tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46828526168745514822024-03-05T04:08:31.868+00:00 IVHE.com Vacation Home ExchangeLearn more about home exchange with International Vacation Home Exchange. Home swapping when traveling can save you thousands in accommodation costs and give you great experiences in living like a local while on vacation / holiday. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger326125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-53665001791197506072017-01-13T18:29:00.000+00:002017-01-13T18:29:32.891+00:00Making Swiss Raclette Dinners Your New Winter Tradition!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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During our years spent living abroad, many of our European friends
would enjoy the Swiss tradition of a Raclette dinner during the cold winter
months. This past holiday season we
decided to make it our new Christmas Eve tradition. <o:p></o:p></div>
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What is Raclette, you’re thinking? Raclette refers to an electric
grill used to melt Raclette cheese and grill meats and veggies. Some traditional grilling options are fish,
poultry, vegetables and bread. Think of
it as a cross between hibachi and fondue.
While your food is cooking on the surface of the grill, there are
individual trays for each guest to melt their own cheese. After the cheese has bubbled, you then scrape
the cheese off onto your plate over the food.
The name Raclette is from the French word “Racker” which means “to
scrape.” This dish is commonly served
with boiled potatoes and pickles. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwE8ZKLjXvczyOf0SsvVjQogmwlPwmMhfhuPr5ZOpjagztIL8lzO6RqA7zE3KFQZqWCn9-vsnd_PejQE6sk5668NnnUmFawEQea8AyfaZSVyFWy9kXsySlr_nKqupdA90sFJJAfnBidw/s1600/raclette1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwE8ZKLjXvczyOf0SsvVjQogmwlPwmMhfhuPr5ZOpjagztIL8lzO6RqA7zE3KFQZqWCn9-vsnd_PejQE6sk5668NnnUmFawEQea8AyfaZSVyFWy9kXsySlr_nKqupdA90sFJJAfnBidw/s320/raclette1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>How it Began<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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This Swiss tradition dates as far back as 1291 where farmers and
herdsmen would make a meal of cheese melted by the open fire. As the cheese melted they would scrape it off
the wheel, and serve with potatoes and pickles.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Pairing Options<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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It is said that no other beverage other than wine should ever be
served with Raclette. So who am I to
argue with a 700-year-old tradition?
Most Europeans looking to pair a wine with Raclette will choose a wine
from their own particular region, so there isn’t necessarily any one perfect
pairing option. The broader
recommendation is to choose a dry French wine or a mild red depending on your
menu choices. Many suggest a Pinot Noir
if your dinner dictates a red wine as it’s considered a good fit with the
cheese. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What Makes it so Great?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Raclette is a great way to entertain guests and enjoy the company
of friends and family. My particular
Raclette serves 8 people as it comes with 8 individualized cheese melting trays,
but other sizes are available as well.
Guests can choose their favorites among your food choices, and place
them on the grill themselves while waiting for their cheese to melt to
perfection. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpc-sZ6_Jnu2gEZ61fQfKlaaT2_vxumhJpA3CnKT0tD4pgm3s1ASjKSltumQ0r2A7axxLBSCQQtsAg56FLRGnLGj1s_gKLY6t4HSRm37EKacxzKq64CYJuHpU3JNNunF7Y-nsfkElnSQQ/s1600/raclette3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpc-sZ6_Jnu2gEZ61fQfKlaaT2_vxumhJpA3CnKT0tD4pgm3s1ASjKSltumQ0r2A7axxLBSCQQtsAg56FLRGnLGj1s_gKLY6t4HSRm37EKacxzKq64CYJuHpU3JNNunF7Y-nsfkElnSQQ/s320/raclette3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you really want to experience living like the Swiss, I not only
suggest making Raclette your new winter tradition but suggest you book a home
exchange in one of <u><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><a href="http://ivhe.com/">International Vacation Home Exchange’s </a></span></u>luxury
homes. Their properties are located in
70 countries around the world including Switzerland! You can choose this <u><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/0657">Swiss chalet</a></span></u>
or this <u><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/1041">Ski house</a></span></u>, just to name a few. As delicious as our Raclette dinner was it
could only be better enhanced by enjoying it after a day of skiing the Alps,
sitting by a crackling fire and, of course, pairing it with a wine purchased
from a local vineyard. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Thank you to Travel Writer Lisa Medeiros (<u><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><a href="http://www.lisamedeiros.com/">www.lisamedeiros.com</a></span></u>). Follow her on twitter @lisamedeiros_<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Switzerland46.818188 8.227511999999933344.0360805 3.0639379999999337 49.6002955 13.391085999999934tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-85652613291192123752016-12-29T14:49:00.001+00:002016-12-29T14:49:37.088+00:00Touring LA: A Teen Approved Itinerary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCkwHaJzdEmYSj-zQW_WSJs3RterLRta64sObkwpmZzBH1UeAeyRg9zn-h9iiw_J65HigWIDm5lIC5EOsZLTiPQBcNLpalFZOadlVYk2pXWeSphM41r6Q47TrMEmIXAccghYbkIWo3jQ/s1600/LA%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCkwHaJzdEmYSj-zQW_WSJs3RterLRta64sObkwpmZzBH1UeAeyRg9zn-h9iiw_J65HigWIDm5lIC5EOsZLTiPQBcNLpalFZOadlVYk2pXWeSphM41r6Q47TrMEmIXAccghYbkIWo3jQ/s320/LA%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There aren’t many family
trips I can take my teenage boys on where they aren’t rolling their eyes or in
a boredom induced coma. In fairness to
them, we have dragged them through places like the Hermitage Museum in Russia,
a three hour Vatican Tour and a weekend in Bruges, Belgium, which they refer to
as “the most boring city in the world.” I
guess I can see where I may have lost some travel planning credibility through
the years. It certainly came as no
surprise when I announced I was booking a trip to LA this summer that the reply
was, “We’ve done enough family vacations” and, “We’re not sightseeing are we?” Luckily for them, they have a mom who is
super cool (they’ve never confirmed that) and managed to plan a trip that in
their words “didn’t suck.” This is the
highest praise a teenage boy’s mom can receive.
Here are some of their top picks:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Up Close to the Hollywood
Sign<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Cool, right? We hired a driver to take us on a little
known route that only the locals know about.
We parked the car and took a short walk to a spot with a perfect view of
this LA icon. There was limited
complaining, they considered it cool enough to even take their phones out to
Instagram/Snapchat it, and I think I even heard one mumble “cool,” but I could
be wrong.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Warner Brother’s Studio Tour<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Even though this would
come under the category of “sightseeing” my kids really enjoyed seeing all the
behind the scenes stuff from their favorite movies and TV shows. We saw the <i>Friends</i> actual set and
learned a lot about the film industry.
This one was a real crowd pleaser.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Peterson Museum<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Peterson Museum is one of
the world’s largest automotive museums.
The museum has over 100 vehicles on display. We recognized many of them from movies and
television. One of my sons even said
this was his favorite excursion we did in LA.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Fairfax Avenue<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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If you’re not a teenage boy,
then this won’t mean much to you but think teen boy’s version of Rodeo
Drive. This street contains pop up shops
featuring all their favorite brands like Huff, Supreme (Okay, I only know
two). My boys loved being there in
person and being able to buy a few things from what many consider to be the
coolest street in LA. The only thing
they found uncool about being on Fairfax was that they had to walk up and down
this hip street with their parents in tow.
As cool as we claim to be, a few of these edgy shops felt the need to
alter the music selection when they saw my husband and I walk in. Most appeared to have a hard time finding a
song that would meet parental approval, and one shop owner seemed to go through
his entire playlist. Whatever last bits
of street credit my husband and I were clinging to were left there on Fairfax
that day. </div>
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My kids also enjoyed Santa
Monica Pier (what’s not to love). They
also enjoyed our quick stop on trendy Venice Beach, though by that time it was
late in the day and we were reminded that they are moody teenagers by them
asking, “Are we leaving soon?” as if I had brought them to a flea market. Along with these teen friendly sites, there’s
always the usual standbys to entertain teens like bikini clad girls, endless
sunshine and if all else fails, Pokémon Go.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You can get the full
Hollywood starlet experience by booking a <u><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><a href="https://www.ivhe.com/how-it-works">home exchange</a></span></u> through <u><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><a href="http://ivhe.com/">International Vacation Home Exchange</a></span></u>.
IVHE offers many <u><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=30&state_id=5&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search">luxury
homes</a></span></u>
throughout the Los Angeles area. Who knows,
you might even end up next door to Pharrell making it the ultimate teen
friendly trip and maybe even restoring a little street credit along the
way. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Thank you to travel writer
Lisa Medeiros. Follow her on Twitter
@lisamedeiros_</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Los Angeles, CA, USA34.0522342 -118.243684933.2099567 -119.5345784 34.8945117 -116.95279140000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-9121751993392459732016-12-28T20:46:00.000+00:002016-12-28T20:46:42.287+00:00Country Focus: England<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Thatched roofed homes, a picturesque countryside, ancient
castles and a bustling capital city are all things visitors to England can be
sure to enjoy. There is so much to see
and do throughout England while you take in all the character and charm that
this country has to offer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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London is said to be the most visited city in the world and
is considered one of the cleanest and safest cities to visit. The Tube, the underground public
transportation system, is easy to navigate and very user friendly. It’s a convenient way to get to all the top
attractions London has on tap. On most
visitor’s list is a trip to <span class="Hyperlink0"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.royal.gov.uk/theroyalresidences/buckinghampalace/buckinghampalace.aspx">Buckingham
Palace</a></span></span> to watch the Changing of the Guard, which usually
takes place at 11:30am weekday mornings (though the time can vary). Big Ben, Parliament and the London Eye are
iconic landmarks to visit, as well as, Tower of London where the Crown Jewels
exhibit is located. These are just a few
of the many sites more than 17 million London visitors enjoy each year. London is also home to many well-known
museums to explore and, as an added bonus, most London museums do not charge an
entrance fee. </div>
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Venturing outside of the city and exploring the English
countryside with all its alluring character is a must-do for any visitor to
this country. If you head to South Central
England, you’ll find an area referred to as the <span class="Hyperlink0"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.the-cotswolds.org/">Cotswolds</a></span></span>. This is true quintessential England at its
very best. Known for its rolling hills
and meadows, quaint villages and cozy pubs, it holds all the charm that comes
to mind when people think of England.
Just outside the Cotswolds is the historic city of Bath. Bath is best known for its Roman built baths
and Bath Abbey. You can stroll the
cobblestone streets where you’ll find a variety of shops and restaurants. Not too far from Bath you can take a self-guided
tour of Stonehenge which is not to be missed on any trip to England. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnNl1bFOlF0He66u3ST-B9Yv7BMSyMT5KkrhsoXtB3S_dO_6sU1D9bwql897m7uJqqzd1a-3yNBcNPwttm5dZux9hiNW4vhcAIglcR2nRESBc7I7A3aAb6UiI_GUTS91U5YKirn-UQiU/s1600/cornwall-1734106_960_720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnNl1bFOlF0He66u3ST-B9Yv7BMSyMT5KkrhsoXtB3S_dO_6sU1D9bwql897m7uJqqzd1a-3yNBcNPwttm5dZux9hiNW4vhcAIglcR2nRESBc7I7A3aAb6UiI_GUTS91U5YKirn-UQiU/s320/cornwall-1734106_960_720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Head to the Southernmost part of the country to explore the
sleepy seaside towns in the<span class="Hyperlink0"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.visitcornwall.com/"> Cornwall </a></span></span>area. If you are a surfing enthusiast, you can “hang
ten” in Newquay or any of the surrounding towns known for their impressive
waves. Head north of London to visit the
Lake District with its many outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Southeastern coastline is home to the White Cliffs of
Dover. It’s here that you will find the
iconic chalk cliffs that face the English Channel towards Continental
Europe. On your travels, be sure not to
miss any of the famous castles that are dotted around the countryside. Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace and
Leeds Castle are among the most famous castles located outside of London. <o:p></o:p></div>
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With so much rich history and breathtaking countryside to
explore, you’ll want to put England on the top of your travel list. Gather up your mates and start making plans
for your unforgettable trip to “Old Blighty.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white;">Thank you travel blogger Lisa
Medeiros. Follow her on Twitter @lisamedeiros</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0England, UK52.3555177 -1.174319700000069142.4995277 -21.828616700000069 62.2115077 19.479977299999931tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-51645948185467788262016-12-22T15:04:00.000+00:002016-12-22T15:04:08.386+00:00Christmastime in Northern Utah<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4YndWOMPemo_XKZGRZmFhgJrzX2H7lbkeIsZEITbUZ0qEggr2JK94Pf88avuvq6qJqTvoW5L6HzQ2Q24TD-SilQX7wkv8DaOh7EYx929tBAj-3d_pUK_eAPK4S1fXbZ6o4dBQliGo5A/s1600/park-city-1136596_960_720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4YndWOMPemo_XKZGRZmFhgJrzX2H7lbkeIsZEITbUZ0qEggr2JK94Pf88avuvq6qJqTvoW5L6HzQ2Q24TD-SilQX7wkv8DaOh7EYx929tBAj-3d_pUK_eAPK4S1fXbZ6o4dBQliGo5A/s320/park-city-1136596_960_720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I have lived in several American states, and I have never
seen a place take to the holidays more than Utah.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">In the cities, Christmas decor abounds and in
the mountains, both locals and foreign sophisticates take to the slopes to
enjoy “the greatest snow on earth” (I’m told this is because there is an
unusual amount of “powder” snow which falls because of a somewhat dry climate.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">I, myself gave up skiing in junior high when
I broke the rope tow by getting my glove caught in the pulley which then
propelled me to land on the tip of my ski that then broke.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">The crowning insult was when a cute high
school boy came to help me up and all turned to see who brought the whole
operation down).</span></div>
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<b>Park City<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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World-famous because of the Sundance Film Festival in
January, Park City offers holiday delights as well. Rocky Mountain Christmas “Where Every Day’s
a Holiday” sells Christmas decorations year-round on Park City’s Main Street
and most of the shops offer unique, alpine-themed gifts. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Read for a sleigh ride and dinner? Snowed Inn Sleigh Company provides sleigh
rides pulled by two draft horses to a cozy restaurant.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Santa is right at home in the cold temperatures, and keeps
hours at the Park City Center during December.
Also adding to the fun is the yearly Snowfest with the l tree-lighting
ceremony, live entertainment, and s’mores.
Take a break from skiing to enjoy the cheer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Midway and
Surrounding Area<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Midway, first settled by Swiss immigrants, still celebrates
its heritage with a European-style Christmas.
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Maintaining its old character and charm, Midway is a winter
wonderland complete with artistic Ice Castles.
These fairy-tale fortresses are worthy of The Snow Queen or Father
Christmas himself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nearby Soldier Hollow, where the 2002 Olympic cross country
championships were held, offers cross country skiing and other festivities.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9LTUmws7ZFmMoMzeUGaW8XG45Zru51yBIUx9xSUUCFfDkIHYJhaGYOLcXkyAbHjb1OcaIuyIgpsNxVNWSYlUs8IoxFG-Rr5Bxgu-gdhc9ICVCIXcX-plyp7svvRBk7R3svo628xrBV0/s1600/biathlon-83526_960_720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9LTUmws7ZFmMoMzeUGaW8XG45Zru51yBIUx9xSUUCFfDkIHYJhaGYOLcXkyAbHjb1OcaIuyIgpsNxVNWSYlUs8IoxFG-Rr5Bxgu-gdhc9ICVCIXcX-plyp7svvRBk7R3svo628xrBV0/s320/biathlon-83526_960_720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>The Nutcracker</b></div>
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An annual tradition in Salt Lake City, Ballet West’s, “The
Nutcracker” ceaselessly delights.
Entrancing and dreamlike, the dancers never disappoint.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Lights on Temple
Square<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I have traveled more than most, and have never seen a more
spectacular Christmas light display than on Temple Square in Salt Lake
City. Particular and detailed care is
given to lighting each branch in a tree; the effective is stunning and
artistic. This year, several trees were
lighted with both white and yellow bulbs creating a result I have never seen
before. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Festival of Trees<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Founded for charitable contributions to Primary Children’s
Medical Center, this festival features elaborately decorated Christmas
trees. The locals are very creative, and
the result of hundreds of fully decorated Christmas trees is happy and festive.
Also available are holiday decorations by local crafts folk. There are few places “craftier” than Utah.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Cathedral of the
Madeleine<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The Cathedral of the Madeleine has a long and venerated
Christmas tradition in Salt Lake. The
cathedral itself is stunning, and free Christmas concerts are offered to the
public. Midnight Mass is worth the wait
in any weather.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>FM 100<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The radio station, FM 100, is also a Utah holiday
tradition. The station plays non-stop
Christmas music with an apex of the 100 hours of Christmas (commercial
free). I, having spent most of my life
in Salt Lake City, thought every city had such a tradition. When I moved to sophisticated Manhattan and
spent my first holiday season there, I kept asking, “Where is the Christmas
music on the radio? Where are the Christmas sweaters?” It took me a while to
realize that no stylish Manhattanite would be caught dead in a holiday sweater,
and it was considered the duty of those other than the radio stations to
provide Christmas music. Try as I might, I just couldn’t find it in myself to
toss my somewhat tacky Christmas sweater.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>This is the Place
Heritage Park<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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When the Mormon pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley,
you can imagine it was a momentous occasion. This is where Mormon prophet
Brigham Young reportedly said after a long journey, “This is the place . .
.” (where the Mormon pioneers would
settle). Not only is there a This Is the
Place Monument, but an entire pioneer village with nineteenth-century, enchanting
pleasures.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At the park, enjoy a “Candlelight Christmas” complete with
carolers, a village decorated like a Currier & Ives card, and shopping.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaVnIGy27eyMWf2qYUAbXHCi8TpGmXAnH2M3sJ3LBvAdx4GMexvLBpSRtCLL4gWXUvBt7zvOtG1jOCWCetjwqFkOpiUeC6i3fxkIWQgyXJhYkgCReWu6MLSCmQgp8t0IbOzUztoTqWec/s1600/prop_1014_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaVnIGy27eyMWf2qYUAbXHCi8TpGmXAnH2M3sJ3LBvAdx4GMexvLBpSRtCLL4gWXUvBt7zvOtG1jOCWCetjwqFkOpiUeC6i3fxkIWQgyXJhYkgCReWu6MLSCmQgp8t0IbOzUztoTqWec/s320/prop_1014_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ready to visit Northern Utah for a quintessential
Christmas? See <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/">IVHE</a>’s <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=30&state_id=45&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search">luxury
home exchanges</a> in Utah, and see <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/how-it-works">how
this works</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Thanks to travel
writer Sona Schmidt-Harris – You can follow her on Twitter @Sonag2000</i></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Utah, USA39.3209801 -111.0937311000000133.0518081 -121.4208796 45.5901521 -100.76658260000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-7577773431976998152016-12-19T18:21:00.002+00:002016-12-19T18:21:54.584+00:00New England: A Year-Round Destination<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Having grown up in New
England, summer vacations always consisted of road trips to see all the natural
beauty that was offered right in our own backyard. I remember piling in the station wagon, AAA
Trip-Tik maps at hand, a quick stop to pick up a few canisters of film and
extra flash cubes, and off we were to enjoy the beauty of one of our bordering
states. On a road trip in that part of America you would barely finish your
first article in Tiger Beat Magazine and you’d already be crossing state line.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Since then I’ve not
only married and had a family of my own but have lived abroad for a number of
years. My family and I have traveled
across several continents and I was always amazed at how many people around the
world have New England on their Bucket List.
I guess I shouldn’t really be surprised, but to me it’s always just been
home. We were traveling in Tallinn,
Estonia a few years back and I started chatting with a woman sitting next to me
at lunch. She mentioned that she has
always dreamed of visiting Vermont to see the fall foliage and hoped to
vacation on Cape Cod one summer. “Now,
is Boston a city or is that a state?” I
would get asked that a lot. Not only in
foreign countries but I was asked that a few times while living in the
Midwest. That’s actually not a joke.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">If New England isn’t on
your Bucket List you’ll definitely want to include it after reading all the
splendor that exists there. Search the </span><u><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><a href="http://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=30&state_id=22&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search">luxury
homes</a></span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> offered through </span><u><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><a href="http://ivhe.com/">International Vacation Home Exchange </a></span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">and plan to spend your next home swap exploring
New England.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsXCwSLpjQbs250jph-CVgDrep3vTmB45Y8bde99nDuXBJoOJiKFeSce4qaVt0K96PiyqPhw_ux6Cqr0uXhJTKOp6TeFT_0jcNZonJ1O1zok_zhAh93DN5WDd7X8fZstgsFriuudSGTA/s1600/Cape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsXCwSLpjQbs250jph-CVgDrep3vTmB45Y8bde99nDuXBJoOJiKFeSce4qaVt0K96PiyqPhw_ux6Cqr0uXhJTKOp6TeFT_0jcNZonJ1O1zok_zhAh93DN5WDd7X8fZstgsFriuudSGTA/s320/Cape.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Maine</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Maine offers so much to
see and do especially for the outdoor enthusiast. Acadia National Park is a breathtaking
national treasure on the coast of Maine.
Throughout the state there are so many quaint towns and lighthouse
attractions to visit. Offering both
great skiing, hiking/biking trails and shoreline communities, there is always
plenty to enjoy no matter the season. We
all know Maine is known for having “wicked” good lobster, but did you know that
Portland has been making quite a name for itself for all types of cuisine? The Food Network recently named Portland as
one of the top 3 culinary destinations in the entire US. That might be reason enough to plan a visit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Massachusetts.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGZiPfXj-fi6SUdscXX-DrWyYswn0am-MLZQkkjVmr62bk2Sez-stL2jq8Xw3axVzQk7kS0d7pKihVkNS3fu56PGxNQxZlq-MRepf7YsHTncp5uM6IiLf_Cb1MndUlHuDjbuF36CzGCQ/s1600/Cape+Cod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGZiPfXj-fi6SUdscXX-DrWyYswn0am-MLZQkkjVmr62bk2Sez-stL2jq8Xw3axVzQk7kS0d7pKihVkNS3fu56PGxNQxZlq-MRepf7YsHTncp5uM6IiLf_Cb1MndUlHuDjbuF36CzGCQ/s320/Cape+Cod.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Massachusetts is home
to beautiful Cape Cod, probably my favorite place on Earth. Each Cape Cod town offers its own unique
charm. Whether you walk, bike or relax
on the beach, it will be a vacation you won’t forget. Be sure to add a ferry ride to Martha’s
Vineyard and Nantucket to your itinerary.
Visiting the historic sights of Boston is only a short drive away. Venture a few hours west and you’ll be
enjoying all the charm that the Berkshires have to offer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Connecticut</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mystic Seaport and
Mystic Aquarium are top attractions in this New England state. There you can learn about maritime history
and visit the whales, sea lions and penguins on display. Connecticut offers a few casino options with
Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods as well as museums and shoreline attractions. This small state is packed with something for
everyone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">New Hampshire<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">There’s a mere 18 miles
of shoreline offered in this state but you’ll find it full of rich, natural
beauty. Mount Washington offers every
outdoor activity imaginable for you to enjoy.
The 71 square miles of Lake Winnipesaukee, located at the foothills of
the White Mountains, offer something year round for everyone to enjoy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rhode Island<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Tour the mansions to
see how the other half lives, visit the beaches or take a walk around Newport.
Don’t miss a ferry ride to spend the day exploring Block Island. There are so many attractions offered in the
Ocean State.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Vermont<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Last but certainly not
least of the New England States is Vermont.
Home to the amazing slopes of Killington, Sugarbush and Stowe, among
others. It’s of course, known for its
beyond breathtaking leaf peeping opportunities, and there are numerous lakes to
enjoy. There is no such thing as “off-season”
in Vermont. It doesn’t matter when you
visit this beautiful state there is always something magical to
experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Well, that’s my “How I
Spent My Summer Vacation, circa 1976” story.
That reminds me, I need to call my Mom.
Book one of </span><u><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><a href="http://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all">IVHE’s luxury
properties</a></span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> today and start making
your own unforgettable New England memories.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Thank you travel
blogger Lisa Medeiros. Follow her on
Twitter @lisamedeiros_</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0New England, USA43.9653889 -70.82265410000002238.138115400000004 -81.149802600000015 49.7926624 -60.495505600000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-8481058737820897482016-12-15T15:29:00.000+00:002016-12-15T15:29:20.088+00:00Top 5 Day Trips from London<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">While it’s no easy task
to pry yourself away from all the excitement that UK’s capital city has to
offer, you won’t want to miss out on experiencing the charm and character of
the English countryside.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">With so much to
see and do just a few miles outside of the city, you’ll have a difficult time
deciding which you like better…city or country.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbL9aijWEEjSY8CrdfElRgk9Rr5-SydSPvh4tiSJwHfDECQEBy48pF8icIFy3VeWFay3DSDH66oIDd75Dfw_PIcPA_lPnlKdFgSMkNtlqB5sWd55Xmb5xnmvfpq9bavlN3Z1tfzjupUo/s1600/day2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbL9aijWEEjSY8CrdfElRgk9Rr5-SydSPvh4tiSJwHfDECQEBy48pF8icIFy3VeWFay3DSDH66oIDd75Dfw_PIcPA_lPnlKdFgSMkNtlqB5sWd55Xmb5xnmvfpq9bavlN3Z1tfzjupUo/s320/day2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Cornwall<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Located Southwest of
London are the picturesque seaside villages that make up the area known as
Cornwall. This area is a popular surfing
destination even though the water is always a bit chilly. Don’t let that stop you from booking a surf
lesson where wet suits are always provided.
If you’re a photography buff, then you’ll enjoy snapping away at the
breathtaking harbor views in this popular tourist destination. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xJign9MChaCjIeSw13lRr_FGAXwZd83P6EE2xjjadPhdWCl2zMWH2_oilgML5GEbarbBB6DWNNg0TShmjDFbFHc1AFeZjT9a6-qAuJ1XvtDISCl50mPGTnZJtfSlvT2QwsafcXwCSeE/s1600/day3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xJign9MChaCjIeSw13lRr_FGAXwZd83P6EE2xjjadPhdWCl2zMWH2_oilgML5GEbarbBB6DWNNg0TShmjDFbFHc1AFeZjT9a6-qAuJ1XvtDISCl50mPGTnZJtfSlvT2QwsafcXwCSeE/s320/day3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Stonehenge <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Don’t listen to the
folks who think it’s just a bunch of rocks.
Stonehenge is an amazing ancient Wonder of the World that is not to be
missed. Take the self-guided tour and
stare in awe as you attempt to figure out for yourself exactly how and why it
was built. It’s located about 90 miles
from central London. It’s also a short
distance to Bath, so while you’re out that way tack on a trip to see the Roman
Baths and Bath Abbey. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaG5-Dp2TZk3W-1OZ_rsfP1KleU9sTwtDqueSZAUUGQ-FQx6VmISyeHsk8iqgyfriTsj9QlQVjMdXbi7qUaLk69Qif7NZb_1DeTIfNy5wB2h7DEFM_4UZldOaHyG8Ka9qqJwS2QD_UtFQ/s1600/spring-1268030_960_720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaG5-Dp2TZk3W-1OZ_rsfP1KleU9sTwtDqueSZAUUGQ-FQx6VmISyeHsk8iqgyfriTsj9QlQVjMdXbi7qUaLk69Qif7NZb_1DeTIfNy5wB2h7DEFM_4UZldOaHyG8Ka9qqJwS2QD_UtFQ/s320/spring-1268030_960_720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Shere, Surrey<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">While out touring the
English countryside it’s nice to take a break from the touristy spots and stop
into one of the many quaint villages to see what I like to call “real England.” Shere is a little village located in
Surrey. I used to live a short drive
from Shere and found its duck-filled stream and cozy shops an enjoyable
retreat. If you’re a movie buff, then
you’ll recognize this village from the movie <i>Holiday</i> with Cameron Diaz
and Jack Black. Diaz’s character is a LA
executive who decides to do a home swap with Kate Winslet’s character who has a
home in Shere. You can have your own “<i>Holiday</i>”
experience with a luxury home exchange in one of these </span><u><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=10&state_id=66&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search">quintessential English homes</a></span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> offered by </span><u><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><a href="http://ivhe.com/">International
Vacation Home Exchange</a></span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
and experience “real England” first hand.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEs0JPcjJNDGBzXGhnllfxgVaT3ENPsBMV-ERrQehwW6fVr4fDNlLP3aQJu4zYpVYQdCtYIg4GYUvudtRN2mnvSJ1sm-7stzwOrifz40cmwwLnmimAb4sYysv9Ai-5dYyPTQmR7v5ULA/s1600/day4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEs0JPcjJNDGBzXGhnllfxgVaT3ENPsBMV-ERrQehwW6fVr4fDNlLP3aQJu4zYpVYQdCtYIg4GYUvudtRN2mnvSJ1sm-7stzwOrifz40cmwwLnmimAb4sYysv9Ai-5dYyPTQmR7v5ULA/s320/day4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Dover<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Located on the East
Coast of England and at the closest point to continental Europe, Dover is a
must-see attraction for any history buff.
You can see for yourself the beauty of the well-known White Cliffs of
Dover. Take a tour of medieval Dover
Castle which houses the wartime tunnels and learn about this area’s integral
part in history. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQhh8-KbT9yE866lxdcwShUZmT2IETSo5p-qIyI1ndsfSUJUR7bb7hn6CfdUWhoCBiNIF5oauuNe2Z307ZC95bcrwhhPWe7prZxn3hZ4evGjY01Mh1-sCOUvn3Qx0gstCMHGFKxEUlVY/s1600/keswick-1873663_960_720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQhh8-KbT9yE866lxdcwShUZmT2IETSo5p-qIyI1ndsfSUJUR7bb7hn6CfdUWhoCBiNIF5oauuNe2Z307ZC95bcrwhhPWe7prZxn3hZ4evGjY01Mh1-sCOUvn3Qx0gstCMHGFKxEUlVY/s320/keswick-1873663_960_720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lake District<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Enjoy the English
countryside at its best in this Northwest area of England. There are endless ways to enjoy the
outdoors. Whether it’s hiking, biking or
just taking a scenic drive and stopping off to enjoy a pint at one of the local
pubs. This area is not only known for
its majestic lakes and rugged mountain terrain but also for its historic
literary association. This area has been
an inspiration to authors and poets such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix
Potter to name a few. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">These are just a few of
the sites that are packed into this tiny island. There is so much rich history and
breathtaking charm scattered throughout the countryside that you could return
time and time again and never run out of sites to see. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Thank you Travel Writer
Lisa Medeiros. Check out
lisamedeiros.com and follow her on Twitter @lisamedeiros_<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0England, UK52.3555177 -1.174319700000069142.4995277 -21.828616700000069 62.2115077 19.479977299999931tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-23841682083819254202016-12-12T19:33:00.002+00:002016-12-12T19:33:50.057+00:00Visiting Florida After Hurricane Matthew<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU92SZ2S4xzzMkaFKGmIWK7hGzb-shhPzALhxIKwNQasxe5UtTKOMDsXiQ2gose-Zy9pKAfTU61ZmDw2ewPW6pgCC7F_7DcEiNgE2AnN83QQAsc6OG5d4E4888JKuYUkJOChePmq08GUI/s1600/key-west-1639882_960_720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU92SZ2S4xzzMkaFKGmIWK7hGzb-shhPzALhxIKwNQasxe5UtTKOMDsXiQ2gose-Zy9pKAfTU61ZmDw2ewPW6pgCC7F_7DcEiNgE2AnN83QQAsc6OG5d4E4888JKuYUkJOChePmq08GUI/s320/key-west-1639882_960_720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My lovely home state
of Florida (the “Sunshine” state) was recently hit hard by a severe hurricane.
My local area, which is a very popular travel destination, was among the
hardest hit. There will no doubt be a huge cost to repair the roads, beaches,
and local businesses which suffered catastrophic losses due to the tidal surges
and strong winds. There is no doubt that Florida took a hit this hurricane
season, but don’t let that put you off of our state as a potential vacation
spot in the months to come. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve
<a href="http://www.blog.ivhe.com/2016/02/florida-much-more-than-disney.html">written
before</a> about the wonders that Florida has to offer vacationers. One thing I
might not have made sufficiently clear though is that we Floridians are a very
resilient bunch! Personally, I have been through Hurricanes Andrew, Ivan,
Wilma, Charley, and Matthew (and that’s only counting the really severe named
storms) and have lived to tell the tale. Our communities have done a great job
of coming together, with local restaurants providing free food to those without
power, volunteers helping to clear the debris, and neighbors watching out for
each other during the rough weather. Many from outside of the impacted areas
have asked how they can help in the wake of the storm. While donating money and
time is certainly much appreciated, there are also other ways you can help;
namely, come visit us!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMy9O-3geMYfllEwAP_mL7sXgyopYx40Mun4OZ7JcIVuiIGhyRQ9cbJADc-HS3rxzMWzgYJTIcRUsFYxcWYFU4AT0mz9bLEru_yXnZP8YzChD4YMYa4L8By55eMtq9gHp3MyrWnysfWVQ/s1600/st-augustine-1794318_960_720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMy9O-3geMYfllEwAP_mL7sXgyopYx40Mun4OZ7JcIVuiIGhyRQ9cbJADc-HS3rxzMWzgYJTIcRUsFYxcWYFU4AT0mz9bLEru_yXnZP8YzChD4YMYa4L8By55eMtq9gHp3MyrWnysfWVQ/s400/st-augustine-1794318_960_720.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The
areas of the east coast which were impacted the most include <a href="http://www.blog.ivhe.com/2015/10/st-augustine-fl-behind-tourist-to.html">St.
Augustine</a> and Flagler Beach – both known for their popular tourist
attractions. The economy of these places is highly dependent on the money
brought in from tourism, so the far-reaching impacts of this storm may be much
costlier than even the steep price tags to rebuild. We lost a few treasured
restaurants to flood waters and the scenic A1A roadway has been heavily eroded
and remains closed in some places, but our local restaurateurs and government
have already started plans to rebuild.
Many of the impacted businesses are reopened along the historic St.
Augustine Bayfront. All up and down the coast, small business owners are
reopening their doors and are counting on your visits to recoup some of their
losses. It may be some time before all of the beaches are cleared and reopened
to the public, but I would urge you not to write off Florida’s first coast when
you’re considering your next vacation destination.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/0373" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGsas8KNEP4tBMLrttcZm_UI8NwkObzPQsoZu1HGoGtZacTuTL9BOAjU1pNeEuEluV6brA5dcvFDm1RLcySKGQyKQQNxB3-_fNhcVO7PFWhxEuolFWY7sAjm0hFvCauxPEha_vRe3Xq0/s320/prop_0373_34.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We
Floridians count on you coming to visit us to see the world renowned Nights of
Lights in St. Augustine during the holidays. We depend on the long rows of
bikers who ride A1A every October on their pilgrimage to Daytona Beach. Our
communities are what they are largely because you bring your families to our
beaches each summer to make memories that will last a lifetime. While your
first instinct may be to head to areas which were not hard-hit by Hurricane
Matthew, I would urge you to consider visiting us instead. The best way you can
help the local communities get back to normal is to plan a vacation! IVHE has
no shortage of <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=30&state_id=10&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search">lovely
homes</a> along the east coast of Florida which will help make your stay just
perfect. Disney is still standing strong, our beaches will soon be as serene as
ever, and our unique local businesses will open their doors to serve you.
Pardon our dust!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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Thank you travel blogger Emma Sledge. <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Florida, USA27.6648274 -81.51575350000001720.4803059 -91.842902000000009 34.8493489 -71.188605000000024tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-64089112045611728852016-12-08T16:59:00.000+00:002016-12-08T16:59:19.260+00:00One of the Most Visited Countries in the World!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJFAXTinONF75TZi_d2_zDq9igzteR4rBoZ2nWb1XaDetMmAu2GdHKE3ZKKUuz0URaiIGOBzFH4tvL6la8PG64EjMxlWnBgJwIA3WkZ983pCSSSCZdsSSznhx7-Cfgf1HwNzuCYky_WM/s1600/Blog+Pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJFAXTinONF75TZi_d2_zDq9igzteR4rBoZ2nWb1XaDetMmAu2GdHKE3ZKKUuz0URaiIGOBzFH4tvL6la8PG64EjMxlWnBgJwIA3WkZ983pCSSSCZdsSSznhx7-Cfgf1HwNzuCYky_WM/s400/Blog+Pic+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There are so many great reasons to visit Italy. From the world famous attractions, detailed
architecture, historic ruins and breathtaking coastline to the amazing food and
wine, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most visited countries in the world. There’s so much to see and do in this amazing
country you could spend a lifetime exploring it. </div>
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Italy is home to some of the most vibrant cities
around. The capital city of <u><a href="http://www.turismoroma.it/?lang=en"><span style="color: windowtext;">Rome</span></a></u>
offers so many sites all within close proximity to one another. Home to such iconic attractions as the
Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and, of course, the Vatican. The piazzas are always filled with the aroma
of amazing Italian cuisine where you could sit and enjoy a meal alfresco while
sipping on a glass of their fine wine.
Head north to enjoy the center of Italian renaissance with a visit to <u><a href="http://www.firenzeturismo.it/en/"><span style="color: windowtext;">Florence.</span></a></u> Its top attraction is the ironic tiled roof
of the Duomo. Walk the cobblestone
streets to take in all the beauty this city has to offer. Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region
of Italy. This region is known for its
wineries, extraordinary landscape and medieval villages. It’s the Italian
experience at its best. Further north is
Pisa, with its famous leaning tower and charming town. <u><a href="http://www.comune.venezia.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/EN/IDPagina/1"><span style="color: windowtext;">Venice</span></a></u> is just a bit further North and
is a must-do on any trip to Italy. Be
sure to take a gondola ride, see the sites and allow time to “get lost in
Venice.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Along with its exciting cites, Italy also offers many
seaside attractions in the Mediterranean.
Explore the wondering coastline of the Amalfi Coast, which stretches
from Sorrento to Salerno, and experience the dramatic coastal mountains as they
plunge into the sea. Visit the beautiful
beaches of Italy’s two largest islands, Sardinia and Sicily for their
breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and abundance of outdoor activities to
enjoy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Italy also offers its share of winter fun and
recreation. Italy boasts more than 300
ski areas. For beautiful scenery and a
variety of terrain, enjoy skiing the Dolomites in the Italian Alps. Skiing in Italy is known to have excellent
value for money and, of course, great food and wine. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You’ll not only want to plan a holiday to Italy but you’ll
want to return again and again. Make it
easy, and stay in one of <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=6&countries_id%5B%5D=15&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search">IVHE’s
luxury homes</a> located in a number of different locations in Italy! No matter
what season you visit, you’ll find a warmth and hospitality that will have you
feeling like you’re one of the family.</div>
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<o:p></o:p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Thank you travel blogger Lisa Medeiros. Follow her on Twitter
@lisamedeiros</span></div>
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</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Italy41.87194 12.56737999999995729.677718500000005 -8.0869170000000423 54.0661615 33.221676999999957tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-62259534670396734812016-12-05T20:55:00.000+00:002016-12-05T20:55:51.501+00:00An Overview of Los Angeles from a First Time Visitor<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The vibe of LA was summed up in a few words of wisdom from a
bartender shortly after we landed. He
said, “LA is a lifestyle, not a city.
Think about it.” I not only
thought about it as I sipped my Cosmo but decided to make that our mantra as we
set out to explore our new surroundings. </div>
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I love exploring new cities and while I’ve been to most
major cities around the world this was my first time visiting LA. I can certainly see what all the hype is
about, why everyone wants to live there and why those who move there never
leave. The thing I love the most about
visiting new cities is that each one takes on a personality all its own and
while LA was pretty much what I had envisioned there were a few things that I
didn’t expect. Here’s my take on the
city through the eyes of a newbie. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>It’s Very Spread Out<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The areas you want to see as a tourist are very spread
out. Much more spread out than other
cites I’ve visited, so you really need to rent a car or hire a driver to ensure
you see all the sights. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p><b>Yes, the Sun Always Shines</b></div>
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I chatted with a man who was from the East Coast originally
who told me that the weather is so sunny that he actually misses the rain. I guess it’s true what they say about too
much of a good thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Oscar Night Red Carpet is Actually the Road<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Adobe Theatre is actually located on a very busy main
street. When Oscar time rolls around,
the intersection just before the Adobe Theater is closed off and the famous red
carpet is put down in the road leading up to the theater. The cars and limos drop off at the
intersection while the stars get out and walk the red carpet lined with
paparazzi. It was interesting to see
exactly where all the Hollywood magic happens on that night.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>No One Visits Downtown<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I guess living near NYC I just assumed all the action was in
downtown LA so I was surprised to find out that’s not the case. No one actually goes downtown and there’s not
much to do there. I’ve heard they are
revitalizing the area so that may change if you plan to visit in the coming years.</div>
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<b>You Won’t See Any Familiar Faces on Rodeo Drive<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I always imagined Rodeo Drive packed with the Hollywood
famed and since I love a good celebrity sighting this came as a bit of a
disappointment. It’s too touristy for
them I was told but I did learn that if you want to shop with the rich and
famous your best bet is Melrose Avenue.
I had no luck with a sighting there either though I have to admit I’m
not the best at identifying them. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If LA has always been on your Bucket List, then you can live
among the stars by booking a <u><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><a href="https://www.ivhe.com/how-it-works">luxury home swap </a></span></u>through
<u><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><a href="http://ivhe.com/">International Vacation Home Exchange</a></span></u>. They offer properties in 70 countries around
the world so if you don’t spot a celebrity in LA you might try catching one in
London, Paris or one of the many other cities <u><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all">IVHE offers properties</a></span></u>. I just hope your star spotting abilities are
much better than mine. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Thank you travel blogger Lisa Medeiros. Follow her on Twitter @lisamedeiros_<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Los Angeles, CA, USA34.0522342 -118.243684933.2099567 -119.5345784 34.8945117 -116.95279140000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-62052079145515527572016-12-01T16:08:00.000+00:002016-12-01T16:08:37.278+00:00Shopping & Eating Your Way Through Boston<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwImSRN5a14nFDUHFBfVmaTOAKgsDdr2Exkjjr2_VEJp6tj2eBpmmSAnLnPChg_LmRCYRVoO88UhqM0LTytooGwBc1dXfCkgUd1F-kIkyfblnbyuLptVEeufnCxI38sejLZ24by-vXv1E/s1600/Boston1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwImSRN5a14nFDUHFBfVmaTOAKgsDdr2Exkjjr2_VEJp6tj2eBpmmSAnLnPChg_LmRCYRVoO88UhqM0LTytooGwBc1dXfCkgUd1F-kIkyfblnbyuLptVEeufnCxI38sejLZ24by-vXv1E/s320/Boston1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">I had the pleasure of taking two weekend trips to Boston recently. One was to visit one of my favorite gal pals and the other was college touring with our teenage sons. Since I don’t have daughters, I relish my shopping trip with girlfriends. When I’m out with my husband and boys I barely even window shop and when I do it’s at a blurred pace. So needless to say, one trip was quite relaxing and included lots of shopping with discussions over chardonnay on what’s “coming back in style” while my other trip to Boston was centered around where the next meal was coming from. Both were enjoyable, of course, as Boston has always been one of my favorite cities.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">My friend and I enjoyed a relaxing day browsing around Newbury Street and popping into the quaint shops on this tree-lined historic section of the city’s Back Bay. You’ll find a selection of international shops and local boutiques as well as world class dining. When I revisited this area with my sons we cruised right past these shops to grab a hamburger at Abe & Louie’s on Boylston Street. Don’t miss a stop at this sophisticated steakhouse which is truly a throwback to a past era and the clam chowder was amazing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A short walk from Newbury Street is The Shops at Prudential Center where you’ll find a variety national chain stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor. Prudential Center also offers a unique mix of dining options. Located not far from these shops is Copley Place which offers more of an upscale shopping experience with stores such as Tiffany & Co, Jimmy Choo, and Louis Vuitton, to name a few.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: right;">No trip to Bean Town is complete without a visit to </span><a href="http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: right;" target="_blank">Faneuil Hall</a><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: right;">. It’s a must-see for both a gal pal getaway or a teens-in-tow weekend. The teens will still roll their eyes in boredom but will later admit it was a pretty cool area. Faneuil Hall Marketplace Shopping Center offers some interesting shops and boutiques. It’s a great location to dine, shop or just people watch. You will usually find some type of event or street entertainment taking place. A must-do dining experience when in this part of town is dinner at the </span><a href="http://www.unionoysterhouse.com/" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: right;" target="_blank">Union Oyster House</a><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: right;">. It is considered one of the oldest operating restaurants in the US and has continuously operated since it’s opening in 1826. There’s good reason for that as the seafood was certainly everything you would expect it to be and it even managed to put a smile on the face of a couple of teenage boys. </span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A great way to experience the city and live like a local is through a </span><span class="Hyperlink0"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://ivhe.com/">home swap</a></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">. International Vacation Home Exchange offers this </span><span class="Hyperlink0"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/1074">city center apartment</a></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">. You’re sure to find it a “wicked” good place to stay while you explore this exciting capital city. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank you Travel Writer Lisa Medeiros. Follow her on Twitter @lisamedeiros_<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Boston, MA, USA42.3600825 -71.0588801000000141.984348999999995 -71.704327100000015 42.735816 -70.4134331tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-79032532354891131282016-11-29T14:38:00.001+00:002016-11-29T14:38:34.738+00:00The Pulse of Taipei<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On the northern end of Taiwan, sits Taipei, a teeming,
breathing metropolis that many overlook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From its high-end District 101 to its numerous night markets, Taipei
offers surprises around every corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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I recently sat down with two-year Taipei resident, Bronson
Glaittli who gave me a foreigner’s inside look.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jQzx68Urv2efB2nzrg6nhyjjFtszKwrQqMp3Mqk-UY_AWIZRvjIEyH1fXdXGkF8E7QJzmIaNQ4QtXt49i10YimQ5Hls4nQVfnEI_w20DIoZXtb01pyAjX8o400DbaUmRwKnmY7H4HTs/s1600/one-hundred-and-one-building-1531886_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jQzx68Urv2efB2nzrg6nhyjjFtszKwrQqMp3Mqk-UY_AWIZRvjIEyH1fXdXGkF8E7QJzmIaNQ4QtXt49i10YimQ5Hls4nQVfnEI_w20DIoZXtb01pyAjX8o400DbaUmRwKnmY7H4HTs/s320/one-hundred-and-one-building-1531886_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Taipei, 101</b><br />
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District 101 is a wealthy district and the busiest part of
the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taipei’s financial center and
home to one of the tallest buildings in the world (Taipei 101), District 101
always has something happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
towering skyscraper serves as a landmark and a place of reference much as the
old and new World Trade Centers do in New York City.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is also an enormous exhibition center.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
A great way to see the Taipei (which according to Bronson,
who speaks Mandarin, is pronounced closer to “Taibei”) is on a “U-bike” which
you can rent for about $3.00 or $4.00 per day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, transportation in Taipei is excellent and convenient with “Easy
Cards” which are good on all transit including the world-class MRT system (you
can reach the southern tip of Taiwan from Taipei in just three hours for a
satisfying day trip).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Interestingly, the
MRT bans food and gum on their trains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If caught with either, the penalties are stiff.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Night Life and
Cuisine</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Especially entrancing at night, Taipei features night
markets with numerous street vendors selling food, knick-knacks, carnival-type
games, and other delights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Street food
is unusually inexpensive and varied, so much so that Bronson said it was
normally just as cost-effective to eat out utilizing street vendors as it was
to eat in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can get a good meal on
the street for approximately $5.00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
choose to eat at an indoor restaurant, the tip is usually included; however, if
it is a western restaurant, prepare to tip.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also unusually varied is the choice of drink shops featuring
fruit juices and all manner of teas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
passion fruit and mangos are superior, and the pineapple sweeter and less
acidic than is found in the West.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
West’s presence, however, is ubiquitous with 7-11s all over the city.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Culture</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To see Taiwanese and Chinese treasures, visit the National
Palace Museum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The famous Jadeite
Cabbage is housed there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Considered a
masterpiece in jade, both the essence of the jade and a Chinese cabbage are
captured in green and white; even the veins of the cabbage are visible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, the identity of the artist is
now unknown adding to its mystery and lure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are also ceramics, beautiful calligraphy, and murals.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Regarding cultural norms, Bronson said that it is in the
character of the Taiwanese to be very business-like in professional settings,
even at restaurants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fawning over
that Americans are used to does not exist there when dining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To the Taiwanese, this is simply professional
and dignified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, if you are
invited to a Taiwanese home, prepare to be treated warmly; they are wonderful
hosts.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF29YMrdZ9EXBvY14C3tFHq5eico-apfpukrp1rLO2AmVFFYUFQiNE8pwp4ypogoQOAFgu2TbiFPIhmafYL4H-JFgcQI8GT1gU-WyLvvQz5Kul2mzI_ncXa7OszCmq5xzlmul4EYtujrY/s1600/national-palace-museum-1158392_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF29YMrdZ9EXBvY14C3tFHq5eico-apfpukrp1rLO2AmVFFYUFQiNE8pwp4ypogoQOAFgu2TbiFPIhmafYL4H-JFgcQI8GT1gU-WyLvvQz5Kul2mzI_ncXa7OszCmq5xzlmul4EYtujrY/s320/national-palace-museum-1158392_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Day Trips</b>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you need a break from the city, there are densely
forested hills near Taipei with Buddhist and Taoist temples hidden in the jungle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is advisable to always carry an umbrella
as rain can appear suddenly, drop a deluge, and then disappear, a little like
Florida.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Other day trips include a visit to the Taipei Zoo, a twenty
or thirty-minute ride on the MRT from downtown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The pandas are especially captivating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Maokong Gondola offers beautiful views of the hills and is a great
escape from The Big City.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Beitou Hot
Springs, north of Taipei, are home to a former public bathhouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yangmingshan National Park can be reached on
foot from Taipei and is famous for its cherry blossoms.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are you interested in visiting Taipei?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.ivhe.com/" target="_blank">International Vacation Home Exchange</a> has this <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/0316">luxury home
exchange</a> available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/how-it-works">how this works</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thanks to Bronson
Glaittli and Travel Writer Sona Schmidt-Harris – You can follow her on Twitter
@Sonag2000</b></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-28443607443549398122016-11-22T21:27:00.002+00:002016-11-22T21:40:28.248+00:00Lost Your Heart? Find It in San Francisco<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->Have you lost your sense of romance, place or even
hope?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no better city to reclaim
them than San Francisco.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bravely and
dramatically facing the Pacific and drawing in and attempting to coddle its
restless and luring bay, San Francisco calls to the adventurous and aching
heart as well as to those seeking comfort and a sense of home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a paradoxical city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The birthplace of the hippy movement and
eclectic crossroads of the American West Coast is now home to some of the most
expensive real estate in the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The iconic, Victorian architecture, ever welcoming, is out of reach
financially for the average citizen; yet, you do not need to set foot in one of
these beautiful homes to feel received.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Very few American cities elicit such a feeling.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Home to just over 800,000 people, San Francisco’s relatively
modest population surprises most. Yet within a somewhat small geographical
area, there is no place more alive.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYHXspXNJV1I0KhdsDUytypaosAEAVJ46atSGljBaZEr2ITLE-f06Evme2xR4cRBhlwu32V4JPk-IiA-sA2d8FySr74Db4MsZaQHW2DmocuXeZcI808D5uMR0-0T19yMrN4aNn-ws73E/s1600/golden-gate-bridge-388917_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYHXspXNJV1I0KhdsDUytypaosAEAVJ46atSGljBaZEr2ITLE-f06Evme2xR4cRBhlwu32V4JPk-IiA-sA2d8FySr74Db4MsZaQHW2DmocuXeZcI808D5uMR0-0T19yMrN4aNn-ws73E/s400/golden-gate-bridge-388917_1920.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chinatown</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For a sojourn into the truly exotic, all you have to do is
visit Chinatown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chinatown has the
largest Chinese community outside of Asia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Restaurants, shops specializing in embroidered linens, and Asian
pharmaceutical-type stores with remedies of pungent, dried roots for all sorts
of ailments transport you into a lively dream. Bring your walking shoes for a vigorous stroll up and down
hills.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Little Italy</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Home to numerous cafes and restaurants, Little Italy is a
favorite destination of both San Franciscans and tourists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a bright and open feeling to many of
the cafes—a strange contradiction in that it is the birthplace of the restless
Beat movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>City Lights, the
bookstore and publisher that first introduced Allen Ginsberg’s visceral<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>poem, “Howl” still thrives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Founder Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s poetic dream
breathes in the 21<sup>st</sup> century.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Financial
District</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To experience the rhythm of the city, go to the financial
district on a weekday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Busy,
well-dressed sorts walk quickly to their next appointments; however, California
being California, there always seems to be time for a quick jog at lunch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sausalito Ferry</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Sausalito Ferry takes you across San Francisco Bay to
where else?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sausalito.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if you don’t disembark in Sausalito, the
ride across the bay is worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You get
a closer view of the infamous, former prison Alcatraz in the middle of the bay
(truly eerie).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sausalito itself has a long tradition of drawing artists,
and a walk through town yields sightings of many eclectic, creative treasures.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fisherman’s Wharf</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fisherman’s Wharf offers tasty and fresh seafood most of its
lively day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a reasonably-priced and
fun lunch, buy off of the street and watch the human parade go by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a more sophisticated meal, try dinner in
one of the Wharf’s many restaurants overlooking the bay.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ghirardelli Square</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even if you’re not a fan of Ghirardelli chocolate,
Ghirardelli’s famous square is both energetic and one of the best places in the
city to sit down with a good cup of coffee and look out onto a spectacular view
of the Golden Gate Bridge.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nuuZ6k_lgSxNV_8_6Swdeg4x25_pUBwqH4dv9pQeX7JSDTg-qC3NwDkoNrZQEGkP5v_nW6TRuq-MQqBSlXZyUPl2wptCjXoZvrlHnWXw-42gpk3S6sYnPRGYTD_uKRd9Gm7RpwYpoug/s1600/san-francisco-730546_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nuuZ6k_lgSxNV_8_6Swdeg4x25_pUBwqH4dv9pQeX7JSDTg-qC3NwDkoNrZQEGkP5v_nW6TRuq-MQqBSlXZyUPl2wptCjXoZvrlHnWXw-42gpk3S6sYnPRGYTD_uKRd9Gm7RpwYpoug/s320/san-francisco-730546_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Would you like to visit swank and funky San Francisco? <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/">International Vacation Home Exchange</a> offers
these premium <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=30&state_id=5&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search">luxury
home exchanges</a> in the San Francisco area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Read <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/how-it-works">how this works</a> and <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/testimonials">testimonials</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thank you to travel
writer Sona Schmidt-Harris -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can
follow her on Twitter @Sonag2000</b></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0San Francisco, CA, USA37.7749295 -122.4194155000000136.9717915 -123.71030900000001 38.578067499999996 -121.12852200000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-16883210889835570712016-11-02T18:26:00.004+00:002016-11-02T18:26:56.735+00:00Reconnecting With Nature on Holiday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">After spending a relaxing afternoon tubing down the Delaware River
recently, I was reminded of how rewarding it is to unplug from technology for a
while and enjoy all that nature has to offer.
The only thing better than getting outside for a few hours on a sunny
afternoon is spending an entire week long holiday appreciating the
outdoors. Companies like </span><span class="Hyperlink0"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://ivhe.com/">International Vacation Home Exchange</a></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> offer luxury
properties around the world to help you do just that. Whether you choose a </span><span class="Hyperlink0"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/0815">log home in
Jackson Hole, Wyoming</a></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> or a </span><span class="Hyperlink0"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/1269">luxury
beachfront property in Anguilla </a></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">there are
many ways to be at one with nature. Here
are a few of my favorites. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search&sports_id%5B%5D=17" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSl4dUba96wudjXV0nHtZJF2IGnWijCdOyrysKSrFXcdF3whXvtnB0n5pSLYG_pAc4eH2Z1wkv5Llhiubqk4lkEHHhvsLZrPMzJDoWE9lIqfkoMh7wk1vT-5ViEHNV2K6G7Zu2cT2tXac/s200/nature3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Biking<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Whether your idea of biking is enjoying the rough terrane on a
mountain bike or an easy glide on a beach cruiser, biking is one of my favorite
ways to get out and breathe in some fresh air.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search&sports_id%5B%5D=22" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqEgwSIEIQYF0OVS448TXYOglRJmv02S0tHk6V-jvabrHHT2Ig9W_XLQemZWUsamU7N7XP-HhqXsryt237vU8WYqLNj5HZ3ckbnSuFn4fVHxoEYWHcSdUg1a-9__flC4Oxz_-az6M89E/s320/nature2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Kayaking<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Kayaking has always been one of my favorite activities. We even own our own kayaks including two tandem kayaks we used when our boys were
younger. They would always argue about
which one “had” to ride with mom. I may
only be 5’ 4” but I did a pretty good job of keeping up with my 6’ 4” husband
though my kids would disagree. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">SUP<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">No, that’s not short for “what’s up” but rather an acronym for “stand
up paddle boarding”. This activity has
gained a lot of popularity in recent years.
I’ve tried my hand at it on the ocean a few times when the waters were
calm. It’s definitely a full body
workout and mastering the balancing takes some practice but it’s great fun once
you get the hang of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Al Fresco Dining<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If rigorous outdoor activities aren’t your thing then there are
many other way to enjoy nature. Enjoying
a nice meal on a beautiful day while dining Al Fresco is always one of my
favorites. If you are lucky enough to
take in a scenic view than that’s an added bonus. It actually doesn’t matter
what the view is when you are dining outside as long as you get to enjoy the
warmth of the sun of your face while being cooled by a nice breeze. Remember to leave your iPhone at home even
though you might risk insulting the chef by not taking a picture of your plate
when your food arrives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search&amens_id%5B%5D=53" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6esG_GOPGaJEscA8omleOEfmMQEImALPApiUrPafOyahpQfzslQ6tO-36syGLE2V7yAPQXQcEVjVCix0VuxXdvdCUZ_-lahOrbA0mT_TDCIKW6xqmjaXw-PVNPla1j1KucF1BabjFWw/s320/nature4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Watch a Sunset<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You can enjoy the outdoors by doing something as simple as
watching the sunset. I have yet to
actually experience the phenomenon of the green flash known to occur just after
the sun sets but I always keep an eye out for it, maybe you’ll have better
luck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Walking<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Last but certainly not least is just taking a simple walk. A nice walk either in the early morning or
just after dinner on a lovely evening is one of the best ways to enjoy
nature. Again, be sure to leave the
technology behind while you appreciate the beauty of the trees, flowers, a
hummingbird or whatever other wonders of nature you might come across. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">That should be enough to keep you busy for a week. As much as technology has greatly enhanced
our lives, it’s always a good reminder to take a “tech break” and give the
beauty of nature your undivided attention, not to mention, it’s the only
foolproof way to keep your phone out of the lake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="Body">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thank you to Travel Writer Lisa Medeiros. Follow her on twitter @lisamedeiros_</span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Delaware, USA38.9108325 -75.52766989999997837.334621 -78.109456899999984 40.487044 -72.945882899999972tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-49380057518607626452016-10-18T07:30:00.000+01:002016-10-18T07:30:13.602+01:00Eastern Tennessee: A Haven for Nature Lovers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=30&state_id=43&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJH7QpqeRxVYUsW_2_XGTPcUdtihFXReX-UNbu_Rb5ojucoRQV2Q8cg-i8ri1W-ReGvTTzUVAdvtBkoR0UamMlcFRDf10pJgotpROLSOM4PEsr50U8hUO3sGafEB5V9mtQGpue-Xr8NSg/s320/East+Tennesse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US">I was not familiar with Virgin Falls when we began hatching
a plan to travel there. I was certainly not familiar with Sparta, TN, the rural
town, home to just over 5,000 inhabitants, that sits nearest to the falls. I
was born and raised in the southeastern US, so I at least had some level of
familiarity with Tennessee in general. However, my limited expertise pretty
much began and ended in Memphis, so this trip was going to be something
entirely new for me. IVHE has previously highlighted what a <a href="http://www.blog.ivhe.com/2015/04/love-nature-and-hiking-try-tennessee.html">great
spot</a> Tennessee can be for nature lovers and fans of the outdoors, but I was
not as yet familiar with this reputation. The area to which we traveled was a
reasonable eight-hour drive from our Floridian home, being just over the
boarder of <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=30&state_id=34&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search">North
Carolina</a> and into <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=30&state_id=43&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search">Tennessee</a>.
This made the actual travel portion of our journey fairly simple. My husband
and I, along with another married duo, made the trip to this out-of-the way
locale in White County. Thankfully for us, our friends had previously visited
the area (in fact, they were the reason we found out about Virgin Falls in the
first place), so they served as our guides in the mountainous regions.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">We made plans to camp at the falls for a couple of days,
but decided on getting a hotel room for the first night so that we could begin
our hike into the mountain at first light and not risk getting stuck in the
dark on a steep trail. It was the dead of winter, but we were lucky to find
Tennessee having a mild time of it. There were a few patches of ice and
decidedly chilly temperatures, but no snowfall to reckon with as we made our
way. We pulled into Sparta quite late at night, and I'll admit that the drive
through the winding mountain roads put me a bit on edge. The fog was incredibly
thick and frequent signs warned of falling rocks - a phenomenon we were all too
aware of as we drove over the evidence of smashed rocks already in the roadway.
Thankfully, we made the "perilous" journey safely and tucked in for a
few hours of anxious sleep. We were all quite eager to get on the trail, but
the rest did us a world of good before our big trek.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/1267" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_R14uyYKvBWk8hGdo27p6Lt_mNMz_LXBZQAaO1twSCZi4cjjSyLsyGfN2WGTzRYqOaVNU8xd4NC97BjS-0cOj7ANMETrvrXSNY6B4T2kiGVFB9OFt1ONev6V1oqToFJ8iBxSZM4_T5I/s320/IVHE.com+%25231267.JPG" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-US">The trails themselves were a sight to behold. I'm sure that
no matter what time of the year you visit, these falls and the surrounding
state park are gorgeous, but I was particularly impressed with the stillness of
the woods in the wintertime. Our drive from the hotel to the park area was even
remarkable. I'll admit, Sparta grew on me in the daytime, after the fog had
burned away and the scenery was more visible. The fact that there were no more
signs in this direction which mentioned falling rocks helped enhance my
experience, I think. We had quite a bit of gear between the four of us (for the
record, I told my husband he was over-packing), so it was a bit of a physical
undertaking to get ourselves and our packs to camp. However, we were all at
least moderately experienced hikers, so it was manageable. We took frequent
rests, but were still able to make it to our camp and get set up before
nightfall. We got a prime spot, in a cave directly underneath Big Laurel Falls.
The rush of the water created fantastic white noise for our first night of
sleep, but the trade-off was the sheer amount of bat guano coating the cavern
floor all around us! If you could get around that, and didn't mind leaving your
hiking boots outside of the tent, it was a killer location.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">We took day hikes to the much taller Virgin Falls and
explored the well-marked trails in the area. The chilly temperatures were far
from a burden, making the physical exertion of the hike much more enjoyable.
Going into this trip I did not have many preconceived notions of Tennessee,
outside of the bigger cities, but I can assure you that the more rural part of
the state is a sight to behold. We met plenty of hikers who were visiting the
falls for the day, along with a couple of fellow campers. Everyone in the area
seemed to know how pristine this spot is and what a great day trip it makes. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">While
staying in the state park definitely constitutes a "primitive"
camping experience (no toilets or potable water available), and we were all
very happy to see a real restaurant at the end of our hike back to
civilization, the scenery and serenity make the trip well worth it. You needn’t
go so far as pitching a tent in a cave to enjoy the wilderness of the area
either, with an abundance of scenic rural areas just a short drive from
civilization. I would gladly sing the praises of Virgin Falls to anyone looking
for an outdoorsy vacation idea. Even if you're not much of a camper, the trail
lends itself well to a reasonable day hike, with lots of picture-worthy spots
to stop and rest along the way. The state park educated visitors on the
surrounding landscape and provides several different routes of varying
difficulty to hike, so that everyone from the most advanced hikers to novice
outdoorsmen will find a suitable trek. I would have easily overlooked this particular
little dot on the map in East Tennessee, but if you're planning a trip to the
area (including the western part of North Carolina, just across the border) I'd
encourage you to put Virgin Falls on your travel itinerary! If you’re looking
to go off the grid for several days, or just hoping to stretch your legs in a
uniquely pristine environment, the mountainous areas of Eastern Tennessee have
plenty to offer you.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">IVHE will help to make your trip a little lighter on the
bat guano, with lovely luxury accommodations <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=30&state_id=43&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search">throughout
the area</a>. Take a look at our available properties to see what might suit
your tastes for potential Tennessee accommodations.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<b><i><span lang="EN-US">Thank you to travel blogger Emma Sledge. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2Tennessee, USA35.5174913 -86.580447328.9331698 -96.9075958 42.101812800000005 -76.25329880000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-45172291255125180982016-10-15T07:00:00.000+01:002016-10-15T07:00:27.361+01:00Starting a Travel Bucket List<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/0861" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasuHMn_LmR2mw0Fj5E0N-PEuzTH5MTc8BS2ZKOvGQOpP5_tEbOQoTsnrpFb6aNwUmNVYn38ls1vgjG6ZdQku69iz5nLWIHluLfmOzVfsdUZtIS4PQ-fXTNu_gDOGJTPsKyRXyEu2sQ0I/s320/IVHE.com+%2523861.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I am certain that the travel buffs among us
will all know the feeling: you are on the way back after a truly magical
vacation. You’re happy to be heading home at last, but have a conflicting
feeling of sadness when you think about your most recent adventure coming to a
close. There is something decidedly bittersweet about wrapping up a trip; you
know that the excitement has peaked, the wave has broken, and you won’t feel
that way again until the next time you’re able to snag some vacation time. It’s
no cause to fear though, it’s just a natural part of the highs and lows of the
travel experience. However, if leaving your vacation state of mind behind is
getting to you, there might be an option. So far, there has been only one thing
that I have found to be truly effective at curing this post-vacation slump; the
travel bucket list!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/1234" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTcw_kSoZlmblg5RiJZa87kHdN7JoqnjVLTl2QzGwUXLZEK2N_2vZLPLSdF6NOv7F48F8ivCUFB7emvQWv-2c-o0ftcvH8QqaCjUkc7JM4BdtGEr1C6gZuN7bGMft2SyUTn5i-0QGmWI/s320/IVHE.com+%25231234.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The psychological benefits of <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/" target="_blank">planning avacation</a> have been well documented, so don’t feel guilty for indulging in this
act of daydreaming – it’s good for you. When I have returned from a trip, and
before I have cause to plan my next, I like to take the time to work on my
bucket list. The first place to start is with some travel inspiration. Sitting
down to any episode of Anthony Bourdain’s <i>Parts
Unknown </i>on Netflix or scrolling through National Geographic’s Instagram
will usually get me scribbling the names of exotic places pretty darn quick,
but you can find great travel inspiration nearly everywhere. It can be as easy
as Googling “best travel destinations in…” to find nearby destinations that can
make for great day trips right in your own backyard. Of course, one of the best
ways to find inspiration for your travel bucket list is right here on IVHE’s <a href="http://www.blog.ivhe.com/">blog</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The materials that you need to start a
bucket list of your own are likely already right in front of you. Most people
who love travel have a few key destinations already in mind that they’ve been
meaning to visit, feats they are hoping to accomplish, or sites they would love
to see; viewing sunflower fields in Tuscany, hiking the Appalachian Trail, or
glimpsing the illusive Arora Borealis, for example. Start by jotting these down
in a safe place, and don’t forget to add to them as you go. There may even be a
particular <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all">IVHE
property</a> that speaks to you loudly enough to earn its own entry on the list
(as is the case for me and the world’s first <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/1032">rotating
house</a>). That is what is so inherently fun about making a vacation bucket
list, it’s completely about what speaks to you! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/0008" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIOFgC8dDP1OiSWEatuybjcjz1AzgA1kyTpyxNa69Ri9Tz_6KpkATuCR3KbSulAAepL4OQJmW6wlquHVLi4XIJiw9JDuoAr322zgB_GlccicPUDRlq-gv-PEdrljOSF2-RX8veqTN18E/s320/venice-194835_960_720.jpg" width="320" /></a><span id="goog_1387100770"></span><span id="goog_1387100771"></span><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The next time you find yourself in the
unenviable position of not knowing when or to where your next vacation is going
to be, might I suggest breaking out the vacation bucket list? It will help get
you excited for what is to come and, in time, become a memento of all of the
great trips you have taken. There are few feelings in the world better than
ticking off one of the entries on the bucket list and thinking, “I did it!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span lang="EN-US">Thank you to <a href="http://emmacloses.wixsite.com/emmasledge">Emma Sledge. </a> <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1Italy41.87194 12.56737999999995729.6780195 -8.0869170000000423 54.0658605 33.221676999999957tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-3277945310154981742016-10-13T16:21:00.000+01:002016-10-13T16:21:13.742+01:00Uber on Holiday: Much More than Just a Ride<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje33F2Kovq0X_0uv5yYdKr1lA5amvE7ym6wmSQ3apD3D-SALt5Ie5dW6rTp-JYMARd_5NrD5FGaDmptf1LKvPr-gQ_A-XhitakIEc45_XUNncHny5H6lPoe7LmkgbxG1ElnKYZ_pZQn8M/s1600/uber1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje33F2Kovq0X_0uv5yYdKr1lA5amvE7ym6wmSQ3apD3D-SALt5Ie5dW6rTp-JYMARd_5NrD5FGaDmptf1LKvPr-gQ_A-XhitakIEc45_XUNncHny5H6lPoe7LmkgbxG1ElnKYZ_pZQn8M/s320/uber1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I booked a boatload of Uber cars on my travels this summer and met
some really interesting folks along the way.
Uber is one of the best ideas to come along for travelers in a long
time. It’s a quick, convenient, cashless
and very economical means to get from Point A to Point B plus it’s a much more
personal experience than a traditional cab ride. Each driver has a story to tell and by the
time you’ve arrived at your designation you’ve made a new friend. If you haven’t yet tried out this service let
me give you an amusing little overview of the types of drivers you are likely
to encounter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmQEXphGq39Yv5z-DE38Pfr0-77gYp-B1uk9AtelD9GpWP1IdKwqeR5KLJC_huxqMj1RUHcv0D6HRlsRbuq8uk_KNWSB76bv_z9xieunsMDowhu-l4ky5gCjdxSCvfC6q8aVTxgUkfxk/s320/uber2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Retired Executive<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He’s not in it for the money. His wife wants him out of her hair
for a few hours each day and he’s not a golfer. Uber driving provides a way for him to get
out a few mornings a week on his own schedule.
You won’t find him picking you up after a night out on the town, he’s
fast asleep by then even though he’s probably napped. He’s most likely a kind, older gentleman who’s
used to being a productive member of society and not ready to give that up just
yet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Young Girl in Transition<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">She’s super sweet but a bit lost in life at the moment and usually
lost on the roads as well. It’s probably
her first or second day on the job but don’t look for her in the weeks to come
as she’ll most likely be on to something new by then. I find I often take on a mothering role with
her by saying things like, “You should finish your degree” or “Don’t accept
customers who have below a 4 rating.” There’s
plenty of time for counseling as you direct her to your destination. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/1231" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOu4jgmnw3rlNVWjXYgBNItuaI7IK0NKzWlgntUt5LuggKh8676nWWZLi7Js8mYELfcQ3i07y7Cz5qZkdxhyphenhyphensnm48dGMLemysAXF-b3NfyX4mbpHL9wrvdcj-4ODgpibxRUajvkF8sNQ/s320/IVHE.com+%25231231.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Professional Uber Driver<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is his main source of income and he has no plans of leaving
this vocation. He’s out to get a 5 star
rating. He appreciates your business and
he’ll let you know that several times throughout the ride. He knows shortcuts to avoid traffic and knows
where construction could cause potential delays. He’s expecting a big tip so give him one, he’s
earned it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Nightclub Caterer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He doesn’t mind the late night shift. He knows there’s an abundance of clients at
that time and he doesn’t mind dealing with the “over-served.” You might even come across one who has a
disco ball and strobe light in his car in an effort to keep the party going
(true story). He counts on you wanting
to be driven from club to club in search of your friends, knowing that you’re
incapable of doing the math. He’s not
out to take advantage of the situation though.
You’ll appreciate the fact you got home safe and sound even if you don’t
remember how. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Uber is widely used in tourist areas and major cities so if you’ve
booked a </span><span class="Hyperlink0"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/new">luxury home exchange</a></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> with a
company like </span><span class="Hyperlink0"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://ivhe.com/">International
Vacation Home Exchange</a></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> and you’re wondering how you’ll
get around town then I highly recommend Uber.
Not only will they get you to your designation but will also give you
some local history and a quick tour of the area unless, of course, your driver
is one of these sweet young girls…then you’re on your own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thank you travel writer Lisa Medeiros. Follow her on Twitter @lisamedeiros_</span></i></b></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1New York, NY, USA40.7127837 -74.00594130000001840.3275957 -74.651388300000022 41.0979717 -73.360494300000013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-50569029603401876162016-10-10T16:05:00.000+01:002016-10-10T16:05:24.504+01:006 Ways to Spend Less on Your Next Vacation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/1197" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf655GVdZUYdSfU8kOm4wZlb6sb4ogFiFOgzOAs_kPLxAXTPLvVhnus5wNibsEqRNzBYrLgxxyihBJq-QuBRQmnoY2fplwNP9jswSMv9ut8G1aq61PEzoFL8JJyyzDZXiZimWAkXwNoHM/s320/IVHE.com+%25231197.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you’re like most folks, by the time you’ve booked your flights
and arranged your travel plans you’re already stressed about how much money you’ve
spent and you haven’t even left your couch yet.
Not to worry, there are many ways to cut your vacation costs and save
money so you can continue to live out your travel dreams. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Look into What’s Free<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Wherever you may be heading on your next getaway there’s bound to
be a host of free activities for you to enjoy.
For instance, many cities offer their visitors free admission to area
museums or they may offer some outdoor attractions that do not require an
admission fee. It’s worthwhile to do
some research and hunt down a few of these “freebees.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/1013" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Y4-AZ5ky-ZkTtrhw8LZAcWgp8B9N3s7QyeT6Fc2bxlhgOcNlQRWEOj6zr5hqLrcI9TCt8hOxnjZzb8TMmRe5t15ihyphenhyphenKtKlanSLRPm3_IyGQqV2LbE-u530UHy44OAh3CfN8ZdUG_6a4/s320/IVHE.com+%25231013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Cut Out Hotel Cost<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There are many accommodation options available these days that can
save you a bundle on your next vacation.
</span><span class="Hyperlink0"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.ivhe.com/saving-money">Home exchange</a></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> is a great
alternative to paying a hefty hotel bill.
Companies like </span><span class="Hyperlink0"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://ivhe.com/">International Vacation Home Exchange</a></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> offer some
great luxury home options while saving you a bundle on your vacation budget, on
average IVHE members save over $5,000 on a two week vacation! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Use Uber Instead of a Car Rental<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">During my travels this summer I ended up returning my car rental
several days earlier than planned after finding it much more economical to Uber
to my destinations. After doing some
quick accounting, I figured out that the amount I was paying in car rental fees
plus parking would be equivalent to many more Uber rides than I could ever
possibly need. It’s also a much more
convenient way to get around unfamiliar surroundings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Eat In<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Choosing a </span><span class="Hyperlink0"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.ivhe.com/testimonials">home exchange</a></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> option can
save you more than just exorbitant hotel fees.
It gives you the opportunity to dine in a few nights and pocket a big
savings. Make a quick trip to the
grocery store, throw together a simple meal and not only will you save money by
not eating in restaurants but you may find it a more relaxing way to spend the
evening. Isn’t that what vacationing is
all about? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/tropical" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6-iHISuisOtbDIpZ00ugGbDSELQ-JdiF9FTbH0w7kszH9xX2ai5-duZHS6SA9CSmA6OdTw0Ck5uVyP8of1EqXeH35W9SrIeTaPREwHjIUYu40tSwh_I0RsPzaeaxEb4C4dN8LHlgvsM/s320/spend1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Buy Tickets in Advance<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For those attractions that are on your Bucket List but not on the “freebees”
list be sure to buy your tickets way in advance. It’s worthwhile to spend some time researching
all the deals that are out there for your destination. For example, many cities offer a City Pass
that allows you to see many of their main attractions at a discounted
price. You’d be surprised how spending a
little time on Google can yield you some big travel savings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Try Not to Forget Anything at Home<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If hiking is on your travel itinerary and you discover you only
packed flip flips then get ready to waste some precious travel funds on a pair
of shoes you don’t really need. When it
comes to packing, take the time to really plan out what you will need and be
sure to double check that you have everything.
Forgetting items is not only a waste of money but a waste of precious
time. Time you could be doing something more enjoyable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So now that you’ve saved a few dollars with these money saving
tips you’ve earned the right to splurge
a little. It is a vacation after
all. Spend of little of your hard earned
savings on special souvenir or take that exciting excursion that may be a bit
out of budget. The goal isn’t to not
spend any money at all on vacation but rather to spend it as wisely as
possible. Happy travel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thank
you Travel Writer Lisa Medeiros. Follow
her on twitter @lisamedeiros_<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1California, USA36.778261 -119.4179323999999823.886875500000002 -140.07222939999997 49.6696465 -98.763635399999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-2706574631115506362016-10-05T13:34:00.003+01:002016-10-05T13:34:42.973+01:00Solana Beach and Surrounding San Diego County<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=30&state_id=5&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHW16NVlPyQcsGq-VBZz31E6LY67iXJfo7hPQQMpf82i7F8ixrV6AQNnVI_LFa4XUijz2M0Dztk7G7Xr3BjNjql7hLUJi271w41HO02F1fdR4OCWeisLy8m86rvXNIf5qxBBLNX_Rm7EM/s320/Solano+Beach.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Few places in the world have more pleasant
year-round temperatures than San Diego County in <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=30&state_id=5&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search">Southern
California</a>. For instance, Solana
Beach, a small community in San Diego County, features an average temperature
of 77 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and 62 degrees in the winter. One can visit for a week and never turn on
indoor heating or air conditioning. I
should know; I recently stayed in Solana Beach in September and managed the
indoor temperature simply by opening and closing windows during the day. This may seem like nothing to those who live
in a mild climate, but to those of us who experience wide temperature changes
during the day, this is truly amazing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Also amazing is the coastline. From the high-cliff homes overlooking the sea
in Solana Beach, to Oceanside’s iconic harbor, San Diego County features some
of the most beautiful beaches in California.
For a high-brow yet accessible beach, visit the beach off at the Hotel
Coronado on Coronado Island very near San Diego. The exclusive, historic hotel adds its
touches to the beach, but beach access is open to all. This reflects California as a whole—equitable
in philosophy, but always hints of luxury.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=30&state_id=5&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBXfF8BBYgJNfWHhDfk8XYDVhJ27_9BiG_FOzPizvloQhRV_tzWZ9Sob7UGvTKUYq6a0h0UPdq7DwcGR5fC2btynCWBt-1z79AKUV5cRxE8G5HSpY885LTtOSxKHpG4U0H277JFrBm1w/s320/Seals.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Another pleasant feature of San Diego’s
coastline is its moods. Most mornings
are foggy—perfect for contemplation, work, exercise, or snuggling. The fog typically burns off by about noon,
and sunny skies rule the rest of the day—perfect for sunbathing, relaxing, and
a happy, convivial atmosphere for which California is famous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Just south of Solana Beach is Del Mar—home
of the famous Del Mar racetrack, the second largest venue for thoroughbred
racing in the Western United States. The
season is primarily during the summer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Further south of Del Mar is fashionable La
Jolla. Enviable homes and exclusive
shops dot this coastline community. For
fun, watch the seals off of a centrally-located park; these creatures never
cease to entertain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/0542" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjveXvmtpxEgZzjaIW3hex0J_ieCYjE9qUCJzqFhx6DGeufEq2zDr8G-fdlRB6VRq_bKsBw3MmvokQZ3L6rUKbqQp1MCyxSumiyDuKUsZUzKOH5l3O2cF8Kto1wd47a1lJtkloBY4un9pY/s320/IVHE.com+%25230542+California+Beach.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In San Diego, visit Anthony’s Fish Grotto,
one of the oldest restaurants in San Diego.
The restaurant overlooks the harbor which is especially entrancing at
night. For a sense of history, visit Old
Town San Diego. Here, there a Mexican
treasures to purchase and eat (a lot of fun to eat outside). There are also old buildings and western
stage coaches, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Make sure you bring your work-out gear to
San Diego County. This is a very
athletic place. The roads are
bicycle-friendly, and it is not uncommon to see numerous joggers on the beach
and on paths. A curiosity to me were
people going through their workout routines on the beach or parks totally
uninhibited as they did sit-ups, jumping jacks, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/0993" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_KCLL5CKvv-VTRV5Odh7ITcmsn7ZbsG2kHJhyphenhyphennClfixFhNipLooz1SRSvkOSOaVsdww0Xxe_dy2vf9BIMTuj1CnhpXqVsGWUO1W1ixX_P5_yeIdyq2-koGmo7CL0KY_brifM9BDiVQo/s320/IVHE.com+%25230993+San+Diego.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A visit to San Diego Botanic Garden is worth
the trip to Encinitas a little inland.
Because the climate is so temperate, plant-life flourishes; flora from
all over the planet abound.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">If your plans include a trip to Southern
California, see these <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=30&state_id=5&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search">luxury
home exchanges</a> available through <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/">IVHE</a>. See <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/how-it-works">how this works</a>, and <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/testimonials">read testimonials</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span lang="EN-US">Thanks to travel writer and photographer Sona
Schmidt-Harris - Follow her on Twitter @Sonag2000<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Solana Beach, CA, USA32.991155 -117.271148132.964518999999996 -117.3114886 33.017791 -117.2308076tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-13983011266916727632016-09-23T12:18:00.002+01:002016-09-23T13:12:56.666+01:00Travel Tales of Travail – Why Deke’s Knee Creaks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/0128" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDa6FS0gTYUr4NCBZgknbXPCjN9BGcB0LyjnF-fy-hWJKLmrm4FBpQnamjq9KUTv2aCPRbzhh-G1-oeEcxTW5pWwvTq1kvo34N_B9nzBL7oznSVJW4i8oOOtL2MoHocLHnV_EeruWZtoM/s320/IVHE.com+%25230128+Santorini.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When my husband
“Deke” and I went to <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?countries_id%5B%5D=13&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&props_id=&form_type=search&plan_id=all&submit=search">Greece</a>,
we enjoyed places and experiences that will last a lifetime. In Mykonos, we stayed in a luxury hotel with
not only great service, but also great people.
The staff, including sensitive Virginia, insightful, young and
accommodating George, and a very serious staff worker I nicknamed, “The
Philosopher,” We waved good-bye as we left,
and I felt like I was saying good-bye to friends. My heart actually hurt when we boarded the
ship and sailed for <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/0128">Santorini</a>. Santorini being Santorini helped to heal the
wounds incurred by our departure from Mykonos.
Truthfully, Santorini could help to heal the heart of anyone with its
white cliff-side homes and breathtaking drops into the Aegean. When it was time to leave Santorini, Deke and
I were hopeful. Athens awaited, and we
planned on spending our anniversary in Paris.
I was filled only with happiness, anticipation, and hope. The Gods, however, had some surprises in
store.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?countries_id%5B%5D=13&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&props_id=&form_type=search&plan_id=all&submit=search" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LoLDL7q-NPp4botKTXJKv2JgbGtHrkDtg0ln8abSkh87VQv015Mj3uSus7zJDLlVMp8r2iR6DeS4weA2Qsp-YSKBW4WtSClfs06B3CVO1hZYMUe0s8MK4HPGWsQx2AmPx5xWMzTCWck/s320/Parthenon+4.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The sky was gray
when we arrived in the city of Athena.
We checked into our hotel, and proceeded to explore the city. We enjoyed seeing history everywhere we went,
and walking on Athens’ unique, marble streets.
I felt somehow profound in the shadow of The Acropolis; I took some
glorious shots of the famous edifice at sunset, and we snuggled at night in the
happy contentment that couples feel when they are having an adventure
together. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It remained
mostly overcast, and soon the rains began.
Deke had some business to tend to, so he wore a suit and his dress
shoes, as Deke tends to do. Next to a
bank, Deke stepped on wet marble, and down he went in his dress shoes. The good people of Athens rushed over to
Deke, but he refused their imploring to go straight to the hospital. Instead, Deke stood up, limped to cab, and
came back to the hotel. When Deke walked
into the room, he was ashen and I knew that this was worse than your average
fall. The pain in Deke’s knee and the
rains only increased as he lay in the hotel bed. Finally, the concierge called to have a
doctor come to examine Deke’s knee. Through
the rain, the orthopedist came. Deke was
not in the best of states, and couldn’t quite understand the doctor’s Greek
accent, so I translated. For some
reason, I am great at interpreting accents for others. “I am afraid your patella is broken. I will send over an x-ray technician to
confirm this.” And still the rains came. The x-ray technician arrived, and right there
in the room, he took an x-ray. Try
getting that kind of medical service in the United States. The x-ray confirmed what the doctor had
suspected all along—Deke’s knee was broken.
The doctor ordered a splint to be delivered to our room, and as the
torrential rains only increased, a dedicated employee delivered Deke’s
splint. That night, Athens got so much
rain that cars floated down the narrow streets.
The storms made the international news.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Are the Gods
pissed off that we’re here? I thought as I gazed at The Acropolis from our
window. The doctor recommended we go
back to the United States for Deke’s treatment. It took days to get a first-class flight out
(so Deke could keep his knee outstretched), so he languished in his bed tending
to insurance and airline business. In
the meantime, I climbed up to The Acropolis without my Deke, and though it was
glorious with the clouds over Athens, I couldn’t help but be a little cranky
without my man.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDlQTbnGVmmORK8AQ3Ucoi1ynHh_cQydTpDfrYcjSYJreOtKoZbdJD45QS3Qp3xgDttBn2H_g030eSNzp5wwqGf8U1KN9KvOR_NJzDIanyoxOT8UXQScXI1vwyPJ7QUjwQluAA43yH8s/s1600/396px-Lightning_striking_the_Eiffel_Tower_-_NOAA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDlQTbnGVmmORK8AQ3Ucoi1ynHh_cQydTpDfrYcjSYJreOtKoZbdJD45QS3Qp3xgDttBn2H_g030eSNzp5wwqGf8U1KN9KvOR_NJzDIanyoxOT8UXQScXI1vwyPJ7QUjwQluAA43yH8s/s320/396px-Lightning_striking_the_Eiffel_Tower_-_NOAA.jpg" width="211" /></span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we departed
from Athens, our driver told us that on the day Deke broke his patella, his son
broke his leg. I realized that I had
been a bit self-absorbed worrying about my problems; the whole of Athens had
seen better times. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we arrived
at the airport, a happy and enthusiastic young man helped Deke get into a
wheelchair, and then wheeled him to our plane bound for Paris. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m so
sorry. I’m so sorry honey that we won’t
be able to spend our anniversary in Paris” (it was our anniversary that very
day). I assured Deke that it was
okay—that we had a glorious time in Mykonos and Santorini. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we found our
seats in first class, we were a bit puzzled.
The seats were no bigger than those in coach. To make it seem roomier, the airline simply
put a seat between people; the only problem was that the airline put down the
armrests permanently and Deke couldn’t put his leg up; nor could he stretch it
out properly per Doctor’s orders. Deke
grew cranky.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<pre style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></pre>
<pre style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">A French, feminine flight attendant did her best to cheer Deke up. When he complained about the
pain, she gave him extra attention. “But you did not touch your breakfast; you must eat; you must eat
for your strength!” Deke did not oblige. She tried again, “Would you like some chocolate sir?”
</span><i><span lang="FR" style="color: #212121; line-height: 115%;">Voulez-vous un peu de chocolat ?</span></i><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #212121; line-height: 115%;">” </span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #212121; line-height: 115%;">“Who di ha di what?” asked my husband. I translated. “No,”
he said sadly, missing his appetite.<i> <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></pre>
<pre style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #212121; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The pain in Deke’s knee was only increasing as we flew past the Matterhorn and closer to Paris.
Overcast and grim-looking, Paris did not look inviting. Still, I looked with anticipation as the ground
approached during landing. Suddenly, the plane ascended rapidly; the pilot had abandoned the landing.
He simply didn’t feel comfortable in the dense fog. Deke groaned. The pilot circled and attempted a
landing one more time. This time it was successful, and the passengers broke into applause. Though
the flight attendant tried to be charming even as Deke was wheeled off, he was not so charming in
return. <o:p></o:p></span></span></pre>
<pre style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #212121; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we arrived at the airport, a frenzied employee greeted us. It was possible we would miss our
flight to Salt Lake because of the first abandoned landing. The employee put Deke in the wheelchair,
and pushed. Bang. She pushed Deke into the wall of the elevator. Deke cringed. We nearly ran
through the airport, Deke leading the way and feeling every bump. We made it, <i>barely. </i>Finally,
Deke could lie down and stretch out his leg! We settled in. I looked up. There, on all of the
international flights in the world, was the former wife of a man with whom I had once had a thing.
I knew she did not particularly appreciate me being a figure from her former husband’s past, so I lay
low—literally. I couldn’t hide forever, and besides she was a flight attendant and on her feet.
Luckily, she was not our flight attendant, though she did glance our way now and then. I don’t
know if she ever recognized me; she was accommodating and nice to Deke—maybe she felt sorry
for him sitting next to me. I will probably never know.<o:p></o:p></span></span></pre>
<pre style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #212121; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The flight was long and because of the pain Deke felt when he stood up, he avoided drinking
anything to dodge having to use the bathroom.<o:p></o:p></span></span></pre>
<pre style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #212121; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we arrived in Salt Lake, Deke found that his paperwork from the Greek orthopedist was missing.
We looked everywhere. Our flight attendant looked everywhere. It was simply missing. </span></span></pre>
<pre style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #212121; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We needed it to get reimbursed from our travel insurance company. I approached the “luggage patrol.”
I asked if our paperwork had been turned in. “No,” she said disinterested. We waited around for a
while, Deke’s knee throbbing, until we finally gave up and went home. The paperwork had of course
been turned in, and the next day I drove back out to the airport to pick it up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></pre>
<pre style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #212121; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Well, we’ll always have Mykonos and Santorini.<o:p></o:p></span></span></pre>
<pre style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #212121; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></pre>
<pre style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #212121; line-height: 115%;">Do you want to avoid as many travel mishaps as possible? Try a </span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=13&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search">luxury home exchange</a><span style="color: #212121;"> from
</span><a href="https://www.ivhe.com/">International Vacation Home Exchange</a><span style="color: #212121;">. Their knowledgeable and friendly staff is sure to help you
find the perfect vacation home. See </span><a href="https://www.ivhe.com/how-it-works">how this works</a><span style="color: #212121;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></pre>
<pre style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #212121; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></pre>
<pre style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #212121; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thanks to travel writer and photographer Sona Schmidt-Harris – Follow her on Twitter @Sonag2000</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></pre>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Greece39.074208 21.82431199999996432.696889999999996 11.497163499999964 45.451526 32.151460499999963tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-86531074324623888132016-09-19T07:00:00.000+01:002016-09-19T07:00:18.193+01:00More Great Australian Destination Ideas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/0623" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPs280RYkjxm4foHAPJOQDAWt3seL9lK0Kjqoxp_cBC5belfCShHnxyNEwXQSy0VagMQjs0hxP6ZQs3csM-O6fUHqgI8ShSXSdtwDWu-RjBZKP1J_s01ad4ABkv6F-i4DjkI0hdoTTkAg/s640/IVHE.com+0623+Queensland.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=1&state_id=74&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search">Queensland</a>
enjoys frontage on both the Coral Sea and the Pacific Ocean and was first
inhabited by Aboriginal Australians. The state is quite large, so the climate
can vary wildly depending on where you visit. From the tropical north to the
outback region and down to the temperate southern country, QLD has a lot to
offer. Brisbane lies in the Southeastern part of QLD and attracts a lot of
tourism. The area is self-described as a laid-back environment that offers high
culture without pretention. Whether you’re looking to stroll through a
botanical garden, take in a show, or shop for high-fashion, Brisbane has got
you covered. Queensland also features lots of wildlife, great surfing, and
scenic backdrops for outdoorsy adventures. <a href="http://www.blog.ivhe.com/2014/08/home-swaps-down-under.html">The Golden
Coast</a> is a sight to behold in and of itself, making QLD far worth the trip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/1048" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgno1BUG29V26bp89Rs95EkjiXHuVial6XJGoGS9lAA7gzuNQK1JiHxdzwuN28hY3te_KWbF-OvTn8ahcLQk_lGXpK-cF_-WyAFRCb2MS8mEAIkQ0oHxVLp4U4ZF1jUKBTK6FXBe6KiVKA/s400/IVHE.com+%25231048+Sydney.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=1&state_id=72&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search">New
South Wales</a> is Australia’s most populous state, home to the ever-popular
destinations of Sydney and the South Coast. NSW has some of the most unspoiled
coast in the country, along with mountainous regions and even rainforests in
the North Coast. It is certainly a noteworthy destination for those who love
picturesque and natural vacation spots. The climate trends toward the side of
arid, but up in the mountainous regions it can be downright chilly. There is
also plenty of culture to be found here, for those who prefer city life. Sydney
is the largest city in Australia and, as such, offers no shortage of
attractions, events, and culture. It isn’t too difficult to get around in
Sydney, with public transit a popular option for traveling up the coast or
moving about the city, but outside of that NSW is a bit more isolated. Like
most of the states, <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=1&state_id=72&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search">NSW</a>
has many different sides. These include bustling city and quiet seaside oasis,
so there’s a little something for everyone here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/0562" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACi4NQS4GSAz9NIsXCE9A_KRzKZPHs2ucr2p-JGnxBrL3SozZL3SWdRE16WNfBbLkSns76ZFwAiQ7OSEdp8xPGUvlAYMJ-Xr5EgQcJ2J4KYbI7h-YnuAtue5rX8aD2ip-Pc2ltPw7v9Q/s400/IVHE.com+%25230562+Victoria.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=1&state_id=77&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search">Victoria</a>
is home to Melbourne, a bustling metro area and popular travel destination.
“Authentic” Australia is also in abundance in VIC, with the penguins of Philip
Island, the Great Ocean Road along the coast, and stunning desert landscapes. As
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/">IVHE</a> has previously noted, VIC is also home
to <a href="http://www.blog.ivhe.com/2014/12/an-ivhe-fishing-holiday.html">world-class
fishing</a>. Victoria offers a great mix of culture and nature. Melbourne is an
easy sell for foodies, sports fans, theatre fanatics, and music lovers alike,
while the wilder part of the state sates the outdoorsy among us. There is also
a robust wine culture here, which is something for both camps to enjoy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US">Last but not
least there is <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=1&state_id=76&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search">Tasmania</a>,
the island state to the south of VIC. This is a truly unique place, perfect for
nature lovers. A whopping 45% of the area is comprised of nature reserves and
parks. From scuba diving to mountain climbing, they’ve got you covered. There
are also compact cities to be found, should you get a hankering for a touch of
night life, but the real crown jewel of TAS is decidedly the natural beauty all
around. If you’re looking for even more detail on the southeastern region
(Victoria and Tasmania), we’ve even provided a more in-depth <a href="http://www.blog.ivhe.com/2013/10/say-gday-to-ivhe-holiday-in.html">post
on the subject</a>.<br /><i>For more great Australian destinations, visit our <a href="http://www.blog.ivhe.com/2016/09/deciding-where-to-vacation-in-australia.html" target="_blank">previous IVHE Blog.</a><br />Thank you to travel writer Emma Close. </i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Queensland, Australia-20.9175738 142.70279559999994-20.9175738 142.70279559999994 -20.9175738 142.70279559999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-19134409410488032182016-09-17T18:25:00.001+01:002016-09-19T20:47:19.006+01:00Deciding Where to Vacation in Australia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=1&state_id=75&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOOg-2zm1BGcblkBtPKxyVNCgl6i4HYcUj1iuiBbmwZQrPgJyPDYGyMm2EFG-DibpNL6Z-zt4B2wIKRLhCA3o_K314P6wcgg0JEurfv4ecKky2NKF6SCcxm5-Ut4RYoMb3nj1dg2bYlg/s320/South+Australia+Sunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The “Land Down
Under” is vast and varied – almost overwhelmingly so. In a perfect world, you’d
simply tour the entire country from end to end, but most of us lack the time
and/or money for such an adventure and must settle on one or two destinations. For
hopeful vacation planners who are looking for an <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?countries_id%5B%5D=1&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&props_id=&form_type=search&plan_id=all&submit=search">Australian</a>
getaway, it can be a bit tough to discern where the best locale is. Never fear
though, we’ve got you covered! With a touch of research, some <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/">IVHE</a> insight, and a little introspection on
your part, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for an Australian holiday. (this is the first of two blogs on Australia)<br />
The first thing to
understand about Australia are its states, of which there are six. IVHE has <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?countries_id%5B%5D=1&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&props_id=&form_type=search&plan_id=all&submit=search">vacation
properties</a> in all six of them, so you won’t be at a loss for choices on
that front. Western Australia is by far the largest and is aptly named, being
that it comprises the Western portion of the continent. <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=1&state_id=75&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search">South
Australia</a> lies in the middle and extends out to the shore in a southern
direction, while the Eastern side of the continent is comprised of the
territories <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=1&state_id=74&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search">Queensland</a>
(the northernmost of the three), New South Wales (in the middle of this eastern
group), and Victoria (by far the smallest and the most southern of the lot).
Further to the south sits the Island of <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=1&state_id=76&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search">Tasmania</a>
which, despite being off on its own, should not be overlooked as a potential
vacation destination. There are also two main territories. These include the
Northern Territory, which abuts South Australia, and the Australian Capital
Territory, which is a smaller region located within NSW. Deciding which state
you’ll want to visit is the probably the toughest part of your vacation
planning, so it’s best to start with an in-depth look at what each place has to
offer the discerning traveler.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=1&state_id=78&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-f18N0WIBVjBNymQQglrPEFB-6RV0fSkeEeCjTzFR4pN5odU5lOyEWg7ULU1RD2MN7Xw79lsSkvlLeRQ8RnJBXtMR503l_Od8ff12vKpJUg4r_xLYm9C7nwzDVaAId4nSGF2S2CuDmQY/s320/Perth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Western
Australia draws quite a few visitors every year, a testament to all of the
attractions it has to offer. The state has quite a bit of frontage along the
Indian Ocean and much of the coastal region boasts a lovely Mediterranean
climate. A whopping 92% of the
population of Western Australia is located in the southwestern corner, where
you will also find Perth. Whether you’re looking to catch some sun at the
shore, explore the densely forested areas, or have a true outback adventure
exploring their mind-blowing rock formations, Western Australia has plenty for
the adventurous traveler. Being that Western Australia is so vast, it boasts
incredible biological diversity, making it a great spot for an outdoorsy
vacation. Perth provides a good dose of culture and nightlife, to complement
the vast areas of natural beauty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/1324" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgam6ZKPWc18t37T1i-_6kZCmV00NsBjWEkcdMMDOT1DzRZ-IUB4I0KhRRyajKrcm88e9QxxBroAX19kRYIiQF7PkuBf4GDIEm4JsDZIAojjBqs3KrE0J5uiN9o8u6390zrETsHuoo_jts/s320/IVHE.com+1324+Australia.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">South Australia
is by far the most arid region in the continent. The coastal areas have a
pleasant Mediterranean climate, but parts of SA can get downright hot during
certain times of the year. The sea is always a great destination in Australia,
and SA is no exception to that rule. There are also a host of bike trails,
rivers and lakes, and parks and preserves for nature lovers. Wine connoisseurs
are also in luck, as South Australia is a bastion of fine wine and great food.
Adelaide is a very popular destination for visitors, with lots of culture and
gourmet dining to be found there. The warm summers and mild winters make SA a
good place to consider year round.<br /><i><b>For more ideas, visit our <a href="http://www.blog.ivhe.com/2016/09/more-great-australian-destination-ideas.html" target="_blank">next IVHE.blog.</a><br />Thank you to travel writer Emma Close. </b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0South Australia, Australia-30.0002315 136.2091547-43.703344 115.5548577 -16.297119000000002 156.86345169999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-71793256660817527782016-09-08T03:30:00.000+01:002016-09-08T13:34:38.010+01:00More Great Things to do in New York!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=30&state_id=33&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqZ7XBb6CZiFJZAmeDwKZk-quVDHN-5HpA3HdAHcZDCmcF05U-U2tcXgYomIBVYAZU5w5XJn39TeQq29bKQ-XJIhaKuk3Nn211-qi_O2gjsqolD8rAiMpmD7XIx74a5NHBFlkpU7HUZw/s1600/new-york-times+square.jpg" /></a><span id="goog_1122534746"></span><span id="goog_1122534747"></span><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US">Visit <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=30&state_id=33&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search" target="_blank">New York</a>’s Highly-Rated Gramercy Tavern</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US"> </span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">On 20<sup>th</sup> Street
just off of Park Avenue South is my favorite restaurant in New York City, <a href="http://www.gramercytavern.com/">Gramercy Tavern</a>. There are actually two sections in this
establishment—the restaurant and the tavern.
The restaurant is expensive and often the wait is long to reserve a
table; however, the tavern serves on a walk-in basis, and has a welcoming and
warm atmosphere. With magnificent floral
arrangements and creative cocktails, Gramercy Tavern provides a great ambience
whether you’re there alone or with friends.
I have seen famous folk wander in amongst the lively and stylish environment,
and some of my own favorite New York memories were created here. There can be long waits on Friday and
Saturday nights; however, Gramercy Tavern is also open for lunch, a normally
less busy time to come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"> </span></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US">7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US">Walk Through Central Park</span></b></div>
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It may seem like a cliché, but a walk through Central Park, no
matter the season, is a must. Part of
what makes New York City great is the park.
Created in 1857, Central Park is iconic in film. No matter how sophisticated you are, walking
through the park and seeing things you have seen on the screen is a
thrill. Plus, you never know who you
will see. I waved to Woody Allen in the
park, who waved back—good times. The
bridle trails are great for jogging, and the Shakespeare Garden is an
inspiration in spring and summer.</div>
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<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=30&state_id=33&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLluF6G3yHzGE82YuoO3jxeOhyStwOeEiq-Wwk7K_iIbwFWX-OHoU4Un6H7YKn_-IgDxCRTYhgtptR0H-2tukrlaf77oelX2F6AzXMOIkcVbzUVImFTD0IC2kdwdBEnHwPLPWclOM6v8/s320/cityscape-1600807_960_720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US">8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US">Linger at Any Coffee Shop in SoHo</span></b></div>
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The SoHo neighborhood in
Manhattan, fashionable, exclusive, and artistic, is worth your time. With numerous boutiques, art galleries, and
restaurants, it’s great to shop if you have the money, and great to window-shop
if you don’t. When it’s time for a
break, linger at one of SoHo’s many coffee shops. It won’t be long until someone interesting
walks through the door. Some of the
coffee shops feature community tables—perfect for the person travelling alone.</div>
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<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US">9. <span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US">Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge</span></b></div>
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To really get a feel for the various characters in New York, walk
across the Brooklyn Bridge. You can find
everyone from the person walking to work to a man with a pet snake on one
shoulder and a boom box on the other.
It’s invigorating, and you’ll feel like you’re part of the pulse of the
city.</div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/0908" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fazEjghZkzS5j-olTHeFfNiHh9lPXzMCeyMxSTiKfbjUJAmfOCF_ZNDa-qmVaSCMy1m_d1cgKL7AOuvtGDuVmWzOg0kIKWSzeqHPLgoucGbH5Fzi4Ymm10POKGTxbMAN2eqKwGBIt6E/s320/IVHE.com+0908.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US">10.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US">In Pleasant Weather, Eat Lunch on the Steps of The New York Public
Library on 5<sup>th</sup> Avenue</span></b></div>
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If
you want to feel the rhythm of the workforce, go to The New York Public Library
on 5<sup>th</sup> Avenue in Midtown Manhattan at lunch. A business district, Midtown features the
hurried employee looking for a reprieve during day. People with their takeout
lunches relax in the sun on the steps of the library. Behind the library is Bryant Park—another
great place to go at lunch where you can find people playing chess. There were once so many pigeons, that the
city hired a falconer to release his bird at lunch to shew away the pigeons;
the only problem was that the hawk decided one day to pick up what it saw as lunch—someone’s
Chihuahua! Needless to say, the falconer plan was scrapped.</div>
<br />
Wait, that was only 5, <a href="http://www.blog.ivhe.com/2016/09/10-great-things-to-do-in-new-york.html" target="_blank">the first 5 are in yesterday's blog for 5.</a> Start planning a New York stay with <a href="http://www.ivhe.com/">IVHE</a> in one of these <a href="http://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=30&state_id=33&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search">luxury home exchange</a> options in New York; it’s a great way save thousands in accommodation costs to stay in the city. See <a href="http://www.ivhe.com/how-it-works">how this works</a> and <a href="http://www.ivhe.com/testimonials">read testimonials</a>.<br />
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<br /></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-US">Sona Schmidt-Harris – Follow me on Twitter @Sonag2000</span></i></b></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0New York, NY, USA40.7127837 -74.00594130000001840.7127837 -74.005941300000018 40.7127837 -74.005941300000018tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-39959028948999755852016-09-07T13:44:00.000+01:002016-09-08T13:33:59.328+01:0010 Great Things to Do in New York<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=30&state_id=33&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_cOX_2mQdwqsk355ZPvd5eT_FEOf9JqfprhPOwVHbKCcElRG1u3aItW2GC4b7o8tsyGO2eaTzFQNSzyRFn9iQhaL1nu6se_5UpQRapGyPbVDQG88jPhdN6dN3gLAFiVVfIfUqd0Cb88/s320/New+York+Image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As a former
Manhattanite whose wallet wasn’t always full, I learned of some great but
reasonably-priced things to do in <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=30&state_id=33&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search" target="_blank">New York</a>.
Here are my suggestions:</div>
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<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US">Have a Drink at The Campbell Apartment in Grand Central Station</span></b></div>
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Tucked away in a remote corner of Grand Central Station is The
Campbell Apartment. Sophisticated and
historical, this lounge is the perfect place to meet for drinks during a busy,
Manhattan day. The lounge was the former
office of business tycoon John W. Campbell.
The wait staff is the most refined I have seen in Manhattan; when I was
last there, the waitresses wore pearls.
The lighting is ambient and invites lingering no matter how busy it can
get.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/1231" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_u0vX54VBadRt04f-aUl2RLxrcIJShCxluAlSV3rhyVmMeHvMbi4oiFLLGPp9AaevxSoj0apnB_cbbFY96dHOAVnYSJKsJcoX6lxbPNoJqs1cMkAuIMoVfzoHonIx2eoL5TUy5muFzq0/s320/New+York+IVHE.com+1231.jpg" width="320" /></a><span id="goog_1122534723"></span><span id="goog_1122534724"></span><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><br />2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US">Attend MetFridays at The Metropolitan Museum of Art</span></b></div>
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On Fridays, the balcony overlooking The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s
elegant, main lobby turns into the best bar in New York. With live entertainment, often chamber music,
you can enjoy cocktails and appetizers in one of the world’s most renowned
museums. Purchase tickets early to avoid waiting in line.</div>
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<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US">If You’re a Literary Lover, Attend the Barnes & Noble Author
Events Throughout the City</span></b></div>
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Some of the best authors in the world do readings at New York City
Barnes & Nobles. The Barnes &
Noble at Union Square attracts a particularly sophisticated array of authors
which have included Oliver Saks, Joyce Carol Oates, Frank McCourt, and Jane
Goodall just to name a few. Admission is
free, and often includes author signings.</div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US">Visit The Morgan Library and Museum</span></b></div>
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On the corner of Madison Avenue and 36<sup>th</sup> Street is the
former residence of financier J.P. Morgan.
During his lifetime, his collection of illuminated manuscripts and other
artistic treasures was vast, and it was decided that after his death these
treasures needed to be shared with the public; his home is now a museum. If you’re a bibliophile as I am, <a href="http://www.themorgan.org/">The Morgan Library and Museum</a> is a
must-see; the elegant library is so beautiful and has so many historic books, I
actually had tears in my eyes during my first visit. Of special note are Morgan’s Guttenberg
Bibles; he also favored medieval art which is prolific in the museum. While perusing, stop for afternoon tea at The
Morgan Café in a modern setting or have lunch at The Morgan Dining Room, the
Morgan family’s original dining room for a more formal setting.</div>
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<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/1231" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3U_qb8RnuI4ba8rtTuyRegI7u1MdgCua9OofKgavaMdvwySw9GWwJoOlzTmlNKad7YzxzHcsalgv4zt7EYfif72__76EjFzUKab4d23HwEGEMXFbXqepF47r4a9lGxpu2Od7vMEqLO9E/s320/New+York+prop_1231b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US">Ride the Staten Island Ferry for Free</span></b>New York’s Staten Island Ferry is free! Ride in winter or summer past The Statue of
Liberty, and view downtown Manhattan at night—truly worth the ride.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">Wait, that was only 5, check out <a href="http://www.blog.ivhe.com/2016/09/more-great-things-to-do-in-new-york.html" target="_blank">tomorrow's blog for 5 more.</a> If your plans include a New York stay (and
everyone’s should) <a href="http://www.ivhe.com/">IVHE</a> has several <a href="http://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=30&state_id=33&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search">luxury
home exchange</a> options in New York; it’s a great way save thousands in accommodation costs to stay in the
city. See <a href="http://www.ivhe.com/how-it-works">how this works</a> and <a href="http://www.ivhe.com/testimonials">read testimonials</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-US">Sona Schmidt-Harris – Follow me on Twitter @Sonag2000<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0New York, NY, USA40.7127837 -74.00594130000001840.3275957 -74.651388300000022 41.0979717 -73.360494300000013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-74610472541099346582016-08-12T10:36:00.002+01:002016-08-12T10:36:44.590+01:00How Not to Fight on Vacation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgweH4O8qfMcX71beKlW7gzdZVYquJEnsTwfGVcuxuJvNYnEWCy3PX1CbYBjEs-3NZA-6TAfEpuZVLyGLZYA2GzBU5CdMUkYkuU9NC9kdXAbQVJk57DTFwMeAwXTSKioFc2IkgjT0ZNINg/s1600/Elephant_seals_fighting+-++Michael+L.+Baird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgweH4O8qfMcX71beKlW7gzdZVYquJEnsTwfGVcuxuJvNYnEWCy3PX1CbYBjEs-3NZA-6TAfEpuZVLyGLZYA2GzBU5CdMUkYkuU9NC9kdXAbQVJk57DTFwMeAwXTSKioFc2IkgjT0ZNINg/s320/Elephant_seals_fighting+-++Michael+L.+Baird.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">If You’re Not in the Driver’s Seat, Abdicate Control<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I learned this
lesson in <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?countries_id%5B%5D=15&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&props_id=&form_type=search&plan_id=all&submit=search">Italy</a>. I’m somewhat of a backseat driver when my
husband is at the wheel, but when we rented an Alfa Romeo to drive around
Tuscany, I was so glad I wasn’t driving (driving in a foreign land is just not
my thing) I simply stayed quiet even when things looked a little dubious. This helped to create harmony on a <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/">dream vacation</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Spend a Little Time Apart Every Day<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This may seem
counterintuitive, yet I have found that it helps. You and your traveling partner(s) are not
usually together 24 hours a day at home, so why should you be on holiday? Nothing can create tension like never
separating even for just a few minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Let the Person Who is the Most Organized Take Care of
Most of the Travel Details<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Normally the
person who is the most organized prefers to take care of details in nearly
every situation. It will save the person
who is less organized the opportunity to relax more on holiday (too many details
can give me a headache), and everyone is happier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/1262" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXl3rYk65kyMaWKSXvjoQPcPjzWsPq1WDv_rI-ZpD0_znIef33UeHXwcLfAx4GfqZXncjCJM6xWa-oovKM6S1eru05tXDZDfugpU7eGv-er9StZhFRFQCxFUMsREvAeP7JYaWJHU_qk8/s320/IVHE.com+%25231262+Gulf+of+Mexico.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">As In Any Relationship, Compromise!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We hear it all
the time<b>—</b>compromise is the key in
any relationship; this is especially true of traveling companions. If you are locked in a disagreement about
where to visit, suggest a compromise such as spending a little less time in a
particular museum and using the extra time to relax in a café. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">If Your Traveling Companion Doesn’t Want to
Participate in an Activity, Go Yourself and Don’t be Angry<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This sounds
easier than it is, yet choosing not to be angry when your traveling companion does
not participate in an activity will only add to your enjoyment. Do you really want to be angry while visiting
The Louvre or The Acropolis?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">If You Are Headed toward an Unknown Destination, Get
as Clear An Idea as Possible Where You are Going<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“John, you said
you knew where you were going; we are nowhere near where we need to be!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“We’ll find it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“Why can’t you
ever stop and ask for directions? Why
are you so stubborn?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“Oh give it a
rest, Phyllis.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Does this sound
familiar to anyone? For some reason
getting lost encourages fighting the way a fine wine encourages relaxation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">To prevent this
from happening, why not ask the concierge for detailed directions, or let the
person who is better at reading the map read the map? When I studied abroad in Germany, we traveled
with a great map reader, and when someone complained that the map reader was
always the one in charge and thought he was “omnipotent,” our trusty leader
abdicated control; chaos ensued and let’s just say that the best map reader
became the best map reader again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/0128" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhH8DI8YjzFWQpnstj0mPduhU-W9LITKzFuH1dsictdLx5URL1Aqqd2bjmxfn-fQ0N7PRHUymXJsIR7oEPEjJDZqnZbtXGjd3I-gLc6ZTlQA3IMmffStqm6yk6S5AKdDYIJjszUbEEe0/s320/IVHE+%25230128.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">If Things Don’t Go as Planned, Have a Plan B or Be
Spontaneous<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This is one of
the most important things people can do on vacation. Nothing is worse than someone being miserable
because things didn’t go as planned and subsequently making other traveling
companions miserable. I have found that
to plan both indoor and outdoor activities to match the weather has been very
helpful in making things go more smoothly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">If One Person Likes to Go, Go, Go, and Another Likes
to Relax, That’s Okay<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I have traveled
with some who like to be on the go constantly and others who like to take it
easy. I have found that to try and
change the nature of the other leads to trouble. Normally, the person who likes to relax is more
than happy to have a nice margarita by the pool while others go out and
discover the city.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Let Those Pesky, Recurring Issues Go <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.ivhe.com/">Vacations</a> can sometimes amplify any existing
issues in a relationship. I have learned
to try and let most issues go while on holiday.
My husband and I had our worst anniversary (the armpit of anniversaries)
overseas when I brought up a problem.
How I wish now that I hadn’t!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Remember, a Vacation is an Investment!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">My guess is
there are more people who have been disappointed on vacation because of arguing
than those who have not. One great thing
to remember is that a vacation is an investment—financially, emotionally, and an
investment of your time. Try to get the
most out of your time—arguing only cheapens your investment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Making the Most of Your Investment<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Want to make the
most out of your travel investment? Turn
to <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/">International Vacation Home Exchange</a>. Their travel consultants can help find the
perfect <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=13&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search">luxury
home exchange</a> while you and your traveling companion(s) are out seeing the
world. See <a href="https://www.ivhe.com/how-it-works">how this works</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>Photo thank you to <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/" target="_blank">Michael Baird</a></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span lang="EN-US">Thanks to travel
writer Sona Schmidt-Harris – Follow her on Twitter @Sonag2000<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Italy41.87194 12.56737999999995729.6780185 -8.0869170000000423 54.065861500000004 33.221676999999957tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4682852616874551482.post-30848461091709368082016-08-06T12:53:00.000+01:002016-08-06T12:53:17.374+01:005 Ways to Live Locally While Traveling Globally<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/1215" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nsxiOloaluym2RaV4uqOmalr39xnRNYYhNueHP8JXKr4rcPSDBGvKIWm5AzWcoMRijQPatPQlOqlMbQ7Hq91ojkq0pAKR8F7Jui0eEL0YgnVmbyRTUbwTnZozt8TuA1bgtTTZwmwY3w/s200/IVHE.com+%25231215+Los+Cabos.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Visiting top
tourist attractions are most likely on everyone’s travel itinerary. We all want to see the sites we’ve read and
heard about over the years. While
visiting these sites be sure to make it a well-rounded holiday by spending a
little time gaining insight into how the locals of the area live. Here are a few tips to help you do just
that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Use Public
Transportation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?countries_id%5B%5D=10&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&props_id=&form_type=search&plan_id=all&submit=search" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibx1IA2xX5CLiqLYKZee2eh_jwgMfAX1_haucOsFJi5_QHu3mydSx83CLIG0EYhNkhl260mcyDyvdfK5tXLB9nq5OM3FAvUgNTFU1_1TdfOxfYYt6hARrNG_7ZHEXry-5sPERzb34iynQ/s200/ll2.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You might
find it easier to Uber or book a car service when traveling around an unfamiliar
place, but by doing so you miss out on the real flavor of the culture. Taking the time to learn the local public
transportation system is a great way to really immerse yourself in the daily
routines of the locals. Don’t be afraid
of getting a bit lost along the way, you can always just get off and get right
back on again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/all?continent_id=&country_id=23&props_id=&plan_id=all&beds_id=&sleeps_id=&credits_id=&form_type=search&submit=search" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qegDf1ZOqs1X5SrQxG3vPcqdNPi6OT1nDMcobs9BAMTmz4w2JgYzvt1aBSkUMsTSYq94YNzXQq-Y3-uyFLi5nppqcaUTIx7BHgvguR8Hxu2VKOBWdR_2EhjjuLjGf5MpDzFtWy0aI3I/s320/ll3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Learn the
Language<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You don’t
need to necessarily make an investment in Rosetta Stone (unless, of course, you
want to) but it’s a great idea to at least learn a few words and phrases in the
language of the countries you visit. It
will not only help you get the feel of living locally but it’s also good “travel
etiquette” when you’re a guest in another country. If you are traveling with kids then it’s a
great way to expose them to another language.
We always like to have our kids take turns being in charge of learning a
few key phrases for the country we are about to visit. We then will call upon them for a particular
phase that’s needed. It’s a great
learning experience for adults, as well, as children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ask the
Locals for Suggestions<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One of our
favorite “side-line” excursions was on a trip to Ireland while driving the Ring
of Kerry. During a quick stop at a gift
shop, the owner told us about a little known off shoot of the Ring of Kerry
that the tourists don’t know about. He
pulled out a map and showed us how to drive onto the ferry and take this
recommended detour. He also mentioned an
ice cream shop on this route that he said was reason enough to make the
trip. So off we went on this mini
adventure. With all the research I do
before leaving on holiday I would have never found out about that delightful
route without chatting with a local, and yes, the ice cream was amazing!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.ivhe.com/properties/home-exchange/listing/0776" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiya8wUVm2FOqLg9D8roibCH6gcf298WbpeVf8CqELFCLr3bf_l9wsWIRhfqCrR2NbF7m59PzLqeCvaLs0gw6nLxIu6hn83rhZ57vckIY60S__gvWSH5rNXpwZ4NcfZEuufqD498JziX4/s320/IVHE.com+%25230776+Ghent.GIF" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Book A </span></b><span class="Hyperlink0"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.ivhe.com/how-it-works">Home Exchange</a></span></b></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One of the
best ways to truly get the local experience is by booking a home swap, living
in local’s home is a great way to experience he local culture. A popular option is </span><span class="Hyperlink0"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://ivhe.com/">International Vacation Home Exchange</a></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. They
offer non simultaneous </span><span class="Hyperlink0"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.ivhe.com/faq">home swap</a></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> to their members, which is a convenient
booking option. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Visit the
Local Grocery Store<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I always
love stopping into local grocery stores on holiday. It’s a great way to experience what’s grown
locally or to find out about some of the local cultural favorites. You can watch other shoppers for what types
of items they are purchasing or ask the owner for suggestions. They are usually more that happy to teach you
about their cultural dishes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I’d love to
hear about a living-like-a-local travel experience you’ve had by leaving a
comment in the section below. Hopefully
these tips will help you add a little local flavor to your next holiday
experience but remember that to truly fit in with the locals you’ll
unfortunately need to leave your selfie stick at home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Thank
you Travel Writer Lisa Medeiros. Follow
her on Twitter @lisamedeiros_</span></i></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">About IVHE.com
IVHE members have access to luxury-staffed villas, yachts, ski lodges, boutique hotels and even safari game lodges. The range of choice gives IVHE a unique position in the home exchange market. Add to that highly individual and personal service given to all members.
IVHE.com is the trading name of IVHE Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Company registration number : 6425983. Registered Office: 3 Dee Road, Richmond, Surrey, England, TW9 2JN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1England, UK52.3555177 -1.174319700000069142.4994672 -21.828616700000069 62.2115682 19.479977299999931