Destination Scottsdale: Free Things to Do

Scottsdale, Arizona, is home to some world-class timeshare resorts, sublime spas, unparalleled golf and loads of upscale shopping. But some visitors may not know that there’s a way to experience Scottsdale without spending a dime.
Scottsdale is home to the Sonoran Desert where pristine expanses and fascinating wildlife make it a perfect place for visitors of all ages and fitness levels to explore. One of the best locations to experience and appreciate the wonders of the desert is the McDowell Sonoran Preserve (www.mcdowellsonoran.org), which will be one of the largest urban preserves in the nation upon completion, encompassing a total of 36,400 acres. Take a free, three- to eight-mile hike with a knowledgeable guide. The pace is easy and relaxed with plenty of stops to admire the lush landscape.
Another great place for hiking is Pinnacle Peak Park in north Scottsdale. The trail here is at a moderate incline with a smooth tread, and the highest peak reaches 2,889 feet. Your reward: a picturesque view of the city and some of the Sonoran Desert’s most inspiring flora and fauna.

Art lovers can enjoy Scottsdale’s Public Art Program, which consists of 65 permanent and 26 temporary artworks throughout the downtown area. Downtown parking is free, so visitors can enjoy strolling through the outdoor gallery while taking in works by Louise Nevelson, Robert Indiana and Jamie Carpenter. Every Thursday night, more than 100 art galleries open their doors to welcome visitors during the weekly ArtWalk, a 30-year tradition in downtown Scottsdale. Enjoy free refreshments and often live music and contest giveaways.

Most Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from January through the beginning of April, the outdoor amphitheater at the Scottsdale Civic Center comes alive with Native American music, dance, art and traditional foods. From noon to 1:30, visitors can explore the rich and varied cultures of the first nations of Arizona and North America-all for free!

Take Two Weeks and Call Me in the Morning

American Resort Development Association Concurs with Recent Survey Findings that Americans are Vacation-Deprived
(Washington, May 21, 2008)—While many people across this great nation get ready to celebrate the first weekend of summer, most people don’t have any plans to vacation this year. Based on the recent Expedia Vacation Deprivation™ survey, Americans not only receive the smallest amount of vacation time among their counterparts abroad, they often fail to use it. The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) challenges the vacation-deprived among us take the first step to recovery and admit there is a problem.
“I’m dismayed but not surprised at these findings,” said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO. “People need to realize that taking time to unwind is an important health benefit. Relieving stress, spending family time and re-energizing will pay dividends throughout the rest of the year.”

The second step in vacation deprivation recovery is to ensure that the vacation is the best possible experience it can be. ARDA member resorts provide spacious accommodations in stunning locations with all the comforts of home. A timeshare resort offers hassle-free second home vacations designed with the sole purpose of making the most of precious leisure time together.

Expedia found that despite reporting an average of 14 paid vacation days again this year, the same as 2007 and two more than in 2005, an estimated 47.5MM Americans will not use all of their vacation days. Again this year, employed U.S. adults will leave an average of three vacation days on the table, in essence giving back more than 460 million vacation days in 2008.

Everyone deserves not only a vacation, but a better vacation. For more information contact ARDA at www.arda.org. (Link to article)

>>All the more reason HOLIDAY should be your resource for VACATION FULFILLMENT!

Ocean City for Free

Ocean City, Maryland, has long been a popular vacation destination for families. Since the late 1800s, people have flocked to its white sandy beaches along its narrow peninsula.
Ocean City’s proximity to major East Coast cities is also appealing. It is just a short drive from Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Baltimore. But even if you fly into the area, you don’t need a rental car to get around; the bus system makes it easy to get from one end of the famous boardwalk to the other.
Recreational opportunities abound here. Ocean City is known for having some of the best sport fishing in the world, due to its proximity to the Gulf Stream. Action-packed water sports include jet skiing, kite boarding and speedboat rides. Strolling the boardwalk or the miles of beach is a “must do” while you’re in Ocean City. Kids love the Ocean Bowl Skate Park, the mini-golf courses and the many amusement park rides along the boardwalk.

And perhaps what’s extra appealing to families is the number of activities that are available for free in Ocean City. Check out these fun events that are taking place this summer:

Family Movie Nights, Mondays & Fridays, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., June 30-Aug. 15. Gather for fun, kid-friendly activities and a movie right on the beach at 27th Street. Activities include arts and crafts, games and sing-alongs for the first hour, with the movie starting at 8:45 p.m.

Family Beach Games, Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., July 1-Aug. 12. Meet at the 27th St. beach, which is at the northern end of the boardwalk, for such activities as sand castle contests, tug of war and relay games. Children must be accompanied by parents or guardians.

Sundaes in the Park, Sundays, 6 to 8 p.m., July 13-Aug. 24. Free concerts at Northside Park, at 127th St. and the bay. Family-friendly music ranges from country to rock. For a small fee, create your own delicious ice cream sundae then sit back, listen to the tunes and watch the sun set over Assawoman Bay.

Beach Concerts, Wednesdays, 8 to 9:30 p.m., July 9-Aug. 20. Enjoy free concerts right on the beach, just steps from Ocean City’s world-famous Boardwalk at North Division Street. The music varies from week to week.

Evening Bonfires, Thursdays, after dusk, July 10-Aug. 28. Hang out with friends and family around the bonfire on the beach at North Division Street. Each week features a different guest speaker, making bonfire hour entertaining as well as informative.

Museum Programs, Mondays through Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., mid-July-August. Gather outside the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum at the south end of the boardwalk for fun facts on topics that include beach safety, aquarium feeding, knot tying and sharks.

Ten Ways to Save Up Money for Your Timeshare Vacation

Whether you’re planning to purchase a timeshare or rent a timeshare unit for an upcoming vacation, here are a few ways you might be able to sock away the cash you need without feeling the pinch:
1. Dedicate your income-tax refund to your timeshare vacation fund.
2. Got a raise this year? Put the extra money in your vacation savings account.

3. Forego your fancy latte from the neighborhood barista, and brew your own instead.

4. Put your monthly gym membership on hold–or negotiate a membership for less money with fewer perks.

5. Women: Do your own nails instead of visiting the manicurist once a month. Men: Try to limit visits to the barbershop; if your wife, girlfriend, daughter or friend can wield some clippers, you might consider investing in a set for future haircuts.

6. Rent movies from online DVD memberships that arrive by mail so you never have to pay late fees for film rentals. Already belong? Change your membership to a cheaper option, such as one that limits you to renting only two or three at a time.

7. Stop drinking pricey bottled water at home. If your tap water is icky, buy an inexpensive filter for your faucet (the environment will thank you, too).

8. Reduce your energy bills by making sure your house or apartment is as efficient as possible–close blinds at night, check for air leaks at your doors and windows, turn off lights when you leave the room.

9. As you shop for clothes, ask yourself: “Is this a want or a need?” Put down the item, and if you’re still pining for it, return to the store tomorrow. Better yet, host a clothing swap with friends. Ask a bunch of buddies to bring their gently used clothes to display in your living room; have fun trying them on and modeling for each other over (cheap) bottles of wine.

10. Talk to your friends and family about not exchanging birthday or holiday gifts this year, or draw names so that each person buys only one gift for one other person. If your mom really wants to get you something, suggest that she donate to the cause–ask for cash to deposit in your vacation savings account!

What’s New in Las Vegas

There’s so much to do in “Sin City,” from gambling around the clock to eating at plentiful buffets, from watching the free outdoor shows (”Sirens of TI” and the dancing water fountains at the Bellagio) to enjoying thrill rides like the New York New York’s roller coaster. Then there are the magnificent shows by the world’s greatest musical, comedy and acrobatic acts.
Never one to rest on its laurels, Las Vegas is continually unveiling new shows and attractions. The best part? No matter where you spend your timeshare vacation in Las Vegas this spring or summer, you can sample these restaurants, spas and shows that are open to the public, even if they are housed in some of the mega-resorts on the Strip.
Dos Caminos Opens at The Palazzo

Located in the new Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino, Dos Caminos Las Vegas is the fourth outpost of the famed Mexican hot spot in New York City. Building on classic Mexican staples like guacamole, empanadas and tacos, the menu includes signature items of modern flair created exclusively for Las Vegas.

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas has introduced its new 2008 spa menu, featuring an array of new signature treatments uniquely conceived to hydrate skin, promote anti-aging and elevate the art of relaxation. Signature treatments include the Four Seasons Desert Oasis Treatment, the Everlasting Flower Stone Facial, the Desert Flower Stone Massage and the Vitality of the Glaciers, a facial which incorporates cool glacial waters. Travel + Leisure magazine ranked The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas No. 12 overall in its list of Top Hotel Spas in the U.S. and Canada. It was the only Las Vegas spa to be included.

Cher Headlines at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace

The legendary performer Cher headlines at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace beginning May 6. The performance agreement, which is in partnership with AEG Live, includes approximately 200 shows over a span of three years. Cher at The Colosseum, designed exclusively for the 4,300-seat venue, will feature countless chart-topping hits over the course of her career. The 90-minute show will be complemented by state-of-the-art lighting, special effects and costumes.

Venetian Headliner Wayne Brady

BASE Entertainment and The Venetian recently announced that they will extend the hit show Making It Up, starring Wayne Brady, through July 2009. The extension will allow Brady to star in more than 300 performances before the end of July 2009. Since he started performing in Making It Up in April 2007, he has created a different show each night with improv partner Jonathan Mangum.

The Rio Opens the Only Seafood Buffet in Las Vegas

Las Vegas’ only seafood buffet, located at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, is now open. Refined, elegant and boldly designed, the Village Seafood Buffet is under the direction of acclaimed Chef Richard Leggett, serving the freshest seafood from around the world, flown in daily with restaurant-style execution. From Indonesian freshwater
prawns to Pacific salmon, Alaskan king crab, Canadian snow crab, shrimp from China and slipper tail lobster from Southeast Asia, the Village Seafood Buffet purchases more than 200 tons of fresh seafood annually.

T&T Restaurant to Open at Luxor

T&T (Tacos & Tequila), a highly stylized restaurant with a high-energy vibe and flavorful menu, will open this July at Luxor. Embodying traditional and modern elements of Mexican style intermixed with a rock ‘n roll flair, T&T combines the talents of Master Chef and world-renowned restaurateur Richard Sandoval with world-class designer, Adam Tihany, for an unparalleled concept. The menu includes Sandoval’s unique presentation of both modern and traditional Mexican cuisine and a drink program filled with an extensive tequila selection, specialty cocktails and infused tequilas.

Jersey Boys Opens at the Palazzo

Jersey Boys, the Tony Award-winning musical, is now showing in a custom-built, 1,600-seat theater at Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino. Jersey Boys is the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. It’s the tale of how a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time. The show features such hits as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” “Oh, What a Night,” and many more.

Learn more at the official Las Vegas Tourism Web site.

Blog: Vegas Tripping

Maria’s 7 Secrets to Timeshare Exchange

Learn to Exchange Like a Pro
If there is one thing about timesharing that causes grief for people, it’s got to be exchanging. Now for me, I believe there are two reasons for this:
Over-promising at the resort, and understanding how it works.

ARDA, the American Resort Developer’s Association, says that exchanging is one of the main reasons why people buy. I don’t know about that, but it’s certainly one of the big promises made by every timeshare salesperson on earth. “Just bank and go,” they say, “it’s that easy!” Well, it’s not and you and I know it! But before I reveal to you Maria’s Seven Secrets of Exchanging, let me introduce myself and tell you what I do at Holiday Resales. [read more]

Also: Timeshare Exchange System

Tropical Timeshare Destination: No Passport Required at St. Thomas

No passport? No worries! You can still enjoy a tropical vacation in the Caribbean. The U.S. Virgin Islands, also
known as “America’s Caribbean,” does not require American citizens to have a passport for entry.A cultural melting pot, the U.S. Virgin Islands are home to residents who can trace their roots to a number of countries, including Africa, England, Holland, Denmark, Spain, France, India and the United States. The three main islands here are St. John, St. Croix and St. Thomas-and if you enjoy shopping, then St. Thomas is the island to visit! After all, the island is known as the shopping capital of the Caribbean. Visitors flock to the duty-free shops in Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Combine a shopping trip with some amazing scenery on a safari bus ride more than 1,000 feet in elevation to Mountain Top, a festive shopping complex. You can see neighboring islands from its “high altitude” location. Shop duty free here or sample its renowned banana daiquiris.

You can also take the tram car up 700 feet above sea level to “Paradise Point” for dramatic views of the Charlotte Amalie harbor. St. Thomas is an extremely scenic island, just 32 square miles, with many emerald hills rising from the turquoise ocean. Simply renting a car and enjoy the landscape is a popular way to wile away an afternoon.

Another great way to take in pretty St. Thomas is by boat. Take a snorkeling cruise, rent a catamaran or paddle a kayak in and out of the island’s many inlets and coves. Or head out into the deep blue sea on a fishing trip or scuba-diving adventure. Other activities include touring historical sites, playing 18 holes of golf and enjoying the fine dining restaurants featuring international cuisine. More than a dozen distinct beaches range from bustling centers for water sports to secluded locations for romantic strolls on the beach.

On the Web:
More about St. Thomas

Online travel guide

photo credit: (nutmeg)