Timeshare Information

For a one-of-a-kind family vacation, head to Gatlinburg, nestled beside the Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee. Snug timeshares are available for rent at beautiful resorts starting as low as $70/night. Most have decks or patios where you can relax in the fresh mountain air, or enjoy a cozy fireplace on a cool autumn night.

Gatlinburg and the surrounding area is a hidden treasure with a mind-boggling number of things to do all year round. For example explore Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies which exhibits over 350 different species of sea creatures. A 340-foot glidepath takes you through the Shark Lagoon's acrylic tunnel. Or visit Stingray Bay where the family can experience the touch of several different gentle species of rays.

Take advantage of the chance to enjoy a nostalgic "Old Fashioned Wagon Ride" that winds through Gatlinburg providing views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From November through January your wagon ride will also take you past the renowned "Gatlinburg Winter Magic" experience. Gatlinburg's entire downtown area is transformed into winter enchantment with a spectacular $1.5 million LED lights display.

Gatlinburg is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which was established in 1934 and covers 814 square miles. The park offers over 800 miles of hiking trails that range from easy walks to more strenuous backpacking treks. Part of the famed Appalachian Trail passes through the center of the park.

Anglers will enjoy the park's 700 miles of trout streams. History buffs will find plenty to explore in the 80 historic structures preserved in the park, including homes, barns, churches, and schools. There are cross-country ski trails open in the winter. In the spring the park is known as the "Wildflower National Park" when it is covered in a spectacular display of colorful blooms.

Just 6 miles from Gatlinburg in Pigeon Forge is Dolly Parton's popular "Dollywood." This Smoky Mountain amusement park offers everything from the award-winning wooden roller coaster "Thunderhead" to live entertainment of country, bluegrass and mountain music. Dollywood also presents four seasons of festivals. October is the National Gospel and Harvest Celebration with autumn activities and free gospel concerts. During November and December the family can cuddle up to a Smoky Mountain Christmas.

Spring brings the Festival of Nations with international music and dance performed amidst tulips and blooming dogwood trees. And in the summer Kid's Fest is great fun for the entire family, including 40 exciting rides, and a thrilling version of PBS's Zaboomafoos series "Creature Adventures."

Rent a timeshare in either Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge for a budget-friendly vacation that quite simply has something for everyone.
See Gatlinburg timeshares.
See Pigeon Forge timeshares.
See all Tennessee timeshare rentals.

(Photo shown is the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort at Gatlinburg)

Daytona Beach, Florida, is a unique beach vacation destination with much to offer travelers. The sand, wonderfully powdery-soft to the touch, packs hard enough to allow motorized vehicles to safely traverse along the beach in specified areas. The area of Daytona Beach stretches for 23 miles, 11 of which are drivable by car. To most beach-goers being able to drive a car along a beach, windows down, smelling the salt air, is a rare experience.

This wide beach of hard-packed sand is what created the motor sports capital of Daytona Beach. The first motorized vehicles drove along the beach in 1902 when engineers of the new fangled automobile used the area to safely test their inventions. The Daytona Beach Road Course was created in 1936 for the first stock car races. Races continued to be held on the beach until 1959 when NASCAR was created and the Daytona International Speedway was built.

Today racing draws millions of people to Daytona Beach. The Daytona International Speedway seats 168,000 spectators, and hosts races all year long with just about every motorized vehicle you can imagine, from go-carts and modified pick-up trucks to the greatest NASCAR race, the world-famous Daytona 500.

For hands-on fun, racing enthusiasts flock to the "Daytona 500 Experience." Here you can test your racing skills in a stock car motion simulator. Riding the Speedway Tram Tour gives you first-hand experience of what racing along a 31-degree banked turn is like. The 3-D Imax Experience puts you in the driver's seat in another highly realistic racing encounter.

Of course, the beautiful Daytona Beach area has much more to offer. Take a break from motor sports and jump into water sports. There are a number of great surfing beaches, and surf lessons are available. Rent kayaks or jet skis, experience the thrill of parasailing, or join a charter boat for deep sea fishing. Enjoy a relaxing pontoon ride across Mosquito Lagoon where you'll see playful dolphins and manatees. Take a river cruise up the shallow backwater of the St. Johns River and learn about such native wildlife as turtles and alligators.

The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is a must-see. This historic structure rises 175 feet in the air, the second tallest lighthouse in the country, and can be seen as far as19 miles out at sea. And treat yourself to the enchanting experience of a Daytona hot-air balloon ride at sunrise.

Rent a timeshare at one of the many beautiful resorts and discover how truly unique the Daytona Beach experience is for a fabulous family vacation. See Daytona Beach timeshare resorts.

(Photo shown is Wyndham Ocean Walk, Daytona Beach, Florida)

Colorful Sedona is located in the northern Verde Valley area of Arizona. World famous as Red Rock Country, the rock is formed out of unique red and orange-colored sandstone found only in the Sedona area. The huge rock formations glow dazzling orange when struck by the rising or setting sun, creating vistas of enchantment.

Sedona is made to order for a family vacation. Rent a timeshare and take the time to immerse yourselves in the area's unrivaled natural beauty. There are many budget-friendly timeshares in resorts that not only offer swimming pools and spas but amenities that range from golfing to horseback riding to fishing. In the winter you're less than an hour's drive from downhill and cross-country skiing in the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff.

Begin your exploration of Sedona by choosing from the many different types of tours available. Start with an overview of the area by riding the Sedona Trolley on its narrated tour. Then choose from guided or unguided Jeep or Hummer tours, or even tour by ATV. Once you've delved into the countryside on land, take an exciting aerial tour - by hot air balloon, helicopter or small plane.
However you choose to investigate Sedona, your family will have fun hunting for the various rock formations by name. See if you can spot "Snoopy" lying on his doghouse. Watch for the landmark formations that include Coffeepot Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte. And keep an eye out for the Mittens, the Cow Pies, and the Rabbit Ears!

You'll want to take a drive through beautiful Oak Creek Canyon, a 12-mile long gorge between Flagstaff and Sedona. Along Oak Creek stop and enjoy the natural water slide at the popular Slide Rock State Park. There are several areas in the Canyon suitable for swimming, and anglers will want to be sure and try for trout, bass and catfish. Many hiking trails will take you through side canyons, or even up to the top of the canyon rim.

Your Sedona timeshare can be a great hub for day excursions to surrounding areas. Visit the old historic mining town of Jerome which used to be a ghost town and is now an art community and popular tourist destination. Have rip-roarin' "Old West" fun at the chuckwagon supper and live Western stage show at the Blazin’ M Ranch in Cottonwood. And ride the Verde Canyon Railroad from Clarkdale through Sycamore Canyon, home to majestic eagles. See all Sedona timeshares. See all Arizona timeshares.

(Photo from ian-whitehead.com as shown on visitsedona.com)

Glitz, Glamour, Gambling, Golfing, Gastronomy - Las Vegas has it all! Including price tags to go with it. Here are some tips for enjoying Las Vegas on the cheap. You really can afford to treat the entire family to this fun and exciting town, or have a memorable vacation on a retiree's budget.

First of all, rent a timeshare. Timeshares in Las Vegas can be as inexpensive as $50/night for a unit that sleeps 4. You'll get relaxing space (forget cramped hotel rooms) and resort amenities such as pools, hot tubs and tennis for one low price. A kitchen is also included - full-size and fully equipped, often including a dishwasher - to cut down on the cost of meals.

Yes, there are wildly expensive headliner shows in abundance, but did you know that there are also many attractions that are just plain Free? Start with the spectacular Freemont Street Experience. Held after dark in downtown Las Vegas, this light show, accompanied by sound, is projected on a permanent canopy 90 feet high that covers 5 blocks. Just prior to the starting of a show all of the bright downtown casino lights are turned off - an interesting experience in itself! A variety of shows includes "Lucky Las Vegas," which pays tribute to famous Las Vegas entertainers, and the wonderfully patriotic "American Freedom."

You'll find lots of free events on the Las Vegas Strip, too. The most famous is the spectacular Fountains Water Show at the Bellagio. All you have to do is walk over to the lake in front of the Bellagio and see a different fountain show every 15 minutes. The dazzling fountains dance to all kinds of music from country western to opera.

The free outdoor show "The Sirens of Ti" at Treasure Island has thrilling acrobatics and exciting pyrotechnics. Stroll up the sidewalk and catch the Volcano Show at the Mirage. From what is normally a beautiful waterfall a booming volcano violently erupts, throwing red "lava" 100 feet into the night sky.

For more tranquil activities wander through a Tropical Rain Forest, enjoy the relaxing 20,000 gallon saltwater Fish Aquarium, and become mesmerized by the striking beauty of rare animals in the open air White Tiger Habitat, all at the Mirage. The magnificent felines at the MGM Grand one-of-a-kind Lion Habitat lie on panes of glass above your head.

Just off the Strip is Sam's Town, where you can experience the excitement of the Sunset Stampede Water Show. Spotlighting the thrilling story of the western pioneer, fountains shoot eight stories into the air to the accompaniment of music, lasers and lights.

Whether you're lounging by a pool at your inexpensive timeshare, or enjoying a free live circus act, you can't beat Las Vegas for a cheap vacation that is full of fun. See all Las Vegas timeshares.

Rent a budget timeshare and treat the family to a true west coast maritime vacation. Port Townsend, Washington, was founded in 1851 and prides itself on its Victorian maritime heritage. Located on the northeast tip of the Olympic Peninsula, just 40 miles from Seattle, you'll discover plenty to do here all year round.

When you visit Port Townsend, you'll find a delightful "Victorian Seaport and Arts Community." The downtown has been designated a National Historic Area and offers many examples of exquisite Victorian architecture. Downtown you'll also find galleries and artist collectives and the monthly Arts Walk during which you can attend art classes and workshops.

The main focus of this bustling waterfront community, however, is boating and maritime life. Regattas, boat races, boat building, and even a Dungeness Crab Festival, all vie for the attention of anyone who loves the smell of salt air.

The Northwest Maritime Center, whose slogan is "connecting people, boats and the sea," sponsors many fun family activities. Family members can choose from sailing lessons, boat charters and even youth and adult sailing camps. The entire family will get excited about the Family Boat Building Program where you actually "Build It, Row It, Take It Home." An activity for 2 to 12 people that takes between 3-5 days, master ship builders will help your group build a real "Skunk Island Skiff" from scratch. If you prefer a one-day boat building experience, you are invited to join in the Community Boat Building Day held every Saturday from October through May. This year the community is building a 24-ft Africa/Franken dory, a companion to the Journeyman built last year.

There are a myriad of other things to do and see during your Port Townsend stay. Fort Worden State Park has a number of large, abandoned bunkers to explore, as well as the Port Wilson Lighthouse. Movie buffs will recognize Fort Worden as the location for the film "An Officer and a Gentleman."

A fun day outing for the family is a ferry ride to nearby Whidbey Island. Here you can explore Deception Pass State Park, Washington's most popular state park. Hike along both salt water and fresh water shorelines while watching for abundant wildlife that includes soaring bald eagles. You can enjoy superior fishing on Cranberry Lake and traverse a magnificent suspension bridge over a breathtaking fjord.

Timeshare rentals are available in Port Townsend at two resorts. The WorldMark Discovery Bay Resort (see photo above), located right on the waterfront of picturesque Discovery Bay, offers a playground and game room for the kids. Tucked in a secluded wooded area beautiful Kala Point Village is pet-friendly for just a $30 additional fee. See all Washington timeshares.

Looking for suggestions on where to stay and what to do on the tiny Caribbean island of St. John? A great place to start is the Weston St. John Resort and Villas. Rental timeshares start at a budget-friendly $143/night, and are available at both phases of the resort: Westin St. John Virgin Grand Villas and Westin St. John Bay Vista Villas. The sparkling turquoise waters of the Caribbean define the extraordinary beauty of this resort. You can relax on the white sand beaches or beside the resort's waterfall pools, or be more active and go kayaking, scuba diving, and even play tennis on a turf court.

The kids will love the ocean trampolines and the floating wall in the center of the beach. A must-see is the exciting iguana feeding each afternoon when wild iguanas race in from all over to feast on left-over salad fixings. At night let yourself go and dance to the lively reggae and calypso music in the resort's lounges.

During some of your days on St. John you'll want to rent a jeep and explore the awesome Virgin Islands National Park. The Park's 7,000 acres covers two-thirds of St. John Island, encompasses breathtaking hills, valleys and beaches, and has miles of hiking trails through tropical forests.

Along the Cinnamon Nature Trail you'll come across the ruins of sugar plantations. At the top of the Boudreaux Mountain Trail you'll be at the highest point on the island at 1,277 feet above sea level. The view from there has been very poetically described as "what you must see from heaven." The most popular hike is Reef Bay Trail, along which you'll see the remains of sugar mills, as well as thousand year-old petroglyphs put there by ancestors of the island Taino people.

At Trunk Bay you'll find the famous underwater snorkel trail, a good beginners spot, and great for anyone interested in learning about marine life. Amazingly there are plaques placed along this underwater trail explaining the different species of tropical fish.

On land there is a variety of wildlife to enjoy as well. Nesting across Virgin Islands National Park are over 30 species of tropical birds. Besides the thrill of catching a glimpse of these colorful birds on the wing, the entire family will have fun looking for green iguanas, scampering geckos, turtles, and even wild donkeys.

The temperatures on St. John Island can get into the hot 90's during the summer months. So the best time to rent a timeshare is December through April when the days and the ocean, too, are just deliciously warm. Get away from gloomy winter doldrums and treat the family to a sun-splashed Caribbean holiday at the Weston St. John Resort and Villas.

The Marriott Newport Coast Villas in southern California offers an exciting opportunity to rent a timeshare and experience a fabulous California beach vacation. Perfect all year round, this getaway resort has something for everyone - families and retirees alike - at any time of the year. Perched on a cliff, spectacular views of the blue Pacific, glorious sunsets, beaches, tide pools and easy driving to many southern California activities are all included in your one low price.

The resort itself offers so many amenities that you may just want to stay local. Besides two pools (and a third is under construction), you can enjoy a sauna, a hot-tub, spa services and tennis. For the children there is a kiddie pool and a game room. Babysitting referral, and child care with a great kid's program, are available as well. With a fully-equipped kitchen and a BBQ area, you can save on meals and enjoy great beach cuisine you prepare yourself.

If you venture out, you'll find plenty to do within short driving distances of the Villas. You are planning your visit this fall, the Annual Oktoberfest will be held at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort. Available for both lunch and dinner, Chef Josef Lageder creates authentic German and Bavarian specialties and many of the ingredients are flown in from Germany and Austria. The Pacific Symphony Presents “Halloween Spooktacular" a concert of "spooky thrills and musical chills" - to which you are invited to wear your Halloween costume!

Only a half-hour drive north is Disneyland, where you can enjoy more Halloween merriment. See our previous article: “Disneyland and Halloween for Family Fun” for all the details. Sea World and the world-famous San Diego Zoo are just an hour south. Beach hop from La Jolla all the way up the coast to Redondo Beach and become an expert on the art of luxuriating in surf and sand.

Laguna Beach is well-known as an art community, and any time of year you'll find art galleries and even artists' studios to visit. If you plan to rent your Villa timeshare during the summer, see our previous post: “It’s Art Festival Time in Laguna Beach” to learn more.

The Marriott Newport Coast Villas will be undergoing some construction through 2009, so when renting be sure to check with the timeshare owner to see if that will affect your stay in the unit you want to rent. Learn more about the Marriott Newport Coast Villas.

The Manhattan Club is located in mid-town Manhattan, right in the heart of New York City. Because of it's great location it is the perfect place to rent a timeshare, and give your family an exciting December vacation, culminating in a New York City New Year's Eve celebration.

The lobby of The Manhattan Club is beautifully decorated in polished wood and marble. You'll find the people to be knowledgeable and friendly, with a concierge staff to help you with any personal arrangements you'll need, including dinner and theater reservations. The Club provides bottom-less popcorn for movie nights in your room, and the incomparable Central Park is an easy 3-block walk.

When you are planning your New Year's Eve fun, there are many different venues in New York City to please all members of the family. For example, the Big Apple Circus is a lively and entertaining spectacle held under a real "Big Top" tent. The special New Year's Eve performance starts at 9:30pm.

For a more "cultured" New Year's Eve experience Bach's Brandenburg Concertos will ring in the new year at the "Bargemusic New Year's Eve Concert." Moored in Brooklyn underneath the Brooklyn Bridge, Bargemusic has a perfect view to watch the exploding fireworks over the harbor at midnight.

Bar none, though, the most famous New York City New Year's Eve celebration is watching the ball drop in Times Square. The newest ball, presented in 2008, is a year-round tourist attraction. A 12-foot geodesic sphere, it weighs a hefty 11,875 pounds, double the size of any of the previous balls. According to the Times Square Alliance, the organization responsible for the New Year's Eve ball drop, this new ball "covered in 2,668 Waterford Crystals and powered by 32,256 Philips Luxeon Rebel LEDS, is capable of creating a palette of more than 16 million vibrant colors and billions of patterns producing a spectacular kaleidoscope effect atop One Times Square."

If that weren't thrilling enough, 1 ton of confetti will be released over Times Square at midnight! Over one million spectators will pack Times Square on New Year's Eve, but since you're staying at your timeshare at the Manhattan Club, you can walk downstairs and see the ball drop right from the corner of your hotel!
Learn more about The Manhattan Club. See other New York City timeshares.

Rent a Vermont timeshare and find yourself within driving distance of a number of great ski resorts. With so many ski areas from which to choose, you're sure to find winter fun that will thrill each family member.

The Stowe area averages over 300 inches of snowfall per year. Interconnected with one ticket, skiers can enjoy 200 miles of ski trails from four centers: Stowe Mountain Resort Cross-Country Center, Trapp Family Lodge, Edson Hill Manor and Topnotch. The trails cover two mountains - Spruce Peak and Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's highest mountain.

Smugglers' Notch Resort is a renowned family resort and has been voted the #1 Ski Resort by North America Family Programs. Over 1000 acres interconnects the three mountains of Morse, Madonna and Sterling. This resort's skiing experience ranges from an outstanding children's program to the East's only Black Diamond run, the Black Hole.

Sugarbush Resort is located just 45 minutes from the international airport in Burlington. Over 4,000 acres stretch across six peaks and two mountain areas. Because of its challenging diverse terrain, many Olympic and U.S. Ski Team members ski Sugarbush.

Also enjoy other ski resorts such as Killington, Stratton Mountain Resort, and Mad River Glen. When you take a break from the slopes there are a lot of fun things to do and see around the state, and because Vermont is a small state, driving times from your timeshare will be easy.

Start off with behind-the-scenes tours of maple syrup factories in Burlington, Stowe and Rutland. The family will enjoy seeing how sap from the maple tree is processed into syrup, and how maple-flavored candies are made. Be sure to get a taste!

Shelburne is home of the 45-acre Shelburne Museum. Here you'll see collections of folk art and toys as well as work by famous Impressionist painters such as Monet and Degas, and newly acquired paintings by Georgia O'Keefe. The kids will enjoy touring the museum's 25 historic colonial houses, as well as a lighthouse and a paddlewheel steamboat that used to ply the shores of Lake Champlain.

In addition to skiing, during your stay in your Vermont timeshare you'll have time to enjoy historic sites such as the Hyde Log Cabin in Grand Isle, the oldest remaining log cabin in the U.S.; Stowe's Bloody Brook Schoolhouse, a one-room schoolhouse built in 1840; and the Ethan Allen Homestead in Burlington, home of Vermont's Revolutionary War hero who led the Green Mountain Boys in the taking of Fort Ticonderoga.

(Photo shown is the Mountainside Resort at Stowe)

"Fall into New Jersey!" With that catchy slogan, New Jersey wants you to know that an entire state awaits you with all of the colorful fall foliage and lively autumn activities you would find in other areas of the country, and then some! For an inexpensive autumn vacation for retirees and budget-minded families alike, rent a timeshare and explore Galloway Township and Vernon Valley, two of New Jersey's best kept secrets.

Galloway Township is technically part of the Atlantic City metro area, and thus close to all of the sparkle and glitter of that resort town. But Galloway can be found wrapped in a secluded wooded area in what they call "the unhurried corner of the Garden State." Beautiful autumn colors surround you as you challenge yourself on two world class golf courses. Or enjoy the pungent scents and breathtaking sights of autumn by horseback or along easy hiking trails.

Just an hour's drive from New York City is Vernon Valley, tucked in New Jersey's northern Kittatinny Mountain Range. The Vernon Valley area offers a world of entertaining adventure for everyone. Here you can tour vineyards and explore the world of wine tasting at Demarest Hill Winery, and Warwick Valley Winery and Orchards. See if you can become an expert on the difference between vinifera and hybrid grapes!

Amidst spectacular autumn scenery the entire family will discover fun fall activities such as apple picking and cider pressing. Find the largest pumpkin in one of the pumpkin patches open to the public. Take that prize pumpkin back to your timeshare and help the youngsters carve their perfect jack-o-lantern.

Children and adults alike laugh their way through the awesome corn maze at the Wright Family Farm. Full of twists and turns, this maze also has some hidden surprises! For a truly spooktacular Halloween experience, take the family on a haunted hayride at Heaven Hill Farm.

You can also visit this area in the winter and enjoy snow activities at the near-by Mountain Creek Ski Resort. This resort offers 46 trails for skiing and snowboarding, and 7 lanes on a dedicated hill for the family-friendly sport of snow tubing! See all New Jersey timeshares for rent.

(Photo of Wright Family Farm from wrightfamilyfarm.com)

Now is the time to start thinking of places for great warm winter getaways. There are beautiful beaches in Mexico and the Bahamas and even the French Riviera. If you are looking for a budget vacation but still want that same sun-splashed luxury, take a look at South Padre Island, Texas.

Surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Laguna Madre Bay on the other, this tip of Texas is all tropical paradise. Rent a budget timeshare and relax on your balcony, enjoy gorgeous sunsets, walk among swaying palm trees or along soft sand beaches, and splash in the warm surf of the sparkling Gulf waters.

And there's plenty to do on South Padre Island besides relax. Visit the Port Isabelle Lighthouse State Historic Site and climb the 72 winding stairs (including 3 short ladders!) to the tower for an incomparable view of the Gulf coast. Located on Lighthouse Square is the Dolphin Research and Sea Life Nature Center. A fascinating hands-on exhibit, the entire family will have fun holding such marine animals as starfish and sea urchins. You can even watch the staff feed an octopus and moray eels.

In November is the World Championship Shrimp Cook Off. Sample the competing recipes of amateur and professional chefs alike as they try to out do each other in creating delicious dishes of sweet Gulf shrimp. And in January join the Longest Causeway Run, a 6.2 mile-long race that crosses the 2 1/2 mile long Queen Isabella Causeway from the mainland.

Besides being a great vacation destination for families, retirees will find renting a timeshare and spending a week or two in South Padre Island is right up their alley. Locals will call you the “Winter Texans." And, just for you is the "Winter Texan Golf Tournament" and the "Winter Texan Taste of the Island" events, both held in January. In February the Rotary invites winter Texans to their annual fish fry.

Whether you're a family on a budget vacation, or retirees looking for a couple of weeks of fun in the sun, renting a timeshare on South Padre Island is just the ticket for a warm winter tropical vacation.
See South Padre Island timeshare rentals.

(Photo from sopadre.com)

Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino… the names of counties in California's famous Wine Country dance along the tongue like a happy melody. World renowned for its premium wines, this grape-growing area of California stretches in valleys along the Pacific coast north of San Francisco to the redwoods. In 1975 there were only 25 wineries but with the advent of tourism that number has grown to over 400.

Visitors to California's Wine Country find many things to see and do, such as groves of Giant Redwoods, petrified forests, and even swimming in hot springs. Rolling hills of sun-splashed vineyards provide the perfect backdrop for hikers and bicycling enthusiasts. The colors and patterns of the valley as seen from a hot air balloon ride are as beautiful and picturesque as an Impressionist's painting.

However, most people travel to California's Wine Country for, of course, the wineries. The tasting rooms range from the most elaborate to the very simple. A host will greet you and give you notes on the wines you will sample. You need not taste every wine, and you don't have to finish all of the wine in your glass. If you are new to wine tasting you'll have fun trying to determine the aroma, flavor and "mood" of each wine. And you'll be fascinated to discover how distinctly different so many varieties of wines can be.

The California Wine Country is a perfect vacation destination. September and October is harvest time (or “crush”) when you can watch the work of bringing the grapes in for processing. The locals think November is the prettiest time of the year when the fall colors of leaves and vines enrich the beauty of the Wine Country.

During December and January the weather is cool but moderate and the crowds are low. Touring the wineries and visiting the tasting rooms is a more intimate experience. February is when the mustard flowers bloom through out the dormant vineyards, and during March and April the Wine Country is awash in the colors of blossoming wild flowers. The summer months of May through August are when the number of tourists is at its height and you can see the vineyards in their full glory of heavy, ripening fruit.

No matter what time of year you choose for your visit to the California Wine Country, rent a timeshare in San Francisco or Napa Valley and take the time to immerse yourself in this uniquely blended world of modern and ancient winemaking.
See Napa timeshares.
See San Francisco timeshares.

On October 7, 2009, the U. S. House passed the "Travel Promotion Act" (H.R.1035) with strong bipartisan support. The purpose of this legislation, which creates a public/private partnership, is "to promote the United States as a premier travel destination and better explain U.S. security policies."

When the International Olympic Committee met to choose the host city for the 2016 Summer Games, Chicago was very quickly eliminated in the first round of voting. This is a resounding referendum of how the rest of the world perceives international travel to the United States. IOC members told President Obama that "foreign visitors find traveling to the United States 'a pretty harrowing experience.'"

Roger Dow, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, stated, "It's clear the United States still has a lot of work to do to restore its place as a premier travel destination."

The Travel Promotion Act, which had already passed in the U.S. Senate, creates a promotions and communications program aimed at foreign visitors. "We need to take seriously the challenge of reforming our entry process to ensure there is a welcome mat to our friends around the world, even as we ensure a secure system," Dow explains.

The Travel Promotion Act is modeled after successful state-level programs. When it becomes law it is expected to also strengthen the U.S. economy. The legislation is estimated to create 40,000 new U.S. jobs, as well as stimulate $4 billion in new consumer spending. And according to Oxford Economies, a further bonus is the reduction of the federal budget deficit by $425 million over the next ten years based on the fact that foreign visitors spend an average of $4,500 per person per trip to the U.S.

"The Travel Promotion Act is an important step in making sure international travelers know we want them to visit our country," Dow said.

This positive exposure to U.S. travel can also strengthen the desirability of timeshare rental for international visitors.

"Ski Utah - The Greatest Snow on Earth!" is a rallying cry for skiers the world over, and Utah boasts a number of world-famous ski resorts. Rent a timeshare and plan a week of fun in the snow for the entire family!

The town of Park City, 36 miles from Salt Lake City, (the 2002 host of the Winter Olympics), is known for its three major ski resorts: Park City, Deer Valley and The Canyons. The town is also home to the United States Ski Team and is the location of Robert Redford's famed Sundance Film Festival.

Well known for its premiere ski trails Park City Mountain Resort also has an unprecedented children's program. Called the "Kid's Signature Programs" the Signature 5 ski class is for children aged 6 to 14. Signature 3 is geared specifically for the younger set, aged 3 1/2 to 5, and combines ski instruction with other fun activities such as crafts, a huge jungle gym, and storybook time.

Located in Provo Canyon an hour drive from Salt Lake City and just 45 minutes from Park City is Sundance, created by Robert Redford. Ranked second in the country by Conde Nast Traveler's 2007 Readers' Poll for the Top 50 U.S. Mainland Resorts, Sundance offers a wonderfully diverse winter experience. Besides 42 alpine ski runs, the resort also features night skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. Off-slope fun includes classes at the Art Shack on jewelry making, pottery and painting.

Find Park City timeshare resorts.
See all Utah timeshares.

Photo shown is Marriott’s Mountain Side at Park City Resort.

Picturesque snowcapped peaks create a startlingly beautiful backdrop to the world famous desert oasis, Palm Springs in California. Green valleys, elegant date palms, succulent orange trees and the delicious warmth of the winter sun have combined to make this area a favorite getaway since the mid-thirties when glamorous Hollywood made Palm Springs its playground.

Today, Palm Springs continues to be an inviting haven from cold winter winds. Retirees, who might only be able to afford to vacation one or two weeks, will find many budget timeshares available for rent. With an international airport, and just a couple of hours drive by car from both Los Angeles and San Diego, Palm Springs enjoys over 3 million visitors a year.

If you've heard of Palm Springs you've heard that it has over 100 golf courses, many of them world class. You may also know that the town is an art community with over 100 art galleries. The Palm Springs Aerial Tram is a famous engineering feat that takes visitors 8,500 feet from the valley floor up to San Jacinto State Park. There during the winter months, snow conditions permitting, you can cross-country ski or snowshoe, with equipment rentals available.

There are a few things to do in Palm Springs that just might surprise you. Every Thursday evening don your most fashionable travelin' shoes and enjoy the greatest outdoor market in the world. Held in downtown Palm Springs, "VilliageFest!" is a delight of flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables, artisians' sculptures, paintings, and jewelry, street entertainers, and delectable sweets. And an added bonus - this event is "dog-friendly!"

For "The Most Fun You'll Have in Palm Springs" plan to attend the Palm Springs Follies. Held in the historic Plaza Theater, which opened its doors in 1936, the Follies are a rip-roaring combination of comedy, music and dance - all performed by a cast whose youngest member is 55 and oldest member is 85! The 2009/2010 show is "Let The Good Times Roll!" featuring music from the Big Bands to Swing, from Doo-Wop to Motown. For an added sparkle, the Christmas Holidays make their appearance in the show during November and December.

Delight in a home cooked meal in your timeshare kitchen from the fresh food you purchased at "VilliageFest!" or enjoy fine dining at one of Palm Springs' many restaurants. And while relaxing you're sure to savor the memories of the fun events and activities you've enjoyed during the day in your own winter playground of Palm Springs. See Palm Springs timeshare resorts for rent

Photo shown is the Palm Canyon Resort and Spa.

One of the most popular vacation spots in the country is Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It's like the songs says:

“If you're fond of sand dunes and salty air
Quaint little villages here and there
You're sure to fall in love with Old Cape Cod.”

Most people think of Cape Cod as the quintessential sun-splashed summer getaway. But how about in the autumn? Now is the time to enjoy this area, when the summer crowds have gone and it's just you among the sea grass and the dunes! October temperatures are still in the 60s during the day, but can get chilly at night - just make sure you have a good jacket with you. The temperate climate actually makes November quite moderate. You may not want to actually bask at the beach, but you'll still enjoy a good stroll along the shore.

Rent a timeshare and immerse yourself in the wild beauty of this unique “hook” of land. For the nature lover and the outdoor fan there are many ways of enjoying the peninsula.

Cape Cod National Seashore covers over 43,000 acres and is run by the National Park Service. Here you can enjoy six beaches, nature trails, and freshwater ponds, as well as historic lighthouses.

Provincetown is called the "Capital" of Cape Cod and is where the Pilgrims actually made their 1620 New World landing on the Mayflower. The historic Mayflower Compact, which developed their unique self-governing community, was signed here and put into effect when the Pilgrims settled across the bay in Plymouth.

Rent bicycles at Arnold's in Provincetown and ride the Provincetown Bike Trails. There are numerous well-marked entrances to these well-maintained trails which twist and curve across the windswept sand dunes and through surprising areas of dense woods.

The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster sponsors the Family Field Walk year round. Guided by a trained naturalist, your family will enjoy an easy walk along the John Wing Trail, while learning about salt marshes, the Cape's oak and pine forests, and beach habitats. In the village of South Wellfleet, The Wellfleet Wildlife Sanctuary also offers miles of beautiful walking trails.

Back at your timeshare enjoy having a kitchen and cook up a big pot of lobster stew - the delicious smells mingled with the salt air will create a memory that will always take you back to the days you spent on Cape Cod. See Cape Cod timeshares.

(Photo provided by capecodchamber.org)

There are so many things that are iconic to San Francisco, California, that a vacation to the world-famous City by the Bay absolutely requires the visitor to experience every one of them!

The first thing you notice is that San Francisco is very hilly! The city is well known for its famous hills, there are over 50 within the city limits. Also, many neighborhoods are named after the hill on which they are located. Russian Hill, for example, has Lombard Street - billed as "the crookedest street in the world."

Located on Nob Hill is the Cable Car Museum where you can see historic cable cars, and learn about the inventor and the technologies that support this unique public transportation system. First opened to the public in 1873, the cable mechanism for moving the cars remains very much the same today. Riding a cable car up and down steep hills to the joyous tune of clanging bells is a must for every San Francisco visitor!

For a rather gruesome but fascinating tour escape from the city and take the boat over to Alcatraz Island. A federal prison from 1934 until it closed 29 years later, Alcatraz housed such notable prisoners as Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. Its isolated location out in San Francisco Bay, plus the bay's cold waters and treacherous currents, all worked to prevent any successful escapes from this famous prison.

The Golden Gate Bridge is perhaps San Francisco's most famous landmark. You can rent a sailboat and float directly under the bridge, or drive over the bridge to a look-out point in Marin County. Let the family actually walk across the bridge and enjoy an unprecedented view of the water, the city, and the remarkable bridge itself.

If you’re on a budget, try timeshare rental. You can find them right in the center of the city. Most rentals are for 1 week, which is a good thing because there's still plenty more to do: indulge your chocolate cravings at Ghirardelli Square; walk through the Dragon Gate and enter the world of Chinatown; view the many little fishing boats while you feast on steamed crabs at Fisherman's Wharf; visit Golden Gate Park with its museums, gardens, lake - and even a bison herd!

A San Francisco family vacation will give everyone enough memories to last until the next time you visit the City by the Bay! See all San Francisco timeshares.