Why Buy a Timeshare? Millions of Families Can't be Wrong!

If you don't own a timeshare yet, what's holding you back? Timeshare ownership satisfaction rates are better than 80%. More than 4 million U.S. families enjoy timeshare vacations. In the past decade, timeshare popularity has grown steadily -- 16% (annualized) since 1995. Timeshare sales hit an astounding $10 billion in 2006. Last year, more than 30% of new timeshare sales were to existing timeshare owners, according to statistics compiled by PricewaterhouseCoopers. (Yep, the same cheery black-suited guys who guard the Oscar envelopes. You know, the guys with the black briefcases handcuffed to their wrists lest someone try to sneak an early peek at the winners.) What do all these folks know that you don't know? For one thing, they know a good thing when they see it. Timeshares provide accommodations, services and amenities specifically designed to meet the needs of the discerning leisure traveler. First class accommodations, superior staff attention, luxurious resort amenities, well-cared-for and well-managed facilities, and great financial value are some of the reasons owners cite for purchasing timeshares. The timeshare experience is so tremendously satisfactory that nearly one-third of timeshare owners purchase a second or third timeshare unit or week. Owning a timeshare positively impacts your life in myriad ways. What can owning a timeshare do for your? Here's what current timeshare owners have to say about the benefits of timeshare ownership:

• They enjoy their vacations more.
• They look forward to their vacations now.
• They have visited more vacation destinations.
• They have enjoyed a wider range of vacation experiences.
• They have stayed in higher quality resorts.
• They have spent more days per year vacationing away from home.

What attracts most owners to timeshare ownership?

• 99% enjoy the excellent quality accommodations at timeshares.
• 98% find timeshares offer good value for their money.
• 96% like their home resort, unit accommodations and amenities.
• 95% like the opportunity to exchange their timeshare for a vacation at another resort.
• 95% trust the reliability and dependability of their timeshare management company.

If you haven't invested in a timeshare yet, what's holding you back? Investing in a timeshare is an investment in your leisure time. It's a way of rewarding yourself for working hard the rest of the year. It's an investment in your health and welfare. It's an investment in your family, a guarantee of quality time spent together. Now is the time to invest in a timeshare. Do if for yourself. Do it for your spouse. Do it for your family. It's time to start making some memories together.

There are timeshares available for purchase in every corner of the U.S. -- and well beyond. You can find luxurious timeshares all across the world. You'll find a complete listing of timeshares for sale on Timeshare Giant; just click on the post title.

Instant Updates Help Holiday Travelers Avoid Delays

Thanksgiving was a breeze! After a summer plagued by cancelled flights and long flight delays, airlines and airports are patting themselves on the back for a job well done last weekend. The heavily traveled Thanksgiving weekend caused barely a blip on the radar screen. For most airline travelers, it was smooth sailing as an estimated 4.7 million Americans breezed in and out of the nation's airports on one of the year's busiest travel weekends. The holidays, particularly Thanksgiving through New Years, are often travel nightmares. Unpredictable weather in one part of the country can start a domino effect of delayed and cancelled flights across the country. Fortunately, last weekend saw mild weather throughout most of the country. Another issue can be the greater number of inexperienced travelers, many families with children, who flood airports during the holidays, often causing delays at check-in counters and security checkpoints. This year, that wasn't a problem. We can only hope that Christmas travel will be as problem-free as Thanksgiving. Barring a catastrophic weather system, air travelers have a good chance of reaching their holiday destinations in plenty of time to collect their loot from Santa. This year, several online travel sites are offering special up-to-the-minute reports designed to help travelers avoid potential delays.

• Yahoo! allows travelers with web-enabled cell phones to type in any airline and flight number to get the latest info on arrival times, gate numbers, flight delays, etc. Visit http://www.m.yahoo.com/. Text 92466 (Yahoo) with the airline and flight number and you'll get the same info back via text message.
• Orbitz provides flight status, airport travel conditions and Transportation Security Administration bulletins. You can also get real-time tips from fellow travelers on everything from which security line is moving fastest at O'Hare to the best place to catch a cab at LaGuardia. Visit http://www.updates.orbitz.com/. For mobile customers, access mobile.orbitz.com.
• On its blog, Travelocity will provide hourly updates on conditions and traffic at the nation's busiest airports on peak travel days. Visit http://www.windowseat.travelocity.com/.

Take the stress out of your holidays and let Timeshare Giant book your holiday travel. Click the link to visit Timeshare Giant's Travel Store.

Foreign Shores Beckon for the Holidays

In our last post we talked about popular holiday destinations here in the U.S. But if you yearn for foreign shores, there are a number of popular holiday destinations close to home where you can still get a decent return on the dollar. According to online travel site Orbitz, this year's most popular international holiday destinations are Puerto Rico, Cancun, Mexico City, London and Puerto Vallarta.

With the value of the dollar struggling these days, it's not surprising that Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, is the top sun and sand destination. Mexico's closeness and generally affordable air rates, coupled with the fact that the peso hasn't made much of a dent in the value of a dollar, make its sunny resorts a good value. London is a bit of a surprise, particularly now with the pound trouncing the dollar. Apparently, Americans will always love London (they speak our language, sort of), but just now your money won't go very far (a 40-pound cab ride equals $81.70 U.S.-- ouch!). If foreign shores beckon, your best bet for the holidays is a timeshare in Puerto Rico or Mexico.

Gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean are one of the highlights of a stay at the Hyatt Hacienda del Mar timeshare in Dorado, Puerto Rico (above, left). Just 22 miles from San Juan International Airport, the Hacienda del Mar is located on the island's beautiful north shore. Cool Atlantic breezes brush across the warm sands of the timeshare's magnificent beach. A relaxing river pool meanders through lush gardens, cascading over 14 waterfalls. Biking, horseback riding, tennis and golf are among the delightful activities available. For complete information, click the link.

Ocho Cascades in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (right) is one of my favorite timeshare destinations. Its award winning architecture and lush tropical landscaping provide a dramatic setting for an adult escape. Because of its unique architectural design, Ocho Cascades is not recommended for families with children under the age of 16. But if you're looking for a place to honeymoon or rekindle the old romance, Ocho Cascades will prove a delight. Each villa has its own very private swimming pool or spa. Nearby you'll find wonderful restaurants, exciting entertainment and delightful shopping. Among the activities you can enjoy in Puerto Vallarta are magnificent beaches, deep water fishing, diving and sailing. For complete information, click the link.

Chicago Tops List of Popular Holiday Destinations

If you're headed for Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Denver, or Washington D.C. for the upcoming holidays, I hope you've already booked your flight and your timeshare. Be prepared to elbow the crowds as those are the top five most popular domestic holiday destinations this year, according to online travel site Orbitz.

Having spent considerable time in the Windy City, I was pleased to see it topped this year's holiday travel list. Chicago will always be one of my favorite vacation destinations. The elegant Tremont Hotel timeshare (right) is in the heart of the elite Gold Coast, just steps away from Chicago's famed Magnificent Mile, the cornucopia of trendy upscale shops and restaurants that lines North Michigan Avenue. (For details on the Tremont timeshare, click the post title.)

From the Tremont you're just a quick walk or cab ride to the city's most exclusive shops, finest restaurants, wonderful theatres and pulsating nightlife. Enjoy the Tremont's Gold Coast elegance and Old World charm between forays into the city to sample Chicago's many delights. Sip a nightcap in Ditka's Bar (left) on the premises. You might even catch a glimpse of the legendary Bears football coach. With concierge service and valet parking, you'll always feel pampered at the Tremont.

While you're in Chicago for the holidays, take the opportunity to visit these can't miss sites:

• Field Museum. Chicago's world-class natural history museum, the Field is the home of Sue, the world's most complete T.rex fossil. The dinosaur display at the Field is legendary. And don't miss the Nature Walk, an amazing taxidermy exhibit celebrating the animals of the world.



• The Bean. Part of the new Grant Park expansion, a wide-eyed view of Chicago's skyscrapers is reflected in the mirrored surface of this dynamic sculpture. This time of year it may be a bit cold to wander the park and nearby city beaches, so plan a return in warmer weather to enjoy the lighted display at Buckingham Fountain, the lovely Grant Park rose garden and summer concerts in the park.



• Sear's Tower. A trip to the top of the country's tallest building is well worth the stunning view. Visit late in day to avoid the crowds and take in the breathtaking view of the city as it lights up at dusk (left).


• Skyline. The city of big shoulders, Chicago is the birthplace of the skyscraper and has one of the most beautiful skylines of any city in world. Take a romantic Lake Michigan or Chicago River cruise to enjoy the full effect of the city.


• Michigan Avenue. A trip to Chicago isn't complete without a day of shopping, noshing and people watching along the Magnificent Mile. Take a carriage ride from the historic Water Tower (the only building left standing after the Great Chicago Fire reduced the city to a smoldering pile of rubble). Enjoy the street musicians, many from the nearby Loyola School of Music. Sample roasted chestnuts and other goodies from street vendors. Remember to visit at night too when thousands of twinkling white lights illuminate the street.


• Lego Store. Located at 520 N. Michigan Ave., this is a fun stop if you're traveling with children. Guarded by a life-size Darth Vader, the store offers every Lego set imaginable. But it's the larger-than-life Lego creations that will amaze the kids (and you).


• Navy Pier. You have to take a ride on the signature giant ferris wheel that overwhelms the entrance to the pier. Carnival rides, a children's museum, eclectic shops and restaurants, and a slew of interesting bars make Navy Pier a great place to while away the afternoon or evening. Summer makes it the place to people watch.


• American Girl Place. Treat your daughter or granddaughter to tea and a show at the American Girl Place located at 111 E. Chicago Ave. Make sure to bring your dolls (they get a special seat at the table with you). Despite the rampant commercialism, you'll find a good message for your children with an emphasis on friendship and self esteem. Have your doll's hair styled in the salon. Pose for a magazine cover photo with your doll at the photo studio. There's even a hospital for dolls in need of a little TLC. If your child is a fan of the American Girl dolls or books, this will be a memorable stop.

You'll find it easy to get around Chicago. Chicago boasts an excellent subway system and a special bus loop visits all the major attractions and museums.

With Dollar Falling, Savvy Travelers Vacation in America

This is a great time to vacation in America. The value of the dollar is at record lows against the Euro, Loonie and Pound. Your money won't go very far these days in Europe, Canada or Great Britain. But in America you can enjoy a luxurious vacation at hundreds of timeshares in every corner of the country.

America is a vast country that offers a wide variety of vacation opportunities. From shore to shining shore, you'll find innumerable timeshares that offer every kind of vacation environment imaginable. From the lush tropical islands of Hawaii to the frozen snow-covered tundra of Alaska, from the arid desert of Arizona to the humid Gulf Coast of Florida, somewhere in America you'll find your preferred vacation environment. Take a look at some of these delightful timeshare locations. Use Timeshare Giant to locate timeshares in your favorite parts of the country; just click the post title.

Bask in the warm desert heat of sunny Scottsdale, Arizona this winter. Renowned for world-class golf, Scottsdale offers fabulous shopping, delightful restaurants and sophisticated entertainment. Set amidst the splendor of the Sonora Desert, the Sheraton Desert Oasis (left) provides a stunning setting for a winter getaway. Towering saguaros and palms dot the 10-acre resort. Sip a cool beverage while enjoying another breathtaking sunset from the charming clubhouse. The fabulous 4500-square-foot swimming pool boasts cascading waterfalls and a secluded spa grotto. Feel pampered this winter when you stay at a Sheraton Desert Oasis timeshare.

Prefer white powder to white sand? Head for the slopes at Lake Tahoe, straddling the borders of California and Nevada. You'll enjoy breathtaking downhill runs from Marriott's Timber Lodge in South Lake Tahoe, California. Stunning natural beauty surrounds Marriott's Timber Lodge which is adjacent to Heavenly gondola. Enjoy the toasty heated pool after a day on the slopes or stretch out your tired muscles in one of the three whirlpools. A fitness center, ski storage, wonderful on site restaurant and children's activity center add to the convenience of a ski getaway at Marriott's Timber Lodge. At the end of an enjoyable day, retire to your spacious timeshare for a hot toddy and a cuddle in front of the fireplace. Life just doesn't get much better!

Vermont Ski Resorts Opening Early

Wax up your skis and book your timeshare now, Vermont ski resorts are opening early this year. Mount Snow opened November 10, its earliest start in more than a decade. The resorts at Killington and Okemo Mountain just opened last Friday and a whole slew of others are getting ready to start the ski season at the end of the month -- that's next weekend!

Vermont is the East Coast's winter wonderland. Skiing, snow boarding, tobogganing, ice skating, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling -- if it happens on snow or ice, you can enjoy it in Vermont.

The Killington, Vermont ski area is the largest ski area east of the Rockies. Extensive snowmaking capabilities allow skiing from November through June. It's six snowy mountains offer 23 lifts and more than 200 ski trails. You'll discover many delightful timeshares in the Killington area (click the above link to peruse the complete list), several within walking/skiing distance of the slopes. When the ski season is over, the Killington area offers plenty of hiking, golf, horseback riding, water sports, cycling, mountain biking and other enjoyable outdoor pursuits that make Killington a year-round vacation paradise.

Cedarbrook Resort (right) is centrally located and just minutes from everything. There's nothing like a dip in the resort's heated outdoor pool to loosen the muscles after a day on the slopes. Retire to your spacious, comfortable suite for a hot toddy or cocoa in front of the fire for the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Or ski home to Trail Creek Condominiums (top, left) which are nestled at the foot of the mountain. Enjoy the indoor pool, jacuzzi and sauna when you get back from the slopes. When the snow melts, these delightful condos overlook the 18th hole of Killington's championship golf course, one of many in the area. If you need a break from the slopes, Killington offers many delightful restaurants, activities, shopping and nightlife.

Holiday Travel Tips for Speeding Through Security Checks

The holidays are stressful enough without worrying about whether you'll be delayed at the security checkpoint as you dash to catch your flight. The Thanksgiving weekend, which is one of the busiest times at U.S. airports, promises to add to the frustrations of holiday travelers. Homeland security regulations may have changed since the last time your travelled so I thought I'd offer a few tips to help you pass through airline security checkpoints undelayed.

• Have your boarding pass and photo ID in your hand ready to present to the security officer.
• Wear slip-on shoes that are easy to take off and put on. All passengers are required to remove their shoes at security checkpoints.
• Remember the 3-1-1- rule. Carry-on liquids must be carried in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces and all must fit inside 1 clear 1-quart bag.
• Small belt buckles and rings are usually OK, but don't wear any large metal items that could set off the metal detector. Don't wear your favorite Texas rodeo belt with the big, metal medallion. Leave the metal-studded jacket and boots at home. Put the bangle bracelets in your checked bags. Take off your watch and rings and put them in the pass-through basket.
• Don't overfill carry-on bags. Security screeners must be able to identify all packed items during x-ray.
• Take off and collect all loose metal items well before you reach the front of the screening line so you can drop them in the pass-through basket quickly (or even better, pop them into a clear zip bag and place it inside your carryon bag), including: cell phone, pager, loose change, watch, jewelry.

Items currently allowed include: beverages purchased after screening, 3-ounce containers of pudding or yogurt, tools shorter than 7 inches, knitting needles and crochet hooks, metal scissors shorter than 4 inches, mail files, safety razors, walking canes, umbrellas, one book of safety matches, baby formula, Transformer toys.

Items not allowed include: beverages purchased before screening or larger than 3 ounces, box cutters, gel candles, gel shoe inserts, show globes, spray paint, torch lighters, lighter fluid, tools longer than 7 inches, meat cleavers, drills and bits, golf clubs, ski poles, sabers.

For a complete list of items you can and cannot take through security checkpoints, visit www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel. Click the link to prohibited items. Have a safe trip and a happy holiday. For more travel tips, guides, books, luggage, useful travel aids, etc., visit the Timeshare Giant Store.

Timeshare Vacations Afford Your Family Many Benefits

It is said that if you change your perspective you can see things differently. You see things you may have missed before. Or you see things from someone else's perspective. A trip to the countryside or a day of relaxation can almost be a new lease on life -- except when you begin thinking or worrying about what chores await you upon your return. The beauty of a timeshare residence is that it allows you to escape to your home away from home, without giving up the amenities of home. Timeshares afford owners the luxury of really escaping the familiar. You can swap your timeshare for an exotic location, discover new places, and learn new skills, experience adventures. You can really liberate your family from their classic roles by going someplace completely different, beyond your comfort zone. Who knows? You might see new people emerge from this time spent together where everyone is experiencing a safari or the rain forest for the first time. It is like your family's version of "survivor." Or, a distant land, when your family is immersed in a new culture and language you don’t fully understand. You may just discover a new you, new tastes, or a life-defining moment. Timeshare vacations allow you to open new outlooks and horizons. So, get out there. Explore new places and experiences. Share your time together and discover yourself and your kids and your spouse, in the process. Buy or lease a timeshare. It can be a new lease on life. For more information on timeshare opportunities and advantages, buying, selling, financing, visit Timeshare Giant today where you will find excellent resource to help plan your get away or to choose a location for your next trip and even to purchase or lease a timeshare. It may be a good idea to rent timeshares in several different locations before deciding where to buy. Some people want a nearby timeshare that they can escape to easily. Others want to escape to an exotic location that would be too pricey to vacation to otherwise. Others want a timeshare in a location that would have high appeal so they can enjoy appreciation and always be able to swap time. Once you get a feel for timeshare vacations, you may even decide to purchase more time, or purchase in different locations as your lifestyle needs change. There is no time like the present to get started in a timeshare investment. There is much valuable advice on Timeshare Giant. Look before you leap. Once you take the plunge, you will be happy you did!

Healthy Year Predicted for Leisure Travel Industry in 2008

Travel industry analysts are predicting a good year in 2008. Travel spending by Americans and foreign visitors is expected to reach $778.2 billion in 2008, an increase of 5.2% over the $740 billion 2007 spending projection. Domestic leisure trips will continue their modest upward trend through 2008. Rising 2.5% in 2007, domestic trips are expected to climb another 2% in 2008 to reach 1.6 billion trips. However, despite the healthy figures, leisure travel rates are still well below those of 2000, a watershed year in the travel industry.

Since 2000, when business travel seems to have peaked, leisure travel has increased by 19%. In the past couple of years, the public appears to have finally recovered from the travel fears generated by the events of 9/11 in 2001. For a few years the travel industry struggled through a significant drop-off in all areas while the public chose to stay close to home. Leisure travel is highly sensitive to the ebbs and flows of the U.S. economy and psyche. It rises during periods of strength and confidence, decreasing during times of consumer fear or doubt. Today, the success or failure of the lodging industry -- hotels, motels, timeshares, residential resorts -- is dependent on leisure travel.

"Even though we are seeing some stresses in U.S. economy such as declining house values and high debt levels, consumers remain quite confident and interested in travel," said Dr. Suzanne Cook, Senior VP of Research for the Travel Industry. "There is more pressure on consumer spending but the consumer is not expected to entrench."

Cook doesn't expect leisure travel patterns to change until gas prices pass $3.50 a gallon, an increasing possibility as competition for oil with China and India continues to drive up the price of crude. Even then, she doesn't expect consumers to give up leisure travel, just travel closer to home. "People value vacations and leisure travel and will do so regardless," she said, noting a subtle slowing of historical heritage tours and outdoor recreation. The current economic crisis generated by the collapse of the subprime lending industry is not expected to affect the leisure travel industry. “Those that do travel have typically higher income, which is a predictor of travel behavior," said Peter Yesawich, Chairman and CEO of Ypartnership. "I personally think impact on travel business will be less than people think intuitively." Yesawich believes that the majority of consumers affected by the subprime fiasco will be concentrated in that sector of the public that seldom has the financial wherewith all for leisure travel. "Data will reveal that the higher concentration of people who have been adversely affected in subprime market will be among those no travel households,” Yesawich said. Issues in the airline industry that began with 9/11 have also affected the U.S. leisure travel industry. Cutbacks in airline capacity since 9/11, long flight delays prevalent this summer, lengthy security procedures and rising ticket prices all affect leisure travel. More U.S. consumers are choosing to travel close to home rather than risk losing vacation time to long delays at airports or flight cancellations. International travel to the U.S., including from Canada and Mexico, has declined 11% since 2000. While today's weak dollar is luring more tourists from overseas, particularly from Japan and Western Europe, leisure travel rates to America are still well below 2000's level. Small increases in leisure travel to the U.S. are projected for 2007 (5.1%) and 2008 (3.7%). U.S. hotels, timeshares and resorts will have to rely primarily on the leisure travel plans of American citizens who, these days, prefer to travel within their own borders.

Find Holiday Magic Aboard the Polar Express

Christmas is a magical time, especially for children. That innocent magic is poetically captured in the popular book The Polar Express, a family favorite since its publication in 1986. By Chris Van Allsburg, the classic story tells the tale of a young boy who rediscovers the magic of Christmas while on board a special train bound for the North Pole on Christmas Eve. When he wakes up on Christmas morning, he finds a sleigh bell in his pocket and realizes his journey was more than a dream. You may have taken your children or grandchildren to see the delightful 2004 film version starring Tom Hanks. This year you can give your children or grandchildren the ultimate Christmas gift and bring the fantasy to life.

The Grand Canyon Railway offers Polar Express runs on select evenings from November 8 through January 12. From your holiday timeshare in warm, sunny Sedona, Arizona, it's only a 90-minute drive to the Williams station where you and your family board vintage rail cars for a 17-mile nighttime journey to the "North Pole" at the Grand Canyon. Along the way, passengers listen to a reading of the book while sipping hot chocolate and nibbling cookies.

At the "North Pole," Santa and his reindeer welcome passengers. Santa personally greets each child, presenting a sleigh bell to signify their belief in Santa. Passengers -- with their very excited children -- then reboard for return trip to Williams. Tickets cost $26 for adults, $14 for children. Overnight packages that include a one-night stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, breakfast and dinner at Max and Thelma's Restaurant and a $10 retail gift certificate per adult are available starting at $289 for 2 adults and 2 children. Call 800-THE-TRAIN or visit TheTrain.com to make reservations.

The Polar Express is just one magical component of a holiday timeshare vacation in Sedona, Arizona. A popular vacation destination, Sedona offers vacationers many timeshares to choose from. (Click the post title to preview Sedona-area timeshares.) Surrounded by wind and water-sculpted red rock formations, Sedona is a quaint little town filled with delightful arts and crafts galleries, beautiful American Indian art, stunning jewelry and many charming restaurants.

One of my favorite Sedona timeshares is the Wyndham Sedona (above, right) located in the heart of breathtaking Oak Creek Canyon. The natural beauty of Sedona's canyons is a balm to the soul. Hiking or trout fishing amidst the majestic red rock formations and clear running streams is a renewing experience. Slide Rock Park, Red Rock State Park and the granddaddy of them all, the Grand Canyon, are all within easy day trip distance. Float over the amazing landscape in a hot air balloon for a spectacular view of the deep canyons and soaring rock formations. Get up close and personal on an exciting off-road Jeep tour. Or just laze by the pool at the Wyndham Sedona and soak up the ambiance while the grandkids splash about. With so much to do, a holiday timeshare vacation in Sedona is sure to delight the whole family.

Fun Things to Do in NYC During the Writers' Strike

I love visiting New York City. When I'm lucky enough to arrange an exchange, I stay at the posh Manhattan Club (below, left) in the pulsing heart of the city. At the Manhattan Club all the delights of the Big Apple are at my fingertips. Carnegie Hall is across the street, Broadway is just around the corner, Fifth Avenue shopping is a quick two-block jaunt (even in heels), and Central Park is a delightful three-block stroll.

Timeshares in Manhattan are at such a premium that you can rarely buy or rent them (you can put your name on a waiting list). But occasionally (not nearly as often as I like), you can arrange a timeshare exchange. Click this article's title for information about other wonderful Manhattan timeshares.

Among my favorite things to do when I'm in Manhattan are visit the Museum of Modern Art, shop at Saks on Fifth Avenue, eat in fabulous restaurants, and, of course, take in a show or two on Broadway. Unfortunately with the writer's strike going on, the only place to catch your favorite stars is on the picket line. There are some excellent shows not affected by the strike, but if you planned on hearing Clay Aiken in Spam-a-lot, you're out of luck.

Fortunately, in New York, the glam and glitter aren't limited to Broadway. The Diamond District sparkles on West 47th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. It's near the Theater District and just a block from Rockefeller Center, so check out the stars on strike, then go look for a few glittering gems to tuck into your Christmas stocking. If you're a good haggler, you can save 50% or more on diamond and jewelry purchases. If you're a newbie, a good rule of thumb is to offer 50% of the asking price on the first round and work up slowly from there.

If you're looking for gems of a different type, head for the photo galleries in Chelsea, Greenwich Village and Midtown. Midtown is home to the International Center of Photography located at 1133 Avenue of the Americas at 43rd Street. Both museum and school, the Center offers exhibits showcasing the works of both historical and working photojournalists. Through January 6, you can view the special exhibit This Is War! Robert Capa at Work. Make sure you visit the gift shop where you'll find all kinds of quirky items to delight photo buffs.

Take a cab to Chelsea to visit the Hasted Hunt Gallery at 529 W. 20th Street for a wide range of photos from classic vintage to contemporary. For fine art photos, stop by Silverstein Photography at 535 W. 24th St., also in Chelsea. If you have a photo buff on your holiday shopping list, you'll want to browse the shelves at Dashwood Books located at 334 Bond St. in Greenwich Village. The independent bookshop is devoted solely to photography.

Make Your Cruise Dreams Come True with Timeshare Giant Travel

Some folks may wonder why, in addition to providing a platform for buyers, sellers, and renters to transact with one another, Timeshare Giant also offers its users the ability to book luxury cruises. The logic is simple: We timeshare owners like a variety of vacations. Although we timeshare owners value high quality vacation destinations and accomodations, our vacation aspirations are not just one-dimensional. Many of us dream of taking a luxury cruise (or two or three) during our lifetimes. The excitement of a new port-of-call every morning, idyllic sunsets slipping into the sea, the romance, the clubs, the activities, the entertainment, the pampering and the food! Who hasn't dreamed of someday stepping up to one of those decadent midnight buffets, or having room service deliver your breakfast to your cabin every morning?

Timeshare Giant Travel can help you make your cruise dreams come true with our one-stop shopping travel services. Timeshare Giant Travel has teamed up with the high-octane power of Hotels.com to offer some of the best pricing and the latest cutting-edge functionality available to the public. On Timeshare Giant Travel, you can book a fabulous cruise vacation and even the flight to your port city. Want to lengthen your vacation and spend a few days sampling the pleasures of your port city prior to your ship's sailing date? Timeshare Giant makes it easy to confirm reservations at just about any hotel you can think of. Need a car rental? No problem! Just click on the post title and take Timeshare Giant Travel for a spin. You'll love our prices and ease-of-use.

If you're taking your first cruise, you probably have a lot of questions. I've provided some great tips for beginners that will help you cruise like a pro. Bon Voyage!

Cruise Tips for First-Timers

1. You don't need to pack formal wear unless you want to. Many cruisers enjoy the old tradition of dressing for dinner and that can be part of the fun. Don't worry if you don't own a tux. A suit or dress is generally all that's required for formal dining. But if donning tie or heels isn't your idea of a vacation, cruise ships offer a wide variety of restaurants in addition to the formal dining room. You'll find the food equally delicious and bountiful at the ship's many buffets, cafes and specialty restaurants.
2. Bring enough mix and match clothing for your trip and don't forget to pack weather-appropriate outdoor clothing for when you're on deck or in port. You'll want to pack flip-flops or slip-ons and a robe or coverup for strolling to and from the pool. If you plan to snorkel or scuba, you can bring your own gear, but it's usually easier to rent what you need than lug a lot of heavy extras. Some ships have washers and dryers and many provide a retractable clothesline for drying swimwear.
3. Remember to pack necessary toiletries. Many ships provide some toiletries but it's generally limited to tiny bars of soap and little bottles of shampoo. You'll need to bring your toothbrush, hand lotion and conditioner. If you do forget something, ships usually have a ship's store where you can pick up necessities along with some postcards and other mementos.
4. Cruise prices include your room, food and some beverages. Free drinks usually include coffee, tea, iced tea, lemonade and juice at breakfast. Most cruise lines offer beverage packages ($6 a day is typical) that allow you to get unlimited soda and sometimes other beverages. Except on luxury lines which don't usually charge for wine and alcohol, you'll usually have to pay for alcoholic drinks, including beer.
5. There are plenty of free activities on ship and in port and budget-conscious cruisers may want to stick to those. Every cruise boasts its share of interesting excursions -- at a price. But if there's an experience you've been dying to have -- say, watching grizzlies cavort in Alaska -- book it in advance through your cruise line. You don't want to miss the one experience that could define your trip. This is a vacation, after all, and you should be prepared to splurge a bit. Booking through the cruise line guarantees your space if the excursion is fully booked and you don't have to worry about transportation or timing. All you have to do is show up!
6. While some luxury cruise lines forbid tipping, tipping is standard on most ships. Many cruise lines can provide you with a prepared sheet of suggested tip amounts which can be a great help to first-time cruisers. Other lines offer a prepaid gratuity option so you don't have to deal with tipping. Be aware though that prepaid plans generally charge a set amount for each person in your party per day, whether you use the facilities or not. If you're traveling with kids who never set foot in the dining room, you'll still pay for them on a prepaid plan. Typically, tips for stateroom attendants are $3.50 a day; for dining room staff, $5 to $10 per day.

Vail Timeshares Beckon Skiers

Winter is coming. The first errant flakes of snow have been sighted in the mountains. Skiers across the country have heard the first soft shushing sigh of their siren call. Vail is calling and your ski season timeshare is waiting.

Just 100 miles west of Denver, nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains, Vail is the home of some of America's most challenging ski slopes. A host of timeshare condominiums and resorts awaits skiers and winter sports enthusiasts, offering a warm, cozy oasis from the chill winds of the busy slopes. Located near Vail Village, The Wren timeshare (left and below) is a favorite with ski enthusiasts.





With the grandeur of Vail's spectacular ski slopes serving as a breathtaking backdrop, The Wren offers beautiful accommodations with cozy fireplaces and first class amenities. Downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowboarding are within easy reach of your vacation timeshare.

After an active day on the slopes, ease your tired muscles in The Wren's heated pool or hot tubs. In the evening, all the delights of Vail Valley are at your fingertips: fabulous restaurants, chic shops and exciting nightlife. Click here for more information about The Wren. Click the post title for information about other Vail Valley timeshares.

If you're a serious skier, you may want to consider signing up for one of Vail Mountain's MasterCamps sessions. The intensive ski immersion camps focus on turning intermediate skiers into experts -- in a matter of days. While not cheap -- the six-day SKIimmersion program costs $1,500 plus lift tickets for a total of $1,830 -- the program has developed a wide word of mouth following from satisfied customers who credit the camps with marked improvement in their form, ability and enjoyment of the sport. For more information about Vail MasterCamps, call 970-754-4328 or 970-754-3243 or visit vail.snow.com.

Traveling Outside U.S.? Consider Overseas Medical Policy

If you are planning a timeshare vacation outside the U.S., you should consider purchasing overseas medical insurance. Not all U.S. medical insurance policies include coverage outside the U.S. Those that do often provide more limited coverage than what you're used to at home. You also need to consider the fact that policy holders generally pay for overseas medical expenses out-of-pocket then submit the bills to their insurance carrier for reimbursement which, unfortunately, often doesn't meet expectations. If you're over 65, you should be aware that Medicare will not cover medical expenses outside the U.S., and Medicare Supplement Plans C-J provide only limited foreign travel benefits. If you don't carry supplemental insurance or have only Medicare Supplement plan A or B, you should definitely purchase overseas medical insurance before you leave the country. Here are a few pointers on purchasing overseas medical insurance:

• Get a policy that provides primary, not secondary, medical coverage. Primary insurance will pay your bills even if you have other insurance. Usually primary policies will also pay the hospital or doctor upfront so you don't have to use your travelling cash.
• Look for a policy that covers a reasonable number and type of emergencies, including dental coverage, evacuation and repatriation expenses. Most overseas insurance policies offer reasonably-priced bundles that include medical/dental services and emergency transportation.
• Get a policy that covers existing medical conditions. Disputes over existing conditions is a frequent complaint of overseas travelers.
• When submitting a claim outside the U.S., follow the carrier's procedures precisely. Remember that pre-authorization is usually required for all but emergency procedures. Policies may specify which doctors or hospitals are authorized to provide treatment. With emergency procedures, you may have to notify the carrier within a set period of time in order to be covered. Coverage may be denied if claim procedures are not properly followed.
• If you plan to purchase other travel insurance, notably trip-interruption or trip cancellation insurance, look for cost-effective bundled packages. Buy only as much insurance as you need and opt for bare bones policies over those with all the bells and whistles.

Several online companies offer cost-effective insurance bundles for travelers, including:

• 1TravelInsurance.com
• InsureMyTrip.com
• QuoteWright.com
• QuoteTravelInsurance.com
• TotalTravelInsurance.com

Timeshare Exchange Tips

One of the valuable benefits of timeshare ownership is the opportunity to exchange your timeshare for one in a different location. You may love your two weeks of sun and sand in south Florida ...

After all, what's not to love about lazing on the 100-foot private beach at the Geo Group at Berkshire Beach Club (left) in Deerfield Beach, Florida while you work on your tan. Or snorkeling and scuba diving amid the finned residents of the colorful underwater reef just offshore.

... but you may occasionally crave a change of pace. Perhaps this year, you'd like to try your hand at skiing or let the kids give snowboarding a try.

Big Sky Resort (right), just 18 miles from Yellowstone Park in Big Sky, Montana, offers some of the most exciting skiing in the world. Ride the tram to within 15 feet of Lone Peak's 11,166-foot summit for the downhill ride of a lifetime. With an annual snowfall of 400 inches, Big Sky guarantees prime ski conditions.

If you plan to exchange your timeshare, first decide on the what, where and when.

• What? First consider the type of vacation experience you want to have. What do you and your family like to do? Do you prefer large, all-inclusive timeshare resorts or smaller, more intimate settings? What kind of activities and amenities are important to you?


• Where? Think about locations that will provide the vacation experience you seek. Browse possible timeshare locations on Timeshare Giant (just click the post title). You'll find a map and list of countries/states that make searching for the perfect timeshare a snap. Looking for sun and sand? Click on Florida, Hawaii, Arizona or Puerto Rico. Prefer snow and ice? Click on Montana, Colorado, Idaho or Wyoming. On Timeshare Giant you can take a pictorial tour of each timeshare resort and check amenities to come up with a list of possible timeshare exchanges that meet your needs. Remember to consider less well known timeshare destinations. They offer the same vacation experience and amenities as the most popular resorts while providing greater date and accommodation choices.


• When? It pays to book as far in advance as possible. If you want to exchange for a very popular timeshare resort, consider vacationing in the off-season. If your vacation time is somewhat flexible, it's helpful to provide the timeshare resort with several acceptable dates. If your dates are not flexible, try to select a backup choice or two in case your first choice timeshare is unavailable when you want to travel.

Timeshare Industry Booming! Figures Speak for Themselves

Nearly 4.5 million Americans own timeshares, up from 4.1 million just two years ago. Increasingly, Americans are recognizing the advantage of investing in leisure time. Today, almost 4% of U.S. householders own a timeshare, according to the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) International Foundation.

In 2006, timeshare sales reached $10 billion in the U.S. California, Florida and South Carolina, the top timeshare states, accounted for $4 billion of those sales, almost half. The Mountain and
Pacific areas are primed to give them a run for their money. In 2006, these two regions attracted $1.5 bilion in new sales and are slated to gain nearly 20,000 new units in coming years (see bar chart below).

Here's ARDA's breakdown of timeshare sales in 2006:

Timeshare sales in the U.S. are booming, according to ARDA. Additional timeshare units are planned for development across the country with an emphasis on the mountain states, Florida and the Pacific area. Combined, these three prime areas will account for more than half of the 58,000 new timeshare units to be constructed.

Here's ARDA's breakdown on planned timeshare development in the near future:

Source of both charts: State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry: United States Study 2007, prepared by Ernst & Young for AIF. Survey sent to more than 1,600 timeshare resorts in the United States, results based on 625 responses (a 39% response rate).

If you're ready to invest in your leisure time, visit the Timeshare Giant website (just click the post title) to check out timeshares available for sale or rent in every state in the nation.

Timeshare Resorts Reach Out to San Diego Wildfire Evacuees

We've all watched in horror as wildfires have devastated the San Diego, California area. Fanned by Santa Ana winds and tinder-dry weather, whole swaths of southwestern California have gone up in smoke. Millions of dollars in homes and businesses have been engulfed in flames, sending citizens fleeing in droves. With more than 900,000 people forced to flee their homes, most with few or no possessions and only the clothing on their backs, resources in Southern California are severely strained. In a marvelous humanitarian gesture, many resorts, timeshares and hotels have opened their doors to evacuees. Evacuees have packed hotels solid as far away as El Centro, CA and Yuma, AZ to the southwest of San Diego, and Kingman, AZ and Las Vegas to the north. While many evacuees will be returning to their homes as evacuation orders are lifted, too many no longer have homes to return to. Last night I finally heard from my cousin who lives in the area. Thankfully, her family and home survived. The devastation wrought by wildfires is inexplicable and frightening. My cousin was lucky, but many others were not. If you are booked into a timeshare in the greater San Diego area, you should check with the timeshare or resort management before you leave home. Many resorts were unaffected by the fires, but given the unpredictability of wild fires and their erratic pathways, savvy travelers will call before they pack. Also, resorts that didn't sustain direct fire damage may require heavy cleaning to repair smoke damage before they can welcome guests again. If your timeshare is being used as an evacuation site, please show compassion for the folks who are gratefully staying there. They have nowhere else to go.

The Joy of Off-Season Timeshare Travel

Everyone loves Aspen during the ski season, or the Caribbean when the cold winds of winter are blowing back home. While it's always exciting to vacation in your timeshare during the peak season, traveling off-season has its own special delights.

Personally, I love the peace and quiet of vacationing in a timeshare during the off-season. The solitude is restorative. I return from vacation relaxed and rejuvenated. If I'm staying in a timeshare resort, the service is even more attentive than usual. There are no lines at my favorite local restaurants. Without the noisy hubbub of peak season crowds, I can dally over my coffee and actually enjoy a pleasant conversation with friends. I can browse through my favorite shops without dodging elbows. There's no line at the register and I can enjoy personal attention from the staff. Actually, during the off-season many smaller shops let their staffs go and you'll receive personalized service from the owner herself.

Resort towns take on a different aura once the tourists go home. When you visit off-season you get to see a town as it really is. You overhear gossip in the checkout lane at the grocery and hear people catching up on each others' lives on street corners. Local folks are willing to engage in friendly conversations and share a bit of their lives. I've gotten some of my best tips on great restaurants, darling little shops, interesting museums and the most scenic hiking and biking trails from town locals during off-season chats. Without all the stress and crush of tourists, local folks have time to get to know you and share a bit of their town's history and stories with you. I find these moments make for some of my most magical memories.

One of my favorite off-season destinations is Aspen, Colorado. The high country west of Denver is gorgeous from the bloom of spring flowers, through the dense greens of the summer forest, and into the changing colors of fall. Right now the aspens are glowing, bright yellow leaves shining amidst their stark white and black-streaked trunks. Kebler Pass and McClure Pass near Aspen are prime leaf peeping areas in the fall. I love to rent a horse and just amble along the trails for hours, taking in nature at its finest. Cycling is also enjoyable and the landscape isn't all hills, though you will build up your leg muscles! Hikers will find many wonderful trails and you don't have to bother with snowshoes in the off-season. White-water rafting, kayaking, mountain climbing and para gliding are available for the more adventurous. Traditionalists can enjoy excellent fly-fishing, tennis, golf and numerous other outdoor activities.

Exchanges offer some great deals on off-season timeshare vacations. You won't mind the lower prices at local restaurants or shops either. One of my favorite timeshares in the Aspen area is the elegant Hyatt Grand Aspen. I love the grand Victorian air and luxuriously appointed suites. Located right in the heart of downtown Aspen at the base of stunning Ajax Mountain, the Hyatt Grand Aspen is just steps away from Aspen's fabulously eclectic shops and charming restaurants. Click here for more information. Photos shown in this post are of the Hyatt Grand Aspen. To preview other great timeshares in Aspen, Colorado area, click the post title.