Travel News: Winter Olympics Site Declares Bankruptcy

The Whistler-Blackcomb ski area in British Columbia, Canada, has declared bankruptcy. The real estate market collapse and weakening consumer spending has caused the New York-based Fortress Investment Group to be unable to meet payments on the remaining $1.7 billion due on the loan.

In 2002 the two ski resorts of Whistler and Blackcomb merged to create the largest ski area in North America, 54% larger than now second place Vail, Colorado. In 2006 Fortress Investment Group paid $2.8 billion for the resort, which included loans from Lehman Brothers and Davidson Kempner.

This is all especially newsworthy as the auction of bankrupt Whistler-Blackcomb is slated to take place during the 21st Winter Olympics, hosted by Vancouver, B.C., February 12 - 28, 2010. Since Vancouver sits at sea level, the ski events of the games are scheduled to occur up at Whistler-Blackcomb. The lenders plan a public auction on February 19, in the middle of the Olympic games.

Representatives of the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) for the Olympic games are confident that the auction will not affect the ski venues at Whistler-Blackcomb. VANOC has received legal advice indicating it can still put on the games at Whistler-Blackcomb even if Olympic venues become part of the bankruptcy proceedings.

This is good news for everyone who has been planning a winter vacation to the exciting 21st Winter Olympics. The legal wrangling and financial woes surrounding the ski area do not affect Whistler-Blackcomb timeshare resorts and there are still many timeshare rentals available during the Olympic games for you to have a budget-friendly Olympic experience. Down in Vancouver itself budget timeshare rentals are still available at WorldMark-The Canadian. If you stay in Vancouver you can still attend the ski venues at Whistler-Blackcomb by riding the frequent buses that will be running up the mountain.

So plan now to take the family to the 21st Winter Olympics for a once-in-a-lifetime experience of global proportions. You'll be thrilled at how affordable the trip can be by renting a budget timeshare. See our previous post "Vacation in Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympics."

(Photo credit whistlerblackcomb.com)

Spring Break Vacation Planning

Spring Break season generally stretches from the middle of February to the first week in April. There are plenty of budget timeshare rentals available during this time, so start planning and reserve one now. You'll be sure to find one available at just the destination you are looking for when you are finally let out of classes for some well-deserved relaxation and fun.

It's easy to plan your Spring Break vacation by first deciding the kinds of activities you'd like to enjoy, skiing, beaches, theme parks etc... Choose a place where you can find those activities, and then match a budget timeshare rental at a resort there.

Besides sunbathing on a beach vacation, a popular Spring Break activity is snorkeling. See our previous post "Plan a Snorkeling Vacation and Get in Over Your Head" for a list of some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. Or rent a Miami timeshare in Florida and enjoy great snorkeling at Coral Cove Park, Red Reef, and Biscayne National Park. And you'll find spectacular snorkeling down in the Florida Keys at the John Pennekamp State Park off shore of Key Largo.

If you want to let your hair down - and let it fly - there are numerous amusement parks from which to choose. Rent a Williamsburg timeshare in Virginia, and enjoy Busch Gardens where the Griffin coaster, with its floorless coaster trains, can brag as being the tallest dive coaster in the world. Here you can also ride the hypercoaster, Apollo's Chariot.

You can incorporate thrilling roller coaster rides with theme parks, too. Rent an Anaheim timeshare in California, for Space Mountain at Disneyland. An Orlando timeshare rental in will get you to the zero-gravity roll of the Kraken at Sea World. Also in Orlando you can experience the unique up-hill launch of the Incredible Hulk coaster at Universal's Islands of Adventure.

For those of you who plan to party 'til dawn, rent a timeshare on the beach in Cancun or Puerto Rico - both destinations are famous for their nightlife. No matter where you go, relax and have fun.

(Photo shown is the Golden Shores & Crown Paradise Club)

Winter Blahs? Plan a Mardi Gras Vacation!

A sure-fire prescription for the winter blahs is Mardi Gras. Rent a timeshare in New Orleans and you'll be right in the middle of the party. In 2010 Mardi Gras Day will fall on February 16th. We've complied some New Orleans Mardi Gras trivia for you to help make your Mardi Gras vacation planning fun.
  • The term "Mardi Gras" is French and directly translates to "Fat Tuesday," so called because the day falls on the Tuesday just before Ash Wednesday. It's thought that the term "Fat" comes from the ancient pagan tradition of parading a fat ox during winter solstice celebrations.

  • This carnival-type celebration was created by the Roman Catholic Church sometime in the mid 13th century as a time of merriment to preceed the strict 40-day Lenten period of penitence.

  • The dates and length of the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans varies each year as these are based on the time between January 6 (the Feast of the Epiphany and the date that the Mardi Gras celebration begins) and Ash Wednesday, which in turn depends on when Easter falls.

  • "Mardi Gras Throws" is what the industry terms the items tossed to the crowd from the parade floats. Besides the ever-popular bead necklaces, other things thrown include everything from toothbrushes to glitter-powder puffs.

  • The traditional colors of Mardi Gras are Green (Faith), Purple (Justice) and Gold (Power).

  • "King Cake" is the ubiquitous Mardi Gras pastry that was traditionally served on "Kings' Day," another name for the Feast of the Epiphany. The cake has various fillings including almond (the most traditional), chocolate and raspberry. However, New Orleans chefs enjoy experimentation and have come up with unusual flavors, including crawfish.

  • A tiny baby figure, originally representing the baby Jesus, is baked in the King Cake. Whoever finds it in their piece of cake is said to have good luck for the rest of the year. The King Cake baby figurine has become an enduring symbol of Mardi Gras and is now also found on Mardi Gras bead necklaces, and cast in gold and silver for fine jewelry.

  • The New Orleans season of Mardi Gras consists of numerous events including small nightly parades around the city. It culminates on Mardi Gras Day with the famous grand Rex (Latin for "king") Parade.
Now you know all the details about Mardi Gras, rent a New Orleans timeshare and you’re on your way to a great vacation to break up the winter blahs!

(Photo provided by mardigras.com)

Plan a Snorkeling Vacation and Get in Over Your Head

Feel like getting in over your head? Plan a snorkeling vacation for the family to the Caribbean, and make it affordable by renting a timeshare. Here’s a list of 5 Caribbean snorkeling spots perfect for budget travelers.

Malmok Beach, Aruba
More rocky than sandy, Malmok Beach is not for sun worshipers, but it's perfect for snorkelers, and great for beginners. Rocks and corral to the north of the entry, and a derelict fishing boat in five feet of water about a half-mile to the south, all attract multitudes of fish. You'll see starfish, puffers and even fire worms. Rent an Aruba timeshare and enjoy Malmok Beach.

Dawn Beach, St. Maarten/St. Martin
Your drive on the bumpy and windy road to Dawn Beach will improve now that resort development has begun in this area. The main reef runs parallel to the shore of powdery white sand, and requires some paddling, but once out you'll find one of the most incredible snorkeling spots in the Caribbean. Be wary that a strong cross-current can develop. Rent a St. Maarten/St. Martin timeshare and enjoy Dawn Beach.

Devil's Grotto, Grand Cayman Island
Just outside the capital city of George Town, Devil's Grotto is the most popular snorkeling site on Grand Cayman Island. Towering coral and limestone create a labyrinth of caves and caverns. You'll encounter large tarpon, which are not aggressive, and fun exotic fish such as damselfish, parrotfish and trumpetfish. Rent a Grand Cayman timeshare and enjoy Devil's Grotto.

Trunk Bay, St. John
Renowned for its 650-ft underwater snorkel trail, Trunk Bay is classic snorkeling. A tip from experienced snorkelers to this site is to check out the two rock formations that are about 200 feet off shore - you'll find lobsters and even eels hiding there. The beautiful picturesque beach at Trunk Bay will keep the non-snorkeling members of your family happy and entertained. Rent a St. John timeshare and enjoy Trunk Bay.

Stingray City and Sandbar, Grand Cayman Island
Stingray City/ Sandbar is the Caribbean's most popular animal encounter and considered by many to be the most exciting snorkeling experience in the world. Snorkel in 12 feet of water at Stingray City, or 5 feet of water at Sandbar. Snorkeling tours take you on a short boat ride out to where you'll encounter large groups of friendly stingrays, many of which will eat right out of your hand. While out there paddle over to the corral reef and snorkel among many more exotic tropical fish. Rent a timeshare on Grand Cayman and enjoy the unique Stingray City/Sandbar experience.

(Photo by: Bob Friel, caribbeantravelmag.com)

Timeshare Exchange can Show You the World

The year 2009 was a rough one for Global tourism, with the world financial crisis, not to mention the swine flu. However, experts are optimistic that Global tourism will rebound 3 - 4% in 2010 following 2009's fourth-quarter recovery, especially in the Asia, Pacific and Middle East regions. Africa might even buck the trend at a 5% growth. When you exchange your timeshare for a new destination, you can see the world!

Timeshares abound through-out the world, the concept actually starting in England in the 1960s and spreading across Europe and then to North America, before really covering the globe in the last decade. Not only can you own and rent in some of the most exotic and fascinating places in the world, but with timeshare exchange the world is your oyster so to speak.

Imagine spending a timeshare exchange vacation with your family at HaiKou Blossom Season Sprinwater Resort in Hai Kou City, China. Located on the northern end of Hainan Island, the South China Sea will be at your doorstep.

Or plan your 2010 timeshare exchange vacation at the Club Pyla Beach Resort in Larnaca on the southwest coast of beautiful Cyprus, a Eurasian island country in the eastern Mediterranean. Here you can enjoy not only a sunny climate, but taste Cyprus's famous Halloumi cheese which is made from a mixture of goat's and sheep's milk and is commonly served grilled.

For a truly exciting family timeshare vacation, exchange at the royal Reserve Safari & Beach Club in Mombassa, Kenya (see photo above). Set on the Kikambala white sand beach amongst coconut palms, at this resort you can arrange for a special underwater safari to a coral reef or one of the big game safaris for which Kenya is famous.

The Mount Amanzi Resort in South Africa is one of the closest resorts to Johannesburg and Pretoria. Next to the majestic Magaliesberg Mountains, you'll not only be able to enjoy parasailing and windsurfing, but you can also explore a snake park, a cheetah trust or an elephant sanctuary.

A completely different type of vacation awaits your family when you exchange at the Kaimanawa Lodge or the Turangi Leisure Lodge, both located in Turangi, New Zealand. Turangi is in the center of the North Island, along the wonderful Tongariro River. The surrounding countryside offers challenging hunting, fishing and mountain biking. You can take an extreme hike or a leisure bush walk. Exciting river activities include white water rafting and kayaking.

Become a part of recovering Global tourism and explore your world. It’s so easy to do with timeshare exchange.

Timeshare Rental Vacation to Key Largo

When you start planning your vacation to Florida, consider taking the family to Key Largo and rent a timeshare. At 33 miles long Key Largo is the longest of the Keys islands. Interestingly it is only 15 feet at its highest elevation, being a fossilized remnant of a coral reef that was eroded during the last ice age.

Key Largo is the northernmost island of the Florida Keys and therefore the first one you'll come to when driving down on U.S. Highway 1. You'll find yourself unwinding and relaxing as you travel the "Eighteen-Mile Stretch," a buffer between urban Miami and the Keys where you'll pass through beautiful undeveloped mangrove and everglade savannahs.

For a perfect winter getaway, Key Largo offers many budget timeshares for rent where you can experience the laid-back life style of the area. Rent a timeshare at the Florida Bay Club and you can go shrimping and maybe catch enough to cook for dinner in your timeshare kitchen. For numerous on-site activities, rent a timeshare at the Port Largo Villas Resort and enjoy volleyball and basketball, as well as ping-pong and shuffleboard.

Besides snoozing in a hammock you can find plenty of activities to do while vacationing on Key Largo. Its close proximity to the Everglades, which it essentially borders on the northwest, makes touring that special reserve easy. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park begins just a mile to the east of the island. It's the first underwater park in the U.S., and the site of the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States.

This coral reef stretches parallel along the entire length of the Florida Keys. Just four miles off the shore of Key Largo, the reef protects its coastline preventing heavy wave activity, which is why there are no natural sand beaches on Key Largo. But the proximity of the coral reef is what makes Key Largo the Diving Capital of the World. It's a great area for diving or snorkeling, and there are more dive shops here per square mile than anywhere else in the world.

Try the night diving that is offered. Different fish are active and it's an exciting experience. There are numerous boat tours as well, including fun glass-bottomed boats, that are sure to allow every member of your family a perfect view of the colorful reef. See all Florida timeshares.

Travel to Chinese New Year Celebrations for the Year of the Tiger

The 2010 Chinese New Year is February 14th. You can enjoy the celebrations by making travel plans for a special Valentine's Day romantic getaway or family vacation. Either way, you’ll have fun welcoming in this very special Year of the Tiger.

For budget travelers, the best place to spend the holiday is in Chinatown, U.S.A. There you’ll find an authentic Chinese cultural experience in such cities as New York City, Los Angeles, and the site of the largest Chinatown outside Asia - San Francisco.

Rent a timeshare in any of these cities to enjoy the most famous and largest celebration, Chinese New Year. This Asian holiday is as big and as family-oriented as Christmas is to Westerners, complete with gift-giving, traditional decorations and enticing foods. Asian communities are delighted to share the excitement of Chinese New Year celebrations with everyone, so stay in your timeshare rental this February and join in the fun.

Chinatown Los Angeles
In 2010 the Golden Dragon Parade will wind its way through the streets of Chinatown for the 111th time. Consisting of floats, marching bands, cultural groups and entertainers, the parade's theme emphasizes ethnic diversity and is an exciting experience of Asian culture. The Lantern Festival traditionally marks the end of the New Years celebration, and includes street fairs with lantern-making classes, face painting, and kite building. See Anaheim timeshares.

Chinatown New York City
A huge fire-cracker detonation is held in Westminster Park, as well beautiful cultural performances by traditional singers and dancers. Lion, dragon and unicorn dance troupes perform along Chinatown's streets. Their spectacular parade will march down every street in Chinatown, and consists of almost 5,000 participants including Asian musicians, magicians, and thrilling acrobats. See New York City timeshares.

Chinatown San Francisco
The San Francisco celebration originated during the Gold Rush days of the 1860s, and today is the largest Chinese New Years celebration in North America. The two-week event includes two fairs: the Chinese New Year Flower Fair, and the Chinatown Community Street Fair, and culminates with the parade. Named one of the top 10 parades in the world, the Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco is the largest celebration of its kind outside of Asia. See San Francisco timeshares.

And, while you’re there, be sure to say Happy New Year, or in Cantonese, Gung Hay Fat Choy, which means “may prosperity be with you.”

Airport Security Trends for 2010 Travel

If planning your 2010 timeshare rental vacation includes flying, you are undoubtedly wondering about airport security measures in the aftermath of the thwarted 2009 Christmas Day terrorist attack on an airplane destined for the U.S.

The following are the 2010 trends in airport security - what is now in place and what is being studied.

Full-body Scan
Metal detectors are efficient for detecting most metals, but unless they are set to a particularly high sensitivity they will not detect non-ferris (no iron added) metals such as titanium, gold and silver. And they obviously do not detect non-metal such as plastics and powdered substances. Hence the full-body scan, which is currently in a pilot program in the U.S. with trials being conducted at various airports across the country.

The TSA (Transportation Security Agency) is attempting to address the public's concern over privacy issues of the full-body scan by using a pair of security officers, one working the machine, who never sees the image, and a second in another room who sees the image but never sees the person.

CastScope
Implemented last year after a successful pilot program in 2008, the CastScope allows for easy scanning of anyone wearing a prosthetic device, plaster cast, leg or arm bandages, or braces. The dignity of passengers is maintained since they no longer must submit to removing clothing or to the embarrassment of taking off a prosthesis.

Future Attribute Screening Technology (FAST)
This is a Homeland Security-funded project to study ways of using sensors to detect such things as heart rate, shifty eyes and fidgeting of passengers, that might help security agents figure out if a person has something to hide. A modified Wii Balance Board (from the home video game by Nintendo) is being used to detect variations in human behavior including standing still if calm, and shifting position if nervous.

Mind Reading Technology
This proposed security protocol "would allow the authorities to apprehend the wrong doers even before they have a chance to formulate their plans." An Israeli company, WeCU, is currently testing a device that will "project the images and symbols associated with terrorist organizations onto airport screens and then look for individual reactions, such as increased heartbeat, nervousness, faster breathing, etc." allowing immediate apprehension of suspects. No kidding.

Enjoy the process of planning your family vacation, and deciding on the perfect destination and budget timeshare rental. The TSA and its counterparts world-wide, charged with the job of keeping planes and passengers safe, are doing their planning as well to improve airport security measures and ensure your safety.

(Photo courtesy of TSA.gov)

Hawaii Vacation Trivia

Planning a vacation to Hawaii is planning a vacation in Paradise. Timeshare rental has made vacations in this tropical Paradise very accessible for those on a budget. Because of affordable timeshares, more and more people are enjoying Hawaiian vacations and once you've experienced the awesome natural beauty and wonderful Polynesian culture of Hawaii, you'll find yourself wanting to know more about this very special place. We've compiled a bit of Hawaii Trivia for you to contemplate, as you dream of relaxing on your timeshare lanai.
  1. What is shaved ice?
    Unlike a snow cone, which is re-frozen crushed ice, Hawaii's delicious shaved ice treat is made by ice that is shaved off a block of ice right in front of you, almost to a consistency of powder. Flavored with fruit syrups (tropical flavors such as mango, guava and passion fruit are popular with tourists) shaved ice is often served over ice cream. Try it with added Red Bean sauce for a delightfully exotic twist.

  2. What do the names of the islands mean?
    As with anything that goes back to antiquity, there is some conflict to this answer, but most scholars agree that Oahu means "gathering place," Maui is the name of a demi-god, Lanai means "day of conquest," and Kauai is "food season," a good name for the "Garden Island."

  3. Why is it called Diamond Head?
    This extinct volcano crater was originally named Le'ahi in the Hawaiian language because the summit ridge resembles the head (lae) of the yellowfin tuna (ahi). In the 1700s western traders thought they had discovered diamonds in the crater and began referring to it as Diamond Head (the "diamonds" turned out to be worthless calcite crystals).

  4. Can you really ski in Hawaii?
    Visitors to Hawaii are often amused to see t-shirts sporting the slogan "Ski Hawaii." It is true that on the Big Island, Moana Kea (Hawaiian for "white mountain") does sometimes get enough snow for skiing. However, the ski-able area is over 13,000 feet high, is only accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles (no ski lifts), and attempts to ski here have raised grave ecological concerns.

  5. What is that thumb and little finger hand signal?
    Extending just the thumb and little finger and giving the hand a quick shake is called doing the "shaka." This cultural hand greeting has been popularized world-wide by intrigued Hawaiian visitors. Variably it can mean "hello," "goodbye," "cool," "okay," "see you later," and "take care."

Hot Travel Destinations for 2010

This is the time of year when pundits love to list trends for the New Year, including the popular "Hot Travel Destinations for 2010." They typically list just the obvious (Orlando for families) or delight in telling the rest of us what trendy places a few sanctified celebrities plan to go. A really constructive report, however, will help you decide, in a practical way, where you want to go. Gather the family together and use the following guidelines to make planning easy for your own “hot travel destination”.
  1. Accommodations
    If you are on a budget, plan to rent a timeshare. The cost is typically 50% less than hotel rooms, because you are renting from a timeshare owner. Plus, you get separate bedrooms and living space, will save money by using the fully-equipped kitchen to feed those constantly hungry kids, and the resort's amenities (swimming pool, tennis, hot tubs, craft classes, etc.) are all included in the price.

  2. Time of Year
    When does your family schedule allow for vacations? Winter? Spring Break? Summer trips? Autumn fun? Do research online to find out what fun activities are available during your vacation week. Snow skiing, beach, hiking… time of year will help narrow down your ideal destination.

  3. Mode of Transportation
    Do you plan to drive? Stay up to date on gas prices at gaspricewatch.com. Or perhaps you'll try the increasingly popular train rides (amtrack.com). Flying? A site that keeps constant check on the frequently changing air fares is airwatchdog.com.

  4. Family Member Ages
    Take stock of the various ages that will be vacationing and plan accordingly. For toddlers find resorts with kiddie pools, children's playgrounds, and even child care. Many resorts offer teen activities, including arcade game rooms. Does Grandpa enjoy golf? There are lots of resorts that have on-site links.

  5. Preferred Family Activities
    Is your family active? Do you enjoy hiking, skiing, horseback riding, biking? Look for timeshares near National Parks, and most ski areas have timeshare resorts. How about a visit to Disney, Sea World or Universal Studios? Many budget timeshares are available both in Orlando and Southern California. Maybe a beach vacation is your dream - the U.S. mainland sports great beaches in Florida, Texas and Southern California. Or opt for a beautiful Caribbean timeshare or in resort towns along the "Mexican Riviera."

Romantic Valentine’s Day Timeshare Travel Destinations

hearts Pictures, Images and PhotosValentine's Day is a time for hearts and chocolates and flowers - and Romantic Getaways. By renting a time share a special getaway for the two of you can be affordable, and can give you as a couple a much-needed chance to re-charge your batteries.

What can be more romantic than sipping champagne in front of a crackling fire? You can find many timeshares for rent in the mountains where soft moonlight on fresh snow encourages you to snuggle together, whether it be by a cozy fireplace or bundled under blankets on a shimmering sleigh-ride.

Ski resorts in Utah, Colorado, Wyoming and Vermont, and even mountain hideaways in Tennessee all welcome you for Valentine's Day. After an exhilarating day on the slopes, gliding through the frosty air behind a dog-sled team, or twirling with your partner across an ice-skating pond, you'll find the embers of romance kindled and burning brightly.

Perhaps you and your honey want to leave winter behind and go for the romantic getaway that only a tropical beach can offer. There's nothing like white sugar-sand beaches, crystal blue waters, swaying palms and soft warm breezes to set you a' tingling.

What better place is there for romance than paradise? On the U.S. mainland you'll find perfect timeshare resorts on Florida's Paradise Coast. Or maybe you hear the paradise of the South Seas calling you from Hawaii. And paradise Caribbean-style can be found by renting a timeshare on any one of its many beautiful jeweled islands.

Whether your timeshare is surrounded by velvety snow or powder-soft sand, you can be sure it will give you plenty of privacy. Fill the rooms with the romantic scents of candles and roses. You'll find a CD player there to help you set the mood with your favorite music. Every relationship can do with a healthy dose of glistening romance. And don't forget the chocolates.

Vacation in Oahu to Visit Your Favorite LOST Locations

The critically acclaimed and massively popular ABC Television series, Lost, will air its final episode in May, 2010. The drama series that follows the lives of plane crash survivors on a mysterious tropical island is filmed almost entirely on location on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. If you're one of the many devoted fans of Lost, now is the time to plan a Hawaiian vacation. Rent an Oahu timeshare and explore the sites scattered all over the island where scenes for the TV show are filmed.

The original island scenes for the pilot show of Lost, which aired in September, 2004, were shot at Mokele'ia Beach near the northwest tip of Oahu. Subsequently most beach scenes over the years have been filmed in secluded spots along the North Shore.

Many "inland" scenes are filmed in the Ka'a'awa Valley on Oahu's Windward Coast. The area is owned by the Kualoa Ranch, which offers horseback rides along with guides who point out the various film locations. Most scenes that include banyan trees are filmed in a wooded area beside the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore. One episode was filmed at the beautiful Byodo-In Temple which is located in the Valley of the Temples off of the Kahekili Highway in the town of Kane'ohe. Most interior scenes are filmed at a sound stage at the Hawaii Film Studio, operated by the Hawaii Film Office.

Many urban areas in and around Honolulu represent locations for other cities including New York City, Miami and Paris, and even for South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Thailand. Scenes for Australia's Sydney Airport were filmed at the Hawaii Convention Center, and an Oahu WWII-era bunker was a stand-in for an Iraqi Republican Guard installation. Lost fans might be surprised to learn that a winter scene set in Germany was still filmed on Oahu - a Honolulu residential neighborhood was covered in finely crushed ice to create the look of snow, while German traffic signs were placed along the streets for authenticity.

A Hawaiian escape to a timeshare rental is a great way to turn your vacation into a treasure hunt of nostalgic Lost episode locations all over Oahu. When your favorite TV show ends, you'll have wonderful memories of walking in its very footsteps.

Will you Visit Las Vegas for Your Vacation this Year?

Shopping, music, casinos, nightlife, golfing… you’d have a hard timing finding something NOT to do in Las Vegas. Why not visit Las Vegas and make it your vacation destination for 2010. Here’s a few of the upcoming shows and attractions to get you excited planning your Las Vegas vacation. Plus, we also offer suggestions on where to stay. So get ready to have fun as you visit Las Vegas this year!

Love magic?
David Copperfield has been hailed by audiences and critics as the greatest illusionist of our time. Don’t miss David Copperfield An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion where he will conjure up magical stories to delight and amaze you. At the MGM Grand Jan 13 – March 31.

How about some music?
Bette Midler’s The Showgirl Must Go On comes to a close after thrilling audiences for 2 years at the Coloseum in Caesars Palace. The Divine Miss M delivers hit songs and bawdy humor with the flair that only she has which has made her such a showbiz legend. Through Jan 31.

Want to laugh?
Ray Romano & Kevin James will have you on the floor laughing as they deliver a double dose of comedy with their family friendly observations. Come see Ray Romano, best remembered from the television hit show Everybody Love Raymond, as he teams with the King of Queens leading man Kevin James and “Get Ready to Laugh Out Loud”. At the Mirage, March 5 – 6.

Stay in the Heart of Las Vegas
At the center of the Las Vegas Strip you’ll find Marriott's Grand Chateau. Evoking the feeling of French mansions, rent a timeshare with one-, two-, or three-bedrooms and enjoy fully equipped kitchens, separate living and dining areas, 42-inch Sony plasma TV, DVD player, stereo. Each room also has deep soaking tubs, an oversized shower, washer/dryer facilities, and Wi-Fi accessibility.

Stay on the Strip
Though it’s right on the Strip you can rent a timeshare at Polo Towers and avoid the noise that can sometimes accompany the activities there. You’ll enjoy a quiet getaway with luxurious one- and two-bedroom timeshare accommodations all with elegant living, dining, and sleeping areas plus all units are fully equipped with a kitchen, a TV in each bedroom, and private balconies.

Just off the Strip
Just off the Strip, but still close to the action, the Wyndham Grand Desert is great for family vacations. This timeshare resort offers one- and two-bedroom accommodations complete with a full kitchen, washer/dryer, air conditioning, and wireless Internet. Parents and kids will have endless fun in the three outdoor swimming pools, (one just for kids and one exclusively for adults) or watching a movie by the pool. Kids will enjoy poolside bingo, magic shows and kid's camp.

See all Las Vegas timeshares.

Plan a Vacation to Fort Lauderdale in the Sunshine State of Florida

When planning your next vacation there are all kinds of beach destinations in Florida, but now let's try something a little different - how about Venice? Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is known as the "Venice of America" for its amazing intricate canal system. Of course, you can still get your golden sands and splashing waves fix renting a budget timeshare at a resort right on the beach, or just a couple of blocks from it.

Fort Lauderdale is situated on the "Gold Coast" of Florida, just 23 miles north of Miami. Being one of the major tourist destinations of the Sunshine State, over 12 million visitors a year enjoy all that Fort Lauderdale has to offer including the expansive waterway system, which determines much of its activities and events. For example, the area includes a whopping 42,000 resident yachts, and over 100 boatyards and marinas. An easy and fun way to get around is via the water taxi system. At night the city sparkles from the lights of the many moored boats along the waterways.

Although you may want to avoid Spring Break time when bringing younger family members, Fort Lauderdale is a wonderful family vacation destination to rent a timeshare.

Just a half hour drive brings you to Sawgrass Mills where the kids will enjoy the exciting trend-setting Wannado City®, America's first indoor role-playing theme park for kids. And it's easy to find many excursions from Fort Lauderdale into the Everglades, as well as tours of Butterfly World and Flamingo Gardens.

You can rent a timeshare at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort just a block from the beach. Every room here has a beautiful water view since half of the resort faces the intercoastal waterways and the other half faces the ocean.

The Marriott BeachPlace Towers is another resort for great timeshare rentals in Fort Lauderdale. On site the entire family will enjoy the Hot Dog lunches, Pizza parties, and Ice Cream socials.

See all Florida timeshare rentals.

Still time to Rent a Timeshare for Super Bowl XLIV

You'll need to hurry, but there's still time to rent a timeshare and be part of all the activities and fun of Super Bowl XLIV to be held on Sunday, February 7, 2010, in Miami, FL. The excitement of the playoffs must be wetting your appetite for a winter trip to Miami, and since there isn't much time we've put together a list of budget resorts in the Miami area to help you plan your Super Bowl vacation and save money too.

The Solaria Surfside is in Solaria, FL, just a short drive from many of Miami's attractions and close to South Beach. You'll enjoy a private beach that is more quiet and relaxing than many of Miami's crowded public beaches, and balcony views of windsurfers. The concierge can arrange a variety of tours for you, from water taxis to the Everglades to viewing celebrity homes. They will even do your grocery shopping prior to your arrival.

In Sunny Isles Beach, a barrier island area located in North Miami Beach is the Westgate Miami Beach, situated along a golden beach 500 feet long. Lush tropical landscaping and even tiki huts add to the charm of this resort. Besides an Olympic sized pool, a kiddie pool and a children's playground complete with trampoline make this a family-friendly destination. An added bonus is the private fishing pier where you can fish yourself, or enjoy watching plummeting pelicans go after their dinner.

In the very heart of South Beach you'll find the Hilton Grand Vacation Club at South Beach resort. Located right on Ocean Drive, Miami Beach's exciting main strip better known as The American Riviera, this resort is just steps from the beach and within easy walking distance of world-class restaurants. And check out the roof-top Jacuzzis!

Marriott's Villas at Doral is located in one of the most prestigious area of Miami, and is part of the famous Doral Resort, a sprawling 650 acre resort playground. A five-minute walk from your Villas timeshare will get you to the Doral Golf Resort and Spa. Here you have privileged access to 5 championship golf courses, a classic European spa, and an aquatic park.

Florida timeshare rentals at any one of these great resorts will get your Miami Super Bowl vacation off to a rousing start.

Planning Your Golf Vacation at a Timeshare Rental

Getting ready to plan your golf vacation? There are over 26 million golfers in the United States. If you're one of them you know the joy of participating in a sport that is a stimulating challenge combined with getting out in the fresh air in beautiful surroundings. It's a sport where you can play alone or in groups, and compete against others or against yourself. A golfer can be just old enough to be able to hold a golf club, or senior enough to appreciate a sport one can play for decades.

Some say the beginnings of this peculiar game - hit a little ball with a crooked stick into a little hole? - goes clear back to Caesar and the Romans and a sport known as paganica. Others say the roots are Chinese, based on a game called chuiwan ("chui" means striking and "wan" means small ball) played between the 8th and 14th centuries. The early sport chambot in France resembled golf, as did the ancient Persian game chaugan. Whatever its origins, it's safe to say that golf is a world-wide phenomenon and planning a vacation specifically around golf can be particularly enjoyable.

So let's get started planning your golf vacation. By renting a timeshare at a golf resort you will have plenty of time to work on that handicap, and still delight in a vacation that is wonderfully budget-friendly. The winter months can be the perfect time to plan a vacation since air fares are typically lower, and crowds are at a minimum.

California
From beaches to desert, from greater Palm Springs to greater San Diego there are dozens of championship public golf courses, including world-famous Torrey Pines in La Jolla (see photo). And check out The Westin Mission Hills Villas in Rancho Mirage with its 2 championship 18-hole golf courses on site. See California timeshares.

Arizona
You can't beat an Arizona golf course that showcases the beauty of the desert. With over 300 golf courses in the state your job is to choose which one - from Tucson to Phoenix, from Scottsdale to Lake Havasu. Each place has plenty of beautiful timeshares for rent in lovely resorts. See Arizona timeshares.

Florida
The great winter getaway destination of sunny Florida offers golf courses from stem to stern. Many timeshare rentals are available at resorts on the Treasure Coast, and while you are there, be sure to visit the Sheraton PGA Vacation Resort at Port St. Lucie that includes the PGA Golf Club and the PGA Learning Center. Rent a timeshare at a resort on Paradise Coast on the west and enjoy the Golf Capital of the World with over 80 golf courses. And don't forget Disney. Rent a Disney timeshare in one of any number of their resorts in Lake Buena Vista and enjoy the Disney 18-hole championship course. See Florida Timeshares.

(Photo provided by torreypinesgolfcourse.com)

4 Things You Must Know Before You Buy a Timeshare

If you're thinking of buying a timeshare, there are 4 things you must know before you make that purchase. Timeshares are a good product, but unfortunately are often associated with questionable marketing practices that can create an atmosphere of ill-will. The good news is that over 7 million people own timeshares world-wide, and many more rent a timeshare for their vacation. So, if you are ready to become a timeshare owner, read on:
  1. Learn What a Timeshare is Exactly
    A timeshare is property, most often a condominium type unit, with shared ownership. It is in a resort generally in or near a popular vacation destination such as a beach, theme park or ski area. The resort maintains the property for all of its owners and each owner is charged an annual maintenance fee. If your timeshare purchase is a deeded contract, those fees will probably include your property taxes.

  2. A Timeshare is NOT an Investment
    You'll be way ahead of the sales pitch game if you understand up front that ownership of a timeshare is not investment in real estate. Timeshares do not appreciate like other real estate and should not be considered a money-making investment. Instead, it's better to look at the cost as an investment in vacation planning. Owning a timeshare allows you to pre-plan your vacation each year knowing exactly where and exactly when you'll be going. Think of it as not owning property but owning the right to use the property for a particular block of time.

  3. Beware Buying a Timeshare on Vacation
    Marketing professionals understand that you can be vulnerable to a sales pitch when you are on vacation. Relaxing away from your normal routine and the stress of daily life you can be susceptible to the idea of "owning" more easily. If you choose to attend a timeshare presentation while on vacation, promise yourself you will not sign on the dotted line until you are back home where you can think more clearly. Regardless of the pressure you might receive to Buy Now ("this incredible price is good only for today"). The resort will not turn down a sale at another time.

  4. Buying from the Developer vs. a Timeshare Resale
    When you attend a timeshare sales presentation you are being encouraged to buy a timeshare unit by a developer or a resort. Be aware that as much as 50% of the up-front cost of that timeshare goes toward covering their marketing costs, sales commissions, etc. When buying a timeshare resale you are saving most of that money by purchasing directly from the owner. Some timeshare owners may even sell the property at $0 and all you do is take over the monthly maintenance fees. If you are planning on attending a sales presentation, do some online research first and go in armed with numbers of what the cost of a timeshare re-sale unit in that resort would be.

Travel During “Dead Week” this January for the Best Deals!

There's good news for Dead Week. Have you heard of "Dead Week"? It's the first week in January when no one wants to travel. January can even be referred to as "Dead Month." People have just spent a lot of time and energy, not to mention money, on the holidays. It's back to the routine of daily life, and any thoughts of vacation and travel are put off. So, the stats for the travel industry plummet - planes fly half empty, occupancy rates in resorts tumble.

The good news is that if you are an empty-nester, a retiree, a free-lancer, or one of any number of people who aren't chained to a calendar - plan a vacation now! January travel deals are made for you. Rent a timeshare and spend a week in a luxury resort for an unheard of low price.

If you like "alone time" rent a timeshare at a small resort in a remote area. In January you could well be one of the few intrepid guests there - you'll have no crowds and the staff will be delighted to give you very personalized service. For example, a timeshare, complete with cozy fireplace, at the charming secluded MountainLoft Resort in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, will cost you just $57/night.

Or how about taking advantage of January's dead reputation and rent a timeshare in a very popular resort area. For example, stay at the Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL, right next to the Disney theme parks for just $50/night. And a bonus is that there are no huge crowds at the parks in January. Let your inner kid out and have a romp.

Even a beach vacation can be cheap in January. Try the Ka'anapali Beach Club on Maui for an unbelievable $56/night. Or how about Cancun, Mexico, where timeshare rentals at the Aventura Spa Palace start at just $20/night (no, that's not a typo!). Remember, air fares are low in January so grab a seat and head for a tropical paradise.

Don’t miss these prices that are sure to go fast! Rent a budget timeshare in January - you simply cannot afford to stay home!

5 Tips for Planning your 2010 Vacation on a Budget

The excitement of the holidays is over, a new year has already arrived, and it's not too early to start planning your 2010 vacation. Here are 5 tips to help you organize your thoughts and get you on the road to planning an exciting family vacation on a budget:
  1. Choose the Destination
    Where to go? That's always the foremost question, and probably the most fun one to answer. Beach, mountain, theme park, National Park? You can begin with a "wish list" and then pare it down in practical terms of budget and time. The internet makes destination research fun and easy and you can involve the entire family.

  2. Allot Your Budget
    The second thing to consider is finances. If places on your wish list are a little extravagant for the current economic times, decide very precisely what you can afford and stick to that. You'll be much happier after your vacation knowing you stayed within budget and aren't buried under more bills when you return home.

  3. Accommodations
    You can pack a tent for camping, or rent an RV for a road trip. If you will be vacationing in one spot, considering renting a timeshare rather than staying in a hotel. You'll not only save money on the accommodation itself compared to hotel rooms, but you'll save money on meals (use the timeshare kitchen to feed those constantly hungry kids) and on activities - you'll be able to take advantage of the resort's many amenities including swimming pools, playgrounds and tennis courts to mention just a few.

  4. Go Light on Luggage
    Our best tip here is to pack light. We all have a tendency to take way more than we need on a vacation. You'll want to keep your suitcase number to a minimum if you're flying now that the airlines are charging up to $50 per checked bag. If you're driving, you'll have happier kids in a roomier car, plus less weight improves your gas mileage. An advantage to timeshare rental is the washer and dryer that come with most, so, it’s easy to pack less items and still have lots of clean clothes.

  5. Plan Ahead
    If you plan to fly, there are many internet sites to help you find the cheapest air fares. Some sites will automatically watch for and compare all fares and alert you. If you'll be driving you can save up to 50 cents a gallon by keeping track of the cheapest gas prices along your route through sites such as gasbuddy.com and gaspricewatch.com.