Timeshare Information

Are you flying this holiday season to a timeshare rental vacation or family get-together, with a disabled child? To help you prepare for the security screening process at the airport, Part 2 of our 2-Part series on traveling with children will give you tips offered by the TSA on how to navigate that experience as stress-free as possible.

The TSA is made up of parents just like yourselves, who are very aware of parents' concerns and children's fears when presented with the airport security screening process, especially when the child is disabled.

It might seem to many people that insisting that a disabled child go through security check is unwarranted, but the TSA has many examples of dangerous items being hidden in the undercarriage of wheelchairs, in hollowed-out canes, and even in prosthetics.

Parents or guardians of children with disabilities should:

• Inform the security officer if the child has any special needs or medical devices.


• Inform the security officer if you think the child may become upset during the screening process as a result of their disability.


• Offer suggestions on how to best accomplish the screening to minimize any confusion or outburst for the child.


• Ask the security officer for assistance during the process by helping you put your and the child's carry-on items on the X-ray belt.


• Know that at no time during the screening process will you be separated from your child.


• Know that if a private screening is required, you will escort and remain with your child during the private screening process.


• Tell the security officer what your child's abilities are. For example: can the child stand slightly away from equipment to be handwanded, walk through the metal detector, or needs to be carried through the metal detector by the parent/guardian.


• Know that at no time will the security officer remove your child from his/her mobility aid (wheelchair or scooter). You are responsible for removing your child from his/her equipment at your discretion to accomplish screening.


• Know that if your child is unable to walk or stand, the security officer will
  conduct a pat-down search of your child while he/she remains in their mobility aid, as well as a visual and physical inspection of their equipment.

"We specially train our Security Officers and they understand your concern for your children," stated a TSA official. "They will approach your children gently and treat them with respect. If your child becomes uncomfortable or upset, security officers will consult you about the best way to relieve your child's concern."

Read Getting Your Children through Airport Security – Part 1

(Photo credit - tsa.gov)

The holidays are a time when many families will be flying, but for whom flying might be something done infrequently enough that it can be a stressful experience. If you are one of these families and you're headed to a holiday timeshare rental vacation or family get-together, knowing ahead of time some of what to expect in managing your children at the airport security check can help things go smoothly.

Our 2-Part article offers tips directly from the Transportation Security Administration on traveling with children.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the government agency that has the responsibility of protecting the nation's transportation systems so you and your family can travel safely. To that end, with the high terrorist threat that the country is now under, airline passengers must be screened prior to boarding an aircraft. That includes everyone, even babies and disabled children.

Many people question the need to include children in the security check, but the TSA has examples of box cutters being hidden in baby carriers, knives hidden in babies' diapers, and the like.

Part 1 looks at what to expect when passing through security with children.

If your child can walk without your assistance, you and your child will be asked to walk through the metal detector separately. If you are carrying your child through the metal detector and the alarm sounds, the security officer will have to additionally screen both you and your child.

• Remove babies and children from their strollers or infant carriers so that our Security Officers can screen them individually.


• You may not pass the child to another person behind you or in front of you during this process.


• Do not pass your child to the security officer to hold.


• The security officer may ask for your help screening your child.

Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are now allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces (100ml) and are not required to be in the zip-top bag, but must be declared and offered for inspection.

1. Separate these items from the liquids, gels, and aerosols in your quart-size and zip-top bag.


2. Declare you have the items to one of our Security Officers at the security checkpoint.


3. Present these items for additional inspection once reaching the X-ray. These items are subject to additional screening.

You are allowed to bring gel or liquid-filled teethers, and canned, jarred, or processed baby food in your carry-on baggage aboard the plane.

Read Getting Your Children through Airport Security – Part 2

(Photo credit - tsa.gov)

Breckenridge, Colorado, is home to world-class skiing, an historic downtown built during Colorado's 1850's Gold Rush, and some great timeshare resorts. Even through the economic down-turn of the recession, Breckenridge Grand Vacations is one company that has continued going onward and upward and never looked back.

Started in 1985 by brothers Mike and Rob Millisor (see photo), Breckenridge Grand Vacations operates three timeshare resorts in Breckenridge: Grand Lodge on Peak 7, Grand Timber Lodge and Gold Point Condominiums. From 2009 to 2010 Breckenridge Grand Vacations experienced an 8 percent increase in gross sales dollars from 2009 to 2010 and a 5 percent boost in sales transactions over the same time.

Mike and Rob are committed to creating great family vacations. Their solid, 4-component business philosophy, comprised of investors, owners & guests, employees and the community, has given them the focus for their incredible success in the vacation ownership business in Breckenridge.

“We are encouraged by the continue growth in our owner base, and we believe our product fits the needs of our clients who want deeded ski-in, ski-out ownership without paying millions of dollars for it,” Breckenridge Grand Vacations chief financial officer Nick Doran said.

The leadership team at Breckenridge Grand Vacations is very involved in the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), the national organization that "fosters and promotes the growth of the vacation ownership industry and serves its members through education, public relations and communications, legislative advocacy, membership development, and ethics enforcement."

The company was recognized by ARDA in 2003 and 2005 with Circle of Excellence awards. In 2010 Breckenridge Grand Vacations was again recognized by ARDA as outstanding in various categories. Awards are given "to those employees acknowledged by vacation ownership industry leaders as the “best of the best” in the $10 billion dollar business worldwide." Seven Breckenridge Grand Vacations employees, ranging from members of the marketing department to the housekeeping manager, received the coveted awards

Breckenridge Grand Vacations has also received the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics, given for consistently fair and honest treatment of customers, owners, guests and employees.

To this day, Mike and Rob believe in a hands-on management style that ensures the level of excellence. The brothers have made Breckenridge home for their families during the past two decades, and are actively involved in the community.

Learn more about Breckenridge in the winter and in the summer.

(Photo credit - breckenridgegrandvacations.com)

Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort and Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) have announced the expansion of their relationship. Building upon the strength of an affiliation agreement that began in 2007, Hilton Grand Vacations will now assume responsibility for Grand Pacific MarBrisa timeshare sales and marketing, as well as many resort management services.

According to David Brown and Tim Stripe, co-presidents of Grand Pacific Resorts, the new structure combines Grand Pacific’s long tenure as the leader in the Southern California timeshare marketplace with the global strength and hospitality expertise of the Hilton Worldwide timeshare brand.

"The enhanced synergy between the two organizations begins with the renaming of our spectacular Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort as Hilton Grand Vacations Club at MarBrisa," Stripe said.

“Our strengthened alignment with Hilton Grand Vacations enables us to enhance the guest experience," said Brown. "The depth of experience that HGV brings to our resort operation is tremendous. The enhanced relationship will positively impact the resort’s visibility and prominence both locally and nationally.”

According to Mark Wang, President of Hilton Grand Vacations, “The time is right to take our affiliation with Grand Pacific Resorts to the next level. Our expertise in sales, marketing and resort operations is an ideal complement to this magnificent Grand Pacific development."

"We look forward to igniting the demand for this extraordinary destination through our Club membership of more than 165,000 and at our global sales distribution centers," continued Wang. "We feel confident that the structure of this agreement will enable both organizations to achieve optimum results as we build on our respective brand strengths and capabilities.”

Built in 2008 and situated on 41 prime acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Hilton Grand Vacations Club at MarBrisa is located near the quaint coastal village of Carlsbad and offers year-round appeal as an idyllic vacation destination. The classic Spanish Mediterranean-style resort features luxurious studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom vacation villas, each with a private patio or balcony offering panoramic ocean or park views.

Hilton Grand Vacations Club at MarBrisa offers guests direct access to nearby LEGOLAND® California, SeaWorld, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Golfers will delight in dozens of excellent nearby courses, including The Crossings at Carlsbad Championship Golf Course adjacent to the resort.

(Photo credit - marbrisaresort.com)

What will they come up with next? Its flu season, and its holiday travel season, and time is flying and everybody is in a rush… why not take care of your Flu Shot at the airport? It'll be just one less thing you have to do before leaving on your timeshare vacation.

Harriet Baskas, special correspondent for USA Today, reported on the growing trend of health clinics in airports available for travelers who are glad to stop, roll up a sleeve, and get their annual flu shot with an attitude of "Now is as good a time as any."

As one passenger said, "Talk about convenient!"

This concept was first offered to travelers a few years ago at a medical clinic at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. Now you can get covered for the 2010 flu season at any one of 28 airports across the country.

"Making vaccinations available at the airport insures that even the busiest travelers can take steps to stay healthy and productive." said Jeff Hamiel, executive director of the Metropolitan Airports Commission for Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

“We’re happy to offer this convenient service during the flu season,” echoed John L. Martin, Director of San Francisco International Airport. “We are committed to keeping our passengers and employees safe and healthy so that they can better enjoy their travels.”

San Diego International Airport is also making sure that people who are at the airport to meet incoming passengers can get their flu shots while they wait. The airport has located a flu shot kiosk outside security at the baggage claim area.

Some airport officials might be having second thoughts after a warning was made by Dr. Josesph Diaco to the Tampa International Airport governing board. Dr. Diaco warned that airline passengers given the vaccine shouldn't be stuck in a plane in case they have adverse reactions and need to see a doctor.

However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that life-threatening and other serious reactions to flu vaccines are rare. More typical symptoms are soreness where the shot was given, fever, aches and hoarseness. They usually begin soon after the shot and last a day or two, the agency says.

At most airport locations, people receiving a shot must fill out a short form asking for their medical histories, and warning of possible reactions. Nurses ask that customers taking their first flu shot to wait near the kiosk 15 to 20 minutes.

Most major airports in the U.S. now provide flu shots including Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International, Baltimore Washington International, Boston Logan International, LAX in Los Angeles, JFK in New York, and Honolulu International.

(Photo credit - usatoday.com)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced its holiday campaigns for 2010. Since a survey by American Express Travel has shown that 74% of us will be driving to our Thanksgiving destination, many of us with our families, it's a good idea to pay attention.

"Safety is NHTSA’s number one priority. Our mission is to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on our nation’s roadways by getting drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to change their behaviors once they get behind the wheel or on the streets," stated an NHTSA spokesperson. "High-visibility campaigns, supported by state and national advertising, help us achieve our mission."

The billboard campaign for Thanksgiving holiday travel reads: "Too much turkey is no excuse for not buckling up." For Christmas the campaign slogan is "If you drive and drink, you'll get more than a piece of coal in your stocking."

Another NHTSA holiday campaign is "Family Travel Safety." The NHTSA is joined by state highway patrol officers across the country in an attempt to prevent unnecessary traffic accidents due to alcohol.

Also in relation to the "Family Travel Safety" campaign the NHTSA has identified 5 child safety issues that it wants you to be aware of, not just during the holidays, but all year round.

1. Backover
   A backover incident typically occurs when a car coming out of a driveway or parking space backs over a child because the driver did not see him/her.


2. Power Windows
   Many children are injured when a window closes on their finger, wrist, or hand, and some have even been strangled by power windows.


3. Seat Belts. A child within reach of a seat belt may become entangled if he or she pulls the seat belt all the way out and wraps the belt around the head, neck, or waist, with the locking device preventing escape.


4. Trunk
   Children are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings. Hide and seek can turn deadly if they get trapped in the trunk.


5. Heatstroke
   Children die each year from heatstroke in hot cars. Even though holiday time means winter, the southern 1/3 of the country will continue to have warm temperatures. So be aware that when left in a hot vehicle, a young child's body temperature may increase three to five times as fast an adult. High body temperatures can cause permanent injury or even death.

Keeping safety in mind while driving to your timeshare Thanksgiving or Christmas vacation will help your entire family to have a fun and blessed holiday.

(Photo credit - www.nhtsa.gov)

Interval International has announced that it has broadened its relationship with Grand Crowne Resorts. Interval International is a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services, and Grand Crowne Resorts is an industry-leading developer of points-based vacation ownership and comprehensive travel planning services. The long-term relationship renewal comprises Grand Crowne resorts in Branson, Missouri, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, as well as a property in Biloxi, Mississippi.

In addition, the agreement stipulates that any club or non-club resorts developed in the future will become part of the Interval Network. The expanded relationship also includes reservation services provided by Interval Resort & Financial Services (IRFS), an affiliated company of Interval International.

“As an independent developer, our company has found Interval International to be a great partner. Its executives are hands on and work in partnership with our team on a regular basis,” said C.J. Perme, president and CEO of Grand Crowne Resorts. “We are committed to providing our owners with exceptional vacation experiences and are confident that Interval is uniquely qualified to meet our future needs and those of our discerning owners.”

“We are delighted to renew and enhance our longstanding relationship with Grand Crowne Resorts,” said Craig M. Nash, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Interval Leisure Group, parent company of International Interval. “Its dedication to guest service and its quality resorts combine to provide Interval members with access to memorable vacations in some of the top family destinations in the country.”

The Branson-based properties include The Surrey Grand Crowne Resort(see photo), The Surrey Vacation Resort, The Carriage Place at Surrey Vacation Resort, Crowne View Heights, and The Lodges at Crowne View. Branson, MO, is well known as a year-round vacation destination, perfect for both families and retirees, offering a wide variety of activities from fishing and boating to theme park thrill rides to live stage entertainment offered at more than 50 theaters along the "Strip."

Grande Crowne Resorts has vacation properties located in two other popular destinations, as well. Owners and guests can stay at the Ocean View Vacation Villas and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Biloxi, MS, as well as numerous casinos, concerts and entertainment shows in this special beach vacation area. Or, you can head to The Lodges at Great Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where you can visit Dollywood, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited National Park in the U.S.

Owners who purchase at one of the Grand Crowne Resorts will continue to be enrolled as individual members of Interval International, as well as Interval Gold®, an upgraded level of membership.