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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Top 5 Day Trips from London

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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.  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. 

Cornwall

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. 

Stonehenge

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. 

Shere, Surrey

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 Holiday 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 “Holiday” experience with a luxury home exchange in one of these quintessential  English homes offered by International Vacation Home Exchange and experience “real England” first hand. 

Dover

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.

Lake District

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. 

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. 

Thank you Travel Writer Lisa Medeiros.  Check out lisamedeiros.com and 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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An Overview of Los Angeles from a First Time Visitor

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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. 

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.

It’s Very Spread Out

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. 

 Yes, the Sun Always Shines

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.

The Oscar Night Red Carpet is Actually the Road

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.

No One Visits Downtown

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.

You Won’t See Any Familiar Faces on Rodeo Drive

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. 

If LA has always been on your Bucket List, then you can live among the stars by booking a luxury home swap through International Vacation Home Exchange.  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 IVHE offers properties.  I just hope your star spotting abilities are much better than mine. 

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

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Lost Your Heart? Find It in San Francisco

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Have you lost your sense of romance, place or even hope?  There is no better city to reclaim them than San Francisco.  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.  It is a paradoxical city.  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.  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.  Very few American cities elicit such a feeling.

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.

Chinatown

For a sojourn into the truly exotic, all you have to do is visit Chinatown.  Chinatown has the largest Chinese community outside of Asia.  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.

Little Italy

Home to numerous cafes and restaurants, Little Italy is a favorite destination of both San Franciscans and tourists.  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.  City Lights, the bookstore and publisher that first introduced Allen Ginsberg’s visceral poem, “Howl” still thrives.  Founder Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s poetic dream breathes in the 21^st century.

The Financial District

To experience the rhythm of the city, go to the financial district on a weekday.  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.

Sausalito Ferry

The Sausalito Ferry takes you across San Francisco Bay to where else?  Sausalito.  Even if you don’t disembark in Sausalito, the ride across the bay is worth it.  You get a closer view of the infamous, former prison Alcatraz in the middle of the bay (truly eerie). 

Sausalito itself has a long tradition of drawing artists, and a walk through town yields sightings of many eclectic, creative treasures.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf offers tasty and fresh seafood most of its lively day.  For a reasonably-priced and fun lunch, buy off of the street and watch the human parade go by.  For a more sophisticated meal, try dinner in one of the Wharf’s many restaurants overlooking the bay.

Ghirardelli Square

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.

Would you like to visit swank and funky San Francisco? International Vacation Home Exchange offers these premium luxury home exchanges in the San Francisco area.  Read how this works and testimonials.

Thank you to travel writer Sona Schmidt-Harris -  You can follow her on Twitter @Sonag2000

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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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Mom's Argument for Home Exchange Vacations

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In my traveling prime, my husband and I would typically travel several times a year. I called it our hobby and that hobby took us to places like Italy, South America, and Mexico. Our running hobby took us to start lines in Miami, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and New York City. Our travel bucket list currently includes places like Iceland, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Paris, and London. We love to discover new places. We love to explore. We love to travel.

In early 2015, our hobby had to take a backseat to our newborn son. The money we would normally spend on flights, food, and souvenirs was being used for things like diapers and baby food. I am not complaining (expect for the price of diapers these days); I honestly wouldn’t change a thing. And our son is now getting to the age that we can resume traveling once again. However, a recent road trip taught us that traveling now is a lot harder. We now have an extra suitcase, a diaper bag, a stroller, and a car seat (required no matter where you travel) to pack. There’s also juice boxes, toys, and formula to pack. We also have to carefully consider accommodations now that we are a family of 3 versus a family of just 2. We have to strategically plan outings around bath time, nap time, dinner time, and bedtime.

We’ve stayed at hotels with our son and as a parent, I can honestly say the experience is always stressful. When we stay at hotels, we are always concerned about overnight meltdowns that could wake our neighbors. And sleep? We don’t sleep. Our kid knows we are in the same room so he would rather play with us then sleep. Keeping baby food and formula cool and edible is always a challenge, especially if the room doesn’t have a refrigerator.

Thus the argument for using a vacation home exchange. Now granted, not every home exchange property allows children, and that’s okay. Luckily, most home exchanges that allow kiddos. Here are some reasons why as a mom, I would argue that any family with small children should consider using a home exchange:

Separate rooms. Everyone sleeps better when our kid sleeps in a different room. Even the kid sleeps better and will usually sleep through the night. All we have to do is bring something for him to sleep in (i.e. the Pack and Play) during our vacation. There are even some home exchanges that have cribs available for use. Also, I should mention to parents that there are places that will allow you to rent things like cribs, rocking chairs and high chairs during your vacation. They may even deliver those items to your vacation home exchange. That means less stuff you will have to bring on a plane.

Kitchen amenities. Parents will agree with me on this one – bringing babies and toddlers to restaurants can be disastrous. Our kid does not sit still for very long so it is more convenient to cook meals at a home exchange versus going out to eat and risking a tantrum before the main course is served. Having your own kitchen also can help you save some money on your food budget. You can also store formula, juice, and leftovers in the refrigerator. 

Room for family. Many IVHE home exchanges feature multiple bedrooms. This means we can bring friends, family, and even the nanny. I like to think of them as the so-called village to child-rearing. And the bigger the village, the better.  

More storage. Depending on where we are staying, we may have more breathing room. Anyone with kids will tell you that they require a lot of stuff (see paragraph 2). In a home exchange, we would be able to stay organize with additional storage space.  

Kill time during naps. Aside from reading, there isn’t much you can do while waiting out a nap in a hotel room. I guess you could also nap. But at a home exchange, there may be some fun things you can do while the little one snoozes. The property may have a pool or a deck overlooking the ocean. Regardless, it beats sitting quietly in a hotel room staring at a wall for an hour or two.

Now if you are traveling with older kids, cost becomes a factor. Normally, you would have to pay for an additional hotel room. Not the case if you stay at a home exchange. Plus, there may be some amenities that will keep your kids entertained. If you have questions about the home exchange property and policies regarding kids, you can talk to an IVHE coordinator.

For more information on Home Exchange, download a free Home Exchange Guide.  The above graphics are on IVHE properties.  Thank you to guest travel writer Carla Pruitt. You can follow Carla on Twitter at @crobscarla. 

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Protect Your Identity While Traveling

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It’s a nightmarish scenario for anyone: your personal information has fallen into the wrong hands and is now being used to do damage to your good credit and good name. What’s worse is that you are on vacation. Even if you’re only 500 miles away, it may as well be a million for all the good you can do while on the move. You are looking at an uphill battel to reclaim your personal security, which may involve hours of legwork on your part just to prove your own identity. Hours more will be lost to the process of canceling and reissuing your debit and credit cards, changing your passwords, and updating all of your financial accounts.

It’s a scary thought, isn’t it? According to the Bureau of Justice, over 17 million Americans were the victims of some form of identity theft last year. The Australian Government Attorney General’s Department shows as many as 9% of all of-age Australians have experienced the misuse of their private information. The numbers of identity theft victims are noteworthy from Bangalore to Bristow and the problem only seems to be growing. For those of us who love to travel, we often use our credit cards in new (and untrusted) locations, make extra purchases, and put ourselves at greater risk of becoming victims of identity theft as we move about and leave a paper trail behind us. In today’s world, we must now take the security of our personal information just as seriously as we take our personal safety when we travel. There are a few simple steps that you can take to ensure that, when and if the seedy underbelly of international crime comes snooping around for your personal information, you are prepared – no matter where in the world you are.

Tip Number One: Don’t Go It Alone

If you aren’t already signed up for some sort of identity protection service, you should really consider it. For a negligible fee, you can rest easy knowing that a team of dedicated professionals (and their algorithms) are monitoring your financial well-being while you are on vacation. There are a host of services to choose from, such as the ever-popular Life Lock, so choose the service that fits your needs and budget. If the worst-case scenario occurs and some ne’er-do-well does come off with your personal data, these services will help you minimize the damage, get your life back, and in some cases even help you recover any lost funds.

Tip Number Two: Find a Trusted Source

When you are traveling, you are exposing yourself to all sorts of new sites and experiences. That’s half the fun, of course, but it can also leave you venerable to attack. As you make your travel arrangements, wherever possible you should find a trusted third party or a reputable business to work with. When finding a place to stay on vacation, for instance, you should use only trusted sources. IVHE touches on the security issue in the “About Us” section; the added security of working through exchange contracts and using a trusted third party as something of a shield for your personal information can go a long way. This same principal should be applied whether you’re renting a car or buying a coffee – anywhere you exchange personal information. If you can’t verify that a source is trustworthy, when possible use cash instead.

Tip Number Three: Password Protect

This is a pretty basic tip at its core, but one that bears repeating! Always passwords protect your mobile devices, laptops, and really anything that is used to transmit your personal information. Be sure to change these passwords with some regularity as well, just in case something slips through the cracks. When you travel, you may have a tendency to hop on open Wi-Fi networks all over the place – from the airport to the corner café. You should curtail this practice here and now, since open networks are often a quick way for hackers to gain access to your mobile devices, and all of the juicy details about you contained within.

These are three relatively basic tips to protecting your identity on vacation, and they should serve as pillars for your personal identity defense system, whether you’re at home or traveling the globe. Enjoy your travels, but not at the expense of your personal security or safety. Make sure you take the extra second to think about whether you’re secure before you swipe, or you might find yourself making that frantic phone call to your bank back home. 

Thank you to travel writer Emma Sledge.

NOTE:  IVHE.com just upgraded to https for everyone’s peace of mind and security.  

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The Heart of Europe Still Beats: Brussels

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Located in the heart of Europe, is the capital city of Belgium. Brussels is known for its beer, waffles (it is Belgium after all), cartoons, chocolate, flea markets, and the spectacular architecture that embraces the city. The city is also home to the European Union. In the middle of Brussels, is the famous Cinquantenaire (I am not going to even try to pronounce it). The Cinquantenaire is a huge park that is home to several museums. You can’t miss it since the main road into the city passes through it. And like many cities in Europe, Brussels is full of history, treasures, and adventure.

Right now, the city is known for all the wrong reasons; reasons that I cannot fully understand and will one day have to try and explain to my young son. Terrorists recently targeted the city, killing several people and again bringing fear to the entire world. This comes just months after the terrorist attacks in Paris. When I wrote about Paris following the attacks there, I refused to discuss what the terrorists did in detail. I stand by that in this post as well. I refuse to give terrorism a voice. Sometimes words are simply meant to be louder than actions.

With that said, let’s talk about Brussels and why you should visit the city if you haven’t already. First, there is this International Vacation Home Exchange property located in the heart of the city. So you can check lodging off your list as you plan your trip. Now let’s talk about food. Don’t plan on going on a diet anytime soon if you want to visit the city. Brussels is a culinary candy store complete with waffles, stew, Belgian fries, and chocolate. So really, this will be a vacation for your senses as well (taste and smell). I am getting hungry just writing this post.

When planning your trip, be sure to look at the calendar of events in the city. Brussels hosts a number of festivals throughout the year including the Brussels Animation Film Festival, Brussels Jazz Marathon, and the Brussels Festival of Arts. One of the most popular festivals is arguably the Winter Wonders Festival. You can catch this during the holidays and the festival features everything from lights, music, to ice skating.

While you are checking out a festival, be sure to step back and absorb the beauty of the buildings that will surround you. There are guided and self-guided tours of the hidden architectural treasures throughout the city. During your tour you can also check out Mini-Europe. Yes, Mini-Europe. It is a park that showcases Europe using miniature models – 350 models to be exact. You will begin your journey at Big Ben and then wonder through Italy, France, Germany, and Spain in just a matter of hours. 

This is truly a magical city and hopefully you will add it to your travel bucket list. A senseless act can’t stop Europe’s heart from beating. I hope it won’t stop you from visiting the city and opening your arms to those who will be waiting to greet you. If you have questions about the city, be sure to contact 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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How about a STAYCATION?

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When you think of a vacation, chances are you’re thinking about some far-flung or exotic location. These trips can be fantastic, but planning a trip to the ends of the earth can also be fraught with complications and tend to take a lot of leg work. More often than not, planning a trip to a faraway destination requires plenty of lead time and some careful planning. You have to account for transportation once you’ve arrived at your destination, and you’re likely looking at a full day’s worth of travel time minimum to even arrive there. Then there is the quest to find lodging, research on everything from the best places to eat to potential safety concerns, and the seemingly impossible task of fitting everything you’ll need when you’re so far from home into a suitcase. These trips tend to be on the pricier side as well. I don’t say all of this to diminish the pure joy of a far-away trip, but rather to highlight the amount of time, money, and effort you should expect to put into planning one. However, there is another option for those of us who are craving a vacation but are perhaps light on the time or money needed to do so.

Let’s discuss for a moment the often overlooked and underrated staycation. IVHE has touched on this topic in the past, and it remains relevant today. Critics will likely scoff at the idea of taking time off to see things you could theoretically see every day, but when you carefully consider the staycation, it is actually quite a worthwhile endeavor. For starters, because you don’t have to sacrifice entire days to travel time, you can squeeze a local vacation into a weekend if you must, or simply enjoy that much more time relaxing. Because you aren’t splurging on plane tickets or gas, you’ll have some extra cash to play round with on your vacation. The extra change might mean the ability to extend your trip for a day or two, the chance to splurge on a nicer place to stay, or the opportunity to enjoy a few more nights of fine dining. Alternatively, this extra dough could afford you the ability to plan a vacation on a tight budget.

Think, too, about how many times you remark to your family, friends, or significant other, “We should really try that place” or, “Why haven’t we gone back there?” without ever seeming to find the time to follow up on your plans. For most of us, life can get in the way of exploration during the day-to-day, so there may be wholly unexplored parts of your local area that you are missing out on. The staycation gives you a chance to look at your local area in a whole new light. You may find hidden gems that become frequent stops for you in the future, but which you have spent years overlooking in the past. Taking a local vacation is the perfect opportunity for you to see your hometown through the eyes of a tourist, and you may gain a new sense of admiration for the place you have come to call home.

Being close to home has many practical benefits, as well. If you forget to pack something, there is no need to worry – you can hop in the car and grab it quickly! You won’t have to spend so much time on contingency plans, since you’ll be near enough that any emergencies that could crop up in your personal or professional lives can be dealt with. You may even be tempted to stay home for your staycation, but my suggestion would be to find a hotel or vacation home nearby instead. Often, the temptation to get caught up on work around the house can interfere with your relaxation if you remain too close to home. Plus, staying somewhere new can be just the opportunity you’ve needed to explore a part of the area that you aren’t as familiar with. A change of digs also really helps set the vacation mood, allowing your typical day-to-day worries to melt away for a time. Using a resource such as IVHE to find your temporary local abode can help you decide on the perfect place to play tourist.

There is still – and will always be – a place for the traditional, far-away vacation. However, the staycation deserves its due as well. If you feel that you have already thoroughly experienced your place of residence, you still needn’t go far for a great vacation. Chances are that there is a suitable destination within an hour’s drive from where you are now, which can afford you all sorts of exciting and novel experiences. If you still find it difficult to drum up inspiration for your local vacation, the internet is rife with articles, like this one from Go Green Travel and this one from Forbes, that give plenty of ideas to get you started. It is important to take a novel approach to planning your staycation – don’t simply take a week to stay at the Ramada a few blocks from home, eating at the same restaurants you always do or visiting old friends. To really make the most of your “trip” you need to seek out new adventures, meet new people (who you may one day come to call old friends), and explore what you’ve been missing. The important thing to remember is that you don’t need a total change of scenery to have a truly wonderful vacation.

Traveling to new and exotic locations deserves every ounce of the romanticism that it is given; it is a magical experience and has rightly captivated the hearts and minds of this world’s citizens since the time of Homer’s Odyssey. However, let us not forget the hometown heroes. The staycation has for too long remained a second class vacation; it is high time that we begin to consider this vacation underdog as a viable (and even attractive) option for so many reasons, not the least of which are that it is cost effective, can be done with ease, and requires a minimal time commitment. If you haven’t thought about taking a vacation from your everyday life right in your own backyard, you’re probably missing out on something special.

Thank you to travel writer Emma Sledge.

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Relive the Past By Visiting Present Day Plovdiv

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I am fascinated (some may call it obsessed) with ancient history. Every city has a past that exits today in the present. Every building tells a story of war, illness, natural disasters, and perseverance. Though many ancient cities are gone today; their past lives on in history books. There are, however, ancient cities that are very much alive today. Rome and Athens are two examples of ancient cities that are still around today. But there are other ancient cities that are very much alive, but not as well known as Rome and Greece.

I prefer to take the road less traveled when it comes to vacations. One ancient city that I have my eyes on is Plovdiv. Plovdiv is in modern day Bulgaria. Today, it is the second-largest city in Bulgaria. Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe with a history of habitation going back more than 8,000 years – even older than Athens. The settlement was originally Thracian, but it became a major Greek and later Roman city.

Today, the city has more than 200 archaeological sites. It is like a candy store for those who love history. Probably the best-known site is the Ancient Theatre of Plovdiv. The theater was built in the beginning of the 2^nd century when the city was part of the Roman Empire. Another history site in the heart of the city is the Ancient Stadium. The Ancient Stadium was the site of many athletic games (again during the Roman Empire). Sadly, time has taken a hold of the stadium. Today, you can only see a few rows of one section.

Some other places of interest in Plovdiv:

·         Bachkovo Monastery

·         Old Town Plovdiv

·         Asen’s Fortress

·         Ruins of Eumolpias

History aside, Plovdiv also has a rich culture. The city is home to several museums and art galleries. If you need a recess from your history lesson, you can either hit the Pamporovo ski resort or one of the many spas south of the city.

When it is time to rest, you can head back to the International Vacation Home Exchange property that is located just an hour outside of town. The home exchange apartment is at the foot of the Rila Mountains. This home exchange is the perfect place to not only soak in some history, but also some scenery. This vacation is the perfect excuse to escape the present and live in the past.

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

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Baby It's Cold Outside - visit Dubai!

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There are some cities in the Northern Hemisphere that are experiencing temperatures well below freezing. It’s honestly kind of depressing and I love snow. If you have some money and some International Vacation Home Exchange credits, then escape the cold and take a ski trip to Dubai. Yes. I am using “ski” and “Dubai” in the same sentence. Believe it or not, Dubai is home to an indoor ski resort. So you can enjoy a winter sport and paradise.

Ski Dubai encompasses more than 22,000 square meters and offers 5 slopes, including a black diamond run. Next to the slopes is a sledding park. Oh, and I almost forgot the mention that there are also penguins! No need to pack winter attire to hit the slopes. Winter clothes are included in the admission price. The ski resort (and penguins) is all part of the Mall of Emirates. The mall is one of the largest malls in the world.

The ski resort isn’t the only reason why you should visit Dubai. There are several reasons why you should book a vacation exchange in this amazing city.

The weather. Even in December, you will need to pack sunscreen. Dubai typically sees temperatures in the 80s and 90s all year round.

The Man-made Islands. Dubai has a pretty cool site for tourists. The city created man-made islands into shapes off the coastline.

The shopping. The city is known for its luxurious shopping. And as I mentioned earlier, Dubai is home to one of the largest malls in the world. In the Souk Madinat, there are waterways that will bring you from one store to the next.

The buildings. Dubai is like a candy store for archaeologists. The J W Marriott Marquis Dubai is the world’s tallest hotel, standing at more than a thousand feet from the ground level to the top of its mast. 

New attractions. There are 16 new attractions that are expected to open in Dubai this year. These attractions include the Dubai Safari Park, Riverland Dubai, and what is expected to be the world’s largest ferris wheel.

There are a few things you should know before you travel to Dubai: 

     The city has a zero tolerance when it comes to certain types of prescription drugs. There have been cases of travelers arrested for possessing medication that was legally prescribed. Before you travel, be sure to do your homework.  

     Public intoxication is also a no-no. So if you plan to drink, do so in moderation.

     Public displays of affection are considered indecent. Even handholding can be frowned upon, so avoid any displays of affection with your significant other.

     I would dress on the conservative side. Dubai is one of the stylish cities in the world. However, there has been crackdown on women wearing tight, short, or low-cut clothing in public spaces.

And another thing to remember is that Dubai is an expensive city. So budget wisely. One way to save some money is to book an International Vacation Home Exchange property in Dubai.

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

Do you have a topic on home exchange you would like to read about?  Email us today.  

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What is the soundtrack to your vacation?

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Whenever I travel, there are two things that I will always bring with me: a toothbrush and music. Music is what helps me get through long road trips or long plane rides. I like to think of it as a soundtrack to my vacation. The genre is generally anything that is upbeat and fun.  The lyrics will usually speak to the journey that awaits me when I arrive to my destination.

Now, I should say that I am writing this post with a heavy heart. Recently, the music world lost Eagles guitarist Glenn Frey. Frey died January 18^th at the age of 67. I grew up listening to the Eagles. One of my favorite memories from my travels is driving along a long dusty highway in Mexico with my husband, listening to “Hotel California” and “Tequila Sunrise” over and over and over again. The Eagles has been a featured band on my vacation soundtrack for many of my trips, including the one to Totos Santos. I wrote about that trip recently. Frey’s death had me reminiscing about those few days my husband and I were in Mexico. Rest in peace Glenn. I will forever embrace your legacy during my travels around the globe. 

What’s the soundtrack to your vacation? Are there songs that you will always listen to when you are traveling to your International Vacation Home Exchange? Are there songs that bring you back to that trip to Mexico, or France, or Hawaii? When you walk alongside an ocean, is there a particular song that plays in your head? Music has a way of setting the backbeat to any trip. You may pass the time on a road trip by singing your favorite songs out loud. These memories will follow you for the rest of your life.

Here is a sample of my vacation soundtrack:

Billie Jean – Michael Jackson

Girls Just Want to Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper

Hotel California – The Eagles

Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi

Dark Horse – Katy Perry

Carry On – Fun

Piano Man – Billy Joel

Hey Jude – Beatles

Thriller – Michael Jackson

Californication – Red Hot Chili Peppers

Margaretville – Jimmy Buffett

Take It Easy – The Eagles

My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark – Fall Out Boy

Warriors – Imagine Dragons

Fluers du mal – Sarah Brightman

And every song from the musical “Wicked”.

Wherever your travels will take you, be sure to set the soundtrack for your vacation.

“Travel the world and the seven seas. Everybody is looking for something.” –Eurythmics

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

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