you’re up for a mountain climb. This 5-bedroom home is the perfect start to your next adventure.
Want to learn more about Keyless travel?
Click here to read Keyless Travel: How to Book Stays without using Keys.
From an exquisite villa in Tuscany to an upcoming turtle hatching season in Central America, the Acheson’s make the most of THIRDHOME!
How did you get involved with THIRDHOME?
THIRDHOME trip to MendocinoWhere do you usually travel?
What do you do for a living?
What are your favorite travel hobbies?
You can read more about Rick and Cheryl’s adventures at travelisbeautiful.com. Be on the lookout for the adventures at the Tuscan Villa!
Director of Member Experience & Onboarding Jay LeDuc explains Keyless travel above
What is Keyless travel?
Keyless travel is the ability to book a THIRDHOME Exchange property for only the nominal exchange fee and ZERO Keys. Plenty of members are already taking advantage of Keyless travel.
“I plan a year in advance watching properties that I really want, or, if I have a free month I always take advantage of the 30-day Keyless properties.”
– THIRDHOME member, Mary Jo.
How do I find Keyless stays?
Stays turn Keyless when the stay has a start date that is 30 days (or 60 days depending on your membership tier) out. Keyless travel is perfect for a spontaneous getaway or last-minute weekend trip. Read below to learn how to find Keyless stays and how your membership tier impacts Keyless travel availability.
Look for the stopwatch icon to find Keyless stays when browsing properties:
30 day Keyless Travel (President’s Club Preferred)
Once you’ve found a property with a stopwatch icon, hover over the icon to see if it’s available to your membership tier. When you hover your mouse over the stopwatch, a tooltip will appear. If it says “Available Keyless” then the stay has a start date within 30 days and is eligible Keyless for your membership tier.
On the property page you’ll notice that the the original Key value has a slash through it denoting its Keyless availability.
60 day Keyless Travel (Chairman’s Club Preferred and higher)
If you hover over the stopwatch symbol and the tooltip reads “Available Keyless to Chairman’s Club Preferred and up” then the stay has a start date within 60 days and is available Keyless only to the Chairman’s Club Preferred tier and higher.
Interested in seeing what kinds of properties are available to reserve Keyless?
Keyless stays are available now!
Click here to browse availability and reserve a Keyless stay!
Being the perfect host for a home exchange or rental guest requires attention to detail.
It also requires thoughtful touches and plenty of communication. THIRDHOME Exchange members often receive high ratings for being thoughtful hosts. We’ve picked up on their best methods for high host ratings and are sharing them below!
Before arrival, consider compiling some of the following items:
- A Guest Manual: A detailed description of your home’s amenities, local contacts, local attractions, etc.
- A Welcome Package: This can be as simple as a bottle of wine or a gift basket filled with local goodies. Either way, it’s sure to leave a wonderful first impression.
- A Guest Book: THIRDHOME is all about building community. Be sure to leave out a guest book so that your guests can share stories about their trip!
But being a perfect host doesn’t end there. Keep reading to see how each room should be prepared for guests.
Below we’ve outlined some of the most important things to consider when preparing your home for guests, room by room.
Before the hosting experience starts, reach out to your guest to confirm their arrival and departure details. Provide directions to the home and instructions for gaining entry to the property. Your guests will appreciate your tips and insider knowledge of the area.
Bedrooms
- Bedding should be clean, comfortable, and high quality
- Provide extra pillows and blankets with instructions on where items are located should they be needed
- Make sure that plenty of space is available in drawers and closets for guest use for clothing storage
- Check drawers and closets for personal items and move them to a locked owner’s space or closet
Bathrooms
- Provide an adequate number of clean towels (at least 2 per guest)
- Stock essential amenities such as hand soap, shampoo/conditioner/shower gel, toilet paper, washcloths, etc
- Ensure that all your personal items are removed from bath/shower and vanity areas
Kitchen
- Clean and organize items and small appliances on kitchen counters
- Organize pots and pans, spice racks, storage cabinets, etc. for easy access
- Remove any perishable food from the fridge, and ensure no food or condiments are left out on countertops
- Stock kitchen and pantry with basic spices, coffee (with creamer/sugar), and cooking ware
- Leave instructions for any appliances that are tricky to operate
Living Room
- Leave instructions on how to operate TVs, sound systems, and other electronics made available to guests
- Put away any personal items
Outdoor Area
- Provide instructions on how to operate the hot tub, pool, outdoor sound system, grill, etc
- Make sure all outdoor areas are tidy and clear of any clutter or trash
- Leave clear instructions regarding trash handling, HOA trash policies, and recycling
The above tips will have you receiving high host ratings on your next home exchange or rental hosting opportunity!
What have THIRDHOME Exchange members said about their hosts?
“David and Pennie were wonderful hosts, Pennie met us on arrival to show us around and ensure we had everything we needed. The apartment itself is in a great location near Battersea Park and walking distance to many areas like Kings Road and Sloane Square, as well as transport links to other areas. We had a great stay and Pennie was very responsive to any inquiries we had. Thank you!” – THIRDHOME member Claire
“We really enjoyed our week at this condo in San Francisco. Kathryn was a great host. She met us upon arrival and gave us a tour of the building. She also provided us with some great advice about the sights in the bay area. She was a quick e-mail away if we had any questions. The condo unit was immaculate and well maintained. Great host, great condo, great location, a very safe area, surprisingly quiet, and everything you’d want within a short walking distance. This place couldn’t have been more perfect.” – THIRDHOME member Linda
Want to host other like-minded travelers in your luxury second home by exchanging unused time? Don’t let your vacation home sit empty; click here to learn more about joining THIRDHOME.
Current THIRDHOME members, now that you know how to be the perfect host, it’s time to start hosting! Log in and click here to deposit stays and put your hosting skills to work!