One of the hallmarks of the Midwest is gathering - and eating - together. Whether it's family or a chosen family of friends, we love to sit down to good food, laughter, and great conversation. However, each area in the Midwest has different traditions - and Wisconsin has a unique one: that of supper clubs. The state is covered with them - homegrown, comfortable restaurants that serve excellent, tasty, homemade food with such friendliness that other restaurants will start to look rude.

In The Best Things in Life are Free: The Ultimate Money-Saving Travel Guide, the travel experts at Lonely Planet collected the most priceless experiences they've discovered from over 40 years of on-the-ground research into one essential resource. Packed with money-saving tips, tricks and recommendations, The Best Things in Life are Free features 884 free (or almost free) sights and experiences in 60 major cities around the world from Boston to Bangkok.

As the Rio Olympic Games get underway, I reminisce about the London Olympics just 4 short years ago. Although while studying abroad in London I missed seeing the Olympics by just a year, I was able to get a sneak peek during the summer of 2011 at the park during construction. Our group went on a walking tour and was able to see and learn about the construction. Being able to see it in person and then watch it a year later made it even more special. I can’t wait to revisit the area and see the transformation.

A Bar Mitzvah is an integral component and rite of passage for any young Jewish boy - or preferably man. It is the culmination of months - some may argue years - of preparation and a day that most young men will remember and cherish for the rest of their lives. A Bar mitzvah in Israel undeniably provides a young man with the catalyst to form an unbreakable bond with his Jewish heritage while simultaneously making unforgettable memories with his family.

Kyle Carey has lived in Alaska, New England, Cape Breton, Ireland, Scotland, and New York. From these experiences, she is forging music she calls Gaelic Americana, a mix that draws on music of the Appalachian south and wider American folk story as much as it does on musical traditions of Ireland and, especially, Scotland. 

Whether you’re trading homes for a joint sabbatical (genius!), or pursuing a house swap for your travels, there are many things you can do to put your mind at ease – and welcome your guests into your home as if it was theirs. There are also some things you can do to make their experience even better – and maybe your home swap will be an annual event, if you love it at their home!