Experience Ultimate Thanksgiving in Massachusetts

Looking for the ultimate Thanksgiving experience? Take a closer look at Massachusetts. Approximately halfway between Boston and the Cape Cod area, Plymouth, the site of the original Thanksgiving celebration, is an easy hour drive from your timeshare in either location.

If you want to immerse yourself in American history, stay at Marriott's Custom House timeshare in Boston (left). Dating from 1849, the Custom House wraps you in the grandeur of a by-gone era. An architectural gem and historic Boston landmark, the Custom House combines history with contemporary sophistication. Conveniently located in the heart of Boston on the harbor, the Custom House timeshare puts the delights of the city at your feet. Free valet parking and wireless internet add to the convenience of modern visitors.

You may prefer to get away from the city and head for the quiet and beauty of Cape Cod in the fall. The Cove at Yarmouth timeshare (below, right) provides a convenient central location from which to launch excursions. Spacious suite-style accommodations offer plenty of space and comfort for the whole family. You'll find lots to do at the resort too. Enjoy the beautiful indoor pool, soak in the sauna, exercise with a game of racquetball or indoor tennis. For information on more Cape Cod timeshares, click the post title.

From your Cape Cod timeshare you can roam deserted beaches, visit the cape's many picturesque lighthouses. Without the crowds around, I've had some pleasant chats and a nice cup of tea or two with lighthouse keepers on the cape. Many of the summer beach attractions and food stands will be closed, but you'll find wonderful restaurants and excellent seafood up and down the cape. And prices are cheaper and service even more attentive during the off season.

A visit to historic Plymouth makes a pleasant day trip from your timeshare in Boston or the Cape Cod area. In Plymouth, you can tread in the footsteps of the Pilgrims. The oldest street in North America, Leyden Street dates from their original settlement. To truly appreciate the bravery and perseverance of these early settlers, walk the decks of the Mayflower II (below, left) docked in downtown Plymouth harbor. An accurate recreation of the ship that brought 102 colonists to the shores of America in 1620, the ship is surprisingly small. In high seas and storms, the journey to America must have been a wild and terrifying ride.

Just 3 miles south of downtown Plymouth, at the site of the original colony, lies historic Plimoth Plantation, a can't-miss attraction. The fascinating living-history museum recreates an English settler colony circa 1627 and a Wampanoag Indian home site of the same era. In 1621, Plymouth settlers and Wampanoag Indians gathered for an impromptu, if uneasy, harvest celebration that became known as the first Thanksgiving. Costumed, role-playing actors dispense history and dispel myth as they show visitors what life was like for the hardy settlers who colonized America.

A visit to the plantation's craft center allows you to watch artisans demonstrating pottery-making and woodworking skills of the 17th century. Pieces made at the plantation make a nice souvenir of your visit. You'll want to drop by the visitor's center to take in the fascinating exhibit, Thanksgiving: Memory, Myth and Meaning, which explores the reality behind our first Thanksgiving stories. For the ultimate Thanksgiving experience, call ahead and reserve a spot at one of several traditional Thanksgiving dinners or buffets. The kids will especially like the eat like a Pilgrim dinner where you eat with your hands.

Plymoth Plantation is open from early spring through the weekend after Thanksgiving Day. Wood smoke mixing with the crisp autumn air makes November the perfect time of year to visit and get a true feeling for that early Thanksgiving celebration.

You'll find the town of Plymouth overflowing with historic sites and some very nice restaurants. Locals call the Colonial on Main Street which serves traditional American fare "the best restaurant in town." If you have a taste for fresh-caught lobster or fish, try Wood's on the docks. Wood's lobster rolls are a local legend. For a quick lunch with a great view of the harbor, stop by 14 Union Dockside Bar and Grill for traditional English fish and chips.

'Good Faith' Law Makes Holiday Travel Safer

The holiday season is fast approaching and more timeshare owners will take to the skies to reach their favorite vacation destinations. We should all be aware of a new homeland security law that can help us keep each other safe. Under a new federal law, if you see someone acting suspiciously on your flight, you can report your concerns to the crew without fear of being sued, even if your fears turn out to be ungrounded. Passed by Congress on July 27, the little-noticed good faith law was enacted as part of the sweeping homeland security bill that implemented recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. Under the new law, any citizen who witnesses a fellow passenger behaving in a suspicious manner -- acting nervously, looking around furtively, conferring in a language they don't understand, acting in any way that makes them feel afraid -- can blow the whistle and report their fears to the crew. The measure gives immunity to passengers on planes, trains, buses and cruise ships. The law was written in broad terms to encourage the public to be proactive about homeland security by shielding the average citizen from possible legal liability if he or she reports suspicious behavior. The law also protects officials who, in good faith, take reasonable action in responding to potentially terrorist activity. While the law does not protect people who knowingly make false statements, the American Civil Liberties Union has expressed concern that it may lead to greater racial and religious profiling. The need for the law arose out of the 2006 incident in which six Muslim clerics were removed from a US Airways flight after fellow passengers became nervous by their prayers in the terminal, seating patterns, requests for seatbelt extenders and other unusual behaviors. As a result of the incident, the clerics filed a lawsuit against the airport, airline and unnamed passengers. The good faith law was made retroactive to September 1, 2006 to protect those passengers and negate the lawsuit against them. The suit against the airport and airline is still in court, but the lawsuit against John Doe passengers has been dropped. Much of the fear generated by 9/11 has dissipated and we feel much safer as a nation now than we did just a few years ago. But protecting our country is a constant and ongoing responsibility that we all share. Timeshare owners who travel often are among those who can help serve as the eyes and ears of our country's security forces. If you see someone acting oddly or suspiciously while you're traveling, report it at once to the crew, or to ground personnel if you're still in the airport or station. With the enactment of the good faith law, you can now act without fear.

Use Timeshares to Plan Retirement Travel

A number of savvy retirees are using timeshares to make retirement travel easier. Some started purchasing multiple timeshares 20 or more years ago with just that in mind. Others didn't jump on the bandwagon until they crossed the retirement starting line. But all have found that multiple timeshare ownerships will make it possible for them to continue traveling and enjoying life well into their golden years. In an open forum on TimeshareForums.com, cathyb told how she and her husband built their timeshare retirement estate:

"Back in 1985 we bought our first timeshare, Carlsbad Inn. We lived an hour from this beach town and it served its purpose for two hard-working people to use as a get-away.... Now we own two weeks in Maui, one week in Kauai, two weeks in nearby Palm Desert, one week in Newport Beach, CA, Worldmark credits and Carlsbad Inn. All along our logic was to buy where eventually we could travel easily when we are old. Well, at ages 75 and 70 we now can drive to four of those owned and fly easily to the rest."

Cathyb and her husband recommend owning at least one timeshare close to home. Airline strikes, rising ticket prices and natural disasters may occasionally make it difficult or impossible to travel to far-flung timeshares. (Hurricane Iniki kept cathyb and hubby from vacationing in Kauai in 1992.) Maintaining an option within driving distance gives you an ace in the hole. Other retirees say they've done the same thing. Rather than winter in Florida or Arizona, staying in the same place the whole time, they purchase timeshares in a few of their favorite vacation spots. They can then "winter" 3 weeks at one timeshare, 4 at another, etc. Every year they get to travel to all their favorite places without living out of a suitcase. They can put down a few roots in each community and enjoy returning each year to visit favorite haunts and eateries and discover new ones. On the same forum iconnections agreed with retiree cathyb:

"We also like owning timeshares close to home ... it still feels like a vacation to us because it is on the ocean and that is quite different even if you live very close to the beach already. You don't have the view of the ocean and sound of the waves at home so you still feel like you are far away."

Iconnections noted that day use of your timeshare's pool and other resort amenities are nice perks often overlooked by owners who live near their timeshare. She also said she and her husband find it most restful to spend at least 4 to 6 weeks at each of their timeshares. Some retirees find they prefer city vacations these days and plan to exchange their resort timeshares for the glitz of New York or the fun of San Francisco. They look forward to quiet afternoons wandering through museums or galleries, poking through shops, taking in a show or two, sampling some great ethnic food and, most importantly, leaving the driving to mass transit. Whatever your retirement dream, buying or renting a timeshare can make travel easy and affordable. Click the post title to find out more about timeshares on Timeshare Giant.

Exchange Company Awards Can Increase Timeshare Value

RCI and Interval International are the 2 largest timeshare exchange companies in the world. Almost always, when a timeshare resort is newly developed, its developer will choose to affiliate the new resort with either RCI (Resort Condominiums International), or II (Interval International). Both exchange companies have a similar system in which they recognize the outstanding resorts affiliated with their exchange network, for standards of excellence in important categories, but there are a few slight differences in how each exchange company bestows an award. RCI designates their superlative timeshares as Gold Crown Resorts. Interval International lavishes its Five Star Award on their premier timeshares. What does it mean when an exchange company bestows such a recognition award on a timeshare? Does it compare to the vaunted Michelin Guide's 4-star rating? Or is it just a lot of meaningless hype? Actually, a Gold Crown Resort or Five Star Award rating is as coveted in the timeshare industry as those Michelin stars are by restaurants and hotels. A premier designation is an outside validation a resort's claim to quality, boosting the prestige of the resort. It assures both buyers and existing owners that the timeshare management is committed to providing high quality amenities, superior service and excellent maintenance. Also, because exchange systems trade accommodations of similar quality, owning a timeshare that has received a recognition award gives you an entree into other award-winning resorts. Unfortunately, recognition awards do not always guarantee similarly luxurious accommodations and amenities. Here's how the awards stack up:

• Interval International's Five Star Award is the only level of award an affiliated resort can obtain. There is no 4, 3, 2, or 1-Star rating. The 5-Star rating is based on its own Quality Rating Survey which rates five general criteria: area, site, amenities, units and guest services. "Scores are weighted according to the type of vacation experience," explains II spokesman Chris Boesch. "For example, a resort in an urban area may not be required to have a full-size kitchen but may offer more in the way of guest services." Once a Five Star Award is given, II monitors continued quality via guest comment cards. (This is why it's so important to keep II informed by completing your guest comment card at the end of your vacation.)
• RCI's Gold Crown Resort is based on a detailed list of specific criteria that a resort must meet to be recognized. Two lesser levels of recognition are also offered: the Silver Crown Resort designation for resorts that come close but not quite up to the gold standard and the RCI Hospitality award for resorts that meet a minimum standard of excellence. RCI also uses guest comment cards to monitor continued quality. To maintain a Gold Crown Award, however, a resort must also continue to meet specific requirements for resort amenities, guest services, unit amenities/interiors and resort maintenance.

You'll note that RCI uses a rating system with a hierarchy of benchmarks while II uses more of a checklist. Without a lesser number of stars to denote various levels of quality, II's Five Star Award can be a bit misleading. Not all II resorts receive a Five Star Award, of course, but neither does the award guarantee quite as discernible a standard of quality as RCI's Gold Crown award. You can't necessarily assume that an II Five Star Award resort will be comparable to hotel that receives a AAA 5-diamond or Mobil 5-star rating.

In 2006, rating organizations in the United Kingdom imposed a new program that rates all of the nation's accommodations by a common set of standards. The same rating criteria and guidelines are now used by VisitBritain, VisitEngland, VisitScotland, VisitWales, the Automobile Association and the Royal Automobile Club to determine the number of stars to award a hotel or resort. Each organization accepts the others' ratings and ratings are jointly published.

While this won't change II or RCI timeshare ratings, it will provide consumers with a more exact idea of a timeshare resort's quality. Consumers might demand more details about an II Five Star Award resort that only receives a 3-star rating on the UK's national rating system. While hotels and resorts are not required to participate in the national rating system, those that don't are prohibited from being promoted by UK tourist boards or journalists. The system doesn't have a specific category for timeshares, but will evaluate them if the property is mixed-use or offers rentals. Properties pay an assessment fee to be evaluated.

A program similar to the UK's national ratings system may never "cross the pond," but some standardization would certainly benefit consumers and timeshare owners.

Escape to Napa Valley Wine Country This Fall

The skies are sunny, the temperatures still pleasant and, most importantly, the crowds are gone. Late fall and early winter are the perfect time to visit the wine country in northern California's Napa Valley. Wineries are eager to greet new customers and, with the crowds and bus tours gone, there's time to linger over a sampling session and enjoy a comfortable chat about the finer points of each wine.

Napa Valley is the home of America's world-class wines and wineries. With a climate and soils to rival France's best, grapes have been grown, crushed and fermented in Napa Valley since the 1800s. When Inglenook wines won gold at the 1889 World's Fair in Paris, the world's wine connoisseurs first took notice of Napa Valley. New techniques and procedures introduced in the 1930s, notably by Brother Timothy of the Christian Brothers winery, ushered in the modern era of commercial wine production, gaining California wines national recognition.

It was Robert Mondavi, a son of Italian immigrants, who brought the large-scale production improvements and marketing strategies to the Valley in the mid-1960s that truly launched America's wine industry into the world arena. When Napa Valley wines bested several of France's most famous labels in blind taste tests at the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976, Napa Valley wines finally garnered the worldwide acclaim they enjoy today.

A visit to California's wine country is most enjoyable when you stay at Shell Vacations Club at Vino Bello Resort. Conveniently located in Napa, California, gateway to the Napa Valley wine region, the richly-appointed Tuscan Style vacation residences feature kitchens with granite countertops, the living areas feature finely-detailed woods, rich textures, and a special bottle of Napa Valley wine waiting just for you upon check-in. After an active day cruising through the Valley, you'll enjoy returning to the rejuvenating relaxation of Shell Vacations Club Vino Bello Resort.

If you enjoy an active lifestyle, Napa Valley offers wonderful bicycle trails through serene countryside. Rent or bring your own wheels for lovely rides between wineries and the valley's charming towns. Or rent horses for an exhilarating ride past vast vineyards. Try an early morning ride or hike when tendrils of fog catch in the valley and dew glistens on the grape vines -- breathtaking. For an impressive aerial view of Napa Valley, the adventurous can take a serene balloon ride or cruise above the valley with Wine Country Helicopters. Whatever you like to do, you'll find plenty of recreational activities in the Napa, California area, including golfing, tennis, fishing, riding and boating.

After an energetic day cycling between wineries, spend a relaxing day being pampered at one of Napa's soothing spas. Spa Terra, an intriguing underground spa cave, just opened this year. Ask for the Solo Vina, an invigorating exfoliating grape seed scrub. Or try a wonderfully relaxing soak at Calistoga's natural hot springs.

If you crave a little culture with your vino, COPIA, the American Center for Food, Wine and the Arts provides copious information on all three in visually stunning displays. Outstanding museums abound in Napa Valley. The amazing 217-acre di Rosa Preserve showcases the unique art of more than 900 artists, but make sure you call ahead for current visiting times. Modern art junkies will want to view the impressive Hess Collection and photo buffs won't want to miss Mumm Napa Valley. For history, head for the excellent Napa Valley Museum.

Up valley, shopaholic heaven can be found in St. Helena. Check out the amazing display of wine accessories at Wine Hardware or drool over to-die-for shoes at Foot Candy. Closer to home, the new Oxbow Public Market is scheduled to open in downtown Napa any day now. The 40,000 square foot marketplace will be a foodie's paradise featuring local food vendors, artisan cafes and organic farm stands. A scenic outdoor deck with seating along the beautiful Napa River will make this a delightful spot for lunch or an early evening supper.

But, of course, the reason people flock to Napa Valley is the wine and food. Among the excellent wineries you won't want to miss are Opus One, Quintessa, Rubicon, Clos Pegase, the Hess Collection, Groth, Bouchaine and Far Niente. Call ahead as some wineries offer tastings by appointment only and many charge a tasting fee. If you want to avoid the worst of the traffic, avoid Highway 29 and take the Silverado Trail that runs north-south along the east side of the valley.

For a memorable meal, sample Bistro Jeanty, La Toque or Julia's Kitchen. The Bounty Hunter wine bar in downtown Napa offers more than 40 wines by the glass but serves up some great down-home cooking too. Don't miss their famous Beer-Can Chicken. If you're looking for something distinctly local and a bit offbeat, Taylor's Automatic Refresher is a charming, old-fashioned, high-quality burger stand offering some of the finest wine and beer in the valley. For the ultimate gastronomic experience, lunch at the French Laundry. Their famous nine-course dinner requires at least a 60-day advance reservation and weighs in at $240 per person, but you can sample the same gourmet excellence at a much more reasonable cost at lunch. Bon appetite!

Pet-friendly Timeshares Let Your Animal Companions Share in the Fun

Do you and your pet have a special relationship? I'm sure when you're on vacation, if you see a pet that reminds you of yours, you can't help but wish you had your furry companion with you. I bring my little Maltese dog, Kasey, with me on almost every vacation I take. Inevitably, strangers approach me, and ask if they can pet Kasey to get their 'fix'. They share how much they hated leaving their dog at the kennel or with a friend, because they assume the resort they are staying in doesn't allow pets. Most trevelers don't even think it may be possible that the resort they are going to actually may in fact allow pets.

If you're a pet owner and a timeshare owner, in some cases it no longer means you have leave your pet at home. Many timeshare resorts are now rolling out the welcome mat for both you AND your pet. To view the many Pet-Friendly Timeshare Resorts catalogued in TimeshareGiant.com, click here. Sharing your vacation with your pet can be a lot of fun! It also means that you won't have to spend your vacation missing your pet, and your furry family member doesn’t have to go through the discomfort of not being certain when you’ll return.

Even Marriott Vacation Club has become more open-minded about the concept of Pet-Friendliness. For example, Marriott's Newport Coast Villas is a Pet-Friendly Timeshare Resort. Marriott's Newport Coast Villas is rated 5-Star by Interval International, which is evidence that staying in a Pet-Friendly resort doesn't necessarily equate to staying in sub-prime properties or locations. I think the big-name timeshare developers are finally seeing that there is a huge demand out there for Pet-Friendly timeshare accomodations, and in the near future, we'll start seeing more timeshare resorts getting on the Pet-Friendly list.

Before purchasing or exchanging into a pet-friendly timeshare resort, naturally it's important to check with the resort and learn what their pet policies are. Some pet-friendly timeshares will charge a nominal additional fee. They may have limit on how many pets you can bring. Other places have restrictions on the weight or overall size of the pets they allow. The resort of your choice may also only have a limited number of units set aside for pet owners, so you may need to make your reservations well in advance, to assure a pet-friendly unit.

Many Pet-Friendly Timeshare Resorts offer amenities that will help you and your pet have an enjoyable stay. Many pet-friendly timeshares have grounds that are suited for long walks. During your vacation, you may find there are times, such as attending a show or event that doesn't allow pets, which makes it necessary for you and your pet to be apart for several hours during your vacation. In that case, in many locations there are off-site pet-sitting services, just like babysitting services.

Kasey and I have a great time vacationing together. We talk a lot of walks, we go window shopping, and even eat at many local outdoor cafes. I've met people and seen sites that I wouldn't have seen, had Kasey not been with me. He gets me out and about, on the 'Road Less Traveled', and it's always been a fun experience. I've stayed many times at the Plaza Resort and Spa in Palm Springs, which is one of many timeshare resorts that allow pets. You live with your 'fur-children', so treat you and your pet to some special vacation time with them as well! You will love it!

Spend Halloween With Ghost of Pirate Jean Lafitte

Dark clouds scuttle across the moon, shadows of the night creep across your path, dry leaves rustle ominously underfoot and the scritch scratch of barren branches sends shivers up your spine. Halloween is coming and those who relish a good scare can get their fill of the heebie jeebies in New Orleans. More often associated with great jazz, fabulous food or the excesses of Mardi Gras, New Orleans is #5 in the Travel Channel's list of World's Creepiest Destinations.

Voodoo and mystery imbue New Orleans culture. Halloween addicts will want to visit the crypt of voodoo queen Marie Laveau in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. In the 1830s the Haitian woman was a famous fortune teller, reading the future for the wealthy women of New Orleans' high society. It was rumored that using voodoo she could make a person's enemies die -- for the small fee of $1000. Her death in 1881 was shrouded in mystery. Visitors to her crypt may glimpse a tall woman, a snake coiled about her body, leading ghosts in a voodoo dance.

If you travel to New Orleans for Halloween, set the stage for spooky fun by staying in the Jean Lafitte House timeshare. Named for the notorious Caribbean pirate Jean Lafitte, the house was built in 1831 by Lafitte's ally, the fierce pirate captain Renne Beluche. Meticulously restored, the living areas are elegantly furnished, providing a luxurious base from which to launch nightly forays in search of the supernatural. Nestled in a charming residential area of the French Quarter, the Jean Lafitte House timeshare provides a delightfully relaxing respite from the rambunctious nightlife of the Quarter. You'll find eclectic shops and wonderful restaurants within easy walking distance, or take a leisurely stroll through the Market or Jackson Square. For more information about the Jean Lafitte House timeshare shown in the photos, click here.

For adults in quest of haunted spirits, New Orleans abounds with spooky tours through cemeteries and candle-lit haunted houses. Along with jazz and oyster bars, you'll find the Lalaurie Ghosts in the French Quarter or you may spot the tragic apparition at the French Opera House. Discover the legends behind the ghostly lore at the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum or meet the city's most notorious characters at the Wax Museum on Conti Street in the French Quarter. If you like to vamp it up, Freaks, Follies and Sideshows is the theme of this year's annual gay costume ball and fundraiser which attracts party lovers from across the country. Anne Rice fans have resurrected the defunct Coven Ball as The Witching Hour Ball to pay homage to vampire Lestat and his fanged friends. A haunted riverfront, tours of ghost-haunted cemeteries, scarecrows at the botanical gardens and a voodoo music fest are just some of the frightful activities that await you in New Orleans.

For a complete listing of New Orleans timeshares for sale or rent, click this link or the post title to visit Timeshare Giant.

Private Residence Clubs Take Timeshare Living To a Whole New Level

Like a timeshare, people purchasing ownership in a Private Residence Club (or PRC) are buying into shared real estate. Sometimes PRC owners are people who considered purchasing a second home, but decided that it might be better to go for partial ownership in a PRC. Although PRC owners still pay annual fees, that is nothing compared to the cost and effort of having a second home. If you were to buy a second home with features like a pool, spa, and tennis courts, it would be your responsibility to maintain the grounds. PRCs have the features and you can use them without being burdened with upkeep. Buying PRC membership gives you the luxury of having a vacation home minus the more time-consuming aspects of ownership, leaving you more time for fun and frolic! A typical PRC offers: Extended stay A PRC owner may get 4-5 weeks during peak season and this time must be reserved in advance. In addition to this, each owner is eligible to bid on the weeks that remain after all of the owners have reserved their guaranteed vacation time. Depending on how your PRC is operated, you may be able to allow family or friends to take advantage of some of your vacation time if you find that you are not able to use all of it. Exclusivity You can expect top-notch, five star hotel service from the staff at your PRC. They often have a very nicely equipped clubhouse and concierge services. For example you may get assistance with making dinner or theater reservations, grocery shopping, same-day dry cleaning, and setting tee times. Many PRCs offer year-round storage and will ready the unit before your arrival. Your unit in a PRC comes fully furnished, and of course PRCs are exquisitely furnished, so there is no need to work about that. In fact, while staying at a PRC, your worries are few since a dedicated staff is on hand to make arrangements for you and assist with daily tasks.

Keep Your Credit Card Handy, Airlines Going Cashless

"Don't leave home without it!" "It's everywhere you want to be!"

These popular tag lines from credit card commercials apply to air travelers more than ever these days. We're quickly becoming a cashless society and airlines are lining up to get onboard. Some U.S. airlines already ban cash in the cabins for drinks and other purchases; others are set to follow suit. When you travel to your timeshare, you'll soon need a debit or credit card to make those in-flight purchases that make the trip more pleasant. Through the end of the month, American Airlines, which accepts both cash and cards, is test marketing card-only flights on service from San Francisco. JetBlue Airways recently announced implementation of a card-only policy starting November 1. AirTran was the first to go cashless in 2004. Since then air carriers Aloha, Frontier, Midwest and Hawaiian have followed suit. Many more airlines have added the card-purchase option to their in-flight services, allowing passengers to pay with either a debit/credit card or cash. Alaska Airlines is the latest to add the dual service.

"I think it's the wave of the future," said Alaska Airlines spokeswoman Caroline Boren. "We're increasingly living in a cashless society."

Delta Air Lines offers dual purchase services and Northwest expects to add the plastic option in early 2008. Both say the future may see them going cashless. There haven't been many holdbacks to the trend. Even Southwest Airlines, one of the larger cash-only airlines, says they're looking into it, though they have no plans to change their cash-only policy. Other airline travel news:

• Round-trip fares go up. The nation's five largest airline carriers have again raised round-trip fares $10 in response to escalating fuel costs. American Airlines, the world's largest carrier, led the way with Delta Air Lines, Continental Airlines, Northwest Airlines, US Airways Group, and most recently United Airlines joining in. This is the seventh ticket price increase made by America's major carriers this year. All have been attributed to the rising price of jet fuel which has climbed 36% since the end of 2006. Just one more reason to love vacationing in my timeshare. With the money I save on lodging, I can afford to pay a little more on transportation.
• Flight delay solutions discussed. Major U.S. airlines will meet with federal Department of Transportation and FAA officials next week to discuss the traffic congestion problems that caused annoying delays at airports across the country this summer. Participants hope to come up with a voluntary solution to decrease congestion at the nation's major airports, particularly the three airports that feed New York City: JFK, LaGuardia and Newark (NJ). A DOT spokesman said if the airlines cannot come up with a solution, the government could consider imposing scheduling restrictions to avoid a repeat of this summer's chaos.

Points to Ponder When Considering a Points-Based Timeshare

Points systems were created to offer vacationers the opportunity to introduce more variety into their travel plans. In recent years, Point System programs have been ushered in by many big-name timeshare developers. By owning a points system timeshare, you can opt for shorter or longer vacations. The point system timeshares have become famous for their flexibility; you can take a quick 3 day getaway or a 10 day respite, depending on how you want to spend your points from year-to-year. A Point System timeshare will allow you the ability to stay in a studio for more nights, or a larger unit for less nights. You can customize the length of your vacation, and also customize the size of the vacation residence you will need for that particular vacation. For instance, your family may want to bring cousins or friends along on some vacations, but not every single one. Some resorts have a 'points accrual' program, which can come in handy if you can't vacation in a given year. In this event, you would simply 'accrue', or 'save' points to use the following year. Not all Points System timeshares are created equal: In addition to spending your points on accomodations, some Point System timeshares may also offer the ability to spend your points on amusement park tickets; other Point System timeshares also allow you the ability to spend your points on airline tickets and car rentals, while other Point System timeshares allow you to spend your points on hotel stays. But remember, aside from the extra ways you can spend your points, the main selling 'point' (forgive the pun) should be the resort (or family of resorts) the timeshare resort developer allows you access to. There are so many wonderful Points-Based Timeshare Programs to choose from. It is important that you do your homework when considering the purchase of a point-based system. That way you know what to expect and how to make the most of your purchase. In my opinion, when considering a Points-Based timeshare, the best basis to use when considering one Points-Based timeshare over another is to look at your schedule and how you have used vacation time in the past. Here are some important things to consider: How are the points valued, i.e., how many points will get you the amount of time and unit size you need? If I want to allow a friend or relative to use my points during a particular year, what are the rules, and additional costs, if any? What are some of the more popular properties in the developer's particular network of resorts? How far in advance do people reserve their time? Are there any other restrictions, should I ever need to sell my Points-Based timeshare? -Above all, remember this: Whichever Points-Based timeshare you choose, you are buying enjoyment and fun! Keep this in perspective when investigating the perfect Points-Based timeshare program for you and your family!

What You Should Know Before You Sell Your Timeshare

Selling a timeshare is not much different than selling a house or condominium: You place it for sale, and after you have located your buyer, hire the services of a Timeshare Title company to assist you in the legal paperwork involved. Do I need to hire a real estate agent to sell my timeshare? No, you can easily sell a timeshare yourself on TimeshareGiant.com. Although hiring a legitimate licensed real estate broker can greatly benefit the marketing and sale of your timeshare, it is not a requirement. On Timeshare Giant we provide timeshare sellers with a variety of timeshare advertising packages at extremely attractive prices. With the most expensive and high-profile ad package, the cost is only pennies per day, and gives the seller complete control over the marketing and sale of the timeshare. On Timeshare Giant you pay no commissions and no upfront fees. How do I set the selling price for my timeshare? When you originally purchased your timeshare, you paid what we call 'full retail'. Unfortunately, when the time comes to re-sell your timeshare, you will not be able to recover your initial purchase price. The timeshare resale market is a very competitive arena. Buyers are shoppers. In today's marketplace, buyers have a lot of choices, and the name of the game is price. They want value. To be competitive with other folks who are selling timeshares at your resort, be willing to price your timeshare for 30-60% less than what you paid. Do I need an appraisal to sell my timeshare? No, you do not need an appraisal to sell your timeshare and, most likely, you didn’t receive one when you purchased your timeshare. Do I need an attorney to sell my timeshare? Although some states, such as Lousiana, do require real estate owners to enlist the services of an attorney in the sale of any real estate transaction, most states do not require you to hire an attorney to sell your timeshare. After the task of locating a buyer is accomplished, most sellers simply use the services of a licensed and bonded title/escrow service to perform necessary legal services, prepare legal documents, and collect/disburse the funds from the sale. Documents are reviewed by the title/escrow service’s attorneys so you do not need to hire your own. Timeshare Giant recommends Timeshare Title Inc. for their prompt and accurate timeshare closing services. Their prices for their escrow services are also very reasonable. Click here for more information on timeshare closing services. Remember, if you post an ad on Timeshare Giant, it is not a requirement to use our recommended timeshare escrow service, Timeshare Title Inc., after you've located your buyer. We've included an easy link to Timeshare Title's services throughout the TimeshareGiant.com website for your convenience. Can I sell my timeshare if I’m still financing it? Certainly you can sell your timeshare if it is still being financed. You simply pay off the timeshare loan with the sale proceeds before the deed changes hands. The Title/Escrow company you employ will assist you in disbursing your loan payoff funds. What happens to banked weeks when I sell my timeshare? At the time you have located a buyer for your timeshare, if you have already banked weeks with an exchange company, your deposited week(s) are no longer considered part of the timeshare property. Remember, your membership with your exchange company is separate from the ownership of your timeshare. At the time you decide to sell your timeshare, it is important not to deposit any more weeks from the timeshare you are selling, into your exchange company. Leave all future weeks available for your buyer's use. In my experience, I've found it more difficult to sell a timeshare if the current year's week, or any future weeks, are not made available to the buyer. It's difficult for a buyer to justify buying your timeshare if they are unable to use the timeshare during their first year of ownership (or future years). The cleanest, most simple way to sell your timeshare is to make all weeks, current and future, available to the buyer. Can I transfer banked weeks from previous years to my buyer to 'Sweeten the Pie'? Absolutely! Many sellers use their banked weeks from previous years as a bargaining tool, or to simply make the timeshare more irresistable to a buyer. Buyers in today's timeshare resale marketplace are looking for real value, and if you're offering banked weeks from previous years for no additional cost, buyers love it! To transfer your banked weeks to your buyer, contact your exchange company and learn their procedure and rules in connection with transferring your banked weeks to your buyer at the time your escrow closes. How does the right of first refusal affect my timeshare sale? Some resorts have a right of first refusal (ROFR) clause in their Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). This means that once you and the buyer come to an agreement on the sale of your timeshare, the resort where your timeshare is located reserves the right to step into your buyer's position and purchase the property under the same agreed terms and conditions. If this seems overwhelming or confusing to you, don't worry! The Title & Escrow company you employ to assist you in finalizing your sale is very knowedgeable in this process, and will be able to easily help you through it, if not completely take care of the process for you! How long does it take to close on a timeshare sale, once my buyer is located? The average timeshare sale process can take as little as 2 weeks, and as long as 1o weeks to complete. Variances depend on the resort, and local laws and procedures. In my experience, I am a big believer in using the services of a timeshare title and escrow company, such as Timeshare Title Inc., to assist in safely and legally affecting the transfer from you to your buyer. Remember: Most timeshares are Real Estate transactions, and you want to deliver clean title to your buyer to avoid any future possible legal repercussions. For a checklist of information buyers will want to know about your timeshare, sellers can click here for Timeshare Giant's helpful Timeshare Seller's Checklist.

Follow Fall Migrations to Elegant Williamsburg

The sun is riding lower in the sky. It's still dark when the alarm rings and the skies are gray with dusk on the drive home from work. Fall is slowly creeping across the country, bringing crisp days, cool nights and falling leaves. In the north feeders that just weeks ago were crowded with birds are nearly empty. The skies are filled with the "V" formations of migrating geese honking their way across the sky. In the evening clouds of birds swirl over dessicated farm fields to scratch among the dying cornstalks before taking flight again. It's migration season and the flocks are heading south, as am I to a delightful Williamsburg, Virginia timeshare.

Just northeast of the Williamsburg timeshare I'm calling home for the week, less than an hour's drive away, is one of the nation's premier birding sites in the Chesapeake Bay area. The Presquile National Wildlife Refuge along the James River offers numerous parks, hiking trails and scenic drives from which migrating flocks can be observed.

The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail Guide is an excellent resource packed with well-known and obscure hiking trails, scenic drives, parks and historic sites of interest to birders and non-birders alike. The book can be purchased for $8.50 at www.dgif.virginia.gov/vbwt or by calling 866-748-2298. Additional bird-watching information is available at http://www.virginiabirding.com/ and at the Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory site at http://www.cvwo.org/.

Fall is one of my favorite times of year to be in Williamsburg. There are so many lovely timeshares to choose from on Timeshare Giant. This time I'm combining luxury with colonial elegance at Marriott's Manor Club at Ford's Colony (right). Spend an exhilarating day hiking, biking, horseback riding, golfing on the championship golf course or visiting the numerous nearby attractions.

Return home to your timeshare for a revitalizing steam in the sauna and a luxurious soak in the hot tub before enjoying a sumptuous dinner in the award-winning dining room at Ford's Colony. End your evening with a cozy snuggle in front of the fireplace. My idea of a perfect fall day!

Marriott's Manor Club at Ford's Colony offers superior amenities in elegantly appointed villas with privately screened porches overlooking the magnificent golf course fairways and gardens. The 54-hole course was designed by golf's legendary Dan Maples. For more information on Marriott's Manor Club at Ford's Colony, click the post title. You'll find a nice variety of Williamsburg timeshares for purchase or rent on the Timeshare Giant website; just click here for a complete listing.

If this is your first trip to Williamsburg, you'll want to take a walk back in time to the 18th century historic community of Colonial Williamsburg. You can visit with authentically dressed tradespeople and see how things were done in colonial times. Make sure you take a horse-drawn carriage ride in the evening as the as the streetlights are lit -- by candlelight! Jamestown settlement and Busch Gardens are just two of many excellent nearby attractions. Owning a timeshare allows you to return again and again to experience all that Williamsburg has to offer.

Destination Weddings Mirror Celebrity Trends

Hot wedding trends often have their roots in extravagant celebrity weddings. Lately Hollywood stars have been getting married in faraway romantic settings.

• Superstars Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise commandeered an Italian castle to host a wedding week worthy of royalty.
• Desperate Housewives Eva Longoria and Tony Parker chose romantic Paris as the site of their spectacular wedding.
• Two and a Half Men star Jon Cryer and Lisa Joyner invited 40 close friends and family to share an intimate wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
• Exotic Fiji was the setting of stars Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott's barefoot beach wedding, a spectacular sunset providing the backdrop.

While most of us can't afford the same level of extravagance as Hollywood's elite, timeshares put destination weddings well within your reach. Destination weddings allow you and your guests to celebrate in style and create extra special memorable moments.

Timeshare resorts can help you plan your special day from sun up to sun down and into the moonlight. At their Fijian resort wedding, Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott started their wedding day with a sumptuous breakfast of eggs benedict with champagne and strawberries followed by his-and-her massages. A relaxing day of sun and sand in the company of friends and family led up to the magical moment. As the sun painted the sky a brilliant crimson, their families and closest friends gathered on the beach. Tori walked barefoot across the flower petal-strewn sand to join Dean before the minister. A splendid beachside dinner, silly sand castle building and barefoot dancing under the moonlight made for a most memorable wedding.

Many resorts are fully equipped to help couples plan their dream wedding and honeymoon. Event planners, top-notch catering, wedding cakes, bands or combos, wedding gazebos and luxury honeymoon suites are among the myriad amenities available. Resorts have ample room to accommodate a couple's guests and provide a relaxing vacation atmosphere. The wedding couple can enjoy the company of family and friends not just during the reception, but before and after the wedding day. At a resort, everyone's on vacation and there are always plenty of activities to accommodate the interests of every guest.

The Divi Carina Bay Resort featured in pictures in this post is located on a splendid stretch of pristine beach on the southeast side of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Gorgeous ocean views, luxury spa facilities, exciting water sports, private ocean view terraces, a charming wedding gazebo on the beach and a luxurious honeymoon suite make it possible (and affordable) to design your own "Hollywood" wedding. Click here for more information on Timeshare Giant.

Timeshares can make destination weddings and honeymoons even more affordable. On Timeshare Giant you can choose your dream location -- Hawaii, Italy, Fiji, Paris, Jamaica -- anywhere in the world you've longed to go. Or easily find a wedding and honeymoon site by venue: beach, all-inclusive resort, mountains, wine country, yacht, golf. Timshares allow you to tailor you wedding and honeymoon to your special interests. Visit Timeshare Giant by clicking the post title. Get ready to make some memories!

Timeshare Exchanges Increase Vacation Options

Some people buy a timeshare because they want to vacation in the same spot every year. Others buy a timeshare for its exchange value. They're investing in the opportunity to vacation at luxurious resorts all over the world. As they say, variety is the spice of life! Even if you primarily enjoy vacations in your own timeshare, owning a timeshare gives you the ability to easily vacation anywhere in the world. The two giants in the timeshare exchange industry are RCI and II. Together they handle most of the world's timeshare exchange business. Commonly referred by as RCI, Resort Condominiums International was founded in 1974 and quickly became a driving force in timeshare growth. The leader in the vacation ownership industry, RCI has more than 4,000 affiliated resorts located in 100 countries. More than 3 million members in 200 countries subscribe to the exchange service. In the three decades since its inception, RCI has arranged exchange vacations for 54 million people worldwide. To become a subscribing member of RCI, you must own vacation time at an RCI-affiliated resort, complete an application form and pay an annual fee. For a limited time, RCI has waived the one-time $200 initiation fee and new members may join by paying only the $89 annual fee. For more information, visit the RCI website at http://www.rci.com/ or call RCI Member Services at 800-338-7777. Interval International, or II, bills itself as the quality exchange network. Founded in 1976, II is an exchange network of 2,200 resorts serving 2 million members worldwide. Participating members must own a timeshare property in the II network. While II does not own properties, exchange properties must meet its criteria for quality. II is perhaps best known for its affiliations with Disney Vacation Club, Marriott Vacation Club and Westgate Resorts. Like RCI, to become an II member, you must own a timeshare within the family of Interval International-affiliated resorts, complete an application and pay an annual membership fee. A standard membership currently costs $84 per year with discounts for three and five-year memberships. A Gold Upgrade is also available for $138 which provides premium exchange and vacation opportunities. For more information, visit II's website or contact customer service at 888-784-3447 or via email to customerservice@intervalintl.com. There are other timeshare exchanges, but RCI and II handle the bulk of the timeshare exchange business. If you're interested in purchasing a timeshare, whether for personal enjoyment or its exchange value, click the post title to go to Timeshare Giant. You'll find timeshares for sale (and rent) everywhere in the U.S. and all over the world at Timeshare Giant.

Planning to Drive Abroad? Better Read This First

Americans love fly/drive vacations. This is how the typical American vacations:

• You fly to and from your destination so you can devote maximum vacation time to fun and relaxation.
• You create a home base -- a home away from home -- where you can relax and recharge and keep all your stuff.
• You rent a car so you can get around easily and take day trips to nearby restaurants, shopping and attractions.

America is geared to the fly/drive vacation. Your driver's license and insurance are valid in all 50 states (and generally in U.S. territories and other holdings). The traffic laws are essentially the same no matter where in the U.S. you travel. Car rentals can be quickly obtained at your arrival airport. Sites like Timeshare Giant allow you to easily book your rental car, flight and timeshare all at the same time. (Click here for one-stop travel planning on Timeshare Giant.)

If you decide to travel abroad, you can still enjoy a fly/drive vacation, but it takes a little preparation and a little research. Start by checking driving and licensing rules before leaving home. The U.S. Department of State maintains a very helpful website on foreign travel at http://www.travel.state.gov/. Click on Tips for Traveling Abroad under International Travel and scroll down to Driver's License.

In most foreign countries you must have a valid driver's license and insurance. Most do not accept a U.S. driver's license as valid. You will need to obtain an International Driving Permit before you leave the country. Foreign car rental companies may be quick to rent you a car using only your American license, but if you get pulled over for a traffic violation, you could find yourself in trouble.

This could be your story: A Maryland man had no trouble renting a car in Spain using his U.S. license. He drove 1,400 without incident. On his way to return the car to Euro Car he became confused by traffic signs and turned the wrong way on a one-way street. When he couldn't produce an international driver's license, the police impounded and towed the car, leaving the hapless American stranded on the sidewalk. He called Euro Car who unhelpfully told him he was on his own. He's back in Maryland now, waiting for his Visa bill to arrive to find out how much the experience cost him in towing and impound fees. He's more than a little put out that Euro Car never mentioned the need for an international license or what would happen without one. His story is typical of many international travelers.

If you plan to travel abroad, it pays to know what the rules are before you rent a car. You can obtain an International Driving Permit at AAA locations and through the National Automobile Club. Permits are $15 and are valid for one year.

Are Timeshares a Bad Investment? I Think Not!

I read with interest recently an article online that spoke about how timeshares are a bad investment. Some of the key points in the article were: 1. Due to inflation and the rising cost of money you don't want to tie up funds in a timeshare 2. Maintenance fees continue to rise with timeshares 3. Depreciation of your investment starting immediately 4. It is cheaper to rent a timeshare 5. Exchanges issue and the downside of vacationing in one spot From my personal point of view, timeshares are a great investment. Everything is life is not all about money. Although we all want to be careful to make good choices with our money, sometimes we "invest" or spend money on things that to others may not generate income, but have intrinsic value to us and our families personally that far out weigh the expense. I have derived more pleasure from some of my vacations at timeshare properties than I can put a monetary value on. Would I prefer instead to have invested that money in a certificate of deposit or in a stock and spent time admiring my portfolio? My answer is no! I am not advocating not managing your money wisely, but I am expressing that sometimes the joy derived from a boat, a nice car, a great vacation can mean more than a well-rounded portfolio. Here are my top five reasons why I have invested in a timeshare: 1. I have a great vacation every year. I work hard and look forward to my vacation in a beautiful resort that I can share with my friends. The resorts I typically chose are luxurious by typical hotel standards and a terrific value when compared to staying in a hotel in the same area. 2. I have been able to literally travel the world exchanging my timeshare for others in areas that i have wanted to visit and stay for a week. I have tried out new areas and have learned to love some parts of Mexico with a passion. 3. I love the ability to be able to rent out my timeshare to generate extra income. It is easy to do and at Timeshare Giant, I even offer free listing services for rentals. 4. I find that the quality of value, maintenance of the resort, and number of amenities of timeshares that I have stayed at an visited have been of better quality, value, and atmosphere than chain hotels in the same region. 5. The attitude of the people who stay in timeshares is simply different, we are all owners! There is a wonderful camaraderie and sense of pride. At my home timeshare, I see some of the same people every year. It has been wonderful to see how their families have grown. With every point of view there is an opposing one. I hope that as you make your own decision about timeshares you will weigh more than the dollars and cents.

The Timeshare Giant Book Store and Other Great Resources

The Timeshare Giant Book Store Are you looking for the low down on how to get the most from your timeshare, how to purchase a timeshare, or how to plan a vacation renting a timeshare? At Timeshare Giant, our sponsor site, we have the books and travel guides that you can purchase online and get the insider information that you have been looking for on how to get the most out a timeshare opportunity. Some of the books in our store are on topics such as:

• Timeshare Condominiums for the Beginner by Michael Strauss
• The Everything Family Guide to Timeshares by Kim Kavin
• Timesharing Today
• The Insider's Guide to U.S. Timeshares by Robert Dittrich
• Timeshare Vacations For Dummies by Lisa Ann Schreier
• As well as several additional books and articles on travel and vacation in Hawaii and Florida.

Just click our blog post title to visit our timeshare book store and then click the book title to read excerpts and then buy the book online.

Not only is Timeshare Giant a great resource for selling your timeshare, but now you can even browse our bookstore for even more great information.

Other Great Timeshare Resources

We have a wealth of online information that can help you buy a timeshare, list your timeshare for sale, rent your timeshare and plan a timeshare vacation.

First if you want to rent out your timeshare, make sure to check out our timeshare rental listing service. You can select from a free six month rental listing, a premium listing for increased exposure, and a Premium + Gallery listing. Try out the free service or consider the either of the Premium listings if you want more exposure for your timeshare.

Do you want to sell your timeshare? We have great resources for you to be able to effectively market your timeshare online. Visit our sell your timeshare page for great choices including our popular free listings, Premium and Premium + Gallery listing.

Buying a timeshare is simple on our sister site, Timeshare Giant, just visit our map page, select your location and review the fabulous resort choices. You can search by continent and then by geographic region. You'll love the photos and resort descriptions. Shopping online has never been easier!

Consider a timeshare rental for your next vacation. Once you may have narrowed your timeshare selection down to a few, you may want to consider vacationing and renting a timeshare there before you make a commitment to buy. Using the same type of search map as for buying a timeshare, you can browse and then even book your vacation online.

Special Timeshare Promotions Provide Fabulous Value at a Great Savings

Looking for a bargain? Somewhere cool and fabulous to spend a long weekend or an impromptu vacation that doesn't cost a lot? Click the post title and check out the Timeshare Promotional Offers on Timeshare Giant. You'll find some unbelievable deals at some of America's premier vacation destinations -- and all for a mere fraction of the usual cost. It's a wonderful way to experience the delight of vacationing in a timeshare or try out a resort you've heard about or just get away from it all and still have change in your pocket when you come home.

Just check out some of the incredible values you'll find among the Timeshare Promotional Offers on Timeshare Giant today.

Marriott Vacation Club. Enjoy 5 days and 4 nights at an exclusive Marriott Villa starting at just $199. Marriott offers Villa Vacations in America's favorite vacation destinations, from the spectacular beaches of Hawaii to the sleek ski slopes of Utah, from the glitz and glam 0f Las Vegas to the serene rolling surf of Newport Beach.

Shown (above left) is Marriott's Canyon Villas at Desert Ridge set in the midst of the stunning Sonoran Desert in sunny Phoenix, Arizona. Your stay includes 2 rounds of golf at the challenging Wildfire links designed by Arnold Palmer and Nick Faldo and a fabulous $100 gift certificate to the award-winning Desert Ridge spa. Spend a day on the links, then pamper yourself with a visit to the spa to work out the kinks! Phoenix and nearby Scottsdale offer distinctive shopping from Old Town artists and craftsmen to chic boutiques. You'll also find a host of excellent dining choices. Click here for more information.

Hyatt Vacation Club. Enjoy soft ocean breezes, secluded beaches and gorgeous sunsets at Hyatt Highlands Inn in exclusive Carmel, California. Carmel is just one of Hyatt's vacation club destinations. At Hyatt's deep discounts you can live in luxury for the daily price of a boringly average hotel room. Choose from San Antonio, Texas; Sedona, Arizona; Key West or Bonita Springs, Florida.

The charming Hyatt Highlands Inn in Carmel is shown (above, right). Enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean as you cruise along the Monterrey Coast scenic highway. Watch the otters and seals at play. Enjoy a romantic picnic on a secluded beach and frolic in the Pacific surf. Browse Carmel's delightful shops, then dine al fresco as you watch the sun melt into the ocean. Click here for more information.

Grand Pacific Resorts. Carlsbad, California is your destination for fabulous family fun at the Grand Pacific Resort (left). Just minutes from all the excitement and pleasures of San Diego, many packages include tickets to one of Southern California's premier entertainment sites, including Sea World San Diego, the San Diego Wild Animal Park, the San Diego Zoo, Legoland or a gourmet dinner. Close to Pacific Ocean beaches, you'll find great water sports at Carlsbad's Aqua Hedionda Lagoon. Prefer to commune with nature? Batiquitos Lagoon offers the opportunity to view hundreds of migratory birds. The Grand Pacific Resort in Carlsbad offers fun for the whole family. Click here for more information.

Keep checking back. You'll find new promotional getaways on the Timeshare Giant website every week. Just click the Timeshare Promotions-Promotional Getaways on the Timeshare Giant homepage.