World Peace Begins with Bringing Peace Into My Own World by Taking Time Off

…You may be thinking, why is a Karen posting a blog about World Peace on her timeshare blog? Read on!

I remember back in the early 70’s as a young girl, seeing Volkswagen Buses, which often had a non-conforming ‘hippie’ at the wheel. A “Visualize World Peace” bumper sticker was a common sighting on a VW Bus, and seemed almost a ‘staple’ accessory for a free thinker who owned a car.

Then the age of the “Yuppie” came along in the 80’s, and more luxury cars rolled off the production lines to meet the demands of this new breed of people. The purchases they made seemed to place a high priority in ‘making a statement’ in the world. Some owners of yuppie cars sometimes donned a different version of the 70’s bumper sticker that said “Visualize Whirled Peas”…! I remember laughing at that bumper sticker whenever I’d see it, admiring how clever it was… but perhaps the owners really believed the sentiment of World Peace was a joke.

Now more than ever, people are overly-worked, overly-burdened, overly-stressed, and overly-ill, spinning wildly, due to simply not prioritizing the time and space to simply relax and take time to re-group, on the excuse that ‘time is money’, or the list of responsibilities is never-ending. Rest and Relaxation in our world is pushed in the back of the line, in the name of getting ahead, staying ahead, or simply catching up. Westerners are operating at such a high pace, often an entire year passes by without even the thought of taking time off to restore the body, mind, and spirit.

Instead of spending money on vacationing, some people are instead spending money on medical bills and other therapies due stressful lifestyles. Even doctors are telling patients to take time to relax, encouraging vacation time. Rest and Relaxation is no longer a luxury. It is a matter of survival.

I can personally testify that this has been a part of my life story. I, too, have been overly-stressed for years on end, foregoing valuable timeshare vacation time in the name of getting ahead or staying ahead in my career, only to find that earlier this year, I was sick for almost 2 months. My body crashed. My mind crashed. I just couldn’t keep up any more. I knew at that point that things needed to change, in order for me to re-claim my authentic enthusiasm for life. I find it ironic that I’m in the timeshare business, which is luxury vacations made affordable, and I wasn’t even giving myself the time to experience the wonderful product I’ve chosen to advocate as my career over the past 23 years!

I’m a big advocate of the economic benefits of timeshare, but now more than ever, I also value the spiritual, emotional, and physical benefits of timeshare vacationing. It is now a matter of survival for me to pamper myself with at least one week each year to a very special place to leave my cares behind.

Regardless of the type of setting or amenities that suit your tastes, there are almost 6,000 timeshare resorts on our planet now. Millions of families just like you are already timeshare owners. Timeshare Owners who value the importance of taking time off with their loved ones are staying at rejuvenating, luxurious (and affordable) timeshare resorts right now, as you are reading this sentence.

After working hard all year, leave behind the idea of stuffing the family into hotel rooms. Experience timeshare vacationing and you’ll not just see the economic value of timeshare vacationing; you’ll experience a rejuvenating peace in your life, year after year. It’s more important than ever.

Imagine yourself enjoying time away on an island, such as the island of Kauai at the Kauai Beachboy. Or the sweet scent of pines in the crisp mountain air of Lake Tahoe at Marriott’s Timber Lodge. Perhaps a trip South of the Border to Mexico at the Dreams Los Cabos & Club Casa Dorada Beach and Golf Resort is in your list of desires. Take some time for yourself and your family. Do it in luxury. Make it count. Make it memorable. Make it peaceful.

World Peace: Let it begin with me.

Starwood Unveils Latest Masterpiece, The Phoenician Residences

The timeshare/fractional ownership industry continues to pick up steam, even while other sectors of the economy are struggling. Apparently, people see the value in luxury vacationing more than ever, particularly in the midst of stressful times.

Among the constant parade of new timeshare resorts being unveiled almost on a weekly basis from big-name companies, like Marriott, Wyndham, Westin, and others, is Starwood’s fabulous Phoenician Residences in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the base of Camelback Mountain.

The Phoenician Residences is the newest family member in Starwood’s “The Luxury Collection”, comprised of an elite ensemble of 69 of the globe’s finest hotels and resorts, spanning over 26 countries in top-end vacation destinations.

Among the impressive amenities on the 250-acres site, you’ll find interesting dining experiences, Nine shimmering swimming pools, a USGA championship golf complex, boasting an impressive collection of three distinctive nine-hole courses including driving range, the ‘Tennis Garden’ with 12 lighted tennis courts, with various playing surfaces to customize the perfect tennis game. After an active outing, in the therapeutic desert sun, indulge in the ‘Centre for Well Being’ spa, for a relaxation/meditation experience not soon to be forgotten.

Members can purchase a three-week Club Interest with two fixed weeks during peak seasons, and one floating week during the summer. Prices range from $150,000 - $400,000. As a brand-new vacation ownership opportunity, interests are only available by purchasing directly from Starwood.

Most of us only dream of such an elaborate vacation experience -but do not be discouraged - there are thousands of equally incredible timeshare/vacation ownership opportunities that can be grabbed up on the resale market, and can be purchased at a fraction of the price of developer-direct retail pricing, typically available in 1-week incraments to customize your vacation needs. Browse through Timeshare Giant and see what you come up with!

Take in the wonders of Lake Tahoe in Each Season

Lake Tahoe has become an internationally-known vacation destination over the past 2 decades. With its recognition, the south shore has become the focus of many updates, improvements, and top-end timeshare resort properties to accommodate its stature as a world-class, year-round vacation destination.

During Summer months while lazing your way through a Summer day, relax on pristine alpine beaches, all while also enjoying spectacular snow-capped mountain views, endless watersports, hiking, and wonderful paved bike trails meandering through the sweet-smelling pine forests, Tahoe’s ideal daytime Summer weather conditions average 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Ideal weather conditions make it easy to be outdoors. Stroll around world-class shopping and boutiques in the famous Heavenly Village by day, and enjoy 24-hour casino action, top-name entertainment, and restaurants for every budget year-round.

Winter months offer an equal amount of activities, both indoors and out; Spend your day downhill skiing, boarding, or cross-country skiing at any of Lake Tahoe’s 15 scenic ski resorts. Serene snow-shoeing opportunities abound, across quiet breathtaking meadows. At night, take in dinner, a show, or take your chance at lady luck in the casinos.

Some of the newer timeshare developments to Lake Tahoe, which include Marriott’s Timber Lodge (pictured above), is situated in the heart of the new Heavenly Village. It’s located just steps away from the Nevada Stateline in South Lake Tahoe, California.

The new Heavenly Tram is located in the center of European-inspired Heavenly Village. If you’re in residency at Marriott’s Timber Lodge, the tram is just steps from your luxury Condo.

Marriott really out-did themselves when they developed the Marriott’s Timber Lodge.

There are some wonderful ownership opportunities available now at Marriott’s Timber Lodge on Timeshare Giant. You can explore them by clicking on the title of this post.

Bundle up for Eastern European Travel

The outlook on travel to Eastern Europe has really changed in recent years. Many travelers are finding that this side of Europe has great travel bargains and off-the-beaten-path treasures. Some of you hearty souls that enjoy a cool breeze and don't mind the snow even opt to travel to this part of the world during the winter. Even if you are used to cold weather, it never hurts to be reminded that winter travel is not like summer travel. Your suitcase may be a bit bulkier because you’ll need heavier clothes, but you’ll have a great time seeing the sites if you pack so you can stay warm.

Pile on the layers

Just as in the United States, it may be cold outside, but rather warm inside. If you bring only sweaters and long underwear, you may find yourself melting when you are indoors. Wearing layers of clothing means you can be prepared for all temperatures.

Get boots that are made for walkin'

If you are not from a cold climate in the U.S., you may not have the kind of sturdy boots you need to make it in Eastern Europe. Galoshes or rain boots simply won’t do, You'll need sturdy, waterproof boots that go above the ankle.

The all-important Coat

You'll need a good coat, but you'll also need room in your suitcase for your other things. What do you do? Pack your coat in a sealable bag, of course. When you press all of the air out of the bag and seal it, you’ll find that your coat is not as bulky as it seems to be.

Top it all off with a hat

Yes, you've seen pictures of people in Easter Europe wearing big, furry hats, and soon you will be on of those people. Actually, you don’t have to get a huge hat like that, but you do need a hat that can protect your head and ears. It is likely that the hat you buy will not be the most fashionable, but your ears will thank you for it later.

Eastern Europe is a Winter Wonderland

When I say Eastern Europe-what do you think? If the image in your mind is dreary and filled with snow, then you are only half right. There definitely is snow (a lot of it) in Eastern Europe during the winter, but as for the dreary part, you've got it all wrong!

The prices you can pay to travel to Eastern Europe during the winter months pale in comparison to the prices for the western part of the continent. The winter is not peak travel season, so you can get great rates on everything from your airfare to the trinkets you buy to give to friends back home.

Eastern Europeans do not hide or hibernate during the winter. They have great festivals, wonderful shows, fantastic operas, and beautiful ballet productions all year long. In fact, because it is an area used to the cold climate, there are some festivals and productions that can only be seen during the winter. This is a testament to a region that embraces and celebrates the weather during all seasons. You won’t have to fight to get tickets, either.

Because it has been somewhat isolated, a lot of Eastern Europe's charming architecture, has not been heralded as much as other parts of the world. There are gorgeous cathedrals and stately castles awaiting you there. If you are into photography, you'll jump at the opportunity to photograph some of these great buildings with a backdrop of pristine snow.

Winter is a time to connect with the local people in Eastern Europe, since many other travelers choose to stay away at this time of year. Shopkeepers and restauranteurs are probably less harried during the winter and may be more amenable to conversation since things are quieter.
If you like to vacation, but dread the hustle and bustle of trying to get through jam-packed streets or do not have the patience to wait in long lines to get into a museum, then off-peak winter travel may be for you. And if you want to go somewhere that everyone hasn't already been, check out Eastern Europe.

Timeshare Forecast: Sunny with a Chance of Extra Vacation Fun

Recently Pricewaterhouse Coopers released the results of an annual study they undertake to evaluate the climate in the timeshare industry. A press release that detailed the study characterized the outlook for timeshares as sunny. This is great news as you look at your schedule for the upcoming year. The resorts you already love and the ones you want to try for the first time are ready and waiting to accommodate you.

Timeshare sales based on purchasing weeks at a resort remain strong, while the market for points-based timeshares is growing rapidly as well. The increased flexibility and a wide array of options for upgrades make timeshare travel a very attractive choice. You can get five-star treatment, help with planning activities, discounts on local attractions, and much more. Planning your vacation is a lot easier when you don’t have to do it all yourself.

People are realizing what some of you already know—the opportunity to customize your vacation time is invaluable. More and more people are opting to take short getaways in addition to longer vacations. Also, with today’s hectic pace, everyone cannot take the long leisurely vacation that they would like to take. But it is possible to get away for a long weekend.

People are opting to take more off-peak vacations. We expect to see people vacationing in the summer or during the winter holiday season, but more travelers are seeing the advantages at other times of the year. Vacationers are adding an extra day to their three day weekends, like Columbus Day or Veterans Day. They are also using their timeshare points to vacation on weekends that don't center around holidays, times when fewer people are heading to vacation destinations.

We are seeing more people chose to celebrate special occasions with a short trip. Your anniversary, promotion, birthday and other milestones deserve their due. Why not celebrate with a change of scenery? To assist you in finding the perfect long or short get-a-way, visit our sponsor, Timeshare Giant to search for and even book your next timeshare vacation.

Hidden Costs Boost Travel Prices

Travel suppliers are trying to boost their prices without seeming to. Rising costs coupled with a weak economy has the travel industry scrambling to increase prices while still appealing to cash-strapped travelers. It's a time for "consumer beware." Some of the promotions being offered are misleading at best and downright deceptive at worst.

Here are four things savvy travelers will want to watch for:

• Hidden add-ons. Many hotels are posting enticingly low prices to get customers in the door, then adding on exorbitant resort fees, energy surcharges, shuttle fees, and unexpected fees for room features like phones, safes and mini bars, even if you don't use them. Check before you book. What you expect to be free may not be anymore. And watch for extortionary fuel surcharges on airline flights to recoup fuel costs. It's routine in other parts of the world and appealing to cash-strapped U.S. airlines.


• Unbundling. Airlines are going a la carte. Expect to pay separate fees for each checked bag, advanced seat assignments, frequent-flier miles, snacks and drinks. Many airlines are already charging $25 to $50 for each checked bag after the first one. I just flew to Hawaii on United which offered "food items for sale" in lieu of a lunch tray. Expect similar behavior from car rental agencies and hotels.


• Incidental fees. In an effort to lure you in, airlines, rental-car companies and hotels will continue to advertise affordable base costs. It's the climbing incidental fees that will kill your budget. And don't expect them to be upfront about it. Airlines are already quietly charging more for phone reservations than online ones.


• Fine print penalties. Get used to reading the fine print. Travel suppliers have started hiding tough cancellation policies and stiff fees in all that gray type, hoping you won't drag out the reading glasses to decipher it.