Vacations Blog

From guest blogger, Lois Sealy, who runs a home exchange agency, Home Base Holidays.

Sometimes it’s a good idea to get back to basics. So, if you are new to the idea of swapping homes, here’s a brief list of reasons why you may like to consider trying a home exchange yourself. This list could be much longer but these are the most common reasons given by Home Base Holidays members for taking part in home exchanges:

1. Saves money

Arranging a home exchange cuts out hotel bills, usually the most expensive part of a trip. As well as having a rent-free home as a base, many home exchange offers include extras such as cars, club memberships and generally lots of local information to save you needing to buy many guide books and maps. Living in a real home means having a fully equipped kitchen too so that not all meals need be taken in expensive restaurants.

‘”As an Australian,” wrote a reader from Down Under, “my dollar goes even less far than yours. And so I used a home exchange for my lodgings, which I obtained by going to an agency based in London, www.homebase-hols.com. I had a wonderful time in London and also saved money by cooking in a well-equipped kitchen (I liked shopping in the local markets and little shops) and could afford to splurge once in a while on great meals out.”‘ (from ‘Six ways to offset the high cost of accommodations in Europe’ by Arthur Frommer).

2. Experience life as a local

‘Mixing and mingling with the locals will give you a real sense of what it is like to live there. You could never get that unique “local” feeling in a hotel.’ (from article, ‘Home Exchange Vacations Offer Unique & Free Lodging’ on Everyone Loves To Travel)

‘See Malaysia and experience the life of a society that is multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural. Taste our delicious food and meet our warm respectful people. Learn batik painting and test your skills (DIY set provided). Crockery, groceries, linen, clothes to wear are provided. Use everything found in the house please.’ (Ramlah, Johor Bahru, Malaysia.)

3. For children – toys, books, local playmates, babysitters and more

‘As a family, we have stayed in many different types of homes and neighbourhoods and had experiences we would never have had if we not been on a home exchange. My children still talk about the open air cinema in Switzerland (the tickets were left as a gift), the ice cream they received from the kindly neighbour during the heatwave in France, the children who came to call when we stayed in Ireland, the invite we received from our exchange partners’ friends in Canada to use their pool, the neighbours who called with fish from their fishing trip, etc.’ (Joanne, Gwynedd, North Wales.)

4. Space and convenience of staying in a home

‘We arrived at the house in France late on a Saturday. The house was amazing. As we entered the kitchen, I exclaimed, “Goodness, their kitchen is nearly as big as our downstairs!” The house was lovely, in a beautifully quiet situation, no passing traffic, we hardly heard any cars, just the odd tractor now and again. We love peace and quiet and spent many days sitting reading under the trees or swimming in the small pool.’ (Kathy, formerly from Devon, England; moved to a new home in Poitou-Charentes, France after this home exchange.

5. Home exchangers are often happy to look after plants and pets

‘I love animals. I used to have horses and help on a farm and have a dog at home with my parents so I would be more than happy to look after any animals you might have.’ (Kirsty, Lanzarote, Canary Islands.)

‘We love our life out here in the peace and quiet and are trying “the good life!” We have 3 free range hens, 3 big dogs (that will love you to death!), 2 cats, a rabbit, a guniea pig and many fish!’ (Gill, Malaga, Spain.)

6. A greener way to travel

‘Actually, there are also deeper layers of thought to the home exchange idea. When you think about global waste and conservation, the idea of combining resources with other people on the globe has more merits than those you experience on a personal level. Think of all the hotel sheets and towels that are washed every day; of the low-paid hotel workers (often foreigners); of the huge and wasteful industry that has grown around the needs of people who want to experience a holiday in a different country.’ (from ‘Home Away From Home’, article by Ruti Singer).

First published on the blog, Travel the Home Exchange Way, and reproduced with permission of Lois Sealey, Home Base Holidays.

The 2008 Lodging Survey from the American Hotel & Lodging Association showed up that 20% of the more than 10,000 hotels surveyed have implemented LEED standards in the past year, and 21% are planning to do so in the next 12 months. New York has its fair share of these green hotels and eco-friendly lodging properties, and listed below are best of these digs, so you can enjoy guilt-free vacations in the ‘Green Apple’.

The City’s official tourism website NYCVisit.com has an excellent Go Green page, where you’ll find listings of green lodgings, organic restaurants, outdoors activities and other stuff which falls under sustainable tourism. The lodging suggestions include the Benjamin & Muse Hotels, Greenpoint Lodge, Sugar Hill Harlem Inn, West Eleventh Townhouse and the East Village Bed and Coffee.

Goes without saying that they don’t really update this list regularly, so there are a few more options worth considering. For starters, there’s the 70 Park Avenue, which, as a Kimpton Hotel, has a host of green practices and product use in place, including the free organic coffee served in the lobby. Then there’s the Moderne, which underwent a comprehensive green conversion last year, and now features things like recycled biodegradable paper products and, 100% bamboo unbleached linen.

Not to say that others, like the New York Marriott Downtown, are not eco-friendly (they are – to a certain degree), but if we’re talking about a top-to-bottom green experience, then this list is what you need to start with. One more green lodging option very much worth mentioning is 1 Hotel & Residences - It won’t be opening until 2010, but when it does open, it will rival the Orchard Garden in San Francisco as the nation’s premier uber-green hotel.

If you move Upstate and into the Adirondacks, the focus is more on weekend getaways at lodges and inns, and a prospective list of green lodging options in Upstate New York should include the DoubleTree Hotel Syracuse and the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort in Lake Placid with its sprawling green roof and many green programs.

Another good green getaway option in the Adirondacks is the Stoney Lonesome B&B, about 10 minutes from Lake George, which utilizes solar energy to power its needs. Then there’s the Glen Lodge & Market, which uses 100% wind power, composts waste and uses vehicles running on biofuels.

Not to say that this is a comprehensive list, but I guess its enough to get you started. I’m writing this as New Orleans awaits Hurricane Gustav, fearful of a Katrina redux. Maybe you can’t go to the Big Easy to help rescue stranded people, but you can start saving the earth - one green vacation at a time.

Photo copyrights – Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort

Over spring break, my husband and I took our kids, age 5 and 7, to London and Paris for a 12 day family adventure. I have many stories to tell, and I will focus this post on the highlights of our trip. The best is that we did the whole trip with just carry-ons – each person had their own rolly suitcase and a backpack, even my son, whose arm was in a cast! Our trip began on a Wednesday in March, as we picked the kids up from school and drove straight to the airport for our overnight flight…. Read More »

Summer Vacation at the Jersey Shore

Hana Wolf is a seasoned attorney turned expert “mom traveler” who decided to take a break from practicing law to help other parents with the inherent challenges of traveling with children. She is now the CEO and Co-Founder of LittleJetSet.com, an online store that sells travel games, toys, puzzles, arts and crafts, and countless other fun activities for families on the go, as well as a wide array of children’s luggage, backpacks, wash bags and other travel accessories.

I am a Jersey Girl and proud of it. While my days of big hair, hanging out at the mall, and listening to Bon Jovi are over, my love of the beach and affection for the Jersey Shore are enduring, and I give it top billing for summer family vacations.

New Jersey boasts 127 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and almost 50 public beaches, with daily admission for all but a few ranging in price from free to $8. If your main objective is keeping the kids entertained, then head for Point Pleasant Beach (Garden State Parkway Exit 98), where you will find expansive beaches and a mile-long boardwalk with arcades, amusements, games, rides and restaurants in abundance. There is a fun house, batting cages, miniature golf, and my personal favorite, Jenkinson’s Aquarium. Located on the north end of the boardwalk, this little gem has sharks, sea lions, penguins, sea rays, an albino alligator, tropical fish, birds, snakes, and much more. Throughout the summer, there are special programs and events for the entire family including movies on the beach, Thursday night fireworks, family yoga and dance, and talent contests, to name just a few.

If you can tear yourself away from the beach, head to Surf Taco for outrageous fish tacos, a free salsa bar, surfing movies, and a game of Connect Four while you wait for your food. And for dessert – head to Strollo’s Lighthouse Italian Ice. Strollo’s is synonymous with summer at the Jersey Shore. My order – large dish of orange Italian ice with vanilla soft serve. Skip the tiny squeeze cup. You’re on vacation!

Even though Point Pleasant Beach is only 1.7 square miles, there is no shortage of lodging. Choose from gracious Victorian inns, beachfront resorts and motels in all price ranges. The boardwalk can get a bit loud and rowdy at night on the weekends, so I would recommend staying just south of the boardwalk or off of Ocean Avenue if you’re a light sleeper. And, just in case you were wondering, there is a mall 2 miles away. More information here.

While your kids’ happiness is guaranteed once you hit the beach, the same does not hold true for the car ride there. In my capacity as expert “mom traveler,” I must advise that boredom, discomfort and hunger equal travel disaster, so be sure to pack snacks and plenty of entertainment for the road. Some of my favorite travel games, toys and activities for the car are: Find It at the Beach; Are We There Yet; Map of the USA Sticker Set Play Scene; and Sketch + Draw + Color Ocean.

There are few places in the U.S. more beautiful than Big Sur (a bold statement, I know, but one I am willing to defend). This 65 mile stretch along California’s Hwy 1 blends together some of the best of what the state has to offer; dramatic mountains, ocean views, and towering coastal redwoods. What’s more, it serves these up to you in a remote and deliciously isolated setting. The majority of people experience this pristine and magnificent locale through their car windows as they wind along the sharply curving road, sometimes 1000 feet over the ocean. There are ample “pull-out” spots in which to park your car and take a picture. However, it seems a shame to take it all in at this pace. While I do enjoy the drive through Big Sur, I prefer to get out of my car, slow-down, and spend an entire weekend here soaking up its ample natural wonders and soothing tranquility.

A surprising number of businesses thrive in this sparsely populated region, so, you can have your choice of accommodation. Sleep in a tent amid the redwoods next to the burbling Big Sur River, crawl into 600 thread count sheets at the Post Ranch Inn, or find something in between. However, if you are looking for something different, perhaps a bit adventurous, then I have a great recommendation for you. Stay in one of sixteen “luxury” yurts at Treebones Resort, perched on the side of a cliff overhanging the Pacific Ocean. This weekend was my second anniversary, and my husband and I decided to see what all the buzz was about. What we found was a unique and thoroughly delightful experience.

For those of you new to this concept…yurts are large, round, fabric-covered tents that are inspired by the nomadic tribes of Mongolia. The yurts at Treebones take this concept and step it up a notch, adding pine floors, skylights, gas heaters, and large comfy beds with colorful quilts. These structures blend in naturally with their rugged environment and pose less stress to the fragile landscape. They also afford incredible views! Each yurt has its own deck with large wooden chairs. Many of these have unblemished 180degree views of the ocean below. We spent most of Saturday, sitting on our private deck, listening to barking elephant seals and keeping our eyes peeled for breaching whales. At night we snuggled into the warm cozy bed and counted stars through our rooftop dome.

I don’t want to give the impression that Treebones is the “lap of luxury”. There are some aspects that don’t make it ideal for everyone. For example, even with the gas heater, the yurt can get a little nippy at night and the communal bathrooms are a two minute walk away (which is a very unappealing prospect at two in the morning!). However, the isolated location, stark beauty, and unique surroundings are more than enough to make up for these inconveniences. And did I mention the free waffle breakfast- served in the beautiful round lodge every morning! There is a store where you can buy gifts, sundries, and wine. They prepare simple and amply portioned dinners nightly, the menu determined by what was bought at the store that day. You can play board games or read in front of their large stone fireplace in the evenings or have a soak in their heated pool and hot tub.

I would recommend Treebones to anyone that wants to experience the intimate contact with nature that is usually only found with camping, but, also likes some creature comforts. It is an entirely singular experience in a spectacular and remote setting. As its owners say, it is truly a place “perched lightly on the edge of the world”.

Does staying in a yurt sound like your ideal weekend getaway or a vacation nightmare? Feel free to share your thoughts!

The Davis Mountains are a range of mountains in West Texas, located near Fort Davis, after which they are named. I highly recommend staying at the historic Indian Lodge. Indian Lodge is a unique inn located in Jeff Davis County northwest of Fort Davis within the bounds of Davis Mountains State Park. Built in the 1930s, it was opened to the public in 1939. The Indian Lodge resembles a Southwestern Native-American-style, multilevel pueblo village and boasts eighteen-inch adobe walls, hand-carved cedar furniture, and ceilings of pine viga and latilla.

There is so much to do in this area that you will be entertained for days (and nights!) including:

· Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens which offers a Kid’s Corner program, a Chihuahuan Desert Mining Heritage Exhibit, and a variety of other activities

· Fort Davis National Historic Site which is one of the best surviving examples of an Indian Wars’ frontier military post in the Southwest.

· McDonald Observatory of the University of Texas. It is open to the public daily from 10-5:30pm. Enjoy solar viewings or attend the Star Parties which take place every Tuesday, Friday & Saturday evenings.

· Davis Mountain State Park where the attractions include scenic drives, two scenic overlooks, and 4 miles of hiking trails

· Historic Prude Ranch has combined the best of the modern world with old west wilderness to create a fun packed western vacation for children or the entire family.

· The 72-mile scenic loop drive through the Davis Mountains,

· The Marfa Mystery Lights where, if you are lucky, you will get a glimpse of these mysterious lights that have been reported for hundred of years from the Marfa Lights Viewing Area.

I hope you enjoy your visit to the Davis Mountains as much as my family and I did. Do you have a favorite spot in the area? Please feel free to let me know . . . as I’m known for saying, I’m always looking for my next great vacation!

Until next time . . .

Paige aka PJsTravelinTexas

Some other great blogs to visit for more information on the Davis Mountains are:

1. The Davis Mountains of Texas by Paul Van Tine
2. The Marfa Mystery Lights with pictures by J. Bunnell
3. The Historic Prude Ranch by Professional Travel Guide

We are pleased to introduce our guest blogger, Lois Sealy, who runs a home exchange agency, Home Base Holidays, based in Great Britain and serving the world. We met because of a recent Kango blog on home exchange. Lois offers valuable insights into home exchanges in her blog and fosters home exchanges around the world through her website. In this brief post, Lois explains how you can improve your home exchange experience by giving detailed information on your interests in your exchange offer. Samples of just two of the many homes available for exchange are included to illustrate the topic.

Most home exchangers are very good at including information in their home exchange offers on attractions and activities available where they live. This is really useful as it helps potential home swap partners decide if the location, as well as the home, is likely to suit their needs and interests. It is also helpful to include information on your own interests and those of other family members. This will help those interested in your offer to tailor their exchange offer messages to you around your interests, needs or special requests.

Two members, both living on the West coast North America, joined almost simultaneously a few days ago and, as it happens, both not only provide excellent descriptions of their areas’ attractions but also give details of their own interests and thus, good clues to what they might like to do while on a home exchange. The first family live on the outskirts of Victoria, British Columbia, and the second, a retired couple, live in Eugene, Oregon:

“We are a very active family of four looking forward to our first house exchange. Don is the General Sales Manager of two local radio stations. He enjoys cheering on his favorite hockey team – The Canucks, gardening and hiking! Megan is a Financial Planner. She keeps busy away from work enjoying her many artistic projects. Tye, our oldest son, is in 10th grade. He is a passionate musician who is very active in the local music scene. Cory, our 15 year old is in grade 9 and spends his spare time perfecting his passion…magic. He works at a local restaurant on weekends performing close up magic! Our family is made complete with our quirky dog, Milo. Milo will be staying at Grandma’s when you visit.”

See the family’s attractive home exchange offer in the beautiful city of Victoria, BC, Canada.

“We are very active seniors, recently retired. My husband was an electrical contractor and I was an accountant. We are respectful of other people’s property and would treat your home with care. We love animals and would not mind caring for your pets, if you need it. We like to fish, go on walks, visit other countries and learn of different cultures. Our 3 bdrm house, with a large deck w/barbecue and view of local hills is located in a wooded area (deer munch on our flowers), yet just 15 minutes from downtown Eugene.”

See the couple’s exchange offer in Eugene, Oregon, USA

Both these profiles illustrate my suggestion about providing sufficient information about your family, home and the surrounding area to help the potential swap partner make a decision. For more tips, please visit Home Base Holidays.

Do have a home exchange story to share? Share your tips, stories and ideas about your home exchange experiences and your travels with us, we love to hear where you are going!

Related Information:
Home Exchange Blog
Home Base Holidays

From guest blogger, Sarah Ellerman

Have a wish list of places you’d like to travel, but no idea how you’d ever make those dreams into reality? Look around you – really look – at the place where you live. Chances are, you’ve never thought about what a valuable vacation commodity your own home is.

Look at me: I rent a modest home in California, and while I’ve always adored it, I never dreamt that it would be the key to unlock affordable world travel for me. It started when a friend told me about her experience with a house swap vacation – known in various circles as home exchange, flat exchange, home swap, and so on. It’s all the same brilliant concept, though: like-minded travelers in different parts of the world hooking up to trade free vacation time in their house, apartment or RV. My little 2BR/1BA has made it possible for me to visit such places as Paris, Kauai and Hilton Head for little more than the cost of a plane ticket. Even better, I didn’t have to arrange for a housesitter for my houseplants and fish tank – my swap family looks after such details for me, just as I do for them. (This means that I have more responsibilities than at a hotel, but I consider that acceptable – even enjoyable.)

That’s because house swaps are undeniably economical. With lodging costs out of the equation, you’ll find that a trip to even the most exclusive locale is suddenly well within reach. Use of the family vehicle is often included in the deal, and with a kitchen on hand, you can cook local food. In no way is cost the only attraction, though. House swaps offer you the chance to live like locals, not tourists, so if you’re interested in an authentic experience, it’s the way to go.

Mutual respect is the most crucial aspect of any house swap. After all, you will be staying in each other’s homes! Many house swap vacationers report long-lasting ties with their swap family, leading to repeat vacations. If you are clean, responsible and thoughtful, you may find that within a few years, you’ll have special places to stay all over the globe.

The field of matching people up for house swaps is dominated by the free ads on Craigslist, but there are many other sites – some with a fee, some without. Home Exchange has glowing testimonials, and Only in America has listings and great advice. Homes in England is fab if you dream of visiting the UK, and for a look at exotic homes from Shanghai to Barcelona, check out Expatriates. There’s someone out there who would jump at the chance to stay in your so-called “ordinary” house – and perhaps you’d like to spend a week in their flat in London, or their rancher with a hot tub in Big Sur. Open your mind – and your front door – to the idea of house swap vacations, and anything is possible.