Puerto Vallarta – Tropical Paradise

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Listening to the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore is just one of the many pleasures of Puerto Vallarta.  Surrounded by a variety of beautiful beaches, The Bay of Banderas can either lull you into a state of relaxation or provide an aquatic stage for watersport fun.  For a different but still intense beauty, try visiting the Marietas Islands just offshore (these island were made famous by oceanographer Jacques Cousteau).  Explore the varied wildlife beneath the ocean or just take in the stunning views onshore.

In addition to gorgeous seascapes, the Sierra Madres, enclosed in dense, tropical rainforest, drop dramatically to the Bay of Banderas and provide a rich, topographical backdrop to this remarkable place. 

Within the rainforest near Puerto Vallarata is Jardin Botanico Vallarta, or the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens.  These extraordinary gardens feature an impressive array of naturally growing orchids attaching themselves to tree bark or in other soilless environments.   There are dramatic hiking trails amongst the thick of the rainforest; sturdy walking shoes and insect repellent are recommended.  Carved out from this lush abundance are sculpted gardens and a lovely place to get a drink; there is also an eclectic gift shop which offers such unique items as hand-painted eggs with botanical scenes.

If you want to pick up the pace, the Puerto Vallarta area offers zip line adventures through the rainforest or “canopy tours.”  For more exploration, consider an ATV excursion.

Adventure of a different sort can be found in Puerto Vallarta’s robust nightlife.  For a more contemplative side of the city, visit Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, the decorative church in the heart of Puerto Vallarta.

Another delight are the restaurants in the hills overlooking the city and the Bay of Banderas offering  stunning views—day or night.  Open-air restaurants are particularly charming, and nearly all feature tropically infused desserts difficult to resist.

Also difficult to resist are the many colorful shops throughout Puerto Vallarta.  Happy Latin colors vibrantly pulsate throughout the shops, boutiques, and galleries offering everything from dishware to fine art.  Some of Mexico’s most famous artists are featured here.

In addition to fine art, Puerto Vallarta has refined, world-class accommodations.    Some of the finest are luxury exchange homes with International Vacation Home Exchange.  Each exclusive home exchange, uniquely decorated and furnished with a decidedly Latin flair, has modern amenities.  Learn more about these remarkable homes and see how it works.

Thank you to travel writer Sona Schmidt-Harris @Sonag2000

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5 Travel Mistakes to Avoid

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When it comes to home exchange travel, you want to keep your regrets to eating too much, staying out too late and tanning unevenly not failing to do enough travel research.   Don’t be one of the many uniformed travelers each year who end up with a disappointing holiday or cancelled travel plans.   Here are 5 common travel mistakes people often fall victim to. 

Not Obtaining the Required Visa

There are certain countries that require a special visa before being granted entry into their country.  Don’t be one of the many travelers who find this out at the ticket counter and are denied boarding. 

Not Knowing The Local Law

Chewing gum in Singapore and spitting it out on the sidewalk could have much higher consequences than getting stuck on somebody’s shoe.  There are many different cultural laws around the world that would surprise you so be sure to find out if any apply to your destination.

Not Informing Your Credit Card Company

Forgetting to contact your credit card company about your travel plans could result in a freeze on your account.  Who wants to waste vacation time on the phone answering security questions with customer service while you try to remember if your first pet’s name was Sadie or Oliver?  Always contact your bank before you travel. 

Traveling Too Close to Your Passport Expiration Date

Some countries require up to a  6 month expiration time on your passport in order to board the plane.  As of this year several new countries have been added to that list.  Always look into the passport requirements for the country you plan to travel to and don’t assume your passport is valid right up until the expiration date.  If you are a US passport holder and you are up for renewal this year, be advised that 2016 is expected to be their busiest year for renewal.  Don’t put off renewing and risk experiencing long delays.

Exchanging Currency At The Airport

What a great convenience it is to exchange currency while you are right at the airport.  Convenient, yes, but best rate?  Airports tend to have the highest exchange rate.  Do a little research before you decide where to exchange your funds.  I have found using an ATM once I arrive at my destination to usually be the best choice.

You’re now ready to book your next IVHE.com home swap a little better informed.  Whether it’s Thailand , Tenerife or somewhere in-between these tips will save you some travel troubles so your holiday is memorable for the right reasons. 

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

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Furry Friends Hits the Road

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It’s a common dilemma for the animal lovers among us: How do you balance your obligations to your four-legged friend with your love of travel?
In a perfect world, you and your pet could travel the globe together with ease and you’d never have to make a hard choice between traveling and spending time with your pets. While that isn’t always the case, there are certain instances where it is quite possible to combine your love of travel with your love for animals. Vacationing with a pet is a very doable, provided you take the right precautions and put the right plans in place before you disembark – no pun intended.

When traveling with pets, it is imperative that you consider how stressful this can be on your furry companion. Most animals are used to a specific routine and don’t get out too often. Unless your pet is a veteran road warrior, you should take some extra precautions to ensure that they will be comfortable. For those with more extreme cases of travel-induced anxiety, a veterinarian can recommend appropriate medication to keep your pet calm during travel. Some animals are also prone to carsickness, but there are medications available for that as well. In short, better living through chemistry is also available to your animal companions, so don’t hesitate to seek out the advice of a vet before shipping out. Each mode of transportation has its own pros and cons, so it’s up to you and your vet to determine whether your pets are up to the task of riding the rails, hopping a plane, or navigating the highways.

It is also very important that you seek out appropriate accommodations for you and your pets on your travels. There are many animal-friendly hotels and rentals available for those who do a little research (such as taking a look at the pet-friendly lodging website petswelcome.com), but make sure you’re keeping your pets’ temperament and individual needs in mind as well. For instance, if you have a very active dog, keeping them in a small hotel room might significantly cramp their style and make the trip less enjoyable for you both. Instead, seek out something with some room to run and possibly even a yard. Finding activities that you will both like will also ensure that your pet enjoys the vacation as much as you do. Taking adventurous dogs for a nature hike or sociable dogs for a stroll around downtown will do wonders for your pooch’s experience. Cats are a little more laid back when it comes to activities, so you’ll want to find somewhere reasonably quiet with some safe spaces for your feline friends to get some privacy. No matter where you stay, make sure you’re not only thinking about your own needs, but keeping the four-legged members of your traveling party in mind as well.

IVHE makes it easier to find a home away from home that will help you and your domestic companions enjoy your trip. By selecting their “pets considered” filter while searching for properties, you’ll find a comprehensive list of the global luxury vacation homes that may accept your cat or dog. When you’re traveling with pets, you can’t beat the space and accommodation that a real home can provide, so this can be one quick way to ensure that you find the right digs for your dogs. While it can take a little extra preparedness to design a vacation around your pet, it is worth it. You’ll never beat the peace of mind you’ll have with your best friend close to you on your travels and your pets will get to experience new sights and smells that will keep them engaged and excited to hit the road with you next time.

Thank you to travel writer Emma Sledge.

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FREE Audio & e-book: Home Exchange Guide

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Are you in interested in savings thousands in vacation accommodation costs?
How about relaxing in an exclusive vacation home on your next holiday? 

If you are new to home swapping and home exchange, this is the perfect opportunity for you to learn how to travel the world, stay in great places, while saving money. 

Get a Free e-book: the Home Exchange Guide here.

Download, Free audio chapters of the Home Exchange Guide here.

What are all the benefits of planning a home exchange?  Are all home swaps the same? 

There are many options in home exchanging and dozens of home swapping networks and websites. How do you choose which one is going to meet your needs?  Learn about the different features and then choose what is best for you.  

Other useful chapters cover topics like:

How do you get an exchange?
How do you ready your home?
How to prepare for your vacation?

Plus learn about 10 Things to Avoid, Your Membership Checklist, and review a sample Home Exchange Agreement.

The author, Larry Klimczyk shares with you useful insights from over a decade of home exchange experiences and from traveling the world (over 70 countries). 
Subscribe to this blog or the IVHE podcast series and automatically receive an email with interesting updates on travel news. 
Download a PDF version of the book today at Home Exchange Guide.

Interested in listening to IVHE.com member’s experiences, go to our full range of podcasts or visit our testimonials page.

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8 Reasons to Book a Trip Today

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“Once a year go someplace you’ve never been before” the Dalai Lama is quoted as saying and if he’s priced airfare lately he’d know that now is the time to go.  Travel experts are currently seeing the lowest airfare in years!  According to Airline Research Firm, Hopper, a combination of low fuel prices and an increase in competition has pushed airline prices to the lowest they have been in 4 years.  If that’s not reason enough to persuade you to start booking your next IVHE.com home exchange then here are a few more reasons that will have you booking your new adventure today. 

Good For Your Health

Studies show that vacationing is known to lower the risk of heart disease, help with depression and promote brain health.  With health benefits like that there’s no need to feel guilty about never actually running in that marathon you’ve always talked about.

Makes You Smarter

Traveling and experiencing new cultures is known to increase intelligence.  Do you come in last at every Pub Quiz Night you attend?  Maybe a week on the Amalfi Coast or a Caribbean island will change that.  It can’t hurt.

Learn Something New

Why read about history in a book or watch a documentary when you can experience it for yourself.  There’s no better way to learn and retain information than with a first hand experience.

Healthier Relationships

According to the US Travel Association, couples who often travel together have been found to have happier and healthier relationships.  While it may not make your husband any more willing to ask for directions, couples who often face the challenges of traveling to foreign countries are found to have stronger relationships. 

Gain A Fresh Perspective

Getting away from the day-to-day grind will help you better deal with life’s hurdles.  People often find that they return from a get-away with a clear head and fresh solutions to the struggles they may be dealing with in their lives

Lifetime Memories

You’ll have experiences that will last a lifetime and stories to tell for years to come.  Not to mention, all those fabulous photos to improve your Instagram feed.

Meet New People

One of my favorite things about traveling is meeting new people.  People are much more open to chatting and sharing their experience while on vacation than in regular day-to-day life.  There is something to learn from everyone you meet especially fellow travelers.

Learn A New Language

Parlez-vous Francais?  Parli Italiano? Traveling to a new country is a great opportunity to learn a new language or at least a handful of words and phrases.  Not only is it interesting to study a foreign language but it’s also the proper traveling etiquette when a guest in another country. 

International Vacation Home Exchange offers luxury homes in 70 countries around the world.  Whether your travel interests are golfing, skiing, beaching or any other type of vacation, IVHE has the perfect property for your home away from home.  Call the IVHE travel coordinator team today to start making your travel plans.  What exotic destination will you be jetting off to?

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

Photo Credits: photos are property of Lisa Browne.  Follow her on Instagram @thefabulisetraveler 

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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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California Dreaming: San Francisco

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It was a last minute decision, made after a couple of drinks (well, okay, maybe a couple more than a couple) at an office holiday party.

“Let’s go to San Francisco!” I said. My husband was astoundingly agreeable to my vacation plans, and so a week later we found ourselves at Orlando International Airport, suitcases in hand and boarding passes printed, waiting to travel to California. We have a friend in the area, so we weren’t utterly out of our element, but this would be my first time in the Bay area in over a decade, and a first for my husband entirely. We weren’t exactly sure what to expect, but despite chilly temperatures what we found was an amazingly warm and inviting city.

When you think of San Francisco, you probably picture the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, barking sea lions lounging on the wharf, and eating clam chowder out of a sourdough bread bowl at Pier 39. These are all definitely things we sought out during our week-long vacation, but of all of the things we did on our trip, they weren’t the sights that stood out the most. We spent the bulk of our time in Excelsior, Mission Street, and Daly City, which are largely regarded as some of the last blue collar, working class neighborhoods in the Bay area. As any local will tell you, each neighborhood in San Francisco is a world unto itself. For us, these particular neighborhoods came to feel like a second home. Climbing to the water tower at the peak of McLaren Park afforded us sweeping views of the entire area and helped us get our bearings. The redwoods there are far from the largest that California boasts, but to two Florida natives such as ourselves, it was a grand experience.

Each little corner store and bodega was a treasure trove of exotic produce and snacks, there were unique and inviting bars on almost every street, and the hole-in-the-wall restaurants were among the best we’ve ever encountered. My husband took a special shine to Pupusas (a traditional Salvidorian food, which is essentially a stuffed corn tortilla and something I could happily eat every day for a month). In this corner of SF there are so many vibrant cultures and such an eclectic mix of people; it’s an atmosphere that simply cannot be recreated or imitated. Of course, the local watering hole played no small part in our rosy outlook on the trip – a special thanks is definitely due to the crew at The Broken Record and Hood Grub for keeping our bellies full and our constitutions properly fortified during our travels.

San Francisco’s many tourist destinations are well worth a visit; we could easily have spent several days in Japantown alone and the Botanical Gardens were a sight to behold. However, if there is any one thing that really resonated with us during our travels, it would have to be the completely unique atmosphere and culture that we found in the heart of the working class districts. 

We’re already planning our next vacation out west and I’d happily encourage you to do the same. IVHE offers a host of different properties in SF, from Oakland to Golden Gate Park, so you’re sure to find a neighborhood with a particular rhythm that seems to speak right to you.

Thank you to our guest blogger Emma Sledge 

View all vacation homes in California.  

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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 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 places 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.  There’s so much to see and do in this great state.

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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Ancient City is Alive Again

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The ghosts of an ancient Italian city are very much alive thanks to a project intended to preserve their final resting place. Located near Naples, Pompeii attracts millions of visitors every single year. If you aren’t familiar with the history of Pompeii, here is a quick history lesson. The city was destroyed and buried under several feet of volcanic ash during the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius back in 79 AD. The eruption also killed thousands of the city’s residents who were unable to escape. Archaeologists have since excavated the city (centuries after the eruption).

Aside from buildings, archaeologists also found many of the residents of Pompeii entombed in casts. Today, you can see these casts as you tour the remains of this once vibrant city. Mt. Vesuvius is still a very active volcano. In fact, it is regarded as one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. But don’t worry; the volcano hasn’t erupted in quite some time. The last eruption was back in the 1940s.

This citywide museum is one of Italy’s most popular tourist attractions. However, the herds of people, combined with weather and time have all taken a toll on the remains of Pompeii. Rising up through the ashes, is the Great Pompeii Project. The project started a few years ago, when the European Union pledged funding to restore Pompeii. As part of the project, six newly restored villas recently reopened to the public. The sites include a merchant’s house, a bathing structure, a laundry house, and a business that sold fabric. Officials pledge to continue to keep a dead city alive.

Are you ready to visit Pompeii? Let’s talk about travel. You can certainly stay near Pompeii. I would suggest staying at a exquisite International Vacation Home Exchange property #0861 in the nearby city of Campania. First, you have what could arguably be one of the best views of the Amalfi Coastline from your vacation home exchange. You can enjoy that view from your private swimming pool. Second, you can take the train Pompeii. You could drive but the parking fees to park near the entrance to Pompeii can set you back. So I would recommend taking the train to get to Pompeii.

I should mention that Campania is also known for its ancient ruins. Also, the city of Naples is also close by. So if you love history, book a vacation home exchange and visit Pompeii. And if you do go, be sure to share your story with us.

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

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5 European City Breaks to Book this Year

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International Vacation Home Exchange offers many charming European properties located in city center of some of Europe’s most visited cites.  Consider using your IVHE credits to book several short getaways this year and enjoy the rich history and architecture of some of the most popular destinations around the world.

Barcelona

Book one of these exclusive homes in Spain when visiting Barcelona to enjoy all the rich Gaudi architecture this amazing city has to offer.  Visit Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, or just walk the bustling sidewalks of Las Ramblas and wander the cobblestone side streets.  Offering both city life and beach life, it’s no wonder Barcelona is a favorite among travelers. 

Paris

Experience “The City of Light” from one of these great vacation homes in France.  If you haven’t yet had the chance to see the Mona Lisa, Notre Dame or climbed to the top of the Eiffel Tower then add Paris to your City Break list. Of course you could never visit this city too many times.

London

If you fancy a castle tour then put London on your must-see list and stay in one of these charming properties across the UK.  Tower of London, Big Ben, Buckingham palace and a flight on the London Eye are just a few of the attractions to experience.  You may even run into one of the Royals as you make your way from one attraction to the next.

Rome

If you’re in need of a little Dolce Vita in your life then select a special vacation homes in Italy, you may not want to leave.  Rome offers so many well know attractions all within a short distance of one another.  Whether you are taking in the history of the Colosseum, throwing a coin over your shoulder into Trevi Fountain or just people watching in Piazza Novona, Rome is a get away you’ll never forget.

Amsterdam

Experience all Amsterdam has to offer and at the end of the day return to one of these fun properties.  If you’ve never had an opportunity to tour the Anne Frank House you’ll want to be sure to add Amsterdam to you travel plans.   Along with its many other museums and active nightlife, this beautiful canal city makes a great stop on your City Break tour.

Wondering what’s the best way to see all that these cities have to offer? You’ll find there are many options available to you.  Walking tours are always a great way to learn history and little known facts about an area.  Almost all European cities offer bike rentals to visitors.  Biking is always a great way to get a real feel for an area.  If you prefer giving your legs a rest, Hop-On-Hop Off Bus Tours are an easy, relaxing way to see all the attractions while offering a great means of transportation.  Don’t rule out getting the true “living like a local” experience by learning the public transportation system and walking to your desired destinations.

IVHE has properties in 70 countries around the world.  That’s a lot of city breaks.  Consider spreading out your accumulated credits with several short trips by staying in some of IVHE’s smaller city properties and watch how quickly your passport will fill up with stamps.

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

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