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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Belgium – Master of Chocolate and Other Intricate Particulars

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The horrific bombings in Brussels on March 22^nd shook the world.  The seat of the European Union and NATO felt first-hand the ugly hand of hate and discontent.  Yet in all of this mayhem, Belgians and Europeans did something extraordinary—they refused to bow to the formidable fury of terror.

Prime Minister Charles Michel declared, “This is a day of tragedy—a black day . . . I would like to call on everyone to show calmness and solidarity.”    Europe and Belgians did just that.

Just before the bombings, I wrote the blog entry below about Belgium.  In the wake of such events, it seemed inappropriate to publish it at that time.  My colleague, Carla Pruitt wrote, “The Heartof Europe Still Beats:  Brussels,”   and it appeared appropriately soon after.  We decided that we would go ahead with the publication of this blog entry. After all, as Carla said so well, “The Heart of Europe Still Beats.”  Belgium’s virtues are no less apparent.  The Belgians now hold an even warmer place in the heart of the world. 

My first time in Belgium was a bit of a blur.  I was on my way to Paris with my traveling companions when I realized I was on the wrong train.  Because I was young (and stupid), I jumped from the train to avoid going to the wrong destination.  When I hit the pavement, I rolled; a nice Belgian man ran over: “Ooh la la!  Ooh la la!”  He helped me up and chastised me in French for jumping from the train.

After the jumping incident, I returned to Belgium and had a wonderful lunch in Brussels.  I and my traveling companions were trying to figure out the tip (tipping in Europe is a bit of a mystery to Americans) when a group of Belgians helped us to figure it out.

Again, Belgians to the rescue.

I feel I owe it to this friendly group to extol the virtues of their fine country.

Brussels

Brussels is not only in the centre of Belgium, but also headquarters of the European Union and NATO.  Here the intricate, detailed business of government is implemented.  Also particular and a genius of capturing the intimate details of everyday life, is Bruegel, a Flemish artist whose works are on display at Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.  Within this vast collection of museums are the Old Masters Museum, Musée Fin-de-Siècle, the Musée Modern, the Musée Magritte, the Musée Wiertz, and the Musée Meunier. 

Not only does Brussels have great art, but also a grand plaza, La Grand-Place, which Rick Steves called, “Europe’s grandest square.”  This magnificent square is home to a world-famous floral festival every two years featuring colorful begonias arranged like a carpet.  This year in August La Grand-Place will again be in bloom.  If your plans take you to Brussels this August to see the flowers, IVHE has a chic luxury exchange home you must see.

Though the Flemish architecture in Belgium has a decidedly Dutch flair, there is something which makes it distinctively Belgian—perhaps it is the repetitive rectangular and square forms providing a sort of sense of Gothic order.

Bruges

Idyllic and a tourist destination of many, Bruges is about an hour’s train ride from Brussels.  Here, aesthetic details are important not only in the architecture, but also in particulars like chocolate and lace.  With fine chocolatiers all over the city, it is not uncommon for Belgians to buy their chocolates fresh daily.  Lacemaking in Bruges has been a tradition for centuries; deft hands fly as intricate lace appears before the highly skilled artisans.  

Canals and a few windmills dot this beautiful city; seeing this unique place is best done on foot or by bicycle.

A wonderful, unusual particularity of Bruges is its centuries-old hospital for the dying, St. John’s Hospital.  There, those ailing gazed upon gorgeous paintings and tapestries during their final days.  Tapestries are another intricacy for which the city is famous. 

Another art, seemingly a bit more hearty, but no less difficult, is beer making.  Bruges is home to numerous beers; if you’re a connoisseur, this is a must-visit destination.

Whether it’s the particularities of government, political negotiation, lacemaking, art, floral arranging, chocolate, or beer, Belgium is the master of the intricate particular.  Don’t let this intimidate you, however; the Belgians are also unusually friendly and helpful.

See exclusive home exchanges in Belgium, and see how it works.

Sona Schmidt-Harris -  Follow me on Twitter @Sonag2000

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Cafes, Galleries and Shopping: NYC SoHo

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I decided to take advantage of some recent Spring-like weather and head into SoHo in Lower Manhattan for a little lunch, shopping and a walk around one of the trendiest neighborhoods New York City has to offer.  SoHo is short for “South of Houston Street” and is the area from Houston Street South to Canal Street and 6th Avenue East to Crosby Street.  Once known mainly for its artist’s lofts, it’s now known as one of the hippest areas of the city boasting upscale boutiques and national and international chain stores.  Pop into one the consignment shops in SoHo at a chance to walk out with some great finds.  This area offers amazing restaurants and an active nightlife.  It’s also known for its coffeehouses and bakeries along with a variety of art galleries and museums to browse. 

This section of the city is characterized by its cast iron fire escapes and industrial facades.  Many of the streets are cobblestoned, adding a certain charm to the area.  If you love celebrity sightings as much as I do (though I’m horrible at actually spotting any) then SoHo is the place to be.  If you look hard enough you’ll be sure to spot a few familiar faces walking out of the boutiques, dining in one of the restaurants or walking along the crowed sidewalks.  A great way to learn about this area is to book a walking tour where you can learn about the area’s rich history and pick up some little known facts about this city district. 

Some of the top ranked SoHo streets are Spring Street, Prince Street, Greene Street and Mercer Street, to name a few, though the entire area of SoHo offers something of interest to its visitors. Broadway has most of the national chain stores found everywhere but don’t rule them out for that reason as they offer some unique interiors and merchandise not offered at their other locations. 

Once you have had your share of shopping, celebrity peeping, and sampled some fabulous cuisine you can take a short walk to Little Italy to stop off for a cappuccino.  Head a bit further out and you are in the heart of Chinatown.  There’s so much to see and do in this part of The Big Apple all within walking distance. 

Plan your next luxury home exchange in one of the most exiting cities in the world by booking one of International Vacation Home Exchange’s NYC properties.  Add SoHo to your list of places to explore in Manhattan and you just may find yourself rubbing elbows with a few of Hollywood’s A-listers. 

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

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Get Lost in a Sea of Skyscrapers

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Sometimes you want to just sit on a beach and relax during your vacation. And sometimes, you just want a fast-paced adventure. If you are that person who wants to hit the gas pedal on your vacation, then Hong Kong should be on the list of places to visit in your lifetime. Seasoned travelers will tell you that Hong Kong is one of those cities that you will never really stop discovering no matter how many times you visit.

A real quick history lesson on Hong Kong. Up until the late 90’s, Hong Kong was a British Colony. Today, Hong Kong is one of the three most important financial centers in the world. Hong Kong is also ranked as one of the top tourist destinations with its breathtaking national parks and infamous city skyline. The city is also notorious for its food and art scene. This is certainly a city that doesn’t sleep and you likely won’t either if you want to even scratch the surface of exploring the places that attract millions of tourists to the city every single year. So grab a cup of coffee and let’s look at 5 attractions that will make you want to book your International Vacation Home Exchange in Hong Kong today.

1)      Skyscrapers. If you like tall buildings (and I mean tall) then you will defiantly want to visit Hong Kong. The city has more than 7,000 high-rise buildings. The tallest building stands more than 1,500 feet. One way to embrace the skyline is to grab a ride on the Hong Kong Observation Wheel.

2)      Victoria Harbour. The heart of Hong Kong is arguably Victoria Harbour. Lying in the middle of the city’s dense urban region, the harbor is the site of annual fireworks displays, as well as retail, markets, and dinning. The Harbour also provides panoramic views to Hong Kong’s skyline. You can also hitch a ride on a ferry or water taxi to tour the harbour.

3)      Disneyland. Mikey Mouse and his friends also call Hong Kong home. The amusement park is currently celebrating its 10^th anniversary. So now you have an excuse to bring the kids, right?

4)      Victoria Peak. Standing at about 1,800 feet, Victoria Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong island. Victoria Peak is also one of the most visited spots by tourists. The peak offers breathtaking views of the city that you will never forget. The best way to reach Victoria Peak is to take a ride on the 125-year-old Peak Tram.

5)      Lantau Island. Lantau Island is the largest of Hong Kong’s island. It sits at the mouth of the Pearl River. The island is home to the Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. The Tian Tan Buddha stands over 100 feet on a hilltop. You can walk up to the statue. Just be sure to bring a good pair of walking shoes.

Now I am not even scratching the surface on Hong Kong in this post. There is so much to see and do in this vibrant city. If you are taking an extended vacation, you can jet over to the neighboring city of Macau. International Vacation Home Exchange property #0340 also offers gorgeous views of Hong Kong. If you are interested in reserving this property, be sure to contact an IVHE 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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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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Find Your Springtime Inspiration at London’s Flower Shows

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Nothing celebrates Spring like an English flower garden in full bloom and no place honors the season better than London’s world famous Chelsea Flower Show.  Garden enthusiasts from around the world come to see what’s on tap at this annual event.  It’s known as the “Great Spring Show” and it’s being held this year from 24-28 May 2016.  There will be many special events in place to get you in the spirit of the coming season. 

Each year the Royal Horticultural Society puts together a stunning display of floral and horticultural exhibits on the grounds of Royal Hospital Chelsea in Chelsea, London.  There are over 100 plant breeders and nurseries showcasing their beautiful floral displays.  This year’s theme is Health, Happiness and Horticulture with a call to action named “Greening Grey Britain.”  Their plan is to transform grey areas into green planted areas as a way to improve lives and help the environment.  The aim is also to showcase gardening as a form of exercise. 

As 2016 celebrates Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday, this year’s show will honor the Queen with displays and events devoted to her 90th Celebration.  The Chelsea Flower Show is always known for its many stalls filled with one-of-a-kind artwork and crafts by skilled artisans.  You can choose from a variety of unique products that are offered for the home and garden.  The festivities continue into the evening with an after-hours Jazz concert.  Enjoy a glass of fizz while listening to the relaxing sounds of the Ronnie Jazz Orchestra.  The Chelsea Flower Show isn’t the only event of its kind sponsored by The Royal Horticultural Society.  They have several events scheduled this Spring and Summer all throughout the UK. 

Cardiff Flower Show  15-17 April

A spectacular flower show in Wales with the iconic Cardiff Castle as its backdrop featuring entertainment for all ages.

Malvern Spring Festival  5-8 May

Held in Malvern, Worcestershire, showcasing the best in food and gardening.

Chatsworth Flower Show  7-11 June

A new addition just added this year, the Chatsworth Flower Show will be held on the charming grounds of the Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire.

Hampton Court Palace Flower Show  5-10 July

Celebrate summer with another very popular RHS flower show held on the grounds of the historic Hampton Court Palace.  View the stunning floral displays and garden inspirations on the grounds of Henry VIII’s iconic palace.  This year’s event offers a special Preview Evening on 4 July from 5-10:30pm.  Visitors can enjoy a first look at the displays and enjoy live entertainment followed by a spectacular fireworks display. 

Tatton Park Flower Show  20-24 July

Held near Knutsford, Cheshire the show boasts a floral marque and plant plaza not to be missed.

There are also several other RHS flower events scheduled throughout the UK.  Come celebrate the season and experience the best that garden and floral design has to offer by booking your next luxury home exchange in one of International Vacation Home Exchange’s charming England properties and bring home a few gardening secrets to use at your own palace.

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

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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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Looking for an affordable destination? Check the currency rates!

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If you are looking for your next vacation destination, one area you should research is the currency rates. We all know that every country has its own currency. The United States has the dollar; Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Belgium all have the euro; the United Kingdom has the pound. When you travel, you will likely need to purchase the currency of the country you are visiting. You can either do this before or after you arrive (I would recommend purchasing some before you leave).

There has been a recent trend of the currency amounts slipping in several European countries against the Dollar, thus you get more for your US Dollar.  According to CNN Money, the euro is now trading at $1.09, down from $1.13 in February. And just two years ago, it cost $1.40 to buy one Euro. Analysts predict that the euro could drop even more in the coming weeks.

Here is an example of how currency rates work. Since I live in the United States, I will be using the dollar. As of right now, here are where currency rates stand.

1 U.S. Dollar =

0.91 Euro

1.00 Swiss Franc

3.79 Brazilian Real

0.70 British Pound

So what does this mean? This means now is a good time to book an International Vacation Home Exchange in Europe. Everything from souvenirs, to food, to even your cup of coffee would likely cost less. And it isn’t just countries that have the Euro. The Norwegian crown has fallen 10% against the dollar in the past 12 months. The UK pound, meanwhile, has slipped 8% against the U.S. dollar over the past year.

If you plan to cash in on the currency rate discounts, the best advice is to really do your homework before you plan and eventually leave for your trip. Study the currency rates for the country you plan to visit. Remember, those rates will likely change between the time you book your flights to the time you actually arrive in the country. There are a number of websites that will provide the latest information regarding currency rates. Your own bank may also have some information for you.

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

No matter where you are traveling, our suggestion is to shop around to get the best exchange rates- this will give you the best value for your money.  There are a number of currency exchange services in the market. Spending a few minutes researching currency exchange providers will save you money.  For additional information view Get More For Your Money and Bank on a Good Exchange Rate. 

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Finding Hidden Gems at London’s Famous Street Markets

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Some of my favorite days out in London are spent browsing through one of the many well-known street markets.  Many of my favorite treasures have been found at these market stalls.  They are a London tradition and their origin dates back to the Middle Ages.  Today’s markets offer everything from jewelry and clothing to knickknacks and antiques.  I’ve listed a few of the markets that top my list of favorites. 

Camden Market

Located in North London near the Regent’s Canal, Camden market has an eclectic, quirky vibe providing an experience all its own.  It is listed as the fourth most popular visitor attraction in London and attracts over 100,000 visitors each weekend.  Their stalls offer a wide variety of

bohemian and goth/punk style clothing, hand-made jewelry, interesting crafts and a variety of ethnic foods.  It has both an open air market as well as a bustling indoor market known as Stable Market.  This indoor market is where one of my favorite vendors can be found selling beautiful Italian leather purses and handbags.  Since Camden Market is one of the larger of the London markets you’ll need to allow at least 1/2 a day to browse the stalls, grab lunch and do some interesting people watching.

Portobello Market

Considered by many as London’s best known market, Portobello Market is located in London’s trendy Notting Hill section made famous by the Julie Robert’s movie.  The famous street market is open Monday through Saturday selling mainly fashion, accessories, household goods and bric-a-brac.  The best days to visit the market are Fridays and Saturdays where you’ll find the streets filled with antique stalls in addition to their regular vendors.  Get there early to get the best finds and to avoid the crowds. 

Old Spitalfields Market

Located just a short walk from the Liverpool Street tube station, Old Spitalfields Market is open 7 days a week and offers something different each day.  The main market days are Thursday through Sunday.  The Thursday Antique Market offers shoppers a chance to find that one-of-a-kind antique.  Friday is the best day to shop for clothing and art.  Twice a month on Fridays you’ll find a Record Fair offering rare and collectible vinyl.  Saturday offers a different themed market each week and Sunday has a mix of vendors offering something for everyone.  Another one of my favorite handbag vendors can be found at this market selling bespoke handbags and accessories made from up-cycled leather.  You can never own too many handbags, am I right?

These are just a few of the many street markets scattered about the city.  London is also known for some amazing food markets and fresh flower markets that you’ll be sure to enjoy as well.  International Vacation Home Exchange has properties all around the globe with several charming properties located in London.  Plan your next luxury home exchange in one of the world’s most exciting cities and be sure to hit a few of their famous street markets along the way.  

Thank you to travel writer Lisa Medeiros @LisaMedeiros_

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Best Vacation Home Exchange Searches

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Find a luxury home for your next vacation is easier than ever with International Vacation Home Exchange.  You can search by destination (region, country and even states), number of bedrooms, and number of guest or a wide variety of amenities like a swimming pool, WIFI, clothes washer, barbeque and many more.  In addition, you can also search by the type of activities you would like do while on vacation such as golf, skiing, beaches, fishing, hiking and many more.  Click on any of the images below to visit that location on IVHE.com.  

You can start a basic search from the home page of IVHE.com (above) or for a more detailed search  click on the full search or start at the Property page (navigate there from the top of any page – see below). 

You can select a region of the world, country or for some countries you can also search by state, region or province.  Each of these searches offers you a drop down menu that is easy to use.  Simply press the search button when you have selected the appropriate categories. 

Once you have a geographic area selected and pressed the search button, the selected properties will show below the search bar.  On the right hand side you will also see a map of approximate area where the vacation homes are located.  The following is an example for the United Kingdom.  You can either scroll down the properties to explore further or you can click on the map house icons or zoom in and out to find your best option. 

If you would like to have an even more defined search, you can click on more options.  This gives you a very wide range of options including activities, entertainment, suitability, features, property type and vacation theme.  

REMEMBER that every time you select a filter in any property search you are narrowing your options.  This will save you time in your search, but will also limit the possibilities.  

We hope that this quick guide helps you find your next vacation home faster and easier.  If you have any questions or if you would like some assistance, we would like to help you.  Please simply email us and our travel coordinators will assist you in the process.  

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