Touring LA: A Teen Approved Itinerary

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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:

Up Close to the Hollywood Sign

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.

Warner Brother’s Studio Tour

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 Friends actual set and learned a lot about the film industry.  This one was a real crowd pleaser. 

Peterson Museum

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. 

Fairfax Avenue

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. 

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.

You can get the full Hollywood starlet experience by booking a home exchange through International Vacation Home Exchange.  IVHE offers many luxury homes 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. 

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

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Country Focus: England

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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. 

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 Buckingham Palace 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. 

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 Cotswolds.  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. 

Head to the Southernmost part of the country to explore the sleepy seaside towns in the Cornwall 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. 

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.

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.”

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

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New England: A Year-Round Destination

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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.

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.

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 luxury homes offered through International Vacation Home Exchange and plan to spend your next home swap exploring New England.

Maine

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.

Massachusetts.

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.

Connecticut

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.

New Hampshire

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.

Rhode Island

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.

Vermont

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. 

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 IVHE’s luxury properties today and start making your own unforgettable New England memories.

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

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Visiting Florida After Hurricane Matthew

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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.

                

I’ve written before 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!

The areas of the east coast which were impacted the most include St. Augustine 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.

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 lovely homes 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!

Thank you travel blogger Emma Sledge. 

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Two Countries and Three Water Falls: Niagara

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The United States and Canada share more than just a border. The two countries also share a spectacular sight that attracts millions of tourists every single year. And it all started with the last Ice Age some 12,000 years ago. When the ice began to melt, it created a geological wonder of what is now called Niagara Falls.

I promised that I would one day write a post about Niagara Falls. And here it is! Comprised of three waterfalls – American Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls – Niagara Falls is fueled by water from the Niagara River, which drains Lake Erie into Lake Ontario. An average of four million cubic feet of water falls over the crest line every minute! You can view the falls in either the American side or the Canadian side. If you live in the states, you can simply fly into Buffalo, New York. Or if you have Toronto on your travel list, you can check out Niagara Falls during your trip. A reminder, you will need a passport to cross the border into both countries.

The cities surrounded Niagara Falls tend to get busy during the summertime, when temperatures are warm enough to see the falls during both the daytime and nighttime. In fact, from the Canadian side, floodlights will illuminate both sides of the falls for several hours after the sun goes down. There are several paths that you can walk along to see the water falls and Niagara River. The oldest tourist attraction at Niagara Falls is the Maid of the Mist boat cruise. During this cruise, you will get an up close and personal view of all three waterfalls. Cruise boats have been operating since 1846. You can also book helicopter tours or even a helium balloon ride.

If you want to avoid the crowds and don’t mind cold (and I mean bitter cold) temperatures, you can certainly tour Niagara Falls during the winter months. The snow and freezing temperatures only enhance the beauty of Niagara Falls. Many of the abovementioned tourism options may not be available during the winter months. However, the trails are still open so you will be able to walk around and enjoy the serenity of Niagara Falls during the winter without the herds of tourists. Just be sure to dress warm.

After you have taken 500 photos of the Niagara Falls, there are other places around the falls that you should definitely check out during your trip.

·         Experience a unique view of the falls from the Niagara Sky Wheel. The 175-foot tall Ferris wheel is located in Ontario, Canada.

·         Walk through the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory. The conservatory is also located in Ontario.   

·         Take a hike through the Niagara Glen Natural Reserve and explore the Niagara River.

·         Take an elevator to the observation deck to Skylon Tower.

·         Get some ideas for your garden with a tour of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens.

If you need a place to stay during your visit to Niagara Falls, there are two International Vacation Home Exchange properties in Toronto. You can drive, or take a bus or train to get the water falls. Both the bus and the train have several departures during the day. Just be sure to purchase your tickets in advance. And as always, safe travels (and take me with you).

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

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Vacation Washout - try games!

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There are many things you can control while you travel and there are things you can’t control. Weather is one of those things. I’ve been on many trips where plans were washed out – literally. When my husband and I traveled to Hawaii in late 2008, Oahu was experiencing some of the worst flooding in recent memory. So instead of spending the first part of our vacation on the beaches of Waikiki, we were watching Christmas movies from our tiny hotel room. Even after the rain went away, we were still a little limited on what we could do since many of the beaches remained close because of damage caused by the rain showers and flooding.

Flash forward a few years ago, we now have a small child. So when we travel, we have to plan for a few hours every day at our home exchange for naps. I will be honest; I get really bored sometimes while waiting out a nap. Anyone who travels with (or without) kids knows that boredom is something you can’t always control, but you can plan for before you even leave your house. Smartphones and the iPad can certainly help pass the time. Though you should try to unplug while on vacation. Another option to help curb boredom (whether you have kids or not) is with some good old fashion board games. Board games, or really any game, is a great way to bring friends and family together while you are on vacation. This is especially true if you are traveling with children and can’t head out during naps or after the kids go down for the night. Or if the place you are visiting is experience historic rain showers.

Some vacation home exchanges may already have board games available for you to use. You can check with your International Vacation Home Exchange host. You can also pack some games to bring with you on your trip. Here are some of my favorites!

1)      A deck of cards. This really should be on every travel itinerary. You can play everything from poker and Black Jack to Go Fish and War. You can even bring a deck of cards on the plane with you to help pass the time while you are in the air.

2)      Catch phrase. I will admit, I am terrible at this game. But it is one that the whole family can play. If you are traveling with a large group, you can break into teams. The game is about the size of a small plate, so it will be easy to pack.

3)      Ticket to Ride. There are different variations of this game (Ticket to Ride Europe, Ticket to Ride India). And the board game is a fun way to teach kids about different countries around the world.

4)      Cards Against Humanity. If you haven’t played this game, you are missing out. I should mention that this game is for a mature audience. Once you play it you will understand why.

5)      Monopoly. This timeless classic has morphed into several variations (Star Wars Monopoly, The Wizard of Oz Monopoly). A perfect game to kill time for both kids and adults.

6)      Pictionary. Another game that I am terrible at since I can’t draw. But that is half the fun. All you need is a piece of paper and some adult beverages (or juice if the kids are playing). You can even brainstorm some prompts for everyone to try and draw.

If you don’t want to pack a game or two for your trip, a good old fashion game of charades can also help pass some time if you find your plans washed out while on vacation.

What are some of your favorite board games while you travel? Let us know by leaving a comment below. 

Of course if you are on a home exchange vacation, chances are the host family will have plenty of fun things to do right in the home you are visiting.  Thank you to guest travel writer Carla Pruitt. You can follow Carla on Twitter at @crobscarla 

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Travel Safe and Smart

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I was working the morning of September 11, 2001. I was a young video editor for a local television station in my hometown of Medford, Oregon. We were right in the middle of the morning newscast when we saw the live feed of the second plane crashing into the World Trade Center. Shortly after our show ended, I had to edit hours and hours of video from both planes slamming into the World Trade Center, as well as the images from Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania. Four months after 9/11, I boarded a plane to Portland. I had a panic attack in the middle of the flight. Now nearly 15 years later, I still occasionally get panic attacks when I am 20,000 feet in the air. There are some images that you will never forget.

That fear of flying hasn’t gotten any easier to overcome lately with recent incidents involving airplanes. I was flying through LAX when news of the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 broke on news networks around the world. I was at the airport, awaiting a flight to San Francisco, when I heard about Flight MH17, the plane that was shot down in the skies above Ukraine. Now here we are, just days before I leave for Denver, and another plane has gone down. EgyptAir Flight 804 was heading to Cairo from Paris when it vanished from radar. It is believed the plane crashed somewhere in the Mediterranean Sea with 66 people aboard at the time. I also believe I have the worst timing when it comes to flying.

It is hard to escape the headlines. Right now, I am looking at a headline on CNN that states: “Is flying more dangerous than ever?” The next article I see: “Is It Safe to Fly?” Recent incidents involving airplanes certainly begs these questions. However, the headlines and news reports are misleading and tend dilute the statistics. According to data released by the International Air Transport Association, more than 3.5 billion people flew safely on 37.6 million flights in 2015. The odds are certainly in your favor. Air travel is still relatively safe even today. There are a lot more car crashes then plane crashes. However, automobile accidents don’t get the same kind of coverage compared to a plane crash. So it is easy for anyone to reach the conclusion that flying is dangerous.

But what about terrorism? That’s a fair question considering recent events. Unfortunately, we live in a time where terrorism is our new normal. The events of September 11 taught us that lesson. And remember even before 9/11, there were incidents of planes that were brought down because of terrorists. It is because of this reality that you get to stand in long lines at security checkpoints (and if you are flying through large airports, these lines can last for an hour or more). This reality should never keep you from flying. Again, 37.6 million planes flew safely around the globe in 2015. I’m honestly more worried about that pesky Zika Virus when I travel.

There are a few things you can do to keep your mind at ease the next time you board a plane for your International Vacation Home Exchange.

1)       Pack smart. Be sure to check and see what you can and cannot bring onboard a plane. It will save you some hassle at the airport.

2)      Check alerts. If you are traveling abroad, look and see if there are any travel alerts that you should be aware of in the country you are traveling to for vacation.

3)      Arrive at the airport early. Security is incredibly tight and that means you will likely face long waits at security checkpoints.

4)      Be patient. Long waits and random checks can get frustrating. Be patient and let security officials do their jobs.

5)      Report anything suspicious.

6)      Listen to instructions from crew members onboard the plane.

Most importantly, have fun. Your next trip is going to be fun and a memorable one. Don’t let recent events convince you otherwise. 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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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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Common Passport Mistakes

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International Vacation Home Exchange has properties all around the globe. If you want to visit any of these properties, you are going to need two things: a sense of adventure and your passport. Just one simple mistake can turn your tropical dream vacation into a staycation at home. And these days, you can’t simply wing it. Security is incredibly tight at any border in any country, so be sure you get things squared away with your passport well ahead of your vacation.

Here are common mistakes that travelers make with passports.

1)      Missing Passport. If you rarely travel abroad, it could be easy to misplace your passport. Especially if you have moved recently. The worst thing that could happen is your flight is departing in a matter of hours and you can’t find your passport. If you know where yours is at (mine is in a safety deposit box) then continue reading. If you don’t know where your passport is at, stop reading and go find it.

2)      Forgetting to renew your passport. Depending on what country you reside in, you will likely need to renew your passport every couple of years. Some countries have rules that state (in fine print) that passports must be valid for six months or more. If your passport expires a few days, or even months, before your departure date, you will not be able to enter the country you’re trying to visit even with a birth certificate, driver’s license, blood sample, and note from mom. Bottom line, check the expiration date to your passport. If it is close to expiring, time to get it renewed.

3)      Waiting too long to apply or renew your passport. If you live in the United States, it can take anywhere from six to eight weeks for the government to process your application for a passport once they receive it. You can expedite the process, but it is going to cost you. It can also take several weeks if you are simply renewing your passport. Plan accordingly.

4)      Errors on your application. If you have any mistakes on your application, your request for a passport may get denied. You will then have to resubmit an application. Crossing out errors on an application is a big no-no. Best advice is to fill out your application using an online form and then printing it.

5)      Conflicting names. If you recently got married and changed your name on your driver’s license, then you will need to change your name on your passport. If there are conflicting names between your license and your passport, you may not be able to enter the country. You may be able to change your name on your passport for free. Again it depends on the country you reside in.

6)      Not enough blank pages. This one surprised me. Some countries require that you have at least two to four blank pages in your passport. These pages are for customs stamps. This rule is important if you are a frequent international traveler. If you are, let me just say I am so jealous.

7)      Wait, don’t forget about the visa. Are you traveling to the Summer Olympics in Brazil in August? Or checking out the Great Wall of China? You will need more than just your passport. Several countries require that travelers also have a visa. Obtaining and visa is whole process in itself (and a costly one). I even wrote about it a few months ago. If you have questions regarding visas, you can reach out an embassy or do some research online. There are companies that will help you through the process of getting a travel visa. I should warn you that if you opt to use one of these companies, do your homework. There are scammers out there on every continent that will try to rip you off. Be sure you work with a reputable visa company.

Best advice is as soon as you book your vacation home exchange and your plane tickets, to double check and make sure that your passport is up-to-date and not expired. And as always, safe travels.

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

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7 Tips for Surviving the Busy Summer Travel Season

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Summer is almost here in the Northern Hemisphere. Soon, the kids will be out of school and millions of people will be traveling to vacation destinations all around the globe. If you haven’t booked your International Vacation Home Exchange yet, you may want to here soon. The same goes for flights, rental cars, and passports (required if you are traveling abroad).

Though traveling is exciting for anyone, it can also be incredibly stressful. I can almost feel a panic attack coming on just thinking about security lines and currency exchanges. While you can’t avoid the stress from standing in line at the ticketing counter, there are some things you can do to help mitigate your stress level while traveling this summer. And it will be a crowded and busy travel season, so be prepared.

Go to the airport early. The days of showing up 30 minutes before your flight are over, especially if you are flying through the United States. Already, there are reports of gridlocks in the security lines at all major U.S. airports. This is only going to get worse before it gets better. I would recommend that you show up at least 2 hours for your flight regardless if you are flying domestically or internationally. If you have kids, add another half hour to that 2-hour recommendation.

Get your seat assignment as soon as possible. When you book your airline ticket, look for your seat assignment. If it is not located on the itinerary, call your airline and get a seat assignment. Most flights will be booked. If flights are overbooked and you don’t have a seat assignment when you show up to your gate, you may not be getting on the plane.

Make a checklist. It doesn’t matter if you are veteran traveler, you will likely forget something during the rush to the airport. So save yourself the hassle and make a checklist of everything you need to bring on your trip. And pack a few days ahead of your departure date if you can.

Check in with your International Vacation Home Exchange Coordinator. It never hurts to check in and make sure your reservations are set and everything (including payment) is taken care of so you don’t have any surprises when you arrive at your destination.

Do your airport homework. Yes, you have homework. If you are flying through a major airport (i.e. LaGuardia, Heathrow, O’Hare) make sure you know where you need to go once you arrive. Look at online maps to figure out where the ticketing counters, security checkpoints, and rental car kiosks are located. This is especially important if you have never flown through these airports.

Check out the local news outlets at your destination. As your departure date approaches, it never hurts to know what is going on in the city you are traveling to for your vacation. A quick Google search will bring up the different media outlets for that area. You want to look at things like the weather and if there are any big events (or conventions) that may be going on while you are visiting.

Take care of yourself. This is extremely important. Stress can eat away at your immune system, leaving you susceptible to viruses. No one wants to be sick for his or her vacation. As your trip approaches, be sure to take care of yourself. Be sure you are eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of sleep at night – both are easier when staying in a spacious vacation home.

And as always, safe travels to wherever you may be headed this summer.

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

Note -  for last minute booking view the IVHE Prime Time properties.  

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How to Stop A Vacation Emergency in its Tracks

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The airline lost your luggage, the hotel can't seem to find your reservation, you left your passport sitting on a deli counter, and you contracted traveler's diarrhea. That's pretty much the worst case scenario for any trip. Luckily, it is incredibly improbable that you would ever have to deal with a laundry list like this. However, even one of the items on that list can thoroughly derail a holiday. If you don’t believe me, just take a glance at these vacation horror stories. What is a traveler to do? Well, there is no foolproof way to guard against the perils of travel, but there are a few tips for you to keep in mind that just might help you prevent - or at the very least diminish - a vacation emergency.

Tip Number One: The Backups
This is a great rule of thumb for any wary traveler. Whether through some fault of your own, a robbery, or some kind of freak accident, the possibility exists that you might become separated from your identification somehow. If you lose your passport, you will want to alert authorities due to security concerns, but your more immediate concern will probably be how the heck you are going to get home. Thankfully, there are consulates around the globe that are dedicated to helping with just these issues, but to make the process easier you should always ensure that you carry a SEPARATE form of ID somewhere when you travel. If you keep your ID and debit card in your wallet at all times, make sure you have a passport or some other form of government issued ID in a separate location, along with some cash or a credit card, in case of an emergency. In short, don’t put all of your eggs in one basket – you never know when you might lose the basket!

Tip Number Two: The Lifeline
This tip will come in handy if you find yourself in need of some help from the home front at any point during your travels. When a vacation emergency strikes, you will be very thankful if you have a designated helper. This person should be a very trusted friend or family member, to whom you would feel comfortable entrusting personal information. Make an arrangement before you travel, informing your designated lifeline of your itinerary and all necessary info. Ensure that they are comfortable with dropping everything in case of a real emergency. You may need them to call airlines to make arrangements, enter your house to get documentation, or to otherwise be there as a coordinator from the home base. Hopefully, you’ll never need to use your lifeline, but you might sleep better knowing that you have one.

Tip Number Three: The Exit Strategy
Whether you are suddenly ill or some emergency calls you away from your vacation early, you may someday need to change plans on a dime. Make sure that before you disembark you have collected all of the info you might need to get home – from the airline help desk number to the rental car information – all in one place and easily accessible. With everything in one place, if you find yourself needing to change your arrangements, you can do so seamlessly, without having to track down contact or travel information.

Of course, most of the time your trip will go off without a hitch (or at least sans vacation emergency), but following these three tips will help ensure that, should something unexpected occur, you avoid a major headache and get home safe and sound. Those who are particularly concerned may even consider travel insurance. You should be focused on enjoying your trip, so make sure you prepare well in advance and you will be free to relax without interruption or worry. 

Thank you to travel writer Emma Sledge. 

IVHE note - no body likes problems while on vacation, but having a nice vacation home to relax in when thing go wrong can certainly help make things better.  

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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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