6 Ways to Spend Less on Your Next Vacation

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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. 

Look into What’s Free

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.” 

Cut Out Hotel Cost

There are many accommodation options available these days that can save you a bundle on your next vacation.  Home exchange is a great alternative to paying a hefty hotel bill.  Companies like International Vacation Home Exchange 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!

Use Uber Instead of a Car Rental

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. 

Eat In

Choosing a home exchange 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?

Buy Tickets in Advance

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.

Try Not to Forget Anything at Home

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.

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.

Thank you Travel Writer Lisa Medeiros.  Follow her on twitter @lisamedeiros_

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Solana Beach and Surrounding San Diego County

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Few places in the world have more pleasant year-round temperatures than San Diego County in Southern California.  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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

If your plans include a trip to Southern California, see these luxury home exchanges available through IVHE.  See how this works, and read testimonials.

Thanks to travel writer and photographer Sona Schmidt-Harris - Follow her on Twitter @Sonag2000

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5 Ways to Live Locally While Traveling Globally

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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. 

Use Public Transportation

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. 

Learn the Language

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. 

Ask the Locals for Suggestions

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!

Book A Home Exchange

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 International Vacation Home Exchange.  They offer non simultaneous home swap to their members, which is a convenient booking option. 

Visit the Local Grocery Store

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. 

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. 

Thank you Travel Writer Lisa Medeiros.  Follow her on Twitter @lisamedeiros_

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I’d Love to Travel But….

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There’s no doubt that traveling comes with its share of hassles and inconveniences making it easy for some to come up with a long list of excuses as to why they don’t.  As tempting as it is to stay in your comfort zone, nothing new or exciting ever happens there.   Here are a few of the most common excuses people give as to why they don’t travel.  Hopefully, I’m able to debunk a few and encouraged everyone to add a little adventure to their lives. 

“I can’t afford to travel”  Yes, travel can be expensive but with a little creativity there are many ways to fit it into your budget.  

Sign up for a credit card that earns you travel points  There are a tons of  credit card companies out there offering points toward travel expenses that can save you hundreds of dollars. 

Book a home exchange: Book a home swap with a company like International Vacation Home Exchange and save thousands on your accommodation expenses.  You’ll also save money by cooking at home instead of eating out. 

Start a Vacation Fund:  Be cautious of where you are spending your money.  Each time you decide against           making an unnecessary purchase put that money in a special fund towards your     vacation.  You’ll be surprised how fast that fund adds up and how many useless items you often spend your money on. 

“I hate to fly”

While flying can sometimes be a frustrating and unpleasant experience, it’s quite often the only option to get to your from Point A to Point B.  It’s best to just embrace it.  To be honest, I love to fly.   When else do you have several uninterrupted hours where you don’t feel like you should be doing something more productive?  It’s forced “down-time”.  Make the most of it. 

Read a Good Book Flying is probably the most uninterrupted time you can have. 

Watch a Movie                 Research movies that are out and find one you’ve been dying to see then save it for your flight.  You’ll be at your destination before you know it. 

Take a Nap Take advantage of time to take a guilt free nap.  You’ll arrive at your destination completely refreshed

“We have a beach house so we don’t need to go anywhere else”

Having a vacation home is nice way to spend vacation time and create family memories but it can easily get you into a travel rut.  Consider using your vacation home to arrange a home swap through IVHE.  Home swap is a great way to broaden your travel horizons and visit a place you’ve always dreamed of visiting.  IVHE has luxury homes all around the world. 

“It’s a dangerous time to travel”

While recent incidences around the world may cause you to have some apprehension regarding travel, it’s important to keep in mind that if we waited until there was nothing disturbing going on in the world and it was completely safe to travel then no one would ever travel anywhere.  They’ll always be something to worry about somewhere in the world so don’t let current events prevent you from planning a trip. 

Put an end to the travel excuses and start living your travel dreams today.  Hopefully, in no time at all you’ll be using “I’m too busy traveling” as your new excuse. 

Thank you travel blogger Lisa Medeiros.  Follow her on Twitter @lisamedeiros_

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Free Activities in Florida

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While traveling is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding and exciting hobbies around, it can also easily be counted amongst the most expensive. It is certainly possible to vacation for a reasonable price, but between the costs of travel, meals, lodging, and incidentals, it does add up quickly. One of the best ways to offset the costs of taking a trip is to seek out free attractions when you travel. Luckily, there is no shortage of free outdoor attractions and activities to do here in Florida that can help you keep a little spending money in your pocket without sacrificing enjoyment or excitement.

If you’re looking for a great free activity in Florida, the first place you’ll want to look is out to sea. With over 2,000 Kilometers of coastline, Florida boasts some of the most gorgeous public beaches in the world. You can easily spend the day catching a tan, swimming, and checking out the marine life at no extra cost. No matter where you go in Florida, you’re never more than a day trip away from a beach, so it has remained a staple of our great state. Each beach is different here as well, so this activity can be done multiple times in multiple places without losing its novelty. You’ll just have to spring for sunblock and drinks, but it’s not hard to find free parking and enjoy a day for minimal cost.

Another perk of visiting Florida is gaining access to the vast numbers of parks and trails in the area. Despite loads of development over the years, Florida has still maintained much of its wild roots and you will seldom find yourself very far from a nature trail or a park. There are actually over 5,000 miles of hiking trails alone in the sunshine state. While the federal and state parks do cost money to visit, the fees are negligible and will hardly break the bank. However, it’s also completely possible to get enjoy nature without any price tag. Most areas of Florida boast at least a few scenic trails, local parks, or preserved natural areas that don’t cost a dime to visit. You’ll have to research the area you plan to travel to in order to find out what options are available, but hiking or nature watching is a great free activity. You will never have the same experience twice, as the flora and fauna are constantly changing.

Festivals and local gatherings offer another option for those looking for a low-cost addition to their travel itinerary. One of the benefits of visiting Florida is getting to enjoy our temperate climate. The weather here is seldom harsh, meaning we have festivals and outdoor attractions almost year-round. These vary by location and the time of the year, but if you keep your eye out you’re very likely to find something that would appeal to you. Common local outdoor freebies include arts festivals, movie screenings, concerts, food truck rallies, and educational/wildlife presentations. These activities are family friendly and offer a real glimpse into Florida culture.

Overall, Florida is one of the absolute best vacation destinations when it comes to finding free outdoor activities. Whether you’re more into relaxing in the sun, getting some exercise in nature, or having a cultural experience, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. IVHE also has loads of wonderful vacation properties that are in keeping with a luxurious vacation without breaking the bank. There are plenty of other things you can spend money on during your trip, save a little bit and consider finding some free outdoor activities when you plan to travel to Florida!

Thank you to guest travel writer Emma Sledge.  

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Perfect Guacamole for Your Beach House Holiday

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Nothing celebrates summer like a freshly made bowl of guacamole paired with a nice frozen margarita or an ice cold beer.  It’s the perfect starter to enjoy while you fire up the grill at your summer home exchange.  If you’re anything like me, you are constantly on the hunt for a quick and easy recipe that’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser.  You might call this one my “signature dish” and I’m happy to share it with you. 

Ingredients:

2 avocados

2 limes

3 Tbs diced red onion

2 Tbs finely diced jalapeño peppers (remove the seeds)

1/3 cup tomato (diced with seeds removed)

3 Tbs cilantro

1/2 tsp garlic salt

1/2 tsp sea salt

3/4 tsp pepper

Squeeze the limes into a bowl 

Cut the avocado in half and remove the seed.  Scoop out the avocado into the bowl and cut it into pieces. 

With two forks mash the avocado into chunky bits.  Add the sea salt, garlic salt, and pepper and combine.  Next add in the onion and jalapeño peppers and mix together then gently fold in the tomato. 

Top with the cilantro, serve with chips and enjoy! (don’t forget the beverages)

The real secret to great guac is a perfectly ripened avocado.  The only way I know of to check ripeness is to squeeze them in the stores but this causes bruising and ruins a perfectly good avocado.  To avoid this, you can choose an avocado that’s not yet ripe and let it ripen at home but that requires a lot of patience.  I haven’t yet come across a fool proof way to check for ripeness without bruising.  If you know of any tips that have worked for you in the past I’d love to hear about it in the comments sections below.

You haven’t made any summer plans yet?  IVHE.com has luxury homes around the world available for home swap.  There’s sure to be a property wherever you plan to dip your toes in the sand this summer.  Check out this fabulous home on the Jersey Shore or this beachfront luxury California home.  Plan a family reunion at this luxury, oceanfront property in North Carolina.  One of the many benefits of home exchange is having a full kitchen at your disposal.  There will be plenty of room in the fridge for stocking up on all the guacamole ingredients, margaritas and cold beer.  You’ll be able to sit back, relax and try out this easy, crowd pleasing recipe.  There’s no better way to cap off a full day of sun and beach activities. 

Thank you travel writer Lisa Medeiros.  Follow her on twitter @lisamedeiros_

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Interesting Facts about London’s Iconic Black Cabs

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Everyone’s familiar with the Black Cabs seen around London but if you think they are the same as any other taxi service around the globe then think again.  Many would argue the London’s Black Cabs are the most reliable and professional cab service in the world and there’s good reason for that.

Anyone interested in perusing a career as a Black Cab driver will need to pass a grueling test known as “The Knowledge of London” or “The Knowledge” for short.  This test has been given to prospective Black Cab drivers since 1865.  Most candidates spend anywhere from 2 to 4 years in preparation for this intense exam.  Candidates must know 25,000 streets, 100,000 landmarks and 320 main routes.  They are required to know every minute detail within the 6 miles radius of city center.  You won’t find any GPS or Sat Nav devices in any Black Cab. Your driver will know the city well enough to know the best route to your destination, how to avoid traffic and will get you there in record time.  No need to google an address to give to the driver either, just let him know where you are heading and rest assured he’s familiar with the location and will know the best route to get you there. 

You’ll find these elite drivers to be a wealth of information.  They are a great source for information about the city, travel advice, recommendations or just to hear a few amusing stories.  You are always guaranteed an interesting conversation on your journey. 

The look of the traditional Black Cab has changed in recent years.  Today not all Black Cabs are black.  You’ll find many in an array of colors or multi colored.  Often they are covered in advertising.

Almost all Black Cabs are owned by the driver and operate as their own independent business.  When you step inside a Black Cab it’s almost as if you’ve just entered the driver’s home.  I’ll never forget the look on a driver’s face the time I hopped in a cab with a friend visiting from New York when she began unwrapping a turkey sandwich she had in her bag.  After being scolded for her lack of Black Cab etiquette, she argued that she always eats while riding in NYC cabs and couldn’t understand why there was an issue.  I’m sure he got a lot of millage out of that story by using it to entertain his next several passengers. 

With all those years of hard work and preparation Black Cabs are, needless to say, not the most economical way to get around London.  If you are trying to stick to a budget on your London holiday then there are a host other more cost effective ways to get around the city but no trip to London is complete without at least one Black Cab adventure. 

Experience London as a local by choosing one of International Vacations Home Exchange’s England properties for your next home swap.  Stay in this contemporary waterside flat or this central London 2 Bedroom flat and after a day of sightseeing you can trust a Black Cab to get you home safe and hassle free.  Just be sure to never eat your lunch on the ride, it’s a dead giveaway you’re a tourist. 

Thank you travel writer Lisa Medeiros.  Follow her on Twitter @lisamedeiros_

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Rules to Travel By

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There have been a couple of stories making headlines lately that will make even the seasoned travelers shake his or head in disbelief. You could call these examples tourism mishaps. Let’s begin in Yellowstone National Park. In early May, foreign tourists to the National Park (located in the United States) found a baby bison. Wildlife sightings are incredibly common, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that a baby bison was spotted. What was surprising - the tourists apparently believed the young calf was freezing and in need of attention. According to media reports, the tourists somehow loaded the calf into their car and then drove the animal to the nearest ranger’s station. The tourists were cited for their actions and sadly, the calf had to be euthanized.

Thousands of miles away on the other side of the globe, is Koh Tachai island in Thailand. This island is defiantly a bucket list destination, or at least it was. Officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation announced that the popular island will be shut down to visitors indefinitely. Authorities say overcrowding and the “degradation of natural resources and the environment” have forced the closure. Even the rare blue coral had been damaged by tourists.

Whether you are traveling to an International Vacation Home Exchange in a neighboring state or overseas, it is important to remember some common rules to travel by so you don’t cause any disruptions (or mishaps). This is especially true if you are traveling to a foreign country where customs and laws may differ. Obviously, you should clean up after yourself and you should probably not load up a wild animal into the back of your car. But there are other rules that you should travel by while visiting a different country so that you don’t have a tourism mishap.

Do your homework. Cultural customs differ from country to country. For example, it is illegal for me (a woman) to drive a car in parts of the Middle East. It may also be offensive for me to wear shorts in some countries. So do your homework on customary behaviors and even gestures. Some gestures that may be totally acceptable in your country may be completely offensive in other countries. 

 

Dress accordingly. If you are planning to visit a monastery or church, dress accordingly. I remember during a visit to the Vatican and I spotted tourists wearing cutoffs and tank tops. If you plan to visit a graveyard or church, leave the bathing suit at home. On those same lines, it is customary in many cultures to remove shoes when entering homes and religious structures.

Patience is key. If you are from the United States, you know that we tend to have a faster pace compared to other countries. Dinner, for example, is maybe a 30-minute event in the U.S. In Italy, dinner is more like a 2+ hour affair. Have patience and enjoy every minute of your visit, even if you have to wait a few extra minutes (or hours) for your entree to arrive.

Look don’t take. It is a felony in most countries to take artifacts. Here in the United States, if you are caught taking an artifact or historical item, you could go to prison. If you are touring a historical site and happen to see an artifact, look but don’t touch or take.

Avoid public displays of affection. Even something as innocent a kiss can be frowned upon in some countries. In China, for example, public displays of affection are looked down upon in that
Know the rules of the road. If you plan to rent a car to go and from your home exchange, be sure you know what side of the road you are supposed to drive on. In some countries, it is customary to drive on the left side of the road.

The most important rule is to respect and accept all culture customs. These customs may seem weird to you, but that is okay. Half the fun of traveling is that you have an opportunity to get out of your comfort zone. Just have fun and leave the baby bison alone (if you happen to stumble across one). And as always, safe travels.

Thank you to guest travel writer Carla Pruitt, follow Carla on Twitter at @crobscarla 

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Royal Ascot: England’s Most Famous Horse Race

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With a day of horse racing, fancy hats and hanging with the Royals, what’s not to love about Royal Ascot.  Its history dates back to 1711 when it was founded by Queen Anne and has been a major event on British social calendars ever since. 

This epic event is held in Ascot, Berkshire with this year’s festivities running from June 14 to June 18 offering the best in thoroughbreds, trainers and jockeys the world has to offer.  We had the opportunity to experience this gala event for ourselves and the day proved to be every bit as memorable as we imagined it would be.  Here’s a look inside what this grand affair has to offer. 

It’s All about the Hat

We planned on attending the race with a large group of friends so a few of the girls and I decided to get the full experience and “hire” a hat from a well-known millinery shop in Slough.  Margaret, the shop owner has been in the hat business for some 30 years and has the largest selection of hats in the UK.  She has provided many of the hats worn to Royal weddings and other high profile events.  Appointments need to be booked in advance and we were told to bring our dress with us.  Her shop offers a breathtaking display of the most beautiful hats in every color and style imaginable.  Margaret has a very strict set of rules in her shop that she demands be closely followed.  We were told not to touch the hats, not to walk around and to just stand by the door until it was our turn.  When they were ready for us, Margaret slowly made her way over.  One-by-one she examined our dresses, then left to fetch “The” hat.  She solely made the decision on the hat with no input from us, told us how it was to be worn, took full payment and told us when to collect the hat and when it was due back.  It was far from a “warm and fuzzy” experience but we were happy to listen to her expertise and it certainly made for an interesting afternoon. 

The Hierarchy of Seating

There are several levels of seating at Royal Ascot:

Royal Enclosure: Invitation Only

Grandstand: Step below Royal Enclosure but still elite seating

Silver Ring: The most casual but still requiring smart dress

Since we weren’t dining within the venue and somehow never received an invite the Queen, we joined the many other attendees and arrived early with picnic lunches to enjoy on the grounds.  Other options would have been to purchase picnic hampers from the venue itself or arrange to have a picnic fully catered. 

Seeing Her Royal Highness

If you’re looking for an opportunity to see the Queen in person, then Royal Ascot is your best bet.  The Queen arrives each day of the race in a horse-drawn carriage.  We had to battle the crowds a bit but we were lucky enough to get about 15 feet from the Queen.  It’s always an amazing experience seeing any of the Royals up close.  Even though no one in our group hit it big on the horses that day it still proved to be an unforgettable day.

Add the Royal Ascot to your Bucket List and book your next luxury home exchange with International Vacation Home Exchange.  Click here to choose your favorite IVHE English property, then grab your favorite fascinator and hope for better luck on the horses than we had that day. 

Thanks to travel writer Lisa Medeiros.  Follow her on Twitter @lisamedeiros_

Note - dates vary each year, typically Royal Ascot is during the middle of June.

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Traveling to Run and Running to Travel

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About 5 years ago, I decided to try this crazy thing called running. I was stuck in a fitness rut and was looking for a change. So I challenged myself to train for a half marathon. Now 5 years, a full marathon, and 30+ half marathons later, I am still running. Needless to say, I fell in love with this sport. After a rough day at the office, I can just throw on my shoes run for miles and miles. It was therapy. Some people paint; some people race cars. I run. I’ve been through at least 2 dozen pairs of running shoes and have lost a number of toe nails. Once one race is done, it is on to the next race. It is the perfect hobby for my little fitness soul.

My husband also developed an addiction for running. At first, we would participate in local race events around Northern Utah. Soon, we found ourselves at start lines for races all across the United States. We have crossed the finish line in places like San Francisco, Portland, Lake Tahoe, Miami, Las Vegas, New York, and Phoenix. We use running as an excuse to travel the country (and one day the world). In fact, my husband was recently accepted into the New York City Marathon in November. We have our request in for an International Vacation Home Exchange for what will likely be a fun trip to the Big Apple in the fall.

We aren’t the only ones who use running as an excuse to travel. In fact, cities around the globe will spend money to host big running events. They will also strategically create race courses that will give runners a unique experience. New York, for example, will shut down streets in downtown, just so runners can inhale intoxicating sights of the city. San Francisco’s marathon will take runners across the Golden Gate bridge. When I ran the Las Vegas half, the entire strip was shut down to vehicle traffic. I got to run the Las Vegas Strip at night. It was an amazing, amazing experience (and highly recommended).

Here’s a look at my current race bucket list:

1)      Paris Marathon

2)      London Marathon

3)      Tokyo Marathon

4)      Honolulu Marathon

5)      Walt Disney World Marathon

6)      Great Wall Marathon (yes, you run along the Great Wall of China)

7)      Big Five Marathon, South Africa (hopefully I won’t get attacked by a tiger)

8)      Athens Marathon

9)      Berlin Marathon

10)   Niagara Falls Marathon

Don’t run marathons? No problem. Many of these events also have a half marathon and 5K available.

Now, I should mention that traveling to run a race does take a little planning. First, you want to make sure that you arrive a day or two before race day. One reason is because you want to be sure you get your race packet. More importantly, you want to make sure your body is acclimated to the time change and altitude. Altitude sickness can sideline even the most seasoned runners, so plan accordingly. On those same lines, if you are running a full marathon, experts do caution that you probably shouldn’t fly home the next day, especially if you are flying internationally. You want to give your body at least a day or two to recover. If you have questions, just talk to your doctor.

If running isn’t your thing, no worries. There are other hobbies that can take you places all around the globe. And I can guarantee there are home exchanges in these places. Just talk to an International Vacation Home Exchange coordinator. And as always, safe travels.

Thank you to guest travel writer Carla Pruitt. You can follow Carla on twitter at @crobscarla

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Amazing Nature: Sandhill Cranes

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Nature creates spectacularly amazing sites and seeing tens of thousands of birds overhead is one of them to experience.  Every year, for thousands of years, 80% of the world’s population of Sandhill Cranes migrate through the Platte River Valley near Kearney Nebraska.  From late February to early April (and again in October) around half a million of these great birds stop for a couple weeks while on their epic journey of thousands of miles migrating from around the Gulf of Mexico up to Canada, Alaska and Siberia.

Their visit in the Platte river area is primarily for ‘fueling up’ for the next segment of their journey.  They weigh on average around 4 kilos / 9 pounds but during this stopover they gain up to 20% of their body weight for their continued journey north.  Sandhill Cranes have a wingspan of ~78 inches / 200 cm and fly around 38 miles per hour (60 kilometers per hour).  During their migration periods they cover up to 450 miles (720 kilometers) a day.  With a lifespan of well over 20 years, they do this annual journey many times. 

The most exhilarating times to watch these great birds are just before sunrise and just after sunset.  This is when they are gathering in groups of tens of thousands for their night time rest.  In the evening these giant flocks will circle overhead, scouting out the area, until a decision is made on where to spend the night.  It is an amazing event to watch as what appears to be highly coordinated, the birds will gracefully fly a pattern to come in and land amongst the forming flock.  Remember that these flocks can up to ten thousand strong and each bird, in their own time comes in to land from the same angle.  It really is like there is air traffic control guiding them in.  Depending on the size of the flock, this process in the evening can take over an hour before all of them land and get settled.

Equally impressive but very different is the takeoff in the morning.  You will hear the Sandhill Cranes cooing and squawking well before sunrise.  At some magic moment they suddenly decide to takeoff.  So unlike the evening landing which are only a few birds at a time, the takeoff is almost at once.  To see thousands of these impressive birds suddenly take flight is awesome. 

During their couple week stay in the area the giant flocks sometimes stay together, but often they break up in search of food.  As this is plentiful Nebraska farmland,

they feast on the leftover grains in all the local fields.  By exploring the fields in a several mile radius of the river you will find the Sandhill Cranes feed away, putting on strength for their onward journey. 

You don’t need to be a bird watcher or bird fanatic to enjoy this miraculous wonder of nature.  After all there are up to several hundred thousand of these giant birds, so no chance of missing them.  By the way, it is not just Sandhill Cranes that stop in the Platte River valley to rest and revitalise – Eagles, Whooping Cranes, snow geese, pintails and mallard ducks, to name just a few are also here. 

A perfect way to enjoy Sandhill Cranes and the rest of your time in the area is with a vacation home exchange.  Right on the edge of Kearney Nebraska is a perfect vacation home for you to enjoy.  Hope you have the opportunity to visit soon; you will certainly cherish the experience.  

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Ghost Towns Surrounded by Beauty

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If you are looking for a little adventure, I would highly recommend a trip to Southern Utah. I just returned from a trip through the area, and every time I go to Southern Utah, I discover something new and exciting. More on my latest find in a just a second. First, the sales pitch. Here are a few reasons why you should visit Southern Utah.

·         Zion National Park

·         Snow Canyon

·         Red Cliffs National Conservation Area

·         Monument Valley

·         Goblin Valley

·         Dinosaur Discovery Center

·         Four Corners

·         Petroglyphs

·         Coral Pink Sand Dunes

To sum it up, if you are looking for a rather large sandbox to play in during your vacation, Southern Utah is the place to go. The community of St. George is about 2 hours from Las Vegas and has a few International Vacation Home Exchange properties for you to choose from for your visit. And be sure to bring sunscreen. Southern Utah tends to get rather warm during the summer months (think triple-digit Fahrenheit temperatures, plus 40 degrees Centigrade). Also, if you plan to hike through any of the abovementioned parks, be sure to check the weather. Flash flooding is common during the monsoon season.  

There is another “treasure” located in the heart of Southern Utah. And it wasn’t until recently that I realized it exists. The “it” is actually a ghost town that is located just minutes outside of St. George. The town is called Silver Reef. Here is the history lesson: Silver Reef was a mining town that was established in the late 1800s. The catalyst for development of Silver Reef was the discovery of silver in sandstone.  Once word of the discovery got out, the population of Silver Reef exploded. At one point, the town had more than 2,000 people walking the streets of Main Street. There were hotels, stores, saloons, shootouts, and a hospital. However, the population in the city began to decline when the last mine was closed in 1891. By 1901, most of the buildings in town had either been demolished or moved to neighboring communities.

More than a century later, remains of the town still stand today. The old Wells Fargo bank that once served the patrons in the town is now a museum. If you walk about 400 meters, you will see the final resting place for one of the several mines that was once the lifeline for the community. The town’s cemeteries are also accessible and within walking distance – a fact I didn’t even realize until after I returned home. There is also a gravestone marker for where a church once stood in town.

If you go even further back in time, you will learn that dinosaurs once roamed through the area. In fact, dinosaur tracks from the early Jurassic period have been found in the area. A few centuries later, Anasazi Native Americans were believed to have inhabited the Silver Reef area.

There is more to just the term “ghost town” at Silver Reef. There have been stories of actual ghosts wandering the abandoned streets. I didn’t see ghosts during my walking tour of the town. I did however, pause in the middle of a dusty dirty road and tried to picture what the town was like during its prime. I tried to picture the people and the buildings that once stood here before everything was lost to history. I closed my eyes and tried to listen for voices from the past. Maybe a distant relative of mine walked the same dusty road that I was walking. My imagination was working hard to fill gaps that online history narratives couldn’t. A reason why I adore ghost towns.

There’s no cost to visit Silver Reef; donations are accepted. Again, the ghost town is about 10 miles or so north of St. George. Silver Reef is not the only ghost town in Southern Utah. Those traveling to Zion National Park can swing by the ghost town of Grafton. That community was first settled in 1859 and some of the remains of the town can also be seen today. This ghost town has been used as a backdrop for a few movies, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

If you are interested in reserving a home exchange in Southern Utah, be sure to contact an IVHE coordinator. There are a few ways you can get to St. George. You can fly into Las Vegas and drive to St. George along I-15. Or you can fly into Salt Lake City and drive or take a shuttle. The trek from Salt Lake City will take you about 5 hours. If you do decide to come to Southern Utah, please let me know. I would love to hear about your trip!

Thank you to guest travel writer Carla Pruitt. You can follow Carla on Twitter at @crobscarla  

For more information on the area, read this blog on the St George area.

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