A timeshare is a type of vacation club that give you the rights, along with other club owners to use a piece of property once a year, usually one week, every year for the same time period each year. (i.e. every January first through the fifth) Owning a timeshare/ vacation club may be a good deal for some, but is definitely not for everyone. There are many questions you may want to consider before signing the dotted line, they are:

*Do you really want to come to this resort every year at this time of the year?

*Can the timeshare be gifted or rented out?

*Can you afford the yearly fee and will they escalate overtime?

*What about the personal property taxes?

*Could your dollars be spent more wisely elsewhere, than on a timeshare/ vacation club?

After you answer these questions it’s time to do your due diligence regarding the different types of timeshares out in the marketplace. There are many benefits of owning a timeshare other than knowing you have a relaxing resort waiting for you each year. You usually get spacious vacation conditions, such as a one or two bedroom condo with a full kitchen with plate settings and silverware, range top, oven, microwave, dishwasher, living room/ dining room, television with DVD player and a clothes washer and dryer. All of the conveniences of home, including the ability to save some money on home cooking, rather than expensive dining out every night during your vacation.

Also, many vacation clubs own several units at different exotic locations. That allows you the option to experience different scenery around the world during your vacation.

However, there are many critics of the timeshare industry. They claim that:

*Timeshare units are overpriced.

*There are the ever increasing maintenance fees.

*There are personal property taxes that must be paid.

*The property value does not increase.

*You must pay the above fees regardless if you are able to use your allotted time slot or not.

To summarize the timeshare/ vacation club experience. The timeshare can offer an exciting, fun, relaxing yearly vacation, sometimes at different exotic locations. They offer nice home like lounging/ sleeping arrangements that can be far superior than many hotel/ motel stays and allow you to prepare your own meals. Also, they may be gifted out or rented depending on the terms of your contract. Always do your homework before committing yourself to a vacation club.

Travellers planning to book 2012 Miami holidays in Fort Lauderdale now have the unique opportunity to enjoy a brief escape to the enchanting Caribbean island of Bahamas. Joint owners of the Balearia Bahamas Express-Spanish ferry operator Balearia and the Capo Group, have recently announced the launch of the first ever US-Bahamas ferry service.

The Balearia Bahamas Express will be whisking passengers away from Fort Lauderdale, Miami to their budget Bahamas holidays experience in Grand Bahama. The newly launched ferry service means that travellers can enjoy town-centre holidays to the Bahamas and Miami at a bargain price making for a truly unforgettable holiday experience.

The exciting new offer is currently being marketed as “an appealing alternative to air travel” with significant savings to be made over opting for a direct flight to the Bahamas from Miami. Travellers can choose between economy class and VIP/first class travel. An economy day trip starts at $49.50 per person while the first class day rate will cost upwards of $65 per person.

Holidaymakers hoping to see a little bit more of the Bahamas can opt for an overnight stay which will cost approximately $25.5 per person on top of the day rates. All passengers are permitted two pieces of hand luggage at no extra cost; however, the prices listed do not include the departure tax of $18 and operational charge of $12.5.

With the exception of Wednesdays the ferry, christened “Pinar del Rio”, will be running a daily service taking holidaymakers to their short stay Bahamas holidays departing from Port Everglades Terminal One in Fort Lauderdale at 10 am. Return trips are scheduled to depart for Fort Lauderdale at 7:30 pm. Travelling at a remarkable 32 knots the Balearia Bahamas Express boasts of making the 76 mile journey in a mere two and a half hours.

Holidaymakers will have the opportunity to relax, enjoy the magnificent scenery and take in the calming sea breeze on the spacious decks. On board services include a cafe- bar, movie viewing facilities, baby changing stations and duty free shopping. Passengers are reminded that a valid passport is need for check in.

You have probably heard the best form of advertising is word of mouth. For us at Monster Vacations Group in Myrtle Beach, it is no different. Many friends and relatives have referred us over the years.

But even with a glowing endorsement, it is important for you to do your own homework when you are entertaining the idea of becoming a member of a vacation club. Lets visit some things that you will want to take a good look at here in this article today.

Types of Vacations Offered

One of the first things to look into is the types of vacations being offered by the vacations group. You want to research what types of hotels are offered. Are there destinations available to you that are ones you most desire to visit? Do they offer cruises? Ensure that the answers to these questions match up to your travel and vacationing preferences.

Restrictions

Ask questions about what restrictions may apply within the membership of the club or vacation group. You will want to ensure that there are not restrictions in place that would prohibit you from taking a trip to a destination you really have a strong desire to visit. Be sure to determine that travel dates that you have available to you match up with your own desired travel schedule.

Flexible Options

There are times when it can be a challenge making a trip fit into your personal itinerary. You will want to explore what types of flexibility and options are included in a vacation club membership. Are they strong in their customer service offering? Will they indeed go the extra mile to accommodate when things do not go exactly as you planned or have last minute accommodations that need to be addressed. Will your vacation group be there when you need them?

These are just a few broad points and things that you should consider when looking into becoming a member of a vacation club, but getting the answers to these questions will ensure you join one that best fits your needs and ensures your experience is exactly what you envisioned it to be.

For those of you who have always wished to visit India, here are some tips on planning the most beautiful vacation of your life.

The first step towards planning an Indian vacation is to get a visa from one of the Indian consulates close to your place of residence. You would need to submit two passport size photographs, a visa form and your passport along with the visa fees at the consulate.

In the mean time you can begin planning the places you would like to visit on your trip. Depending on your time of travel to India vacations can be planned according to the climatic conditions in a particular region. The best time to visit the northern plains in Rajasthan and the beautiful beaches of Goa is from September to April, it is nicely warm and sunny and ideal for sightseeing as well as relaxation. Rains in Kerala and some other parts of the south extend from May to November, therefore it would be advisable to plan your South India vacations between December and April. If summer is your chosen time of travel India offers numerous holiday destinations such as the cold desert of Ladakh with its unique landscape and culture or the green valleys of Shimla and Rishikesh for lovers of nature and sport.

With its charming mix of tradition and modern, India is a fascinating experience. If it is luxury you are looking at, let India surprise you with the magnificent forts and palaces, which you can not only visit but can stay in as well. Treat yourself to the sights of exquisite marble temples, the sounds of the gushing seas, the smells of the spices and the rustle of the silks. Let yourself be pampered like a Maharaja and Luxury India Travels will soon be etched in your memory.

If you are travelling with children to India vacations will be a truly memorable experience. With its vast variety of wild animals and unique activities, India promises you a journey right out of The Jungle Book. Elephant rides, camel rides, Jeep safaris, toy trains with steam engines are some interesting activities for children and grown ups alike. In case the South is your destination of travel India has unique options for your stay including tree houses in the jungle and charming villas on plantations, where children can help take care of the domestic elephant.

You need not worry about your health and safety. No vaccinations are prescribed for travel to India, however one could take prophylactic treatment for tetanus and malaria. Normal precautions with regards to safety should easily see you through on your trip to India. Clothing depends on the time of the year, however cotton is the best fabric for all regions except the hills, where thicker clothing would be needed.

Vacations can be unforgettable memories if tourists find good places to stay at. More often then not, tourists are ready to pay money, if they get more room, more facilities, or privacy than that can be provided by a rented room. Several owners put up their homes for vacation rentals during peak seasons in United States. The different kinds of vacation rentals by owners are private homes, luxury villas, resort condos, ski cabins, lake Cabin, apartments, country cottage and retreats.

Vacation homes rentals by owner come fully furnished and decorated just like a luxury home. It is generally spacious and has a lot of open spaces as compared to hotels. These Villa rentals are excellent for all families whether small or large. Vacation homes rentals by owners offer facilities like kitchen, parking that can be optimally used.

To enjoy vacation with your family, you cannot imagine being without your dog or cat long enough to go on a vacation. Your pet is a part of the family and boarding your best friend can be very unhealthy for many reasons. Most dogs love to explore new surroundings and do very well on vacations with their family. Especially if you are driving to your vacation destination, and your dog travels well in the car there is no reason not to take him with you. You will need to find vacation home rentals that will accept your dog, but that’s not particularly difficult. Many people think their pup would not be welcome on vacation rental properties, but many times the owner of the vacation rental property is actually a pet owner, and understands your desire to bring your dog.

Many vacation homes rentals, apartment rentals, villa rentals, apartment rentals, cabin rentals, lake cabin rentals, cottage rentals give facilities of pet friendly vacation rentals. They have different varieties of homes rentals like beachfront luxury vacation rentals with discounts and cheap rates with facility of last minute vacation rentals deals.

Pet friendly vacation rentals can make your getaway retreat a little more relaxing with the peace of mind that your beloved dog or cat is getting the love and attention he deserves and they are not alone at home. No matter what you have planned for your vacation, you can bring along your four-legged friends for a true family trip.

Search for your favorite pet friendly vacation rentals, home, luxury villa, resort condo, ski cabin, country cottage and more at United States, Central America, Mexico.

While online and retail holiday shopping sales have met or exceeded expectations for most retailers in 2005, there is another “rush” for all retailers to prepare for: gift card redemption.

According to Hitwise, an online intelligence service, the market share of U.S. Internet searches containing the words “gift card” was up 32% for the week ending December 10, 2005 as compared to the previous week. In fact, the National Retail Federation expects gift card sales to increase 6.6% this holiday season to 18.48 billion dollars, with consumers spending an average of $88 dollars on gift cards or 15.6% of their holiday shopping budget.

Gift certificates have always been a popular gift choice for the hard to please recipient or even for the lazy shopper. For the gift giver, it allows a quick purchase at whatever store or online merchant they select, with a dollar amount that fits their budget. For the recipient, they can select what they want from a particular merchant and for the most part use the card at their convenience.

But for some, giving a gift card is a cop-out, reasoning it is too impersonal and opting to hand pick a gift and selecting something special and unique for a loved one or friend. However, for some, the gift card is the ideal gift choice, with family or friends even suggesting the store or online merchant they prefer.

For the merchants, it has extended the holiday shopping season because they cannot record the sale until the recipient uses the gift card to make a purchase. This holds down sales figures in November and December, but provides a boost in January when most cards are redeemed. An additional boost is provided by the fact that most of the shoppers who redeem their gift cards typically spend 15% to 50% more than the face value of the card when they select their holiday gift.

There are some downsides to gift cards. Some retailers clear unused gift cards off the books by subtracting off of the face value of the card, an inactivity fee (usually $2.50 per month) after a certain amount of time. Some gift cards have an expiration date and others come with special conditions or restrictions. However, consumer outrage has prompted many states across the country to introduce legislation limiting or banning the fees. Additionally, there is no federal law on gift cards but, two Republican congressmen, Joe Barton of Texas and Charlie Bass of New Hampshire, have requested that the Federal Trade Commission investigate the way retailers conduct their gift card programs.

Is giving a gift card too impersonal? Is it the best gift choice? That question is up for debate and is a personal preference. But with annual gift card sales projected to reach 90 billion dollars by 2007 (Ernst & Young 2005), the gift card is here to stay.

Maldives holidays may seem too good to be true with crystal clean waters, colourful fish and picture postcard beauty at every turn. This surreal place not only exists, but is also more affordable than ever with Maldives all inclusive holiday deals. Offering warm and inviting weather all year round, the Maldives is the ultimate in beachfront holidays at the price you want to pay.

Cool and breezy, light and easy is the antidote for civilization with a ready made all inclusive Maldive holidays escape. Your next holiday can be something special with surreal sunsets, turquoise waters and beachfront luxury at an affordable rate. Not just for the rich and famous anymore, Maldives holidays are easy to book and one of the best values in the Indian Ocean.

An all inclusive holiday plan is the smart way to travel, cutting the major expenses down to size. Your all inclusive Maldives escape covers the international airfare, fabulous waterfront accommodation, all you can buffets, and a rich array of water sports and beach activities for all ages and fitness levels.

Your all inclusive Maldives holiday allows you the freedom and flexibility to take on all the sights and sounds around town or luxuriate your cares away on a sugar sand beach. No schedules and no time tables to adhere to, the Maldives holiday is off the clock for timeless bliss on the best beaches in the world.

Twenty-four atolls gives you plenty of unique places to explore with island hopping fun on private sailboats, cruisers and sea planes. These small passenger vessels take you from port to port for surfing, jet skis, fishing and land you near to town to meet and greet new friends. And when love is in the air, your sailboat skipper knows where to whisk you away to for a pleasure picnic on a private pristine island for the ultimate romantic getaway.

Booking your all inclusive Maldive holidays is easy and stress free. No hassles, no reservations to make, and no worries getting to and from the airport. All inclusive means just that: you get it all at one rock bottom rate. Independent travel arrangements or the best offer from a local travel agent cannot undercut the all inclusive package deal. Group airline and hotel rates will not be undersold to bring you the luxury and total travel efficiency found only in an all inclusive package. Out with the old and in with the new, all inclusive travel is the wave of the future making piecemeal holidays obsolete.