Timeshare Information

What inspires you to travel? If you're going someplace you've never been before perhaps you've heard just enough about the place to wet your appetite, or maybe the place was described to you in such magnificent detail that you simply must experience it yourself.

Renting a timeshare, purchasing a timeshare resale, and engaging in timeshare exchange are all easy, wonderful, and most advantageous was of traveling almost anywhere in the world. We know that. But the world is a mighty big place - how do you decide where in the world to go?

As Laura Townsend Elion, contributor to "Consumer Traveler," suggests, the idea could come from movies we see. Ms. Elion maintains, however, that one of the most influential contributions to our travel itch is literature. And it can start with the books we read as children. Books that vividly transported us to experience the heavy fragrance of lemon blossoms on the Mediterranean island of Crete (Mary Stewart's "The Moonspinners") or to feel the exotic dampness of Paris by walking under chestnut trees dripping with rain (the "Madeline" series). How about a timeshare vacation to Virginia to smell the same salt air and watch the wild ponies race as you did when you read Marguerite Henry's immortal story "Misty of Chincoteague."

With more and more timeshare exchanges opening up in China, one of Ms. Elion's favorite novels, "“Spring Moon,” by Betty Bao Lord, might just be what sends you to that fascinating country. This book, she says, is about two Chinas - the one of the past and the one we see emerging now. Besides its stunning descriptions of geography, Ms. Elion states that the book "helped me understand the nuances of pre-Mao culture, one that is just as beautiful, hierarchal, complex, and often times self-destructive as that in monarchial Europe."

Even Robert Louis Stevenson's timeless "Treasure Island" can spark the idea of a vacation to Pacific islands, as can the vivid descriptions by James Michener in his two novels "Hawaii," and "Tales of the South Pacific." There are a multitude of Hawaii timeshare rentals available, as well as exchanges in Tahiti, Fiji and even New Zealand, all destinations where you and your family can get a taste of the exotic south seas for yourselves.

Do you remember how you wanted to travel to Australia and experience Christmas with roses blooming on a hot summer's day after reading Colleen McCullough's "The Thorn Birds"? Think about the books you've read or heard about that intrigued you so much that a nibbling little thought of "maybe…just maybe" started to grow - then check out the many timeshares available the world over. Your dream vacation is waiting for you.

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)

Whether you are a true technophile or are computer-challenged, you've undoubtedly heard of Apple's newest product, the iPad. On April 3, 2010, the much heralded iPad went on sale to the public. Well, it's more like the iPad "came roaring out of the gate," as one reviewer put it. Apple had boasted that initial sales would be between 200 - 300 thousand units, but in actuality sales topped out on the first day at over 700 thousand.

Many computer-industry watchdogs are claiming that the iPad is as revolutionary as the personal computer once was. You'll be seeing the iPad used in multitudes of different ways, and not just for entertainment and the fun of downloading applications (apps). This means that even when you go on your timeshare vacation the resort will most likely in the future be using the iPad. In fact, InterContinental Hotels Group has announced that very fact just this week.

Actually the iPad is an ingenious device for use by timeshare resorts. Described as being in a category between a smartphone and a laptop computer, the iPad runs software that is downloaded from Apple's "App Store." This can include an office suite application that does everything from word processing to spreadsheets, and video applications and maps, and the list goes on.

What this means to you, the timeshare vacationer, is that soon you might find yourself being checked in with the use of an iPad, and no use for the reception desk. Other functions that are sure to improve guest relations include concierge services. Ask directions to a hidden bistro you've heard about, and voila - up on the iPad screen pops directions, reviews, the menu - anything else you want to know about the little place? You'll even be able to see a high-resolution satellite view of it. And how about the concierge assisting you in purchasing tickets to the hottest show with the flick of a finger, or do you need to know the hours an obscure little museum is open?

An InterContinental Hotels spokesperson states that the possibilities of the iPad for the resort industry is "endless." The more they use it the more they'll find things to use it for. And Apple is encouraging everyone from major corporations to normal folk to design apps for the iPad, opening the door for applications software that can be truly dedicated to making the vacation experience of timeshare vacationers the best yet.

(Photo provided by apple.com/ipad)

Plan a timeshare rental vacation for the entire family in Missouri's entertainment mecca, Branson, and head to Silver Dollar City. This exciting theme park actually had its beginnings when the Herschend family leased Marvel Cave in 1950, modernized it with electricity and cement staircases, and began holding square dances in it.

In 1960 the Herschends looked for a way to bring more visitors to Marvel Cave. They opened Silver Dollar City, an authentically recreated Ozark frontier town of five shops and a church. It featured a log cabin with actors playing out the feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys.

In its first year Silver Dollar City drew more than 125,000 people, four times more visitors than the number that toured Marvel Cave. "We discovered we were in the theme park business," Pete Herschend said.

Today Silver Dollar City is called "The Friendliest Theme Park in the U.S.A." "The park's 1880s-themed experience," as Pete Herschend explains, "fits Branson's vision as a family-friendly vacation destination with down-home charm."

The "down home charm" claim might be a little deceiving as Silver Dollar City is a world-class caliber theme park with over 30 rides and attractions. Take the American Plunge which drops 50 feet at speeds up to 35mph. Or Fire in the Hole, an indoors in-the-dark roller coaster ride featuring strobe lights, water and other special effects. Lost River of the Ozarks will take you on a wild raft ride, some of it in the dark, with numerous twists, turns and sudden drops. And then there's Powder Keg (the name says it all), Thunderation, and the list goes on and on. In fact, in 2009 the American Coaster Enthusiasts organization (A.C.E.), held its national summer convention at Silver Dollar City.

And never fear, there is something for every member of the family. The little tykes will enjoy the Animal Barnyard petting zoo, getting wet in Geyser Gulch, and riding the Frisco Silver Dollar Line steam train. Silver Dollar City's operating season runs from mid-March until late-December. See all Branson timeshares.

The world has always had its security challenges for vacationers, and now in the wake of the two metro bombings in Moscow, Russia, this fact is again brought home to us. These events, along with the State Department's warnings to Spring Break travelers to Mexico, and the recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chili, prompted travel editor Jeff Greenburg to offer tips on what to do should you encounter a problem, or as he called it, a "travel disaster."

Since so many of you are timeshare owners in foreign countries, and many more of you enjoy timeshare exchanges around the globe, we would like to pass along some of Jeff Greenburg's suggestions. The problems of the world will always be with us, and instead of canceling travel plans, the best advice is to go on your planned vacations but be armed with knowledge that will help you if you do encounter problems.

When you travel you hope for a relatively peaceful trip, but as everyone knows, anything can happen from losing your travel documents to encountering weather problems and natural disasters to the scare of a terrorist attack.

Greenburg's first suggestion is to make copies of important documentation and contact information. Give copies of your itinerary, along with contact names and telephone numbers, to friends, family and even co-workers. Make sure that everyone in your traveling party also carries the same information. And be sure to copy the front page of your passport that contains the critical documentation the U.S. Embassy will need to replace your passport if it is lost or stolen.

Bring extra batteries for your electronic devices, including your cell phone, blackberry and laptop. And remember to pack universal plug adaptors so your chargers can be plugged in.

Greenburg suggests checking travel warnings and advisories but states that you'll get more comprehensive information by going beyond the U.S. State Department bulletins. His advice is to also check with the foreign countries themselves as they often send out more detailed alerts to their own citizens.

In the wake of vacationers' experiences with the massive earthquakes in Haiti and Peru, Greenburg states that medical evacuation and repatriation insurance is a must. In the case of no commercial air service, a medical evacuation company can schedule dedicated air ambulance service to get you out.

Always know where the embassies of Canada, Great Britain and Australia are located. Often, in response to certain types of disasters, the U.S. embassy has to close. Greenburg has found these three countries to always be helpful and accommodating.

Oh, and Greenburg's final tips: "Pack a small flashlight. And I always pack duct tape. It's amazing when this will come in handy, even if there is no disaster!"

Have you noticed that in life if it isn't one thing it's sure to be another? Or as comedienne Gilda Radner famously noted "It's Always Something." Airline travelers are being hit right and left with one extra fee after another these days. Nobody likes it, but we're all getting used to it.

Now comes the word that many hotels are jumping on the same bandwagon. With occupancy at all time lows, hotels are attempting to make up lost revenue by adding extra charges, some up front and some hidden.

As you read through this partial list, keep in mind that if instead of staying in a hotel you purchase a timeshare resale, or vacation in a timeshare rental, most if not all of these extra fees will mean absolutely nothing to you.

1. Charged for telephone calls you don't make, for smoking in a non-smoking room when you didn't, for unordered movies, etc.


2. Extra charge for a towel by the pool, and you're not allowed to bring one from your room. If you take the pool towel back to your room, you're charged again.


3. Business Center - even if you don't use it, by staying in the hotel that has it you are charged a Business Center fee.


4. Fitness Center - same here - if you never set foot in the fitness center or gym you can still be charged a fee just for it being on the premises.


5. Safe. Even if you don't use it, you can be charged a fee to cover the cost of providing a safe and the insurance policy that covers the contents.


6. Water. The special "gift" of a bottle of water left in your room can cost you up to $6.


7. The "complimentary" newspaper left outside your door, whether you want it or not, can cost you another fee for the "convenience."


8. Housekeeping and bellman gratuities. Even if you are a considerate guest and always plan on appropriate tipping, many hotels automatically tack on $30 to $50 to cover the gratuities anyway.


9. Energy surcharge. Intended to recover the rising costs of providing electrical power, this charge can add $3-$6 dollars a day to your bill. Can you believe it?
   
   
10. And watch out for this one! Mini bar - no not the insane charges for each thing you actually consume. We're talking about an "unstocking charge" for each item that you move to find a place for your own things, or even if you pick something up just to look at it. Sensors in the bar record your action and add the product's fee to your room bill.

Vacationing with a timeshare starting to look pretty good? You Bet!

Why do you take a vacation? Have you ever really thought about it? Of course one reason is relaxation. A chance to unwind, to get away from the daily grind. But if that were the only reason, why travel? You could just chill out in your own backyard, at least if you unplugged your computer, hid your laptop in your neighbor's garage, and buried your cell phone out by the dahlias.

Of course we travel for a lot of reasons: To experience new sights and smells and sounds; to breathe exotic air. And probably one of the most popular reasons is to meet new people. This is especially true if you like to vacation in foreign destinations, either by purchasing a timeshare in a foreign country, or by the wonderful advantage of timeshare exchange.

A "Meet the People" movement is beginning to take hold around the globe. Some places, such as Hawaii and Jamaica, already have programs in place which allow visitors to spend a day with a local family. Other countries such as those in the European Union, and even Egypt, Thailand, Mexico and South Africa are looking at putting such programs into place.

Findings just released by a German study show that a good percentage of those questioned stated they "would make use of personal meetings with local persons, with the express aim of gaining a better insight into the country and people through personal contact." Two thirds of those questioned would prefer to be accompanied, either by a tour guide or other guests when meeting local inhabitants, while a final third would prefer individual face-to-face meetings.

"The opportunity for the experience of local people while off the tourist trail would be valued by many," the German study concluded. "To those interested in an opportunity to gain a better understanding of everyday life in the destination country and of its people, culture, living conditions and problems, the opportunity cannot be rated highly enough."

By vacationing in a timeshare you have time to integrate into a community, to explore streets off the beaten path, and even prepare meals in your timeshare kitchen from fresh fish and delicious vegetables and fresh baked bead bought from the local people. You never know what friendships you can strike up over a fresh red snapper.