Destination Miami, Florida: Fun in the Sun

Miami, Florida is known for its ocean and beaches, and while they are certainly one of the main reasons people travel to southern Florida, there is still plenty else to do.

The Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux is an amazing feat, as it was rebuilt from the original stones of the “Monastery of Our Lady, Queen of the Angels” in Sacramenia (Province of Segovia, Spain) which was built between 1133 and 1141. William Randolph Hearst purchased the Cloisters and Monastery outbuildings in 1925 and it was eventually rebuilt into what it is today. Read more

My Recent Visit to Maui

By Carolyn Ford, Holiday Group Lead Deed Agent

I recently returned from a week in Maui, Hawaii. My intention was to relax. My husband and I stayed at the Hono Koa resort on Lower Honoapiilani Road. What a wonderful experience! This was my fourth visit to our 50th state and it was the most enjoyable.

The resort was perfect for us. All units are two bedroom/two bath and each has an ocean view. The balconies are all covered and protected on three sides so you can enjoy the outdoors in any kind of weather. The foliage is dense and well maintained. The pool has an adjacent hot tub as well as two gas barbecue grills. We ate most of our dinners on the pool deck, but there are many nice restaurants nearby in Lahaina.

You can enjoy nearby familiar restaurants like Outback or Pizza Hut, and there are also local restaurants featuring traditional Hawaiian food. For that seaside feel, try Bubba Gump’s, which is right on the water.

This resort has a room full of beach chairs, pool toys, games and books that you can help yourself to. No need to buy or rent them somewhere else. All the management asks is that you return them when you leave. There are also staple foods in the front office “kitchen,” such as coffee filters, sugar, flour, etc., that you can use rather than buying food that you’ll have to throw away when you leave.

Tom, the front office manager, is very pleasant and helpful. He doesn’t hesitate to chip in if it gets busy, from changing out linens to sweeping the sidewalks. He is always there with a friendly “Aloha.” We instantly felt like we had a new friend. Read more

Destination New Jersey: Test Your Luck at the New Atlantic City

Atlantic City experienced a facelift in 2009 and it seems to be paying off. Last summer Forbes Traveler listed Atlantic City as America’s Favorite Boardwalk City, and it’s no surprise. It’s a classic. The wooden boardwalk’s history dates to 1870 when it was installed as a temporary structure to prevent sand from entering the nearby hotels. One of the most popular summer events is the annual Atlantic City Airshow, “Thunder Over the Boardwalk.” Don’t forget to snag a bag of fresh salt water taffy from a local shop.

Other local activities include the Atlantic City Aquarium which has over eighteen exhibits including a 25,000 gallon tank featuring fish of the mid-Atlantic, live-diver feeding show, and daily feedings at the shark and ray touch tank. The Historic Gardner’s Basin is a bayside park teeming with shopping, dining, fishing and sightseeing boat rides.

Bargain travelers will enjoy taking advantage of the free-admission Korean War Memorial, Civil Rights Garden, Atlantic City Historical Museum and the AC Arts Center, located on Garden Pier at the Boardwalk and New Jersey Avenue. “The Water Show” spectacular at the end of The Pier Shops starts every hour on the hour and is free to watch. Absecon Lighthouse is fee-free, but there is a minimal charge to climb to the top. Finally, the beaches are free, which is very rare in New Jersey.

Wondering how to get there? There are many more choices today than past years. The nearby Atlantic City Airport is served by several airlines, including low-fare AirTran and Spirit Airlines. NJ Transit recently linked the New Pennsauken Transit Center “River Line” light rail system with the “Atlantic City” Rail Line. The River Line runs between Camden and Trenton, and the Atlantic City line runs between Atlantic City and Philadelphia. That’s not all–the Atlantic City Express Service (ACES) offers weekend services between New York City’s Penn Station and Atlantic City’s Rail Terminal. The average trip takes about 2½ hours with one quick stop in Newark, NJ.

My Timeshare Vacation: Dolphin’s Cove Resort in Anaheim, California

By Larry Metcalf, Holiday Inventory Manager

I purchased a 3-bedroom unit from Holiday Group at the Dolphin’s Cove Resort in Anaheim, CA. I have three children (ages 1, 6, and 11). I wanted someplace close to Disneyland and California Adventure so that we could take breaks in the middle of the day for the kids, and not be too far from our unit after the day’s activities were over. The location is great! Less than a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk from Disneyland.

The grounds are well kept and the staff was very friendly and helpful. Our unit was spacious, with high ceilings and great air-conditioning. Even though the units were a bit older, they were very clean. We went to a grocery store and made almost all our meals at our unit. Having a toddler, it was much more convenient for us to do this! The pool area is nice and the water is kept at a comfortable, refreshing temperature. Lots of chairs and tables are available, and there are two gas grills that you can use to cook a meal.

The resort also supplies activities for children to keep them busy throughout the day, including a game room filled with arcade games, pool table, air hockey, television, etc. The kids liked the resort so much it was hard to get them out of the pool to go to Disneyland! They also enjoyed the movies that the front desk offered for rental, as well as the snack bar by the pool.

This was a great buy and an even better future investment. The vacation was really enjoyable, definitely worth it! And the hot tub was so nice to come back to after walking around the parks for 10-12 hours a day.

We brought everything that we needed on our vacation. But it was nice to see that the area is surrounded by restaurants and shopping. The resort also offers a small selection of items to purchase on-site.

I would recommend eating at Acapulco Mexican Restaurant. Great food and great service. It is located a couple miles from Dolphin’s Cove Resort, on Katella Street. While in the area, catch a Hockey game and watch the Ducks take the ice at Honda Center. Or catch a baseball game at Angel Stadium. Or take a drive to the many area beaches, or to Hollywood.

My Timeshare Vacation at Ka’anapali Beach Resort in Maui

By Elizabeth Greystoke, Holiday Transfer Manager

In December, we went to Ka’anapali Beach Resort in Lahaina, Maui, for our honeymoon. We stayed in a one-bedroom unit with a partial kitchen. The room was beautiful, but it would have been nice to have full kitchen. The resort will provide you with a hot plate or electric skillet on request.

They also host their own Luau, with a variety of Polynesian dancers and music. The best part was the fire sword dance. The resort also has many other activities, such as complimentary pool scuba lessons and ukulele lessons.

There are so many things do in Maui! I recommend taking at least 2 weeks for your trip. We were able to go snorkeling at Molokini Crater, take scuba lessons, drive the Road to Hana, attend a Luau and a Hula demonstration, besides walking around Lahaina and visiting all the local shops. Make sure to visit the Banyan Tree in Downtown Lahaina, off Front Street.

If we went back again, we would take hula and ukulele lessons at the resort, and also more scuba diving classes.

PS Here’s another good link for Molokini Crater.

Destination Las Vegas: 2010 Expos

There’s always something to do in Las Vegas: shopping, gambling, shows, and the list goes on. However, if you want to try something a little different on this next timeshare adventure, take a gamble on one of the many conventions, trade shows, or conferences held in this busy city.

Year round, thousands of exhibitors flock to Vegas during these themed expos to promote their products, while attendees cruise the display floor marveling at the latest product trends and collecting bags full of samples and promotional items. If you’re lucky, there’s always a chance you can sit in on an educational seminar, which can be interesting and beneficial depending upon the topic and your interests.

Oftentimes, the conventions are open to the public; otherwise attendees must qualify to gain admission. Your best bet is to visit the website before your trip to see if preregistration is necessary and especially since these events have been known to “sell out” – even when the event is free.

In the meantime, here is a taste of some of the 2010 Las Vegas hosted expos:

World Shoe Accessories
“World Shoe Accessories is the largest and most comprehensive footwear and related accessories show in the world.”
Venue: Mandalay Bay Convention Center
February 2-4, 2010
36,000 attendees

International Pizza Expo
March 2-4, 2010
“International Pizza Expo is the most comprehensive and dominant event in the related industry.”
Venue: Las Vegas Convention Center
10,000 attendees

Nightclub & Bar Show
March 8-10, 2010
“Nightclub & Bar Show is fast-becoming one of the nation’s beverage and food destinations.”
Las Vegas Convention Center
4500 attendees

Hospitality Design Expo
May 10- 21, 2010
“Hospitality Design Expo incorporates largest collection of hospitality-related exhibitors in the country” (Bring an empty stomach, samples are offered).
Venue: Sands Expo & Convention Center
7000 attendees

World Market Center Gift + Home Show
“World Market Center Las Vegas is a dynamic new showcase for the home and hospitality contract furnishings industry.”
June 13-16, 2010
Venue: World Market Center Las Vegas
15,000 attendees

International Bowl Expo 2010
“The premier industry event for owners and operators of bowling centers, billiard centers, and related pro shops worldwide.”
June 27- July 1, 2010
Venue: Las Vegas Convention Center
6,000 attendees

Thanksgiving Destination: The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival

Looking for a a not-so-traditional Thanksgiving vacation, as a change of pace? Consider the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. This year (2009) the festival runs from November 25-28, which means it’s too late to book a Jazz Festival Thanksgiving Vacation unless you’ve already made plans to attend. But for Thanksgiving 2010, now would be the perfect time to consider a Mexico Thanksgiving timeshare resort vacation you’ll never forget! Past festivals have included a wide range of international musical acts, including Mint Condition, The Royal Band, Ivan Lins, and Elizabeth Meza. This year, the seventh annual Maya Jazz Festival returns to Mamita’s Beach in Playa del Carmen, in the heart of Mexico’s Riviera Maya region, and features outstanding music and food. Among the performers will be Spyro Gyra, Al Jarreau, Aguamala, Sergio Mendes, and many more. Next year’s lineup is bound to be just as memorable.

My Timeshare Trip to Oasis Resort, in Palm Springs, California

Interview with Bruce Kinnaman, Chief Finance Officer, Holiday Group

Where did you stay and how did you like it?

The Oasis Resort, in Palm Springs, California. It’s a Vacation Internationale resort. I stayed in a two-bedroom, two-bath villa with a full kitchen and full-size washer and dryer. It also included two one-speed, fat tire bikes, just right for flat Palm Springs! It had a very nice interior, well laid out.

The resort is a secure facility with well-maintained swimming pools within walking distance from every unit. Tennis courts, too. And the resort is conveniently located near downtown Palm Springs, right on highway 111, which is also the best route to the other towns in the valley.

What are some fun things you did while you were in Palm Springs?

Indian Canyons and Tacuitz Canyon. They’re both great to visit, better in wet months with more water flowing in the streams and over the falls.

Any general recommendations or tips for travelers?

For outside travel, it’s best to start in the morning, during the cooler hours.

What else would you recommend?

Serenata Mexican Bar & Grill, in Palm Canyon. Super food, and on the Friday night I visited they had an outstanding Mariachi band. My date and I listened for hours, sat up front after dinner and really took it in.

The restaurant is less than a block away from the touristy Armando’s Dakota Bar & Grill, where the prices are higher and there’s no live entertainment. In fact, after I discovered there was no seating at Armando’s without a reservation, the host at Armando’s walked us through the courtyard and pointed to where Serenata was. Very nice of him to go that extra mile. On the way, he mentioned that the lunch chef at Armando’s was the dinner chef at Serenata, so same food!

My date had eaten at Armando’s in the past, but preferred the ambiance and the great selection of food at Serenata, in contrast to the full restauarant and busy staff at Armando’s. However, my experience with the courtesy at Armando’s was in sharp contrast to the negative reviews I had read. When I read some of the reviews again, it seemed like courtesy shown by the customer would get courtesy in return (as I received). I will give them a try on a less busy night, but will get reservations!

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has exceptional views on the way, and at the top. Well worth the price! We went up the tram in the daytime, and back down at night. Recommended. But do take a coat even if it’s hot in the valley. The site has its own temperature at the top and its forecast up there as well.

We bought the “ride and dine,” which included a buffet dinner, but when we saw the dining room, we asked and were offered service there, with the ten dollar “dine” fee taken off the bill. The dining room restaurant at the top was comparably priced with in-town restaurants and served great food. Large tender rib eye (really big, crossed the plate!), the vegetables and baked potato were cooked just right, with great service. And tasty salad as well.

Since in Seattle we are spoiled with our seafood, I avoided those offerings. The total was $70 for two with wine, before the $10 each off the top. I tipped based on the $70, of course.

Destination: Las Vegas on the Cheap

For decades, Las Vegas has had a reputation for being an inexpensive getaway. Food, entertainment and even hotels were always affordable since the casinos made their money on their guests’ gambling. However, something between then and now changed and the location isn’t as “cheap” as it used to be — unless you know where to look. On your next Las Vegas timeshare vacation, try some of the following attractions. You might be surprised.

Located right on the Strip, in the midst of the lights and glitz, is one of the most famous free Las Vegas attractions, the Bellagio Fountains. Every half-hour during the day and every 15 minutes after 8pm, the eight-ace fountains put on a spectacularly choreographed water show complete with music (opera, classical and Broadway tunes) and lights.

Every Monday evening at Mandalay Bay’s House of Blues Music Hall is Blues Monday, featuring live blues music. Doors open at 9pm, all ages are welcomed and it’s free!

About 10 miles from the Strip is the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Gardens where visitors are admitted free of charge to enjoy a self-guided tour and watch the action of live chocolate production (hours vary) and, of course, chocolate sampling. Afterward, guest may explore the gardens which are filled with beautiful native plants and fauna.

The Broadacres Swap Meet with its 50-cent admission is open Sunday through Friday and hosts over 1,150 merchants. Unlike usual swap meets, vendor collections frequently consist of vintage items and classic Las Vegas paraphernalia, such as classic “old Vegas” signs and shot glasses.

Speaking of antiques, only three miles from the strip is The Pinball Hall of Fame,  home to the world’s largest pinball collection. Games date back to the 50’s. The best part, the pinball games are available for hands-on fun and cost only 25/50-cent a play.

The long-time 99-cent shrimp cocktail may be a thing of the past, but Golden Gate Casino downtown on Fremont Street does still serve its legendary Shrimp Cocktail, only now it costs $1.99, and the “Big” Shrimp Cocktail cost $3.99.
Free drinks are still possible throughout casinos, too, if you’re a gambling patron. The key is to keep the cocktail servers returning to refill you glass is to tip generously ($1-3) a drink.

Good luck!

Destination Kauai: My Kauai Timeshare Trip

Interview with Mike Camden, Holiday Group Web Developer

Where did you stay and how did you like it?

Kauai Beach Villas. The staff was very accommodating and friendly. They seemed to be always on hand to answer my questions. I also liked the size of the resort–it was just small enough to be cozy.

What are some fun things to do on Kauai?

Attend Smith’s Luau. Go hiking, and definitely go kayaking.

Any insider tips on restaurants, shops, or beaches?

If you want a semi-secluded beach, head north from the resort, towards Hanalei Bay. On the right side you will see a small dirt cove ending in palm trees. Park your car here, and walk through the trees. The white beach stretches on for about a mile. There is also a river outlet that merges with the ocean, a great place to swim.

For the best Hawaiian shave ice, go south from the resort and look for JoJo’s It’s a small place that ONLY sells shaved ice. Also, if you’re in the mood for shrimp, a little farther south down the road, on the left side, is the Shrimp Shack, the best shrimp I’ve eaten, and it’s a decent price.

What do you wish you had brought along, but forgot?

More memory cards for my camera! There are so many places to take photos, you’ll need to be able to take a lot of pictures. If you want a decent priced memory card, head to Longs pharmacy, just past Coconut Marketplace, near Safeway.

———–

If you’re looking for an affordable way to explore Kauai consider a timeshare resale.

Next Page »