Timeshare Information

Many adjectives are used to describe New Orleans, from magical to mysterious. There's no doubt that this grand lady of dark bayous, filigreed garden courtyards, and voodoo is one city where a walking tour is a must if you want to really know her. Rent a timeshare and choose from the New Orleans walking tours listed in Part 5 of our 6-Part series on walking tours and timeshare vacations.

1. Le Monde Creole Tours. There are many different tours of the French Quarter (see photo), but this one has a twist. It's based on the diaries kept by Laura Locoul a Creole woman and plantation mistress who wrote a journal of her family's life in the old French Quarter. Amid the tangled beauty of inner courtyards you'll learn about the remarkable lives of five generations of this Louisiana dynasty, including its European and African branches.
   
   On this French Quarter tour, which National Geographic Traveler called the best tour in New Orleans, you'll see where Locoul family members lived, from grand townhouses to slave quarters, learn about medicinal courtyard gardens, and even visit Laura Locoul's tomb.


2. New Orleans Music Tour. On this walking tour you'll get to explore "the world’s richest musical city," starting with the Legends Park statues of Louis Armstrong, Pete Fountain, and Fats Domino. Along the way you'll visit Congo Square, considered the "well spring" of New Orleans music. This historic site of African slave gatherings is the only place in North America where pure West African religious ritual and musical traditions were performed that wove themselves into iconic New Orleans jazz. Your tour guide is happy to give you advice on where to catch the greatest musical talent in New Orleans.


3. New Orleans Oyster Crawl. Among the many culinary tours available in New Orleans, this walking tour is one of the most popular, offered through New Orleans Culinary History Tours.You'll visit historic restaurants including Antoine's, where the world-famous dish, Oysters Rockefeller, was created. Samplings at other restaurants include Oysters Bienville, Oysters Thermidor, oysters on the half shell, and of course oyster po'boy and barbecued oysters.


4. Ghosts, Haunts, Voodoo Tour. No list of walking tours of New Orleans would be complete without a ghost tour. One of the best is offered by Magic Tours, who put it this way, "Since its founding, New Orleans has suffered more disease, disasters, destruction, and death than any other American city. Spirits are taken for granted here!" Priding itself on presenting accurate historical information, Magic Tours gives an in-depth look at some of the most well-known hauntings in New Orleans, including St. Louis Cemetery, "home" of New Orleans' most famous Voodoo Queen.

Walking Tours – Part 1: New York City
Walking Tours – Part 2: San Francisco
Walking Tours – Part 3: San Diego
Walking Tours – Part 4: Miami
Walking Tours - Part 6: Hawaii

(hoto credit: roomstoraveabout.wordpress.com)

October is Halloween month, and that means it's time to get goosebumps and shivers, and give out a shriek or two. And what better way to get really scared than to explore real haunts. Our 4-part series on renting a timeshare and visiting the most haunted cities in America begins - where else? - in New Orleans.

With legends of voodoo curses, bizarre murders, and stories of Revolutionary War pirates, all wrapped in the ghoulish drape of Spanish moss hanging off gnarled old trees, New Orleans is the perfect haunted city.

The charm of this gracious southern lady is undeniable, and in between your encounters with ghosts you'll find plenty to do including rides on vintage street cars, sampling Creole cuisine, and dancing through the night to the jumping music of Bourbon Street.

But, meeting up with ghosts is what you're about on your October vacation, and our suggestion is to join Haunted New Orleans Tours. You'll have a guide that will take you to some of the most haunted places in the city - no guarantees of getting you back out, though. It's said that in Haunted New Orleans, the supernatural becomes the normal, and so strong is the hold of this city that even the dead have a hard time leaving it behind.

New Orleans is full of haunted houses, graveyards and battlefields. On your haunted tour you'll visit Congo Square, where the ghosts of one-time slaves beat the African drum to frenzy. Inside St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is where you could encounter the ghost of Marie Laveau, the most famous Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. Many say they have seen her spirit darting among the tombs, wearing a red and white seven knotted turban, and mumbling a New Orleans Santeria Voodoo curse to trespassers.

Another well known ghost haunt in New Orleans is the Laularie House (see photo), occupied in the 1830s. There are reported incidents of people seeing, feeling and hearing the ghosts of tormented slaves in the LaLaurie home, and there are even reports of the Madame herself being seen there. The spirits of the restless dead are not quiet - many say they have heard loud moans and weeping, and others have seen the ghostly faces of the dead peering from the upper windows.

Ghost cats and dogs are said to prowl the New Orleans haunted cemeteries. And haunted buildings abound throughout the city. Footsteps are heard stomping up and down halls and stairways at night, closet doors open and close, and a rush of air follows as if someone is walking through.

Rent a New Orleans timeshare now and spend a haunted October vacation in one of the most haunted cities in America.

Additional Posts:
Travel to the Most Haunted Cities in America – Part 2 San Francisco

(Photo credit prairieghosts.com)

Are you looking for some really fun ideas of where to take your next timeshare rental vacation? Fifty years ago this month (on September 23 to be exact), Nobel Prize winning author John Steinbeck drove out of town with his magnificent standard poodle named Charley, and began a road trip that resulted in a travel literature classic, "Travels with Charley."

To celebrate the golden anniversary of this amazing travel duo, travel journalist Robert Reid has compiled a list of some of the spots where you can follow in the footsteps - or rather the tire treads - of John's and Charlie's pickup camper. Here are three, each near timeshare rentals.

1. Wisconsin
   Rent a Wisconsin Dells timeshare - and fall is a good time for it. This state is as covered in the rich tapestry of colorful autumn leaves as anywhere in New England. While Steinbeck and Charley actually spent more time in Wisconsin hunting for the elusive "Swiss Cheese Candy," you can stay at the Dells and enjoy the incredible variety of activities and events there, or venture out on some day trips to try the famous Wisconsin cheeses. Also indulge in the state's lesser known but just as tasty product - maple syrup - perfect for those fall apple pancakes you'll be mixing up for your timeshare breakfast.


2. New Orleans
   The Big Easy was a favorite of Charley's, and who could blame him with all of the fantastic tastes and smells that emanate from this delicious town. Rent a New Orleans timeshare and indulge in the favorite pastime of locals and visitors alike - eating. There are few other places in the world where such a diversity of dishes is available in one single city. From rich paninis to spicy gumbo to the famous King Cake of Mardi Gras fame, you'll find it all in New Orleans.


3. Salinas
   There are a number of California timeshare rentals within easy driving distance of Steinbeck's home town, and Salinas is justly proud of its famous favorite son. The historic downtown, called Old Town Salinas, is home to the National Steinbeck Center, the Steinbeck House, and the John Steinbeck Library. The beautiful Salinas Valley has some of the largest growers for the international floral industry, as well as rolling hills of famous vineyards. Charley, by the way, is buried outside the family’s former cottage in Salinas.

When you follow the travel trails of these two intrepid vagabonds you're sure to discover the America that Steinbeck and his dog set out to find. And by renting a timeshare you give yourself the time to get to know each spot just a little better.

(Photo credit Steinbeck.org)

When going on vacation, beaches and mountain towns are great, but, don’t forget about a trip to the city! Rent a timeshare in the city and enjoy great museums, fine dining and local attractions.

Because city timeshare rentals are typically not attached to large resorts, they may not be able to offer as many amenities, like kids clubs and on site activities, but with the excitement of the bustling city around you, you won’t need it. Plus, the buildings the timeshare resides are often beautiful and historic with a quaint style and charm you won’t see at a Hotel chain. Here are a few suggestions for top timeshares in 3 different big cities.

New York City
Whether you come to the Big Apple to go to the theater, to museums, to Lincoln Center, to Carnegie Hall, - it's all convenient to your Manhattan timeshare rental. Enjoy fine dining, premiere shopping or visit the well known Central Park. Stay at The Manhattan Club in the heart of downtown New York for a spacious timeshare unit. Guests often comment on the beauty of the elegant lobby and rave about the state-of-the-art Fitness Center, all in the middle of one of the world's most exciting cities. See all New York City timeshares.

San Francisco
The Nob Hill District in San Francisco is a very upscale neighborhood close to Union Square shopping, Chinatown, and of course, the famous cable cars. Top it off with the stunning Grace Cathedral (see photo) and a gorgeous view and you’ll want to rent a timeshare at the Nob Hill Inn. Originally built in 1907 as a private home, it was owned over the years by railroad tycoons and gold speculators. A stay in this timeshare will make you feel as if you have been transported back to the elegance of San Francisco's Golden Era. See all San Francisco timeshares.

New Orleans
Stroll Bourbon Street, or shop Canal Street and the Riverwalk Marketplace. When you stay at the Wyndham New Orleans at La Belle Maison all these famous sites are close by, including the famed French Quarter (see photo). Wyndham New Orleans is a modern resort inside a 100 year old historic building that once was the Franklin Printing Company. It has been meticulously restored to include traditional décor and a beautiful 8-story atrium adorned with skylights and wrought- iron railings. See all New Orleans timeshares.

Easter Parades! You know spring has arrived when you munch chocolate bunny ears and watch parades of people decked out in their bright and colorful finest. There are so many wonderful Easter parades across the country, that it'll be easy to find the perfect budget timeshare to rent where you can enjoy this welcoming of spring. We've listed a few Easter parades here to help you plan your family Easter vacation.

New York City
The most famous Easter Parade in the country marches down 5th Avenue in New York City (see photo). Rent a New York City timeshare and watch the parade that actually had a movie named after it ("Easter Parade" starring Judy Garland and Fred Astaire). The quintessential Easter parade song "In My Easter Bonnet (With all the Frills Upon It)" came from this movie. This parade has been an annual NYC tradition since Civil War days, and features marchers in some of the most extravagant Easter hats you'll ever see.

Atlantic City, New Jersey
The Easter parade in Atlantic City is actually the oldest one in the country. Rent a timeshare in Atlantic City and watch this Easter parade "From the Beach to the Bay." Part of the route will take the parade right along the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

New Orleans
As usual, the Crescent City pulls out all the stops, having more than one Easter parade, and they're all "interactive." Rent a New Orleans timeshare and enjoy not one, but two French Quarter Easter parades. The Historic French Quarter Parade marches down Bourbon Street Easter morning, after which you can join the participants as they attend Easter mass at St. Louis Cathedral. The Chris Owens Easter Parade winds its way through the French Quarter in the afternoon, but only after you've enjoyed a continental breakfast with the parade's participants at the Astor Crowne Hotel Ballroom.

And New Orleans isn't done yet - The St. Charles Easter Parade begins an entire day of Easter fun and frolic along beautiful St. Charles Avenue. Instead of just watching this parade, you're invited to ride in a carriage. Your fun will start with a continental breakfast and Champaign reception complete with musical entertainment. After the parade, as a participant you'll be invited to a seated Easter dinner buffet.

San Francisco
In the City by the Bay it's The Union Street Spring Celebration and Easter Parade, which has been an eagerly anticipated annual event for almost 20 years. This Easter celebration lasts all day and includes a street fair, special performances, outdoor dining, children's activities, and, of course - Easter bonnets. Rent a San Francisco timeshare and enjoy this wonderful Easter celebration for the entire family.

(Photo provided by About.com)

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)

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!

Christmas in New Orleans is unique with the special flare of French, Creole, American and Caribbean influences. Rent an elegant timeshare at a budget price and experience Christmas in Louisiana's famed Crescent City.

The architecture in New Orleans is famous for its elaborate French and Spanish designs, and examples of the simpler Cajon cottages. You'll have fun exploring these on the many Christmas home tours available.

If you've ever wondered what the inside of the famous French Quarter residences were like, now is your chance to visit these genteel homes on the "French Quarter Holiday Home Tour." Join the friends of the Cabildo on the "Creole Christmas Home Tour" to visit historic houses dressed in Creole Christmas decorations.

New Orleans does Christmas up in sumptuous style for the younger set. Take your kids to the Royal Teddy Bear Tea at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Don't worry - in addition to classic tea sandwiches, pizza is also served! The Teddy Bear Tea in the beautifully restored Roosevelt Hotel is held in the opulent Crescent City Ballroom, and includes hot chocolate.

The "Celebration in the Oaks" is widely considered New Orleans' premier Christmas celebration. Held in City Park, the centuries old oak trees, which thankfully survived Hurricane Katrina, are covered in thousands of twinkling lights and provide a magical canopy for an enchanted Christmas festival. Since Katrina the driving tour was eliminated, but the fabulous walking tour has been extended.

There are fun vintage rides the entire family will enjoy, including an antique wooden carousel and a miniature train that tours through the park. The walkways of Carousel Garden and Story land are lined with trees that have been decorated with handmade ornaments by local children - your kids will love choosing their favorites.

Also under the oaks, the "Cajun Night Before Christmas" exhibit includes life-size figures from the book of the same name, which participate in a rollicking animated telling of the story.

The rich history and exotic flavors of New Orleans create a Christmas experience you'll find only in this exciting city. By renting a timeshare you and your family will have time to learn New Orleans' motto first hand - "Laissez Le Bons Temps Rouler" - Let the Good Times Roll! See all New Orleans timeshares.

(Photo Courtesy of French Quarter Festivals, Inc)