Timeshare Information

Heading out for your Spring Break vacation? It's a cinch that you've been spending more time in classrooms at school than you have being a world traveler. Therefore, there might be some dangerous aspects of travel to which you're not accustomed. No need to stay home, says Kathleen Crislip, writer about student travel on about .com, in her "Student Safety Overview" post. Just learn the rules about common sense safety, then go out and have fun on your timeshare rental Spring Break trip.

Kathleen Crislip says:

• If you've grown up in a small town and this is your first big trip, you may not be prepared for the fact that not everyone you meet in a big city has your best interests at heart.


• Not being able to speak the local language while traveling, for example to Mexico, could hinder you from getting help.


• Street crime takes forms in other countries that you may not have seen at home, even if you live in a large city.


• Scam artists and conmen may target you because of your youth, which they might equate with naiveté.

So what to do? Crislip offers these suggestions:

1. Check U.S. government issued travel warnings and consider not choosing a destination that the State Department is advising Americans to avoid.


2. Invest in a phrasebook and memorize some possibly helpful phrases before you leave home. For example, if you're going to Mexico you might want to learn: "Socorro!" (Help), and "Llama a la policia!" (Call the police).


3. Use the same safety precautions you would at home: avoid walking alone on deserted streets after dark, keep your travel cash stashed, and stay alert.


4. Pay attention in taxis and on trains - you're unlikely to get too far from your bags during air travel, but losing them during other transportation is easier than you might think.


5. Watch the crowd - Many thieves prefer crowded areas. Stay alert in places like bus stations and during street celebrations, where you're likely to be jostled - thieves use these circumstances to grab for your purse or to pick your pocket.

When planning your Spring Break trip, consider a timeshare rental at a luxury resort - you'll find many that are budget friendly. And many of the resorts have their own on-site nightclubs and entertainment, as well as enough on-site amenities to keep you happily busy through your entire Spring Break vacation.

(Photo credit - Photobucket.com)

Just when you thought you'd found all of the fun things to do on Oahu, we've come up with a list of four exciting things you may not have known about. Plan a budget vacation at a timeshare rental on Oahu and explore these family activities.

1. Dole Plantation
   Have you encountered the Dole Plantation yet? Here you can take the Pineapple Express train through gardens where you will see just how the amazing pineapple plant actually grows. Then challenge yourself with the 2.46 miles of paths through the world's largest maze. You'll be rewarded with tastings of sweet, juicy pineapple spears, and even pineapple ice cream.


2. The Polynesian Cultural Center
   The Polynesian Cultural Center is well-known, but many Hawaiian vacationers don't take the time to see what all of the hoopla is about. Do yourself and your family a favor and stop in to find out what makes a visit to this place a unique Hawaiian experience.


3. Haleiwa Farmer's Market
   The Haleiwa Farmer's Market is a must-do, especially since you'll want to stock your timeshare rental kitchen with wonderfully fresh, locally grown Hawaiian produce. Located on Oahu's North Shore, this fascinating farmer's market is open every Sunday from 9am to 1pm. Here you'll be able to purchase everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to flowers, herbs and tropical plants.
   
   You'll even find fresh island fish, grass-fed beef, and free-range raised eggs. Add to your pantry the local honey, jams, chocolate, and coffee, and you'll be dining in your timeshare as well as King Kamehameha himself. And don't forget to shop the local Hawaiian artisan booths, too, including jewelry, pottery and photography. Stock your timeshare bathrooms with locally made soaps, skin care products and even fragrant soy candles. While you're enjoying this unique Hawaiian shopping, your kids will be having fun with arts and crafts at the Keiki Korner.


4. Bishop Museum
   For those of you who appreciate history, a visit to the Bishop Museum, called the Smithsonian of the Pacific, is a must. This is a wonderful place for the entire family to learn about the culture, geography and history of the Hawaiian Islands. Three floors exhibit fascinating artifacts and treasures actually owned by Hawaii's kings and queens. The ultra-modern Science Adventure Center has, among other things, a walk-through volcano!

It's a good thing you have an entire week at your Oahu timeshare rental - with so many fascinating activities to lure a Hawaiian vacationer, you'll need all of that time. After all, you'll still want to sunbathe on the beach!

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.

Sint Maarten/Saint Martin, the "Friendly Island", is what many consider to be the best kept secret in the Caribbean. Rent a timeshare and take a budget family vacation to this unique tropical island that is just 186 miles east of Puerto Rico.

One half of this island is Dutch (Sint Maarten) and the other half is French (Saint Martin). It is the smallest inhabited island in the world that is divided by two nations, a peaceful division that dates clear back to 1648.

Each half of the island is known for its distinctive flavor. If you're looking for festive nightlife, exotic drinks such as those made with the native rum-based guavaberry liquors, and exciting casinos, visit the Dutch side. On the other hand, the French side will give you phenomenal duty-free and tax free shopping (including amazing outdoor markets), rich Caribbean cuisine, and even the occasional nude beach.

Don't worry, there are plenty of activities for the younger members of your family, too. You can rent a timeshare at resorts that have kiddie pools, children's playgrounds, game rooms, and even child care. The entire family will enjoy beach hopping, exploring all kinds of beaches from hidden, almost deserted ones to popular beaches such as Baie Rouge and Longue Bay.

Mullet Bay, on the leeward side of the island, has calm water, perfect for the little ones. Although the far end of Cupecoy Beach is clothing optional, the main part of the beach is great for family fun. This beach is surrounded by unique rock formations and there are many small caves to explore.

You'll have a remarkable experience on Mahoe Beach, so be sure to bring your camera. Believe it or not, it's located at the end of the main landing strip for the Princess Juliana International Airport. Because of the airport's position between a large hill and the beach, planes, even as large as Boeing 747s, have to make a spectacular approach and come in just a little above startled sunbathers.

Whatever you plan to do, be it sunbathe, swim, snorkel, surf, play golf and tennis, or hike up to an old fort for a stunning panoramic view of the blue Caribbean, your timeshare stay on the "Friendly Island" will be one you and your family will always remember. See all Sint Maarten and Saint Martin timeshares.

(Photo shown is the Royal Palm Beach Club, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten)

Christmas in our nation's capital - what could be more beautiful or more profound for Americans? Rent a budget timeshare at the Wyndham Old Town Alexandria resort, hop the metro conveniently located just across the street, and take your family into Washington, D.C. for a wonderful Christmas vacation experience.

The first must-see is the Capitol Christmas Tree put up and decorated on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol. This tradition started in 1964 and today the trees are provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. The 2009 tree is an 85 foot blue spruce, harvested from the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in northeastern Arizona. The children of Arizona will make the 5,000 ornaments used to decorate the tree.

The second must-see is the National Christmas Tree, across the street from the White House on the Ellipse. The tradition of lighting a national Christmas tree goes all the way back to 1923. The current tree is a 40-ft blue spruce that was transplanted to its present site in 1978.

In 1954 a "Pathway to Peace" was created by planting 56 smaller trees surrounding the National tree. These trees represent the 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia. All of the trees are decorated and brightly lit for the Christmas holiday season. Each year sponsoring organizations from each state provide tree decorations that are encased in protective plastic globes to shield them from the weather.

Other Christmas displays on the Ellipse this year include a Yule log and a model train. And for the first time there will be Santa's Workshop where youngsters are invited to tell Santa their Christmas wishes. You can also enjoy holiday entertainment each evening of the week on the Ellipse stage where happy Christmas music is performed by volunteer choirs, bands, and dancers.

Candlelight tours, complete with seasonal music and holiday treats, are available in several Washington, D.C., neighborhoods. Choose the Candlelight Tour at Sully Historic Site that is held at an elegant 1794 mansion; the Candlelight Tour at Belair Mansion and Stable; and even right outside your timeshare resort is the Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours hosted at five festively decorated historic sites in Old Town.

The American History Museum has many displays of Christmas celebrations from the colonial times to the present. Or have a truly unique Christmas experience by ice skating through the Sculpture Garden, just across the street from the National Gallery of Art. And one of the most popular places to visit is the magnificent Washington National Cathedral that pulls out all the stops for Christmas with a full schedule of services, concerts, and even craft workshops.

Your week will be full as you enjoy these and many other holiday activities and sights in Washington, D.C. This will be a special Christmas vacation that your family will remember for years to come. See all timeshare rentals.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Photo from sopadre.com)