Timeshare Information

Diamond Resorts International®, a global leader in the hospitality and vacation ownership industries, has announced that through its wholly owned subsidiary, Tempus Acquisition, LLC (“TAC”), it has entered in a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Orlando, Florida-based Tempus Resorts International.

TAC served as the equity sponsor of a Plan of Reorganization that was confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court. The transaction size approximates $125,000,000 and financing for the transaction is being provided primarily by Guggenheim Partners, LLC, and Resort Finance America, LLC (“RFA”).

Tempus operates Mystic Dunes in Orlando, Florida and has ownership in Dunes Village in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Located on over 600 acres in Central Florida and just minutes away from the major theme park attractions, Mystic Dunes provides more than 700, fully furnished, one, two and three bedroom units, as well as an 18 hole championship golf course.

From an Atlantic coast beachfront location in Myrtle Beach, Dunes Village (see photo) brings a new location to Diamond Resorts International.

“We are excited and pleased to welcome Tempus owners, guests, and employees to Diamond Resorts International," said Stephen J. Cloobeck, chairman and CEO, Diamond Resorts International. "With more than 40,000 existing Tempus owners, this acquisition further expands our offerings in Central Florida and South Carolina while expanding our platform for future growth and development.

"In addition, we are thankful to Guggenheim and RFA for working with us to effectuate a creative solution to our financing needs on this transaction and we look forward to working with Guggenheim and RFA, and RFA’s management company, Lantern Asset Management, LLC (“Lantern”), on a going forward basis.”

L. Andy Mitchell, president of Lantern, added “This restructuring transaction represents an important milestone for Tempus and we are excited to have both Diamond and Guggenheim as operating and financial partners.”

Diamond Resorts International, with global headquarters in Las Vegas, Nev., is one of the largest hospitality companies in the world with more than 190 branded and affiliated resorts in 28 countries with destinations throughout the continental United States and Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa.

Offering simplicity, choice and comfort to more than 385,000 owners and members through the branded hospitality service of more than 5,500 team members worldwide, "Diamond Resorts International is dedicated to providing its guests with effortless and relaxing vacation experiences every time, for a lifetime."

(Photo - dunesvillage.com)

Travel Leaders' latest survey reveals that over 57% of those polled who are receiving a tax refund will use at least part of that money for leisure travel this year. The survey also indicated that 83% of individuals polled will spend the same, or more, on leisure trips in 2011 as compared to last year.

Travel Leaders is part of Travel Leaders Group, a North American travel company that generates gross travel sales in excess of $14 billion. Travel Leaders Group is a leader in both the retail travel agency space and corporate travel.

This year's survey was conducted March 10 – April 10, 2011, and includes responses from 953 consumers throughout the U.S.

"It is clear that when Americans dream about travel, they dream big. Australia continues to be the 'ultimate dream' international destination. Perhaps the majority who indicated they will use tax refund money for travel could make that dream a reality this year," stated Roger E. Block, CTC, president of Travel Leaders Franchise Group.

"What is most encouraging from our latest survey is that an overwhelming majority (89%) indicated that they have already traveled or will be traveling for leisure this year, and it seems they are prepared to open their wallets a little more, if they need to."

Following are key findings from the survey:

Tax Refund - Money for Travel: A majority, 57.4%, of U.S. consumers responded "Yes" to the question "If you receive a tax refund this year, will you be using any part of that money for vacation travel?"

Leisure Travel Spending: 83% of those polled said they will spend the same or more on leisure travel in 2011 than they did last year. Only 17% indicated they would be spending less on leisure travel this year.

Australia is the "Dream": When asked "What is your ultimate dream international destination?" the top destination selected was Australia – followed by Italy, Ireland, New Zealand and Mediterranean cruising, respectively.

Top States Visited: When asked, "Which U.S. state(s) have you traveled to or will you travel to in 2011?" the top response was Florida followed by California and New York.

Now that you have some extra money from your tax refund that you might be using for travel, stretch it further by renting a timeshare for your vacation. You'll be able to stay at luxury resorts for up to 50% less than the cost of many hotel rooms.

In Part 3 of our 4-part series on where you can rent a timeshare and visit the most haunted cities in America during Halloween month, we'll head once again to a beautiful seaside destination. Who would think that the soft sands and warm waters of the Miami Beach area would also have a Haunted side? Rent a Miami Beach timeshare and check these places out!

The area's most famous haunted hotel is the elegant Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables (see photo), originally built as a luxury hotel for the rich and famous. However, during WWII its marble floors were covered with government-issue linoleum, the windows were covered over with concrete, and the hotel was turned into a hospital. After the war it was used by the University of Miami School of Medicine for cadaver studies.

Even though the building was restored to an elegant hotel in the 1980s, there are numerous ghostly sightings of the tortured dead from this period - the 13th floor seems to be particularly active. Also a woman in white is often seen running down the beach or out on the golf course, believed to be a young woman who jumped to her death from the hotel's tower. You can hear these and many other ghost stories told every Thursday evening in the Biltmore lobby.

The Villa Paula Mansion in Miami is active with several spirits. The ghost of Paula, who died there as a young woman, has been seen playing the piano, wandering through the rose garden, and slamming doors. The apparitions of a tall thin man, and of a heavy-set lady in a red dress have also been seen, as well as a maid weeping as she looks for the grave of her illegitimate baby.

The mysterious archeological site known as the Miami Circle, on a coastal spit of land near downtown Miami, is certainly a departure from normal haunted places. Thought to be remnants of an ancient Tequesta Indian village, on dark nights ghostly forms have been seen flitting about the area, along with strange music, mumblings and wailing.

And leave it to South Beach to be on the whacky side of hauntings - besides haunted hotels, here you'll also find haunted night clubs and haunted bars.
As you plan your Halloween timeshare rental vacation, keep Haunted Miami in mind as a very spooky destination.

Travel to the Most Haunted Cities in America – Part 1 New Orleans
Travel to the Most Haunted Cities in America – Part 2 San Francisco

(Photo credit biltmorehotel.com)

Everyone is intrigued with the way light and color plays on glass. A person who can turn all of that into art is a creative genius. Rent a timeshare in the St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay area in Florida, and give yourself the treat of seeing the extraordinary Chihuly Collection of blown glass art at the Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg.

A permanent collection of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly’s unique artwork is housed now in a magnificent 10,000 square foot setting designed by award-winning architect Albert Alfonso. The Collection is located on the city’s waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg on Beach Drive, in the heart of the most vibrant tourist area in St. Petersburg.

This presentation is unique as it is the first installation of Chihuly art in a building designed specifically for that purpose, so that the art and architecture work together to create a unique visitor experience of Chihuly’s art. The exhibition includes Chihuly’s spectacular large-scale installations, such as "Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier" created specifically for the collection.

A pioneer of the studio glass movement, Chihuly studied glass in Venice on a Fulbright Fellowship, and is credited with transforming the methods of creating glass art. You can enrich your experience further by visiting the Morean Arts Center Glass Studio & Hot Shop where you can watch glassblowers create one-of-a-kind pieces, have your own personal glass blowing experience, and shop for unique glass art created by local and regional artists.

St. Petersburg itself has long been known as a top Florida vacation destination. The city is located on a peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It is connected to mainland Florida and Tampa by causeways and bridges across Tampa Bay.

While in St. Petersburg the kids will enjoy Great Explorations - The Children's Museum, an interactive museum featuring a Children's Village, water exhibits, and other hands-on fun with science, music and art.

Lots of fun activities on the water are waiting for you in St. Petersburg, as well, including learning to sail in the calm waters of Tampa Bay. Or you can hang out on the many beautiful white sand beaches that are kissed by turquoise Gulf waters, or go fishing - the 244-mile long shore is abundant with great fishing haunts.

With an average of some 360 days of sunshine each year, St. Petersburg is nicknamed "The Sunshine City" - perfect for a Florida timeshare rental vacation this winter!

(Photo credit moreanartscenter.org)

Summer is family vacation time, and that also means its vacation budget-crunching time. You already know that timeshare rental is a great way to relieve the budget and make your family's vacation accommodations very affordable. Next is to think about affordable activities - how about some that are free?

When you plan a Florida timeshare vacation, here are 4 ideas for free activities:

1. Sunset Celebrations
   Don't think of this as a "ho-hum, you can see sunsets anywhere for free" activity. We're talking about a world-famous spectacular sunset! A Key West timeshare rental will put you in the perfect location to see sunsets that are so phenomenal that people travel from around the globe to enjoy this free event. In fact, sunsets here are considered worthy of real celebrations, complete with live band music and entertaining street performers.


2. The National Naval Aviation Museum
   A Panama City timeshare rental will not only give you sugary white sand beaches and emerald waters to play in, but just a quick hour and a half drive will take you to this amazing museum in Pensacola, complete with free parking and free admission. Here you can view over 150 restored aircraft, explore over 4,000 aviation artifacts, and enjoy hours of hands-on activities. A real bonus is the free air show the entire family can enjoy on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings March through November, when you can watch the thrilling Blue Angels practice. Also, on Wednesdays there is an autograph session with the pilots inside the museum.


3. Sun Splash Park
   Rent a wonderful Daytona Beach timeshare and you'll be able to take the family to the Volusia County Sun Splash Park that is located smack-dab on Daytona Beach, and it's free to the public. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, this great family-oriented park offers a shaded playground, volleyball courts, picnic areas, and an interactive "zero depth" water play fountain. All of that in addition to a powdery-soft sand beach and fun Atlantic Ocean waves.


4. A taste of Africa
   Rent a timeshare at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, and let the kids enjoy an entire array of free kids' activities. Many different Africa-related free art and cultural activities are available by the pool for children of all ages, and at night the kids can sit around the fireside for some great storytelling.

Summer is also known as "Wedding Season," especially the months of May and June. As you plan your big day, consider a "destination wedding." Becoming more and more popular, destination weddings can be anywhere, just so it's out of town and thus as fun for the bride and groom as for "out of town" guests.

This kind of wedding can be more affordable than you might think when you plans include renting timeshares. Here are some reasons why a timeshare wedding is the way to go:

• A timeshare rental is easy on the budget for your guests who have families and need to find accommodations that include room for their children.


• Friends, and relatives, can share a timeshare (you can find units that sleep up to 8) and thus they, too, can cut lodging costs dramatically.


• Each timeshare comes with a living room, allowing space for comfort and relaxation, unlike a cramped hotel room.


• The fully-equipped kitchen not only saves money on the cost of meals, but is also convenient for breakfasts and snacks.

And consider that the timeshares will be attached to the resort. That means you don't have to plan some way of entertaining your guests every minute. With swimming pools, hot tubs, often tennis courts, golf courses, arcade game rooms, and arts and crafts available, your guests will have plenty to keep them busy while they wait for your “Big Day”!

There are timeshare rentals available in such a wonderful variety of locations that you will easily find the perfect destination that suits you. Hawaii and the Caribbean are two places that embody "Romance." If you rent your own timeshare with back to back weeks, you can stay on for your honeymoon, and that would save you money in your wedding budget, too. A Mexico timeshare in locations such as Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun are also great wedding/honeymoon destinations. Even your guests with families will find these "romantic" spots very kid-friendly.

If you're dreaming of sugary sand beaches and turquoise jeweled water but feel that a Caribbean timeshare or Hawaii timeshare is too far, look no further than Florida. The Paradise Coast on the state's west Gulf side has some of the most stunning tropical beaches in the world. Florida's panhandle also offers white sands and emerald waves and there are so many Florida timeshares to choose from.

The promise of warm weather and the chance that most out-of-town guests will be able to attend are why summer weddings are so popular. A timeshare destination wedding, no matter where it is, will make YOU popular! Enjoy planning your Big Day!

The 40th Anniversary of Earth Day (can you believe it?) is April 22, 2010. Founded in 1970 by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in, it is now celebrated annually through-out the world as a way to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. Nearly 20 million Americans participated in the first Earth Day celebration and in the decades since, Earth Day has spread across the globe with thousands of events in more than 180 countries.

Of course, Earth Day is just the event that triggers the awareness that "earth day" should be celebrated 365 days a year. With that in mind, when you plan your next family timeshare vacation, know that there are a number of timeshare resorts that are "going green." In fact, the state of Florida has created the Florida Green Lodging program under the auspices of its Department of Environmental Protection.

Launched in 2004, this program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. "To become a designated member of the voluntary program, lodging facilities adopt cost-saving green practices to conserve energy, reduce water consumption, protect air quality and reduce waste," explains Florida's DEP director, DeDeas Bohn.

You and your family can support the messages of Earth Day by choosing Florida timeshares at the resorts that have been certified by the Florida Green Lodging Program. In Panama City you can enjoy "The Most Beautiful Beach in the World" and rent a timeshare at Marriott's Legends Edge at Bay Point resort. The powdery sand beaches and NASCAR can all be enjoyed in Daytona Beach, and you can "go green" by staying at the Daytona Beach SeaBreeze Resort.

In Key West rent a timeshare at either the Banyan Resort or the Coconut Beach Resort, both voluntary members of Florida's program. And on beautiful Marco Island it's Marriott's Crystal Shores.

Orlando timeshare resorts are definitely in the swing of "going green." Two Orlando resorts that are certified by the program are the luxury Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort, and the family-friendly Sheraton Vistana Resort.

Of course you'd have to know that Disney would be involved with the Florida Green Lodging Program, cheering all the way. Every one of the Disney timeshares in Florida is certified. Whether you rent a timeshare at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney's Boardwalk, or any of the other themed resorts at Walt Disney World, you'll know that you are supporting a company that supports the worth and beauty of our planet, Earth.

Mother's Day is coming up, and it's time for you to start planning where you'll take Mom for Mother's Day brunch. Rent an Orlando timeshare, or plan a Disney timeshare rental "Mother's Day vacation" and head to this delectable selection of Mother's Day brunches offered at Walt Disney World.

Victoria and Albert's
Mother's Day at Victoria and Albert's (see photo) is a way to give Mom a truly elegant feast, and all she has to do is sit and enjoy it. This is a European-inspired gourmet restaurant, located in the posh Grand Floridian hotel. Mom will enjoy a large selection of specialty dishes including everything from succulent lamb to prime Angus beef, not to mention the many decadent desserts created just for her. She'll love trying the Grand Marnier soufflé, the signature dessert. If you book early enough at Albert and Victoria's, Mom could have a chance to be seated at the Chef's table, a more private dinning experience where she'll be able to interact with the chef and staff for a fun and educational experience. What a great Mother's Day gift that would be!

Flying Fish Café
For more casual fun, take Mom to Mother's Day brunch at the Flying Fish Café located in Disney's Boardwalk. This theme area of Walt Disney World is a colorful and relaxing place designed after famous boardwalks such as New York's Coney Island, and New Jersey's Atlantic City. The sherbet-colored building facades and striped awnings along the waterfront will carry Mom back to the amusement icons of the turn of the century. The semi-upscale atmosphere and open kitchen at the Flying Fish is perfect as Mom enjoys a large selection of seafood dishes with a New American "twist," like the signature specialties of potato-wrapped snapper and crisp peekytoe crab cakes. In the evening Mom can kick her shoes off and let her hair down as the nightlife heats up on the Boardwalk, and the entire family will enjoy the street entertainers and midway games.

Epcot – Paris
In Epcot Mom will find many fun, and unique, places to enjoy her special Mother's Day brunch. Here you can take Mom to brunch in Paris where she can dine at the Chefs de France, beginning with Soupe a l' oignon gratinee (delicious onion soup topped with Gruyere cheese) and end with Profiteroles au Chocolate (puff choux with French vanilla ice cream and rich dark chocolate sauce).

Epcot – Morroco
Or surprise mom with a Mother's Day trip to Morroco. Epcot's Marrakech Restaurant offers the Marrakech Royal Feast, fit for your Queen. From the Harira soup to the Roasted Lamb Meshoui with Couscous, Mom will enjoy this exotic twist on her special day.

Planning your Spring Break vacation? Don't have a passport? Don't worry! While a passport book or a passport card is now required when you cross both of our southern and our northern boarders, or fly into the Caribbean, there are still many great Spring Break destinations that don't require any kind of travel documents at all. And you'll find plenty of your fellow students taking advantage of the same idea - so you'll have lots of compatriots to join you in keeping those parties going.

Still dreaming about a Caribbean vacation? We have good news. Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, you don't need a passport to travel there. Rent a Puerto Rico timeshare at a luxury resort and discover a truly amazing Spring Break destination. Complete with everything from fantastic snorkeling to rock climbing and even caves to explore, Puerto Rico has it all. For those of you on your school's golf team you'll be glad to know that Puerto Rico is called the "Golf Capital of the World." And you're probably already aware that Puerto Rico is known for its wild nightlife.

Another U.S. territory in the Caribbean is the U.S. Virgin Islands, again meaning you don't need a passport. Incredible sugary white sand beaches are yours for sunbathing and swimming when you rent a timeshare at a luxury resort here. St. John timeshares, St. Croix timeshares and St. Thomas timeshares will all provide you with a legendary Caribbean island vacation.

White sand beaches that are so dazzling they can hurt your eyes are available up and down the coast of Florida, complete with swaying coconut palms and lots of sunshine and fun. Rent a budget timeshare and enjoy a luxury Spring Break vacation on Florida's Paradise Coast at Naples.

Panama City says it has "The Most Beautiful Beaches in the World, " and is known as one of Florida's two best Spring Break party destinations. The other is Fort Lauderdale. Both destinations offer beaches for sunbathing, water sports (have you tried "kiteboarding" yet?), and great nightlife for non-stop partying. See all Florida timeshares.

Remember that by getting a bunch of your friends together you can split the cost of renting a timeshare and stay at a true luxury resort, on the cheap. Surf through the many listings and get an idea of how affordable an over-the-top Spring Break vacation can be. It's the deal of a lifetime!

Fifth in our series "Places Every Kid Should See" will take us into outer space - or at least to the launch pad. The Kennedy Space Center in Florida will bring the exciting story of the United States' space program to life for your kids. The Center is located on Cape Canaveral, a headland along the Atlantic Ocean known as Florida's "Space Coast." Rent either an Orlando timeshare (a 45-minute drive), or a beautiful Daytona Beach timeshare (a short hour's drive) for a great family vacation.

Today's children have grown up with space travel becoming more and more common place. Hardly a ripple goes through the public when a space shuttle is launched, a rocket blasts into space, or the International Space Station is mentioned.

The beginnings of human space travel is really the stuff of science fiction, and kids will get a thrill to see what it was like to take those first heady steps into space - the courage, the determination, the tragedies and the scientific breakthroughs that made it all happen.

The Kennedy Space Center is the U.S. government's installation that operates America's astronaut launch facilities. It has been the launch site for every U.S. human space flight since 1968. Its Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) is the 4th largest structure in the world by volume.

The Center is a major tourist destination, with a visitor's center and public tours available. Here your kids have the unique opportunity to not only explore past history but also see history in the making. Because this facility is constantly preparing for space launches, much of it is restricted. But that will only make it more exciting for your kids, knowing that they are at the actual site of America's space program.

The Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex offers a number of displays including actual space craft such as the Gemini 9 capsule and the Apollo 14 command module, and thrilling interactive exhibits including the Shuttle Launch Experience, and a simulation ride into space. Two IMAX theaters will give your kids the exciting experience of being inside the firing room during an Apollo launch, and a simulation of the Apollo 11 moon landing. A tour of the Space Station Processing Facility will allow your kids to see where modules for the International Space Station are tested.

Bus tours will take your family around the Cape Canaveral facility to see the VAB up close, a restored gigantic Saturn V rocket, and even transportation to the observation platform at Launch Complex 39, which provides unobstructed views of both launch pads, and the surrounding Kennedy Space Center property. If they're lucky your kids might even get a glimpse of one of the space shuttles standing on a launch pad in preparation for a blastoff. See all Florida timeshares.

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.

There are so many really wonderful places in our country to celebrate Christmas that we've put together a list of budget-friendly timeshare family Christmas vacation destinations that will fill your stocking and then some. So grab that candy cane and let's take a tour.

For the Happiest Place on Earth and the most magical Christmas celebration, Disneyland is the destination. From snow covered castles to dancing gingerbread men to Mickey and Minnie dressed in their Christmas finest, Disneyland in California, and Walt Disney World in Florida, welcome you to the quintessential family Christmas experience.

Americans find a special connection to Christmas in the nation's capital. Washington, D.C., showcases everything from historical Christmas celebrations in the American History Museum to up-to-date fun and frolic by the National Christmas Tree across from the White House.

The excitement of Christmas in a big city is unmatched and New York City has it all, from the dazzling Rockefeller Center Christmas tree to free ice skating in Bryant Park in the shadow of the Empire State Building.

The City by the Bay has its own unique take on Christmas celebrations. In San Francisco you'll find everything to do from building an extravagant gingerbread house to strolling along Victorian England streets with Dickens himself.

New Orleans adds spice to Christmas with its own unique exotic flavors. From a tour of the decorated private residences in the French Quarter to the Celebration in the Oaks Christmas festival held under a lighted canopy of magnificent century-old trees, your Christmas experience will be as special as the Crescent City itself.

In Florida have fun with Santa on an ice speed slide at the Gaylord Palms Resorts fantastical ICE Celebration. Don warm parkas and romp through a Christmas wonderland made entirely out of one million tons of ice.

And finally, the south sea islands, and the sweet sight of …Santa in an out-rigger canoe? And 5 other free fun things to do in Hawaii at Christmas!

Wherever you are and how ever you celebrate, enjoy this special time with your family. Merry Christmas!

Looking for a new place to visit? Try the spectacular Treasure Coast of Florida - a place that the locals say is the "Real" Florida! It's located on the east coast of the state and stretches from Hobe Sound to Sebastian. The area is so named because of treasure-laden Spanish galleons that were ship-wrecked off the coast of Vero Beach, one of the several towns that make up the Treasure Coast area.

Rent a budget timeshare in Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach or Jenson Beach and have a fun family vacation exploring all of the activities the Treasure Coast has to offer. To start with, there are plenty of white sand beaches for relaxing, and a number of sheltered bays for great snorkeling. During June and July join eco-tours in Sebastian with the Inlet State Recreation Area for viewing of nesting loggerhead turtles.

For a different kind of excursion, cruise the Florida backwaters on the River Lilly out of both Port St. Lucie and Jenson Beach. On this tour you'll be able to see alligators in their natural habitat, view manatees and dolphins, and beautiful wild birds.

The town of Fort Pierce is home to the U.S. Navy SEAL Museum that chronicles the exciting history of the SEAL (Sea, Air and Land) branch of the US Navy. You'll also find plenty for the family to enjoy at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, including surfing and scuba diving. Nearby Jack Island Preserve offers hiking, bicycling and nature trails.

Port St. Lucie is home to several sports-affiliated activities. The New York Mets have their spring training center at Port St. Lucie. The town is also home to the Treasure Coast Galleons, a semi-pro soccer team; the world-renowned Mixed Martial Arts School; and the popular PGA Village - a golf complex of 54 holes of golf, a training school and a golf history center.

Up and down Florida's Treasure Coast you'll find water parks, zoos, museums, go-carts, arcades, skating rinks, and so much more! Rent a timeshare and enjoy the hidden treasures of this special Florida vacation spot. See all Florida timeshares.

(Photo shown is the Driftwood Inn Resort, Vero Beach, Florida)

Now that football season is in full-swing, fans can start dreaming about going to Super Bowl 44, held in Miami, FL, on February 7, 2010. There are lots of good reasons why this is the 10th time Miami has hosted the Super Bowl. What better place to travel in February than somewhere that is deliciously warm (average February temperature is mid-70's) and has 15 miles of beaches?! If you're one of the lucky ones whose team makes it to Miami, and you get tickets, plan on a real vacation there so you can enjoy not only exciting football, but the many other fun things to do in south Florida.

Sun, sand and surf are only part of enjoying the beaches of Miami. Two Key Biscayne parks offer something different. Visit Bill Bagg's Cape Florida State Park where you can climb the 109 steps up to the top of the lighthouse that was built in 1825 - the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County. Or enjoy the sparkling white sands of Crandon Park Beach and picnic in the Crandon Gardens where native birds, turtles and reptiles run freely.

For a break from the waves, plan on visiting the Miami Metrozoo. It has over 300 acres and features a white Bengal tiger, as well as the Caribbean Flamingo Lake, and a children's petting zoo. For a really exotic experience walk the mile of trails at Parrot Jungle Island, and get up close and personal with the many colorful parrots, macaws and cockatoos. Don't miss the Miami Seaquarium with it's marine life exhibits and daily whale and dolphin shows.

And, of course, when you're in Miami you must plan at least a day to experience the incomparable Everglades National Park, just 20 miles from the city. The 1.5 million acre wilderness reserve has been designated a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance. Enjoy over 150 miles of canoe, kayaking and walking trails that allow you to get close to the mangrove swamps, water channels through sawgrass prairies, and see the many animals that call this special place home.

For a comfortable and budget-friendly stay in Miami, consider renting a timeshare. If you are bringing the family, or are buddy-ing up with friends, a timeshare offers you relaxing space (multiple bedrooms, a living room, and usually a deck or balcony), plus a kitchen for savings on meals. Add to that the resort's amenities that are included, and your Super Bowl Miami vacation will be off to a rip-roaring start!
See Miami timeshares.
See all Florida timeshare rentals.

(Photo provided by nfl.com)

Come to Lake Buena Vista, Florida and stay at the Disney’s BoardWalk Villas timeshare for a fun family vacation surrounded by charming turn of the century ambience. Take a stroll down the 1930's Eastern seaboard-style boardwalk and relish in the charm of old Americana. The great daytime activities available on the BoardWalk are too numerous to count. Slide down the 200-foot long Keister Coaster water slide, go fishing, rent a surrey bike, hang out on the lake, shoot some hoops, play tennis, or shop to your heart’s content. The night life on the Boardwalk is different experience as well. That’s when the jugglers and musicians come out to entertain you and you can see fireworks from the nearby theme parks.

Disney's BoardWalk Villas timeshares offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, and smaller studio accommodations (which are still very spacious). The studio timeshares sleep four featuring a queen size bed, double-size sleeper sofa and kitchenette. The one, two, and three bedroom timeshares offer a master suite with king-size bed and whirlpool tub, queen-size sleeper sofa in the living area, fully-equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, and a private porch or balcony. Additional bedrooms offer either a queen bed or double-size sleeper sofa.

It's an easy walk to both Epcot and MGM Studios or you can take the boat launch to get there for another fun activity. Food choices are everywhere along the boardwalk to stop and eat or get a drink. Sports fans will love the ESPN Club. Try the fresh catch of the day at Flying Fish Café, go family style at Spoodles restaurant (a popular favorite). You can even sip a drink poolside at Leaping Horse Libations. Experience the magic of Disney at this wonderful timeshare resort and enjoy a memorable family vacation.