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.

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

Destination Maui: “It was a dream trip!”

An interview with Joanna Gromadzka, Holiday Research Department.

Where did you stay and how did you like it?

We stayed at Maui Lea at Maui Hill Resort. The resort on its own is an attraction, designed in an old colonial style. It’s also very well maintained and surrounded by flowering trees and bushes. There’s a nice swimming pool with hot tub on the side and an expanse of trees, which provide much needed shade. The pool area was a great place for a peaceful break at any time of the day. I especially enjoyed the sunsets, which were unforgettable. And the smell of the Plumeria trees, with the beauty of the hibiscus flowers were like cherries on the top!

We had a two-bedroom unit that was very spacious, with high ceilings and great air-conditioning. Even though the units were a bit older, they were very clean. Through living room, as well as through the master bedroom doors, you could enter a very big lanai that provided magnificent views of the Haleakala volcano and a bit of the ocean. It was my favorite breakfast place. The lanai in the other bedroom faced the tennis courts, shuffle board, and gas grill, which are located along the resort’s walking path.

We loved the resort’s location, just across the street from Kihei Boat Ramp and near public beaches like Kam I, II and III, which are the best snorkeling places! And our favorite white sand beach, Big Beach at Makena, was just a few minutes’ drive.

What are some fun things to do on Maui?

Maui has so many things to do that everyone will find something for themselves. A Luau party is a must. But it’s like with beaches–you need to choose according to your needs. We have younger kids so we chose the Royal Lahaina Luau.  Not only will you see traditional dances, which took our breath away, but also dancers playing with fire. You’ll also be able to participate in the show, learn to hula, and dance and laugh a lot. The whole event is Hawaiian style and takes place during sunset, right next to the beach and surrounded by exotic dancers. For food enthusiasts, there was a buffet with a variety of local fish in signature dishes, as well as a show on how locals are prepare their famous kalua pig. The food was outstanding!

Molokini is the pride of Maui. This is an ancient underwater volcano where only part of the crater is above the surface. Thanks to its “C” shape there are no waves, and it makes for an outstanding place to snorkel. The coral reef is full of exotic fish. Being under the water was like visiting a different world. We took a catamaran tour to this magnificent place. We even trained for few days with our kids for this visit, so that they could be ready for the “Big Day.”

I was also very excited to visit the Maui Tropical Plantation, where I finally was able to see such tropical plants as coffee, avocado, guava, banana, orange, lemon, pineapple, etc. The little green train takes you all around so you can get a good view of the fruit trees, the nursery, and all the exotic plants. You can even participate in a little “coconut show,” where your guide will show you not only how coconut is grown, but how to open one. You’ll also learn other ways the Polynesians used coconut on a daily basis.   

Any recommendations or tips for travelers?

You can save some money by choosing trips, tours, and events that include meals. If you need souvenirs, you may want to visit the local K-mart.

Don’t go to Kam Beach to see the sunrise. You are on the wrong side of the island! The best view is from the top of Haleakala. We took an escorted bike tour. They picked us up at our resort, gave us all the necessary gear, and took us all the way to the top of the “House of Sun” before sunrise! This was a moment I will remember forever. We were above the clouds watching the beginning of a new day! It was also very cold and windy, so we couldn’t even hold our camera still. After that we rode our bikes down to the ocean. Every few minutes you could smell different island breezes. We stopped for the breakfast at the Maui Flower Plantation where you could see the unique Maui proteas. What an experience! 

You’ll also want to get up early. There are almost no waves in the morning, so conditions are perfect for snorkeling or diving. Just go across the street to Kamaole I, II, or III and you might be lucky enough to swim with turtles. But don’t touch them–it’s a $10,000 fine!

Destination Scottsdale, Arizona: One Hot Destination

Scottsdale, Arizona is a desert hotspot, and this time we’re not talking summer heat! This Phoenix suburb has always been teeming with golf, shopping, and upscale dining. But now you can add a happening nightlife to the mix - think Palm Springs meets Miami. Here you will find trendy cocktail lounges, wine and martini bars, and dress code-enforced dance clubs. Need some direction? Here a few of Scottsdale’s happening hot spots:

The Buzz is a trendy, high-energy, cigar-friendly, dance club complete with pool and billiards. Dress is trendy, but leave the athletic wear and hats at the timeshare because they aren’t allowed through the front door. A DJ runs the tunes, so expect a wide range of music genres, from 70’s and 80s to hip-hop and R&B. Located in North Scottsdale (phone 480-991-3866).

The Crown Room had a swanky yet mellow ambiance and is the perfect place to kick back with a cocktail. Leather chairs line the bar or you can settle in and relax in the many lounge sitting areas. Be sure to inquire about the Crown Room’s specialty drinks, you might just fall in the love with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Martini. Located in Old Town (phone 480-423-0117).

Martini Ranch is another high-energy dance club with a trendy yet casual environment. Live music frequents the stage, often with well-known bands. Two bars are located downstairs, along with VIP seating. Dancers should head to the upstairs Shaker Room where there is a bar and more VIP seating areas. Located in Old Town.

Handlebar-J Steakhouse & Saloon jams with live country music and free dance lessons throughout the week. This Southwest-inspired joint has been around since 1966 and is a Scottsdale classic. Dine outdoors or indoors and afterward hit the dance floor and two-step the night away. Located in North Scottsdale.

Axis/Radius, a combo of two hip clubs, is the ultimate nightclub experience. Connected via a glass catwalk, each club possesses its own ambience. Axis contains a cozy place to indulge in a cocktail and snack on a variety menu items. Radius is the place to go for dance action with raging lights, techno beats and Top 40 music. The Amber Lounge is VIP club upstairs. Don’t be surprised if you see a celebrity or two entering or departing this exclusive slice of Axis/Radius. Located in Old Town.

No matter what your scene is, Scottsdale’s sure to have a hot-spot just for your preference.

My Las Vegas Timeshare Vacation!

Interview with Monique Lowder, Holiday Group receptionist.

Q: Where did you stay, and how did you like it?
A: We went to Las Vegas and stayed at the Hilton Grand Vacations which was off the Strip a little bit, but was still very convenient to everything. We absolutely loved the resort, the staff was so awesome and amazing to us. Anything we needed, they were right there to help us. We couldn’t have asked for better staff. We’ve never stayed in a resort before so this was very new to us. If I ever go back to Vegas this is definitely the place I would like to stay again. It was just like an apartment. I also liked the fact that it had a kitchen to cook in, which saved a lot on all of the eating out costs. We weren’t lacking anything.

Q: What are some fun things to do while in Las Vegas, or the area?
A: When we were in Vegas, we of course walked both sides of the Strip. We also went to Red Rock Canyon, which is just outside of Vegas. It had a lot of hiking trails that you could venture out on.

We also went to Hoover Dam as well as the Grand Canyon, though we didn’t realize at first that we were only able to go to the West Rim, as the south side was another three-hour drive to Flagstaff. We didn’t feel like driving, so we stayed at the west rim and went on the Skywalk, which was a blast! Mind you, I only made it out less than halfway, freaked out, and had to turn around and go back to wait for my mom.

Q: Any tips that might make the vacation more enjoyable for visitors?
A: I would bring lots of sunscreen, and you’ll want some very comfortable shoes, since you’ll do a lot of walking. I would also put my money someplace safe, like in your shoe or a fanny pack, because there are pickpockets on the Strip, especially at night.

Destination Kauai: Three Fascinating Attractions

Kauai’s Kilohana Plantation

Kauai’s Kilohana Plantation dates back to the 1930’s when the business of sugarcane ruled the island. Today, the 35-acre plantation is open to the public, offering endless opportunities to experience Kauai culture.

Visitors may dine at the Gaylord’s Restaurant and tour the 1935 manor house, which still has the original Gump’s San Francisco furniture while the mansion rooms have been transformed into space for boutiques and art galleries. Outside, Clydesdales pull carriages, offering relaxing rides to guests. Or visitors may opt for a ride on the Kauai Plantation Railway and learn about Kauai’s sugar cane history and mythology while viewing stunning scenery filled with rows of fruit orchards and nut trees. The ride includes a stop to feed wild pigs.

After the 40-minute train ride visitors head to Kilohana Plantation’s Luau Kalamaku — one of the most amazing luaus on the island. The party starts with the Imu Ceremony, the unearthing of the luau pig, then guests can enjoy a Mai Tai or two before lining up for the Hawaiian inspired buffet, which is overflowing with mouthwatering fresh fruit, Mahi Mahi, roasted pig, pineapple chicken, poi (a Hawaiian staple), and of course the dessert buffet. The evening finishes with a theatrical-style Polynesian show depicting the Polynesian migration to Hawaii.

Fern Grotto Tour

A 40-minute ride down the sacred Wailua River on a Smith’s flat bottom riverboat reveals folklore and a backdrop found in many Hollywood movies. Once the boat docks, passengers debark and stroll to a stunning lava rock grotto draped in tropical ferns. Hawaiian singers and dancers take advantage of the natural amphitheater, performing for the guests.

Waimea Canyon

Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Hawaii, Waimea Canyon and its striking cliffs and scenery make for an easy “must see” while visiting the island of Kauai. The canyon is ten miles long, one mile wide, and up to 3000 feet deep. Adventurers may hike the various trails or take in the scenery from the air on a helicopter ride.

Destination Sedona, Arizona: Beauty and Adventure

Sedona, Arizona has some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States, making it a lovely timeshare getaway with plenty to do and see. The adventurous enjoy riding among the desert setting on Pink Jeep Tours excursions, one of Sedona’s most popular off-road family adventures, which offers views of gorgeous red rocks, ancient ruins and a glimpse of what the natural Southwest is all about.

Red rock formations are the backdrop of this town and many of these rocks are named after the items they resemble such as Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Chimney Rock, Coffeepot Rock and Snoopy Rock. Hot air ballooning is a memorable way to view the region, just don’t forget your camera.

Sedona has a reputation for being an extremely “spiritual” town. The red rock formations are not only breathtaking, but home to what is said to be extremely powerful energy sources called vortexes. Many visitors like to grab a map and hike to these special areas to feel the metaphysical energy for themselves. Whether or not you believe in the power of these spots, it’s impossible not to be taken by the area’s stunning landscape.

Built into a thousand-foot-high red rock wall sits the Roman Catholic Chapel of the Holy Cross, an architectural wonder designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. Completed in 1956, today the chapel is open to visitors who wish to see this stunning creation. Beneth the chapel is a gift shop teeming with spiritually inspired works such as crosses, paintings, sculptures, rosaries and books.

For day trips from Sedona, “road-trippers” enjoy Arizona’s Route 66, which runs about 30 miles north of Sedona. The Mother Road passed through the town of Flagstaff where fun stops are found such as Galaxy Diner (a Route 66-themed diner), Lowell Observatory (where Pluto was discovered) and the Museum Club (musicians back in the day used to stop here and play for an evening). Flagstaff’s quaint downtown is filled with shops and restaurants. The Santa Fe Rail Road Depot Visitor’s Center is a great place to start.

The Grand Canyon is about 1.5 hours from Sedona and an obvious “not to miss” Arizona highlight. The town of Williams is known as the “Gateway of the Grand Canyon” and is probably one of the most authentic Route 66 towns left. Rod’s Steakhouse is a delicious and affordable place to stop in for a prime rib lunch, but save room for dessert at Twister’s Soda Fountain, a classic place to soak in some 50’s atmosphere.

Destination Hawaii: Maui’s Upcountry

When most travelers think of heading to the timeshare on Maui the vision of sun, sand and a Mai Tai in hand come to mind. But what rests on the slopes Maui’s majestic Haleakala Crater is worth escaping the white sand behind and trekking up this beautiful volcano and exploring Maui’s Upcountry for a day.

About an hour’s drive from Wailea and Ka’anapali, on the 20,000-acre Ulupalakua Ranch sits Tedeschi Winery. The tasting room, or the “King’s Cottage,” was built in 1874 for Hawaii’s monarch David Kalakaua and Queen Kapi’olani. Today visitors can sample, carry, or ship home local Maui Splash Pineapple Wine or Framboise de Maui Raspberry Wine, along with other traditional grape wine varieties.

Lavender-laced scones spread with lavender butter and lavender-flavored tea and coffee are only a taste of what you will get at the 11-acre Alii Kula Lavender farm. Guests may opt for guided or self-walking tours through stunning and relaxingly scented lavender gardens. Guests complete the tour with a small lavender bouquet of their own to take home. The indoor gift shop is teeming with lavender specialty items, including coffee, tea, candles, lotions, and other novelty items.

The Surfing Goat Dairy is one of the more unique stops along the way. Guided tours are offered, which include the milking of a goat–if you wish. Or, if “hanging loose” is more your speed, skip the tour and kick back with a cheese sampling. After all, the dairy churns out more than 25 different kinds of goat cheese. Some of the tasty chevre includes Ole! (jalapeños, artichokes, lime juice, cilantro), Men’s Challenge (horseradish), and Purple Rain (Maui lavender).

Destination St. Patrick’s Day: Parade Fun

Saint Patrick’s Day, always held March 17th, is a one of the most festive days of the year. Regardless of nationality, everyone has fun reveling in this Irish-themed holiday filled with music, dancing, corned beef and cabbage, green beer and bagpipe filled parades. Since the holiday lands on a weekday this year, most parades are scheduled the weekend before. No matter where you are vacationing this March, there are sure to be some green festivities nearby, but here are a few of the largest U.S. celebrations and parades.

Browse Holiday’s current inventory for a timeshare near one of these great destinations.

The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been marching every March 17th since 1762 as a float and automobile-free parade. Marchers, bagpipers and dancers make this a parade memorable. Starts at 10 am.

The Irish spirit of Chicago comes to life from the moment the Chicago River magically turns emerald green. Two festive parades take the town by storm the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day. The river dying will be at 10:45 on Saturday, March 14th and the Downtown parade starts at noon. The 2009 South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade will start rolling Sunday, March 15, 2009 at noon.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania St. Patrick’s Parade will be held Sunday March 15, 2009 from 12-3:30 pm featuring floats, bands and Gaelic dancers.

San Francisco boasts the largest St. Paddy Day parade on the West Coast and has a reputation for its chic fashions. This year the parade will be held Saturday March 14th and begin at 11:30 am, additional festivities run from 10 am to 5 pm.

Dublin, Ohio is an obvious choice for a St. Patty’s celebration. The entire town will be reveling in fun on Saturday, March 14 with an 11am parade, music, dancing and pre- and post-parade parties. Be sure to stop by the Blarney Bash Tent featuring Irish music, dancing, drums and bagpipes.

No matter what parade you decide to watch be sure to arrive early to claim your spot, bring snacks and beverages and don’t forget to wear green–you don’t want to get pinched!

Destination Maui: Two cheap places to eat in Lahaina, Maui

Lahaina, Maui, on the northwest side of the glorious island, is a great oceanfront spot for strolling and people watching. Along Front Street of this former whaling town, there are tons of little boutiques, souvenir T-shirt shops, restaurants and bars.

Maui, in general, can be a pricey place to vacation, and the restaurants in Lahaina, and chain eateries like Cheeseburger in Paradise, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, and the Hard Rock Cafe, are no exception. However, there are two ultra-casual, “freshly made fast food” restaurants that are fabulous places to dine if you’re on a budget.

Kahuna Kabobs
Serving Mediterranean-influenced plates, like fish, chicken, steak and shrimp kabobs, as well as pupus, wraps, burgers and soups, Kahuna Kabobs is fresh, fast, filling - and relatively cheap. The menu is written out in colorful chalk on several blackboards, and you order from a take-out window. Plenty of patio chairs and tables are available for al fresco, picnic-style dining.

Entrees like Blackened Fish Kabobs (fish of the day with sweet Molokai mashed potatoes, asparagus in coconut curry sauce topped with wasabi cream sauce) and Dr. J’s Island Curry (roasted eggplant, bell pepper, celery, onions, pineapple, tofu, garbanzo beans in “secret yellow curry sauce” over brown rice) cost about $10 to $15. Burgers and wraps are less expensive. Portions here are super filling.

Kahuna Kabobs is in a little pedestrian area/alley off of Front Street between Lahainaluna and Dickenson streets.

Maui Tacos
Maui Tacos is a chain restaurant found throughout the Hawaiian Islands as well as the continental U.S. But it’s not your typical Mexican fast-food joint. Instead, the “Mexican Surf Grill” fuses the “flavors of Mexico with the flavors of Aloha to do a hula on your tongue.” (Kinda clever, no?)

Menu items include soups, salads, burritos, enchiladas, tacos and more. Hands down, the best item–and likely the most popular–is the signature Maui Taco, which you can get with charbroiled chicken, charbroiled steak, grilled marinated shrimp or grilled, fresh island fish. Other yummy Mexican items with a Hawaiian twist are Chicken Mango Salad and the Hana Burrito with slow-cooked Hawaiian BBQ pork. You can easily fill up at Maui Tacos for about $10.

Maui Tacos is a block off of Front Street, at 840 Wainee Street.

Save your money for souvenirs by eating lunch or dinner at either of these great locals’ spots!

Destination Vancouver: Gearing Up for Olympics 2010

Vancouver, the largest city in British Columbia, Canada, has so much to offer. It’s not only a wonderfully cosmopolitan city, with an amazing array of restaurants, nightclubs and hip hotels, but its location in the southwest corner of the province, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy all sorts of outdoor pursuits–from mountain biking and hiking to kayaking and boat tours. With shopping and spas, fine dining and sidewalk cafes, golf courses and pretty city parks, Vancouver is an inviting spot to visit, whether you’re traveling with just the guys, on a girls’ getaway, or have the whole family in tow.

Soon, Vancouver will be thrust into the world spotlight as the host of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. In less than two years, thousands of athletes, fans, supporters and media will descend upon Vancouver and its neighbor, the mountain resort town of Whistler, to take part in what promises to be a fabulous event, February 12 to 28, 2010.

Here’s a sneak peek at some interesting facts about this Olympic city, and ways that Vancouver will stand out among previous hosts of the Games, from the folks at Tourism Vancouver:

*With a population of over 560,000 and a metropolitan area of 2.1 million, Vancouver is one of the largest cities ever to host the Winter Olympic Games.

*Vancouver was recently ranked one of the top restaurant cities in the world by Food & Wine magazine, which should also make it the tastiest Games ever.

*Vancouver has one of Canada’s mildest climates and the warmest average temperatures of any Winter Olympic host. Winters are wet, but it rarely snows, except, of course, on the ski hills. In February, Vancouver has an average temperature of 42.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

*The Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be held at BC Place Stadium in downtown Vancouver. This marks the first time in Olympic Games history that these ceremonies will be held in a closed-roof stadium and the first time that the Olympic flame will be lit indoors. Besides offering protection from the elements, an indoor stadium expands the possibilities for lighting, projection, sound and special effects technology.

*The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games mark the first time in history that Indigenous peoples have been recognized as official partners in hosting the Olympic Games. The Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, known collectively as the Four Host First Nations (FHFN), will join the Governments of Canada and British Columbia, the City of Vancouver, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Committees as hosts of the 2010 Winter Games.

*Vancouver, the birthplace of Greenpeace, has long been a leader in environmentalism. The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games continue that tradition, setting a gold standard for environmental sustainability. The 2010 Winter Games will, for example, be the first Olympic Games to use a rigorous set of criteria called Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) in any new venues built by the Vancouver 2010 Organizing Committee (VANOC). LEED buildings are designed to minimize waste, emissions, toxic materials, energy consumption and water use. In addition, Vancouver, together with VANOC, Whistler and several surrounding communities, has adopted a zero waste policy — aiming to minimize and divert as much waste as possible from landfills before, during and after the Games.

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