Timeshare Information

It’s another winning year for Breckenridge Grand Vacations. The world famous timeshare company was recently honored with two Gold ARDY awards at the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) World Convention.

Breckenridge Grand Vacations (BGV) captured the gold in the categories of Best Manager or Team– BGV’s Event Team, and for best In House Sales Team–BGV’s Grand Lodge on Peak 7.

“The fact that we won two team prizes speaks volumes. All of our teams are winners and they are comprised of people who love the resort, the area and their job,” said Dave Stroeve, Vice President of Sales.

“Winning these awards is a testament to what a great place Breckenridge Grand Vacations is to work,” Stroeve said.

This is not the first time BGV has won the prestigious ARDY Award. BGV’s team members have won the award in numerous categories over the past eight years including last year’s winning of the top ARDY award by BGV’s Marketing Service Team.

Breckenridge Grand Vacations is the parent company of Gold Point Resort, Grand Timber Lodge and the Grand Lodge on Peak 7.

Upcoming shortly is a very high end, luxury 75-unit timeshare to be located at the base of Peak 8. Groundbreaking is scheduled for this spring.

Breckenridge Grand Vacations has once again made a major impact in the Awards program of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA).

The success in the annual international competition for the best timeshare sales and marketing teams and individuals is a credit to the company, said David Stroeve, RRP, Vice President of Sales.

“We are made up of the right people, doing the right things and treating people right.”

Over the past eight years, Dave and his team have won the prestigious ARDY in numerous categories. This year is no different. When the winners are announced this week at ARDA World 2013 in Hollywood, FL, Breckenridge Grand Vacations (BGV) will be again represented by a slate of stellar finalists.

In the category of Marketing Team, the BGV Event Team is a top ranked finalist. Last year the BBGV Marketing Services Team won the “ARDY” for best in the world.

Also nominated this year is John Liner for his excellence as Sales Management Executive. Two returnees to the limelight are Drew Meirow and Brent Henry, both finalists last year in the categories of Traditional Line and In-House Salespersons.

The entire In-house sales Team of Grand Lodge on Peak 7 has been named as finalists in the ARDA award program. Last year the Project Team at Grand Lodge on Peak 7 carried home the highest honor.

Breckenridge Grand Vacations is the parent company of Gold Point Resort, Grand Timber Lodge and the Grand Lodge on Peak 7. Timeshare rentals start at $143/night.

Upcoming shortly is a very high end, luxury 75-unit timeshare which will be located at the base of Peak 8. The groundbreaking is scheduled for this spring.

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort, the iconic Carlsbad timeshare resort and hotel managed by Grand Pacific Resort Management, was host to four students and three chaperones from Futtsu, Japan. Futtsu and Carlsbad are celebrating their 25th Anniversary as Sister Cities.

 “We are proud to be the first stop for these enthusiastic young people,” said Randy Chapin, General Manager of the Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort.

The group from Japan has a full slate of activities including a meeting with the city’s mayor Matt Hall, an All-American BBQ at a private home, visits to the world-famous Flower Fields and Gemological Institute (GIA), LEGOLAND®, and the Carlsbad Outlet Mall.

According to Tom Hersant, President of Carlsbad Sister City Ambassadors, the reaction to Carlsbad has been “dizzyingly pleasant. We started their trip with a stay at one of the area’s best properties, and the Carlsbad Inn of course was tailor made for the task. We are proud that one of the former visitors we have hosted has even been a mayoral candidate in his home town of Futtsu.” 

Other activities lined up for this jam-packed tour include a meeting with the Japanese Counsel and visit to the Friendship Garden in Balboa Park, a Petco Park tour and an interview with Carlsbad High School TV. 

During the tsunami relief efforts La Costa Elementary School raised $1000 for Futtsu and this year these Japanese students were able to visit the students at the school. They brought with them Japanese text books as a gift on behalf of the grateful citizens of Carlsbad’s Sister City.

“We are pleased to represent our community in this important effort to build relationships worldwide,” said Chapin.

"In fact, we will also shortly play host to our other sister city’s Lord Mayor. Carlsbad was named after Karloby Vary in the Czech Republic and its leadership will be our guests when they come here,” Chapin said.

Award-winning Grand Pacific Resort Management (Carlsbad, California) is one of the oldest and largest vacation ownership companies based in California. Serving over 60,000 owner-families every year, GPRM has developed and manages 18 resorts in the United States and Canada.

Marriott Vacation Club International invites you to take a moment to watch this video, Marriott Vacation Club – Island Vacations, a 1 minute, 41 second video shows why you would want a Marriott timeshare vacation. 

Presented in a beautiful and relaxing way, the video lets you see and feel what a timeshare vacation could be like.

Marriott Vacation Club timeshare resorts offer spacious accommodations and deluxe amenities where you can be as active, or as relaxed, as you choose.

Find out more about Marriott timeshare rentals available around the world and especially beach resorts in Hawaii and Thailand.

Construction is currently underway for a new resort development that will expand Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, distinguished as the flagship hotel at the Walt Disney World Resort, and continue the growth of Disney Vacation Club, Disney’s innovative vacation-ownership program.

Disney Vacation Club is building an estimated 147 villas as part of a previously announced expansion of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort (see top photo), one of the premier resort hotels at the Walt Disney World Resort. 

Estimated to open in late 2013, this new resort experience is slated to be the 12th Disney Vacation Club property and will be located near the spa and wedding pavilion at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. In addition to villa accommodations, plans for the expansion include a children’s water-play area and other amenities.

“We continually look for ways to expand Disney Vacation Club by creating resort experiences that our members will love,” said Claire Bilby, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club. 

“With the continued popularity of Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, we are thrilled to offer our members and guests a new resort option along the monorail system with easy access to the Magic Kingdom Park, as well as a variety of shopping, dining and recreation experiences.”

Disney Vacation Club is owned by Disney Vacation Development Inc., part of the magic of The Walt Disney Company.

Check out timeshare rentals and timeshare resales currently available at Bay Lake Tower (see photo).

Bluegreen Vacations, a leading provider of Colorful Places to Play, has announced that its Missouri resort, Bluegreen Wilderness Club at Big Cedar, was presented the City of Branson’s 2011 Green Initiative award for its eco-friendly practices. Bluegreen Corporation is honored and proud to receive the award.

While Bluegreen Wilderness Club is decidedly focused on rustic luxury, with 18 Concierge and Presidential villas, slate and hardwood floors, flat-screen TVs, exquisite fireplaces, stainless steel appliances and soft, comfortable and inviting furniture and bedding; it is also diligent about remaining energy conscious and eco-friendly. While we continue to evolve our practices to become as energy efficient and eco-friendly as possible, we have already accomplished many great things.

At Bluegreen Wilderness Club, we are diligent about the following:

1. Landscaping practices to reduce use of water and fertilizer to guard against runoff into Table Rock Lake, and to recycle organic materials into the soil by composting and mulching

2. The living ‘green’ roof at Indian Creek Swimming pool Pump House and the emphasis on sustainability throughout the newly constructed Indian Creek Lodge

3. Recognition by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Certified Green Lodging Program

4. Participating Property, “Clean the World” Program to recycle soap products for distribution to needy, third-world countries to provide sanitizing cleansers to combat infection transmission and to reduce the impact of these cleaning products on our landfills and groundwater

5. Encouragement to all guests to participate in our resort-wide commitment to recycling by providing convenient containers for collecting recyclable materials

6. The resort’s recycling programs divert and transport an estimated 128.5 tons of recylcable material that would otherwise be sent to a landfill

7. Use of energy efficient and solar lighting fixtures where practicable

8. Use of water/energy conserving fixtures where practicable

“We are honored to receive this award, as we believe instilling a culture of environmental respect and sustainability is an important part of living and working in The Ozarks,” said Howard Kitchen, General Manager of Wilderness Club at Big Cedar. “As a Bluegreen Corporation resort, we are proud to represent the timeshare industry with a positive, environmentally friendly award.”

Timeshare rentals at Bluegreen’s Wilderness Club at Big Cedar start at just $60/night.

Wyndham Vacation Ownership (WVO), the world’s largest vacation ownership company and a member of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies, announced it has completed renovations on its 15th resort in Hawaii - Wyndham Vacation Resorts Royal Garden at Waikiki.

“With the addition of our 15th resort in Hawaii we are solidifying our position as the industry’s largest and most successful timeshare developer in Hawaii,” said Franz Hanning, president and chief executive officer, Wyndham Vacation Ownership.

“We are very proud to provide yet another world-class property in this highly desirable destination for our more than 800,000 owners and guests.”

Wyndham Vacation Resorts Royal Garden at Waikiki will operate within ClubWyndham®, plus the company’s points-based exchange program that allows owners the flexibility to vacation at more than 70 resorts.

Located along the Ala Wai waterway just blocks from Waikiki Beach, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Royal Garden at Waikiki offers spacious accommodations in one of Hawaii’s most desirable locations. The property features studio units and one- and two-bedroom Presidential units.

Onsite amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, two saunas, fitness center, media lounge and outdoor garden. The resort is conveniently located in close proximity to the Waikiki Beach Walk complex, one of the largest redevelopment projects in the city’s history which includes shopping, fine dining and nightlife.

Wyndham Vacation Ownership, a member of Wyndham Worldwide’s WYN family of companies, is the world’s largest vacation ownership business, as measured by the number of vacation ownership resorts, individual vacation ownership units and vacation ownership interests. WVO has developed or acquired more than 160 vacation ownership resorts throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and the South Pacific. Headquartered in Orlando, FL, WV0 is supported by approximately 13,300 employees globally.

Take a look at all timeshare rentals, exchanges, and resales listed for WVO resorts in Hawaii.

Photo Credit: royalgardens.com

For the seventh year in a row Marriott International has been recognized by Black Enterprise magazine as one of the “40 Best Companies for Diversity.” The July feature article highlighted Marriott for its employee base, board of directors and supplier diversity efforts.

“We are honored to be recognized for our diversity and inclusion initiatives. We strive to create an inclusive environment where the talents and unique experiences of our employees worldwide can flourish." said Jimmie Paschall, global diversity officer and senior vice president, external affairs.

“When our employees feel respected and valued, we know that they’ll make our guests, suppliers, owners and franchisees feel the same way too. We want to build on the success of our longstanding commitment to diversity in the U.S. while striving to reach our vision of embedding diversity and inclusion so deeply into our organization that it is integral to how we do business in the global community.”

In 2003, Marriott’s Board of Directors established the Committee for Excellence, chaired today by board member Debra L. Lee, chairman and CEO of BET Networks, to monitor the progress of the company’s diversity initiatives.

To date, Marriott has spent $2.6 billion with diverse-owned businesses, more than doubling its 2005 goal, and has more than 586 diverse-owned hotels that are open for business.

The company continues to be recognized for its diversity and inclusion achievements. This year, Marriott was ranked first in supplier diversity on DiversityInc’s “Top 50 Companies for Diversity” list and named Company of the Year by LatinaStyle.

Known throughout the industry for his hands-on management style, J.W. Marriott, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Marriott International, Inc., has built a highly regarded culture that recognizes the value of Marriott employees. Today, approximately 300,000 employees are serving guests in Marriott managed and franchised properties throughout the world.

From Boston to Palm Beach, from Hilton Head to Park City, from Aruba to Thailand you can literally follow Marriott's rising star around the globe. Timeshare rentals, timeshare exchanges and timeshare resales are all here to give you the distinctive excellence of a Marriott vacation experience.

Diamond Resorts International®, a global leader in the hospitality and vacation ownership industry, strengthens its commitment to exceptional customer service by building upon the foundation of The Meaning of Yes® with the launch of a 30 minute brand video featuring an in-depth conversation with Chairman and CEO, Stephen J. Cloobeck.

The Meaning of Yes is a service excellence platform that empowers Diamond team members to deliver a branded hospitality experience to every owner, member and guest worldwide, as the company continues to grow and expand globally.

Diamond Resorts International thrives upon the service excellence platform set forth by Cloobeck. By responding to customer feedback and engaging in cost efficient and effective solutions, Cloobeck has successfully developed a hospitality product that is much more than vacation ownership, but guarantees a lifetime of memorable vacation experiences to all owners, members and guests. The Meaning of Yes ensures that every guest receives the vacation they deserve.

According to Cloobeck, “As we grow one thing won’t change, the Diamond team will always deliver the same level of hospitality and the same level of The Meaning of Yes to our guests, each and every time, at each and every resort. Even if we double or triple in size I will still insist that we deliver great guest service. I want us to be renowned worldwide for our customer service.”

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.

Annually, nearly 1.4 million owners, members and guests enjoy the simplicity, choice and comfort Diamond Resorts International offers through our branded hospitality experience.

Timeshare rentals are available at many Diamond resorts including: the Flamingo Beach Resort, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten & Saint Martin, the Royal Regency, Paris-Vincennes, France, and at the Scottsdale Villa Mirage, Scottsdale, AZ.

Bluegreen Corporation, a leading provider of "Colorful Places to Live and Play," announced today that the 12th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament, held in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, will be held near Bluegreen resorts MountainLoft and Laurel Crest, in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, respectively. This year the festival dates are Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3, 2011.

Authorities working with the 12th Annual Smoky Trout Tournament have stocked the river with approximately 10,000 trout for the competition, varying in size from small to large. Cash prizes will be awarded to those who catch the largest and the smallest fish. Non-cash prizes will be awarded to the second and third place competitors as well. Competitors are divided into two groups, Locals versus Tourists, each with a subgroup for children and adults.

Victor Berrios, General Manager of MountainLoft in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, explains, “MountainLoft is a great location to stay during the Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament. It is a short distance from the competition, nestled amid the beauty of the Smoky Mountain landscape.”

“We have guests who return to our resort each year,” explains fellow Bluegreen associate, Dick Coyle, General Manager of Laurel Crest, in Pigeon Forge. He added, “Bluegreen owners love it here because of the Smoky Mountain Landscape, as well as its close proximity to all the events of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We are excited to welcome guests who wish to attend the 12th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament.”

Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Boca Raton, FL, Bluegreen Corporation is the leader in providing Colorful Places to Live and Play through its vacation ownership resort and residential real estate business segments. More than 3,500 employees are passionate about delivering extraordinary experiences for owners and guests. Since 1996, Bluegreen has managed, marketed and sold a flexible vacation ownership plan with more than 222,600 owners, over 54 owned or managed resorts, and access to more than 4,000 resorts worldwide.

Gatlinburg is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Timeshare rentals at the MountainLoft resort start at just $59/night. If you can't make this year's Trout Tournament, make plans to rent a timeshare next year. It's a great way to welcome Spring, especially when you consider that the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is also widely known as the Wildflower National Park, carpeted as it is in bright springtime blooms.

(Photo credit - adayinthesmokies.wordpress.com)

Bluegreen Corporation, "A leading provider of Colorful Places to Live and Play®", today announced that it has been selected as a finalist for the 2011 American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Awards.

This annual competition honors organizations and businesses in the timeshare and resort industry that have achieved the highest level of excellence in a variety of different categories. The ARDA Awards Program recognizes nominees based on outstanding sales and staff accomplishments, product design and advertising.

Bluegreen has been selected as a finalist in sixteen categories each of which fall under a larger category including Resort Design, Management and Administration, and Advertising, Promotion and Communications. A panel of independent volunteer judges selected finalists. Each category entered by Bluegreen included competition from other organizations and business in the timeshare and resort industry.

“To have been selected as finalists in sixteen categories is a significant honor for Bluegreen Corporation and its associates who work hard every day to stay on the forefront of the timeshare and resort industry,” says Ellen Devine, Executive Assistant to Bluegreen’s President and CEO, John Maloney.

Bluegreen’s 2011 ARDA Awards finalist nominations represent many departments within the company. Specific categories included Interior Design, Resort Amenities, Resort Architecture, Green Sustainable Programs, Video Production, Special Events, Company Magazine and Website, Food & Beverage Programs, Administrative Staff Members and more.

Since 1996, Bluegreen has managed, marketed and sold a flexible vacation ownership plan with more than 222,600 owners, over 54 owned or managed resorts, and access to more than 4,000 resorts worldwide.

Bluegreen Corporation resorts include La Cabana Beach & Racquet Club in Aruba, Daytona SeaBreeze, Daytona Beach, and the Pono Kai Resort on Kauai's Coconut Coast. Take a timeshare rental vacation and see for yourself why Bluegreen Corporation is at the top of the industry.

RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands announced it has expanded its network in Mexico through its affiliation with Ixchel Residences, a well-appointed development at north Isla Mujeres, a popular beach destination just outside Cancun.

Developed by Group I Maroma, Ixchel Residences is located less than 13 miles from Cancun International Airport and features 14 exclusive luxury villas and 117 deluxe rooms. The property offers several on-site amenities including a gym, heated pool, an area with lounge chairs on the beach and high-speed wireless Internet.

Isla Mujeres (Women Island) was so named by Spanish explorers because of the large numbers of clay goddess images found there. At that time the island was sacred to the Mayan goddess of childbirth, Ix Chel.

Isla Mujeres is a fun 20-minute ferry ride from either Puerto Juarez or Puerto Cancun. Considered by many to be "the most idyllic spot in the Caribbean," the island is a world away from busy Cancun, with a peaceful, laid-back lifestyle.

“This affiliation with RCI represents an important opportunity for us,” said Gabriel Tommasi, legal representative, Ixchel Residences Resort. “We are excited to be able to expand our business areas, provide new opportunities for our customers, and bring the beauty of Isla Mujeres to new audiences.”

“For RCI, this exciting affiliation with Ixchel Residences represents another opportunity for us to offer great exchange options to our 3.8 million members worldwide,” said Ricardo Montaudon, president, RCI Latin America. “Located in a region that consistently boasts great vacations, this development reaffirms RCI’s commitment to offering great vacation in highly desirable destinations.”

RCI is part of Wyndham Exchange & Rentals, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the world’s largest serviced vacation rentals business, providing access to nearly 97,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries. The vacation exchange business includes RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and provider of travel services to businesses and consumers.

Wyndham Worldwide Corporation is one of the world’s largest hospitality companies with leading brands in lodging franchising, vacation ownership, vacation rentals and vacation exchange.

(Photo credit - ixchelresidences.com)

Vacations are precious things these days. If you're like so many other Americans, you might feel like you shouldn't even take a vacation. So, when you do take the time, and the money, for a real vacation, you want it to go well. Avoid these 5 common mistakes and you might find yourself enjoying a dream vacation of a lifetime.

• Mistake #1 - Paying the cost of a Hotel
  Hotels are expensive. And these days hotels are jumping on the "extra fee" bandwagon started by the airlines (and many of the extra fees are hidden - see our previous post “Hotels Charging Extra Fees”), so, often your final bill is much higher than you planned on.
  
  Solution: A timeshare rental often offers up to 50% savings over hotel rooms. You'll find it also cheaper on a per person cost, since most hotels require you to pay for more rooms to accommodate more people.


• Mistake #2 - Eating Out for all of your Meals
  Restaurants are expensive. And fast food is not only getting more expensive, it can get tiring. How thrilling is it to spend your vacation eating cold pizza while perched on the edge of a hotel bed?
  
  Solution: Rent a timeshare that comes with a fully equipped kitchen.


• Mistake #3 - Settling for a Cramped Hotel Room
  Solution: Timeshare rentals offer space in which to spread out and relax. You'll have separate bedrooms, a living area, a dining area, a full-sized kitchen, and a balcony or lanai.


• Mistake #4 - Staying at Accommodations with no Amenities
  Many hotels have no amenities at all, and if a hotel does offer anything it's usually one small, crowded pool, for which you may even be charged an extra fee. Bed and Breakfasts and vacation homes also generally leave you high and dry.
  
  Solution: Timeshare rentals are attached to luxury resorts, and most of the resort's amenities will be included in your one-time rental fee. These amenities will almost always include multiple swimming pools (often with waterpark features), hot tubs, kiddie pools, children's playgrounds, and tennis courts. Other offerings might be dance classes, arts and crafts, arcade game rooms, volleyball, miniature golf, and the list goes on.


• Mistake #5 - Returning to the Same Location
  It's easy to fall into the trap of vacationing at the same destination every year, especially if you are on a budget and feel like you should go somewhere you already know you can afford.
  
  Solution: Check out the many listings for budget-friendly timeshare exchanges available not only across the country, but in Mexico, the Caribbean, and around the world. When you choose to vacation with a timeshare rental, your destination options are wide open.

Did you know that our National Parks are open year-round? Did you know that there are certain days during the year when admission is Free? Did you know that one of the best ways to enjoy a National Park is by renting a timeshare? It's the perfect way to have lots of time and lots of space - to relax and really become immersed in the beauty and wonder of our National Parks.

The next free admission day to the National Parks is November 11 - Veteran's Day. And what better time to head to a National Park than during the Autumn, when so many of them are decked out in their Fall Foliage Finest.

If you think our "Wildflower National Park," aka Great Smoky Mountains National Park (see photo), is spectacular in springtime - wait until you see it in the Autumn! Undulating ridges of flashy crimsons and oranges as far as the eye can see. Rent a timeshare in Gatlinburg, TN, the "gateway" to this National Park.

From a Washington, D.C. area timeshare rental you can easily drive to Shenandoah National Park where the Skyline Drive winds along the Shenandoah River. You'll delight in the many waterfalls that sparkle like diamonds in the autumn sun, against the rich colors of fall that only the east can deliver.

Fall colors are no less beautiful out west, though. Rent a timeshare in Jackson, Wyoming, and check out the shimmering golds of aspen stands in Teton National Park. The dazzling white of geysers shooting into the air against the backdrop of a brilliant blue autumn sky is a thrill at Yellowstone National Park with a timeshare rental in West Yellowstone.

Of course, not all Parks have to be seen just for autumn colors. Rent a timeshare at the Wyndham Pagosa Resort in Pagosa Springs, CO, and take a short drive to Mesa Verde National Park. Here you'll see the incredibly well-preserved cliff dwellings of the ancient Anazazi Indians. In soft autumn air you can climb ladders to high lofts or down into sacred kivas.

A Hawaii timeshare rental on the Big Island will put you in good position on November 11 for free admission to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Get up close and personal with some of nature's most awesome power. You can even hike to a point along the shore where molten hot lava meets cold sea water with some very dramatic crashing and boiling.

Wherever you chose your timeshare rental, enjoy our rich heritage of National Parks this November. They are resplendent in autumn dress and exciting with unique natural and archeological wonders.

(Photo credit odesseyinlight.com)

The world is opening up more and more to travelers, and world-wide vacations are becoming quite popular. A timeshare vacation, whether it be a timeshare rental, a timeshare exchange, or the purchase of a resale timeshare, is making global travel easier, and soon the world will be your oyster.

A case in point is Africa, which is poised to become the next vacation destination superstar. Ever since it burst upon the collective consciousness of vacationers the world over when the 2010 World Cup was held this summer in South Africa with such resounding success, the World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC) has been excited about the prospects of increasing tourism to African countries. See Africa timeshares.

One such country is Zimbabwe. Formally known as Rhodesia, Zimbabwe is located in the south eastern part of the African continent. South Africa borders it on the south and Mozambique is on its eastern border, two countries already popular with world tourists.

Interestingly, in the 1980s Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) was a very popular tourist destination, and no wonder. This is where you find the world famous Victoria Falls (see photo), one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The fall's indigenous name, "Mosi-oa-Tunya," literally means the Smoke that Thunders.

Victoria Falls National Park has an amazing rainforest that grows in the spray of the falls with giant ferns, palms, liana vines, and a number of trees, such as mahogany, not seen anywhere else in the region. On drives and walking safaris, visitors to the Park see many animal species including elephant, hippopotamus, and the rare white rhino.

Tourism boomed through the 1990s until the political regime of Mugabe destabilized the country to the point that it became too dangerous for the tourism industry to remain. Major airlines such as Quantas and Lufthansa pulled out. Today Zimbabwe is considered by the WTTC to be a country that has the potential to become a world player again. Mugabe, now 86 and in failing health, no longer has a stranglehold on the country, and both the U.K. and the U.S. have lifted their bans on travel to Zimbabwe.

Considered one of Africa's "tourism jewels," Zimbabwe could very well be in your timeshare vacation future. According to the WTTC, Zimbabwe’s tourism economy is set to grow 9.2 % this year, the fourth highest in the world, and is expected to continue growing at 8.2 % yearly over the next decade.

Looking for a Zimbabwe timeshare rental? Post your timeshare rental request here!

(Photo credit Vberger from Wikipedia.org)

Spain is back in vogue again, so says an international travel news report. After the economic downturn of the past couple of years, Spain is once again seeing a resurgence of tourism, mainly to its sunny Mediterranean locals. Traditionally, Spain is the third most visited country in the world, after France and the United States. There are timeshare rentals, exchanges and even resales all available to you in Spain at Ibiza and Mallorca, where you can enjoy all that a great Mediterranean vacation has to offer.

Exchange your timeshare for a fun and exciting stay on Ibiza (see photo), one of Spain's Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Ibiza is an especially beautiful island with hidden cove beaches, high towering cliffs and a dense covering of pine trees.

Its capital, Ibiza-Town, is one of Europe's oldest towns, and was founded by the Carthaginians as an important fortress. Today the town is a holiday destination for the world's rich and famous. Very well known for its nightlife and party atmosphere, officials have been working to create family-friendly activities as well.

There are several timeshare rentals, as well as resales, available on Mallorca, another of Spain's spectacular Mediterranean Balearic Islands. Mallorca has more than 70 beaches ranging from vast bays to tiny rocky coves. The main tourist beaches offer water sports including windsurfing, water skiing, and parasailing.

When visiting Mallorca you might want to rent a car to explore the north side of the island. Here you'll have access to the beautiful Tramuntana Mountains, the "life blood" of Mallorca. There are many public hiking trails available, as well as guided hikes off the beaten path. The trails take you from olive groves into pine and oak forests, and past relics of Mallorca's cultural past including remnants of ancient snow huts, lime kilns and terraces.

When you don't want to drive, you can view Mallorca's natural beauty by riding on the Sollier Railway, a vintage train made of solid mahogany, as it leisurely travels about 30 miles through the Tramuntana Mountains.

According to the Mallorcan Tourist Board, the island has over 2500 restaurants. When you want a break from your timeshare kitchen you'll have plenty of eateries from which to choose. Mallorca has a distinctive culinary tradition including Sobrassada (a sausage) and Arros Brut (saffron rice cooked with chicken, pork and vegetables). You'll especially enjoy Ensaïmada, a sweet pastry dating back to the 17th century, often topped with apricots or filled with sweet cream and chocolate or almond paste.

So plan a timeshare vacation to sunny Spain, where, if you're lucky, you might even get to see the miles of almond orchards bursting with bright pink blossoms along the azure blue Mediterranean coast.

(Photo provided by tonightinmycity.com)

Everybody knows about the golf courses in Palm Springs, and Florida, and Phoenix - but what do you know about the great golfing that Hawaii has to offer? The four major Hawaiian islands not only offer wonderful budget timeshare rentals, but awesome golf, too.

Here is a sampler of the many outstanding golf courses in Hawaii that are open to the public.

Kauai
Prince Golf Course (see photo) at Princeville on Kauai is considered the "Number 1 Golf Course in Hawaii." The magnificent views from 300 feet above the ocean certainly accounts for part of that acclaim, but the main attraction is the course design by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., who "turned rolling terrain into a links-style golf course that will challenge you like no other." One reviewer said, "Tough as nails but lots of different kinds of shots to be played and pretty as can be." There are many budget timeshare rentals available in Princeville, including the gorgeous beachfront Hanalei Bay Resort, and the beautiful Cliffs at Princeville.

Big Island
Another Robert Trent design, the Waikola Village Golf Club, on the Big Island, extends across the foothills of Mauna Kea and overlooks the beautiful Kohala Coast. Here Trent wove the natural assets of the amazing landscape into a challenging course. A reviewer says, "This is challenging, but good for novices, too. It has some spectacular views of the ocean and of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa." Locals often consider Waikola Village Golf Club one of Hawaii’s best-kept secrets. Timeshare rentals are available near Waikola village Golf Club at the HGVC at Waikoloa Beach Resort, and The Bay Club at Waikoloa Beach, among others.

Maui
A short 10 miles from Lahaina on Maui is the Kahili Golf Course at Wailuku. This relatively inexpensive course is a favorite of visitors and locals alike. A picturesque course with gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and regal Haleakala, it's world-class layout and elevation changes challenge all levels of golf expertise. This is what one reviewer said, "The course was in beautiful shape and presented a tough but fair challenge to us as average golfers. The views were unbelievable - be sure to bring your camera." Lahaina timeshare rental choices include the Kaanapali Beach Club, and the 5-star Kahana Beach Vacation Club, both offering budget rental prices.

Oahu
Head to the eastern shore of Oahu for the Ko'olau Golf Club in Kaneohe. This Dick Nugeunt-designed course, named by Golf Digest as a top golf course in Hawaii, was actually carved out of a tropical rainforest and features stunning views of sparkling waterfalls. A reviewer said, "Superb challenge...every hole unique...best deal on the island for locals and visitors alike." Kaneohe is within easy driving distance of numerous Oahu timeshare rentals.

(Photo provided by princeville.com)

Polk County is one of Florida's best-kept secrets. Less than an hour's drive from Orlando, this Central Florida area is a beautiful lake district (over 500) full of natural wonders. A budget timeshare rental in Orlando will give your family the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities and adventure in scenic Polk County.

Over 90,000 acres of Polk County have been set aside for public enjoyment. The gently rolling hills are cut with orange groves and dotted with freshwater lakes. To assist all of you outdoor enthusiasts in enjoying central Florida to its best advantage, a new guide, "Celebrate Nature" is now available featuring all of the nature-based recreation opportunities in the area.

Obtained through the Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau this nature guide will point you in the direction of such fascinating places as the Ancient Islands that provide refuge for rare plant and animal species.

The guide will also tell you how to find Central Florida's best birding sites. Over 300 species of birds can be spotted in such places as Saddle Creek Park and the Circle B Bar Reserve.

The Circle B Bar Reserve is the centerpiece of Central Florida's nature-oriented activities, and is home to the Polk's Nature Discovery Center. Here your entire family will enjoy the wildlife viewing areas and tours. You are also invited to hike or bike through the 1,267 acres of the reserve, and beautiful picnic areas are available. The trails through the property will give you the opportunity to see many varieties of birds including sandhill cranes, bald eagles, and even long-legged wood storks. Along the shores of Lake Hancock are likely to be many alligator sightings.

While at the Discovery Center be sure to attend some of the workshops, including the popular Learning Tree, and experience the hands-on exhibits.

Besides the "Celebrate Nature" guide, you might want to also get the useful “It's waterproof!” Central Florida Lakes Map. This features the nearly 500 lakes available for fishing "The Bass Capital of the World," and other water sports through-out Central Florida.

Tours through Polk County's nature wonderland include Alligator Cove Excursions, Bass Fishing Charters, and Captain Fred's Airboat Nature Tours. Polk County and Central Florida definitely have outdoor recreational opportunities for everyone in your family. An Orlando timeshare rental vacation will not only give you the fun action of theme parks, but also the wonderful adventures that only nature can provide.

(Photo provided by visitcentralflorida.org)

Most of you who are planning a timeshare vacation are also expecting to rent a car. After all, your timeshare is at a wonderful destination with plenty of fun activities and natural scenery, and a car rental is almost a certainty.

Christopher Elliott, a journalist for Tribune Media Services, offered some tips recently on how to "steer clear" of some bad car rental rules and what really to expect when renting a car, which we are going to pass along to you here.

1. Rate Changes. Some car rental companies have a tendency to change your rate, often after you've driven off the lot with the car. Make sure you have in writing what your rate is, what the additional fee is for bringing the vehicle back late, and even if there is a charge for returning the car early.

2. Age of the Driver. If you are under 25 check the fine print for additional fees, often up to $20/day. And some rental companies simply do not allow drivers who are under the age of 21.

3. Additional Drivers. If there's a second driver, car rental companies frequently ask for more money, often running up to $12 per day. Gone are the days when spouses or close relatives were exempt. Every extra driver is now charged a daily fee.

4. Child Safety Seat. You will always be required to pay an extra fee if the car rental company provides a child safety seat. Although you can check your own safety seat on the airline and use that, hauling it around can be a hassle, and the car companies know that. Elliott feels that child safety seats should be no-charge since they are required by law everywhere, the same as seat belts. But don't hold your breath.

5. Car classification. Recently Enterprise re-classified its cars in order to be able to charge more for popular sized vehicles. Avis, Dollar, and Hertz have followed suit. So be forewarned, Elliott says. "Pay close attention to car rental classes. What they call a midsize the rest of us may call a compact car."

6. Refueling Fees. Many car rental companies apply a refueling service charge to all rentals under 75 miles. "Presumably, car rental companies are concerned that if someone drives the car a few miles, the needle on the gas gauge will still register 'full,'" states Elliott. "Moral of the story? Keep a receipt if you drive less than 75 miles. Otherwise, you'll buy another full tank of gas."

Wherever you go on your timeshare rental vacation, and whatever you plan to do while you're there, these tips will help make your car rental experience a pleasant one.

Photo courtesy alamarexpress.com

"Get ready for Fun!" exuded one excited fan after a day at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal's newest theme park in Orlando, Florida. Reviews of the Harry Potter experience are starting to come in. Isn't it time you planned to rent an Orlando timeshare and take your family of budding wizards to "the most exciting theme park to open in ages"?

Fans will find themselves authentically immersed in the very "Wizarding World" that they inhabited with Harry Potter and his wizard friends (and foes) every time they turned a page of the books or thrilled to a movie scene. Right here in Orlando you'll feel hot dragon's breath, eat exploding candy, drink butter beer and pumpkin juice, ride a Hippogriff, see talking portraits and moving staircases.

One review put it this way: "One of my favorite things about the new Harry Potter park is that the show never seems to end. Everywhere you look, there's some moving animatronics character, live character shows and performances, a ride, scenes from the books, and so on. You're continually entertained and made to feel like you've truly entered the world of Harry Potter."

A number of reviews give the Butter Beer (obtained, of course, at the Three Broomsticks) big thumbs up (photo at right).
Apparently J.K. Rowling herself supervised the creation of this concoction.

The Dragon Challenge roller coaster ride is reputed to be Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe's "favorite roller coaster of all time," and mere muggles agree. "These roller coasters are longer than the average thrill ride. There are more loops, spins, upside down over the top and every which way that you can possibly turn upside down than any other ride that I've ever been on, and they go really, really fast," says one reviewer.

The Flight of the Hippogriff, may be a bit tamer ride, and is considered more of a "family" coaster, but is still "a thrilling ride!" according to many reviews. Harry Potter fans will enjoy the fact that the line winds past Hagrid's hut, and Hagrid himself is there to welcome you to his Magical Creatures class.

The main attraction is the Forbidden Journey ride that takes you through Hogwart's Castle. "The blending of simulation and reality in this ride is the best I've ever seen," stated one reviewer. But be forewarned - several reviewers have mentioned that this ride is not for the youngest ones in your group, as some scenes are very realistic and can be quite frightening.

"Overall, a fantastic experience! I can't wait to go back!" summed up one reviewer. And a young fan from Colorado put it this way: “If you are a Harry Potter fan this is a dream come true." So plan a timeshare rental vacation and head to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Top photo courtesy Orlando Sentinel
Right photo courtesy blog.officialticketcenter.com