Destination Daytona Beach: Timeshares for the Family

For many years, Daytona Beach, Florida, was plagued with a reputation for rowdy, beer-guzzling, college-age spring breakers. But it has shed that image (thanks to strategic marketing) and is now a safe, fun place for families to take young children–even during traditional college spring break times, such as the middle to end of March.
The coastal city’s slogan is “Way More than a Beach.” Although its 23 miles of gorgeous beaches are what the city is best known for, Daytona Beach also offers families a bunch of adventures and activities. Kiddos (and adults!) who love an adrenaline rush need to check out the Daytona 500 Experience at the Daytona International Speedway, which includes a NASCAR 3D Movie. The multi-faceted attraction gives visitors a journey through racing history. Or ride shotgun 150 miles an hour around the Speedway racetrack with the Richard Petty Driving Experience (you must be at least 14 years old to participate).
Visit Marineland, the world’s oldest “oceanarium,” dating back to 1938. Here, kids can not only view the myriad marine life, but also swim with dolphins at its Dolphin Conservation Center. Teenagers can be a “Trainer for a Day.” Another historic site in Daytona, the Angel & Phelps Chocolate Factory, has been crafting delicious treats since 1925. Take a free factory tour and try the free samples!

Many Daytona Beach timeshares are right on the beach, giving you easy access to family-friendly ocean activities: surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, sea kayaking and fishing. Perhaps you’d like to ride a thrilling jet boat or take a more relaxing riverboat excursion. Land-based family fun includes go-karts, laser tag and mini golf, or the whole crew can rent bikes–from beach cruisers to recumbent bikes–and cycle along the coast, taking in the sights.

Web Resources

City of Daytona Web site
What to See & Do in Daytona Beach
Best Florida Beaches blog
Florida Resale Timeshares from Holiday

Interview: British Virgin Islands Using RCI Points

 

 

An interview with Holiday’s Sales Manager, Gail Bennett, who recently used her RCI Points for a week-long catamaran trip to the British Virgin Islands!

Where did you go and what did you most enjoy?

We went to the beautiful British Virgin Islands. Who wouldn’t have loved the sunny days, blue skies, and turquoise water all around? I loved the fact that I was on a catamaran for the entire eight days and seven nights.

How did you find out about it? What does one need to do this kind of an exchange?

It was a fluke, really. Don’t all great things begin that way? I was searching online with my RCI Points, looking for a trip to the Caribbean, and there it was: an opportunity to exchange my timeshare for a catamaran tour of the BVIs!

What are some fun things to do that might appeal to other timesharers who have never been there? Also, what are the “don’t miss” things?

The catamaran has sleeping berths for eight, including the captain and first mate. One of the other couples was celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary, which was really special. We landed on a little sandy beach with palm trees and fantastic scenery, and the captain renewed their vows.

Don’t miss the Jolly Roger, Foxy’s, or the Baths. All must-do’s. The BVIs are meant to be toured via boat, versus being confined to just one island. Also, I missed it this time, but if you can coordinate your trip during the full moon, the entire BVI has celebrations that commemorate the event.

Any tips that might make this trip more enjoyable? What did you learn (if anything) to make the trip smoother, whether it relates to timeshare specifically, or to Caribbean travel in general?

Travel light, if you can. Just a carry-on is even better. This helps speed things through customs and, in case the airport is running on “island time,” gives you a better chance of making your connecting flight. You will need a passport and some spending cash. My friend and I picked up some Island bongos that we beat on all the time. It was fun and funny.

You can get sun block and shampoo once you get there. Plus, if you’re traveling via catamaran, don’t expect to shower too often, as they try to conserve water on the boat.

Anything else you can think of that someone new to timeshare might want to know? Best time to go? Reservation details?

Whether you’re new to or already familiar with timeshare, it’s an incredible experience. I have to say I never felt more carefree than during those eight gorgeous days floating on the Caribbean. I don’t think you can get this any other way than either owning there or with RCI Points, but check with your RCI Counselor for details. If any readers don’t have a timeshare or need more info, give me a call and I’ll be happy to put you in touch with one of our knowledgeable Vacationeers, or search Holiday’s Web site for our RCI Points selection. No worries, mon!

More Resources on the British Virgin Islands:

BVI Tourist Board

BVI National Parks Trust

Beach Bars of the BVI

Destination Romance: Couples at California Timeshares

Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Do you have plans with your special someone? If not, consider surprising your honey with a timeshare getaway.Just about any timeshare destination can be romantic-snuggle at Colorado ski resort, lounge by the pool in Mexico, walk hand in hand on a Caribbean beach. Or do any or all of these activities at a timeshare in California.

After all, depending where in the state you’d like to visit in February, you can easily ski, swim or walk the beach. You can also dine at outstanding restaurants, take in important sights or act like kids again at a world-class theme park.

Here are just a few areas of California that make great couples-only timeshare getaways:

Napa
From your home base in Napa, explore any of the dozens of wineries in this pretty region of the state. Pick up a bottle at one of the vineyards, then bring it back to your accommodations and soak in the hot tub together. (What’s more romantic than that?!) You can also pack a picnic, hike in the nearby hills, or have a couples’ massage at a spa in glorious wine country.

San Francisco
For a cosmopolitan vacation, head to San Francisco. Sightseeing here is first rate: hop on one of the famous cable cars, snap pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge, take the ferry over to Alcatraz, check out the sea lions at Fisherman’s Warf, browse the shops and dim sum restaurants in Chinatown. Then in the evening, seek out some upscale, fine-dining eateries for a candle-lit meal.

Lake Tahoe
Vacation on the California side of Lake Tahoe, and you have your choice of six major ski resorts-at all of them, champagne powder and gorgeous mountain scenery await. But even if you aren’t skiers, Lake Tahoe is a fun destination for other winter sports, like snowmobiling, snowshoeing and ice skating. And if gambling is your thing, you can always cross the border to visit the casinos on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe.

Anaheim
Forget “It’s a Small World.” With no kids in tow, you can hit all the thrill rides you want at Disneyland and California Adventure! A timeshare stay in the Anaheim area means you’re not far from the other Southern California theme parks, like San Diego’s Wild Animal Park and Universal Studios Hollywood. A short drive southwest brings you to the California coast, where you can dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean.

Palm Springs
If it’s temperate weather you’re seeking, head to the California desert; the average high in Palm Springs in February is 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Known as a “snowbird” retiree destination, Palm Springs actually has a lot of appeal for outdoor enthusiasts, as well. Hike in Indian Canyons or the myriad of trails at the peak of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Mountain biking trails and golf courses abound, as well.

Three Reasons to Book a Timeshare Vacation in Playa del Carmen

Cancun is cool. Acapulco is amazing. Mazatlan is marvelous. But Playa del Carmen is pretty darn perfect in terms of Mexico beach destinations. Here’s why:
The Location
Most visitors fly into Cancun International Airport, just a 45-minute drive away. But Playa is worlds away from bustling Cancun. While it’s not really the quaint fishing village it was two decades ago, Playa doesn’t have the overwhelming development and high-rise resorts of its neighbor to the north.

Playa does have bus service to Cancun, if you’d like to spend an evening in its hopping nightclubs, and ferry service directly to the island of Cozumel, for a fun day trip. It’s also ideally situated for excursions to the south: Mayan ruins of Tulum, snorkeling in Akumal, touring the biosphere Sian Ka’an. Or hop in a rental jeep to explore the attractions to its north: spend some time in the authentic little village of Puerto Morelos (which has seen very little development) or bring the kids to the Crococun zoo.

Playa del Carmen’s downtown area is adjacent to the beach. The main drag is 5th Avenue (La Quinta), and this giant esplanade lined with shops and restaurants is just steps away from the ocean.

The Food

Since Playa del Carmen has wonderfully warm weather all year round, most restaurants have open-air seating. Restaurants in downtown Playa include many Americanized eateries and popular chains, such as Carlos n’ Charlie’s and Senor Frogs (both of which transform into rollicking nightclubs in the evening). There’s even a prominent McDonald’s on 5th Avenue.

But when you’re in Playa, seek out some of the authentic Mexican restaurants, perhaps off the main drag a bit. You’ll have plenty of taco spots to choose from! You’ll also find Italian, Asian, Cuban and many other world flavors. A favorite all-natural-foods eatery that is revered among vegetarian visitors is 100% Natural, where you can eat on a cool rainforest-garden patio.

The Beaches

Playa’s white-sand beaches are all open to the public, and they are maintained by the city or oceanfront resort staff. That means you can generally count on beautifully clean beaches (very little seaweed!) for digging your feet into the sand, stretching out on a towel with a good book, or building sand castles.

Turquoise water beckons for body surfing and jumping in the waves (the strength and height of which vary depending on which stretch of water you’re playing in, as well as the weather). And when it’s time for refreshments, beach bars and restaurants are within easy walking distance.