Timeshare Information

No matter where you vacation in a timeshare rental this summer it's always fun to find free things to do, and your vacation in beautiful New England is no exception. New England is known for its natural beauty, historical sights and quaint villages. You might be surprised at what else there is to see in New England - and for free!

Let's start with Food. When you rent a Cape Cod timeshare you'll get "sand dunes and salty air," old lighthouses, and - potato chips. Enjoy a free tour of the Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory in Hyannis. Its fun to see how these crunchy snacks are actually produced, and you get a free sample at the end of the tour

While you're vacationing at your Vermont timeshare, stop by the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory in Shelburne. Your little ones aged 12 and under can get in for free, and will love seeing how their fuzzy little friends are created. They'll enjoy the Bear Museum, too.

Vermont also offers a free activity that you can do with your dogs. You'll all enjoy Stephen Huneck's Dog Chapel in St. Johnsbury. Stroll through the chapel, with Fido, of course, and see the original art work by world famous artist Stephen Huneck. Built on Dog Mountain, this little chapel is surrounded by 400 scenic acres of nature trails, and even swimming ponds, especially designed with your dog in mind.

From your Boston timeshare, the adults in your party will enjoy the free tour - and tastings - at the Samuel Adams Brewery in Boston. You'll hear about the history of Boston's favorite beer and about founder Jim Koch. Another free brewery tour is the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Merrimack, N.H. Their easternmost plant in the United States is also home to one of the five stables for the Budweiser Clydesdales. Your youngsters will thrill to up-close and personal encounters with these gentle giants in Clydesdale Hamlet. See New Hampshire timeshares.

Spectacular scenery, both of ocean views and magnificent mansions, is yours when you take the Cliff Walk in historic Newport, R.I. When you stroll along this 3 1/2-mile pathway you'll see the legendary mansions built during Newport's gilded age, and enjoy some nature when you encounter parts of the walk that are a rough trail over the rocky shoreline. See Newport timeshares.

A unique free activity is touring the US Navy Submarine Force Museum and USS Nautilus in Groton, Connecticut. Here you'll be able to peer into a periscope, watch films about submarines, and actually go onboard the USS Nautilus. See Connecticut timeshares.

New England has many beautiful timeshares for rent, and the area is small enough that you'll find it an easy drive from your timeshare to many fun - and even free - activities.

The airlines continue to astound air travelers. Many of you leave us comments bemoaning the current tactics of the airlines in piling extra fee on top of extra fee in attempts to recoup losses. As one of you commented to our article "Summer Airfare Wars Begin," "I am so fed up with the airlines that I am only taking vacations that I can drive to this year." And another of you pointed out, "We still support Southwest since they're trying to hang in there with no extra fees."

But the airlines continue to get bolder in their use of extra fees. Today comes the word that Ryanair is doubling its checked baggage fee. A Ryanair spokesperson tried to soften the blow by stating that this increased fee is for the peak travel summer months only. But airline travelers all know that once a fee is put in place it seldom disappears. Ryanair also claims that this increased fee will encourage flyers to carry on baggage only, but they are imposing a weight limit of 22 pounds.

Although this article "6 Tips for Packing Light on your Timeshare Vacation" will help you get on board with just a carry-on, that won't do you much good when other airlines follow Spirit Airways. This Miami-based carrier, which offers flights out of Boston's Logan Airport, has just announced that it will begin charging for carry-on baggage as well. Can you believe it? This fee will be up to $45. (They aren't, however, charging yet to bring your purse onboard with you.) It's just a matter of time before the other airline companies follow suit.

It is no wonder that you vacationers are becoming irritated with the airlines. So, maybe now is the time to actually think about taking vacations this year where you can drive. The wonderful thing is that our United States is crammed full of exciting and fun places to vacation. And the best news is that, except for just a handful, every state has timeshares for rent, resale or exchange.

There’s sure to be a timeshare in the state in which you live, or, if your state doesn't have timeshares available check out surrounding states. The odds are that you'll find a timeshare resort in easy driving distance of your home and a driving vacation will still provide all the rest and relaxation you need to de-stress and unwind from your busy lifestyle. And the money you’ll save by not having to pay airlines their extra fees can make you happier still!

(Photo of Cascade Lakes, OR, provided by byways.org)

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

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

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

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

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

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

There is a lot of hoopla (and deservedly so) about timeshare resorts in tropical places such as the Caribbean and Hawaii, and even fancy ski areas as in the Rockies. But if you are looking for just plain wonderfulness, there are great budget timeshares for rent in beautiful destinations you just might not know about. The Wyndham Smoky Mountains is one such resort and an ideal family vacation spot.

Located in Sevierville, TN, you might think that this destination is a bit too remote. Actually, it's smartly located between Pigeon Forge (a la Dollywood) and Gatlinburg (the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park). If ever there was a fantastic destination for a family vacation, this resort is it.

For year round fun, the Wyndham Smoky Mountains resort has four swimming pools - 2 indoors, and 2 heated outdoor pools. The full-service health club not only offers the latest exercise equipment, but tanning facilities and a sauna as well.

You'll find relaxing in your villa the easiest thing you'll do on your vacation, since every unit has a deck with panoramic views of the mountains and gentle farmlands. When you have your energy back you can get going on the hiking trails that start right outside the resort and take you through lovely protected woodlands.

In December there are many Christmas activities in both Gatlinburg and Dollywood to get the holiday season started. Snow permitting, you can also enjoy downhill skiing at Ober Gatlinburg, and cross-country skiing in the Park.

Besides a fully equipped full-sized kitchen, a washer and dryer, and a Jacuzzi tub in the master suite, your budget timeshare also has a fireplace for those cozy Smoky Mountain evenings. And don't forget the nearby live entertainment at Dollywood, movie theaters and restaurants in Gatlinburg, and outdoor activities such as fishing and golfing. You'll definitely find something for each member of the family when you vacation at the beautiful Wyndham Smoky Mountains resort. See all Tennessee timeshare rentals.

Picturesque snowcapped peaks create a startlingly beautiful backdrop to the world famous desert oasis, Palm Springs in California. Green valleys, elegant date palms, succulent orange trees and the delicious warmth of the winter sun have combined to make this area a favorite getaway since the mid-thirties when glamorous Hollywood made Palm Springs its playground.

Today, Palm Springs continues to be an inviting haven from cold winter winds. Retirees, who might only be able to afford to vacation one or two weeks, will find many budget timeshares available for rent. With an international airport, and just a couple of hours drive by car from both Los Angeles and San Diego, Palm Springs enjoys over 3 million visitors a year.

If you've heard of Palm Springs you've heard that it has over 100 golf courses, many of them world class. You may also know that the town is an art community with over 100 art galleries. The Palm Springs Aerial Tram is a famous engineering feat that takes visitors 8,500 feet from the valley floor up to San Jacinto State Park. There during the winter months, snow conditions permitting, you can cross-country ski or snowshoe, with equipment rentals available.

There are a few things to do in Palm Springs that just might surprise you. Every Thursday evening don your most fashionable travelin' shoes and enjoy the greatest outdoor market in the world. Held in downtown Palm Springs, "VilliageFest!" is a delight of flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables, artisians' sculptures, paintings, and jewelry, street entertainers, and delectable sweets. And an added bonus - this event is "dog-friendly!"

For "The Most Fun You'll Have in Palm Springs" plan to attend the Palm Springs Follies. Held in the historic Plaza Theater, which opened its doors in 1936, the Follies are a rip-roaring combination of comedy, music and dance - all performed by a cast whose youngest member is 55 and oldest member is 85! The 2009/2010 show is "Let The Good Times Roll!" featuring music from the Big Bands to Swing, from Doo-Wop to Motown. For an added sparkle, the Christmas Holidays make their appearance in the show during November and December.

Delight in a home cooked meal in your timeshare kitchen from the fresh food you purchased at "VilliageFest!" or enjoy fine dining at one of Palm Springs' many restaurants. And while relaxing you're sure to savor the memories of the fun events and activities you've enjoyed during the day in your own winter playground of Palm Springs. See Palm Springs timeshare resorts for rent

Photo shown is the Palm Canyon Resort and Spa.