SPRING 2018
PLUS
CLUBTRAVELER.COM SECRET’S IN THE SAUCE
CRUISE TIPS
SAVE YOURSELF STRESS
DIVE INTO CULTURE THE CARIBBEAN & CENTRAL AMERICA AWAIT Members can experience deep relaxation on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand by staying at Anantara Vacation Club Bophut Koh Samui.
COVER STORY Dream 3 DREAM VACATION The Greek Isles Travel Tip 4 ON THE HORIZON Old contact lens cases are a great 13 upcoming events way to transport small amounts of 5 THE 10 creams or lotions. Write the name Best out-of-office replies of their new contents on the lid 6 THE BIG PICTURE with a Sharpie, and enjoy the Olympic National Park freed-up space in your carry-on! 8 CITY LIFE Montreal, Canada Club Plan 25 ASK THE RESORT 9 ALL ABOARD The hidden side of Orlando 011 Members’ Bordeaux voyage 26 KNOW YOUR CLUB 10 GET CRUISING Club news, and a top Team Cruise news you can use Member at Myrtle Beach 11 LEADER OF THE PACK 28 RCI EXCHANGE TSA-friendly travel gear Open up a new travel world with RCI properties 12 ON THE FLY Surprising travel facts 13 PICTURE PERFECT Turn your snapshots into art Gr and Finale 14 GOOD SAVE 32 Members share their Save yourself from stress favorite Tuscany memories
8 Go Laksa soup at Montreal’s Satay 15 LOCAL PERSPECTIVE Brothers An insider’s look at Las Vegas Tropical Cities, 16 FOOD AND DRINK Get saucy around the globe 17 KIDDING AROUND Three ages, three predicaments, Two Ways nine solutions 18 LONG WEEKEND Cartagena and Panama City Hot Springs, Arkansas each offer a vibrant counterpart to beach vacations 20
Where is your favorite spring getaway? Tell us and COVER: TUUL & BRUNO MORANDI THIS PAGE, FROM LEFT: AARON GEDDE/GETTY IMAGES; send your pictures to [email protected]. AARON SOSA; COURTESY OF SATAY BROTHERS INSIDE BACK COVER: ZSOLT HLINKA/GETTY IMAGES
SCHMERBECK/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO BACK COVER: CATNAP/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO Dear Club Member This year is already off to an exciting start, and it’s only the beginning! In the first three months alone, we announced our first resort to open in Japan, located in Odawara; our newest resort on Hawaii Island, Ocean Tower by Hilton Grand Vacations Club; and the official opening date for our latest expansion in New York, The Residences by Hilton Club. We expect to announce additional resorts later this year, so keep an eye out for future editions of Club Traveler to learn more. We also ramped up our celebration of Hilton Grand Vacations’ 25th anniversary with the launch of our Club Member sweepstakes. Each month throughout 2018, two eligible Members are randomly selected to win 2,500 Bonus Points. One lucky Member will be selected at the end of the year for the grand prize of 25,000 Bonus Points! Our Member Education Workshops expanded last year, and we hosted four events, helping nearly 800 Members. I had the opportunity to host the event in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and we remain committed to expanding this program in the future. Take a look at the schedule for 2018 on the inside of the back cover of this edition to see if we’re coming to a city near you. Also, keep an eye out for content from these sessions available online to help you make the most of what you own. We continue listening closely to your feedback and hope you see your thoughts driving action. Our focus remains set on enhancing technology in the year ahead, and we are more committed than ever to exploring new potential destinations to expand travel possibilities 02 offered through your Club. ? I hope this edition of Club Traveler inspires you to travel more and experience all your Club membership has to offer. Helping you make lasting memories is at the heart of all we do, and ASK A CLUB COUNSELOR in our 25th year, we couldn’t be prouder to help you do just that. Q. What’s your No. 1 tip for reserving a specific vacation? Happy travels, A. It’s tried-and-true advice for a reason: Plan ahead. As soon as the reservation window for your desired property opens up, reserve your dates. The Club Stan Soroka Chief Customer Officer Member website—a key tool for your vacation planning—can help you with this. You can use the slider search tool to identify reservation windows for specific properties, and travelers with more flexibility can also see what’s available by date and location. Club Counselors are always on hand to support your planning needs as well. 6355 MetroWest Boulevard, Suite 180 —Nicole W., Elite Specialist, eight years Orlando, Florida 32835 USA Club Traveler is published by Hilton Grand Vacations Club with Hilton Grand Vacations Club and is distributed exclusively to Club Members. © 2018 Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. Hilton Grand Vacations® and Hilton Grand Vacations Club® are registered trademarks of Hilton International Holding LLC licensed to Hilton Grand Vacations Have a question for a Club Counselor? Inc. Hilton Grand Vacations and its ownership properties and club programs Email it to [email protected], operate under the Hilton name pursuant to a license agreement with Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. and it may be answered in an upcoming issue. Dream Vacation With iconic blue domes peppering this cliffside must-sees: the Parthenon, Kalambaka and the Dream island, Santorini acts as a siren, beckoning anyone Meteora Monasteries. After she’s soaked up all that WHERE TO GO who has encountered an image of its beauty to history, Donna says she’d take a ship to those Greek visit the Greek isles. This is certainly true for Club isles she’s been dreaming about, making stops in Member Donna K., who’s owned at Hilton Grand Mykonos and, of course, Santorini. “I would end the Vacations Club at SeaWorld since 2017. “I have always trip at Ephesus, Turkey, where the Apostle Paul lived wanted to visit the Greek isles—for as long as I can and where the gospel books of St. John were thought remember,” she says. to be written.” But the isles are just part of Donna’s ultimate getaway, which includes stops in mainland Greece WHERE TO STAY Room in the heart of and Turkey. On the list of these destinations’ draws: Athens and then cruise to the Greek isles scenery, history, the sun and the water. “Exploring with ClubPartner Tauck’s Treasures of the Aegean ancient ruins intrigues me,” Donna says. “I envision 10-day guided tour. Current-year, saved or borrowed leaving from Athens after spending a few days ClubPoints and Bonus Points may be exchanged for exploring the Acropolis, the city center and the Tauck travel certificates. Contact a Club Counselor museums.” A history buff, Donna names her next to request certificates or more information.
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There’s speculation— perhaps aided by the island’s sea-hued domes—that Santorini was the inspiration for the myth of the under- water city of Atlantis.
Want to be featured in Club Traveler? Tell us your dream destination by emailing us at [email protected].
STEFANO POLITI MARKOVINA/OFFSET @ DREAM: ON THE HORIZON
LOOK AHEAD Events worth the trip— whatever your time frame 3 MONTHS 6 MONTHS Electric Daisy Carnival, Giant National Capital Breckenridge Wine Classic, visitpanamacity Las Vegas, May 18–20 Barbecue Battle, Breckenridge, Colorado, beach.com/ With countless stages, fireworks, Washington, D.C., June 23–24 September 13–16 event/pirates-of- lasers—and electrifying music— Dig into brisket, chicken and Enjoy Breckenridge’s fall foliage the-high-seas-festival/22560/ the Motor Speedway turns into other samples, or take lessons through wine-tinted lenses 04 the stomping grounds of the from top pitmasters vying to during this three-day event that Orlando Beer Festival, country’s largest electronic dance be America’s national barbecue includes a Farm to Fork Wine Orlando, Florida, November 10 music festival (pictured above). champion. bbqindc.com Dinner, demonstrations, a grand Get awash in hundreds of lasvegas.electricdaisycarnival.com tasting and more. gobreck.com/ sudsy samplings from Florida Stars & Stripes Tournament, breckenridge-wine-classic and the world over, with Florida Film Festival, Maitland, Los Cabos, Mexico, June 28–July 1 scrumptious snacks, live music Florida, April 6–15 With proceeds going to Pirates of the High Seas, October and games adding to the buzz. The 27th iteration of this festival charities, this golf and deep- 5–7, Panama City, Florida orlandobeerfestival.com features more than 180 films, sea fishing contest will make Channel your inner Jack Sparrow including 20 world premieres. you feel all kinds of good. in this free festival that brings floridafilmfestival.com starsandstripestournament.com pirate fun to a whole new level.
9 MONTHS 12 MONTHS A Grand Strand Holiday, Myrtle kids’ activities while you browse Honolulu Festival, Oahu, Beach, South Carolina, November art, jewelry, fashion, furniture Hawaii, March 2019 and December 2018 and more from hundreds of Fueled by its Pacific Harmony Impressive displays—like the the country’s top craftspeople. theme, this cross-cultural Night of a Thousand Candles, sugarloafcrafts.com/festivals/ extravaganza showcases art the Festival of Trees and a tree- schedule demonstrations and dances— with comedians and street lighting ceremony—meet a bevy from Japan, Australia, Tahiti, performers—kicks off this 10-day of plays and parades around the Winter Jazzfest, New York City, South Korea and more—and international film festival. Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s January 2019 finishes with a jubilant parade oimf.jp.e.abg.hp.transer.com epicenter of holiday merriment. The 15th annual iteration of this down Kalakaua Avenue (pictured visitmyrtlebeach.com/things- acclaimed weeklong marathon at right). honolulufestival.com Frieze New York, New York to-do/events/festivals gives stage time to the classics City, May 2019 while showcasing forward- Okinawa International Movie Fes- Plunge into the center of the art Sugarloaf Craft Festival, Chantilly, thinking newcomers who are tival, Okinawa, Japan, March 2019 world when over 200 galleries Virginia, December 2018 keeping the hepcat genre alive. The Yell, Laugh & Peace show their best works. frieze.
Enjoy live music, snacks and winterjazzfest.com Countdown—a spectacle rife com/fairs/frieze-new-york FROM TOP: COURTESY OF ELECTRIC DAISY CARNIVAL; COURTESY OF HONOLULU FESTIVAL DREAM: THE 10 Out-of-Office Replies The time has come to set your out-of- 5. I’m not in the office this week, but you are. Each finding Lord of the Rings filming locations in the office reply before cartwheeling out day I’m away, please pluck an apple fritter from mountains of New Zealand. Upon my return the door. Instead of the usual ho-hum the break room’s doughnut box and place it in my from Queenstown’s Anantara Vacation Club, message, have fun with your response. desk drawer. I may be scuba diving in Thailand, but I shall respond only to emails in which I’m Here are 10 outlandish emails to get the I will not be denied my rightful doughnut. addressed as King Théoden of Rohan. creative juices flowing: 6. Ciao! I’m on a two-week road trip through Italy. 9. Hi! I’m away from work, in Las Vegas, without 1. I am out of the office until the 15th. Please be The Tuscan countryside is the land of la dolce vita, email or my usual level of restraint. Should I hit aware I’d much rather toil in my cubicle, but my which translates to “I’m not returning messages.” a multimillion-dollar slot machine jackpot, wife insisted we jet to the Fiesta Americana Villas consider this out-of-office message permanent. Cancún resort, sip margaritas, gorge on tacos and 7. Sorry to miss your email. I’m on a Caribbean tan for a week. It will be awful. Trust me. cruise, which can’t hold a candle to the department 10. Doumo arigatou for your email. In honor of meeting I’m missing. You’ll be in my thoughts as my trip to Japan, a haiku for you: 2. Aloha! Looking for me to answer a work query? I suffer through jet skiing off Grand Cayman. Kyoto beckons I’m at the Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand My unattended inbox Vacations Club on Oahu, returning the 12th, 8. I’m away from my computer until the 31st, Means take a number and the only question I’m currently answering is: indulging my perfectly healthy obsession with “Would you like to make that mai tai a double?” 05
3. Howdy! I’m on a ski trip at Sunrise Lodge, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Park City, Utah. Like last year, it’s likely my phone will accidentally be dropped from the chairlift into 2 feet of fresh powder. I will respond the moment I find it. Promise.
4. I’m currently on vacation. However, my neuroses will not allow me to unplug, so expect to hear from me in five minutes. If you do get a message back from me, please assist me in my relaxation goals by suggesting (in all CAPS) that I stop checking emails on vacation. Thank you!
BONUS MESSAGE Write an out-of-office email entirely in emojis, like this: MICHAEL HANSON/OFFSET DREAM: THE BIG PICTURE
HOW TO > GET THERE ClubPartner Perk Tauck offers an eight-day tour of the Pacific Northwest. In addition to a voyage through the Olympic Peninsula, the tour includes a wine tasting in Oregon, a trip to the Butchart Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia, and a treetop canopy walk in Vancouver. Contact a Club Counselor to request your travel certificate using ClubPoints or Bonus Points for this tour.
06 The Olympic Peninsula Olympic National Park in Washington is known for the verdant greens of its temperate rainforest, but the peninsula is a color riot. Sky-blue subalpine lakes and polka dots of wildflowers form part of the palette; tide pools complete it. Violet starfish, emerald anemones and crimson-clawed crabs reward shoreline wanderers with an experience both beautiful and profound: “Contemplating the teeming life of the shore, we have an uneasy sense of the communication of some universal truth that lies just beyond our grasp,” wrote author and conservationist Rachel Carson. “In its very pursuit we approach the ultimate mystery of Life itself.” Second Beach (pictured here) is considered one of the best places to tidepool-
SEAN XU/GETTY IMAGES hop in the area. DREAM: CITY LIFE
A gourmand’s Montreal mini-circuit: Sip coffee at a café on Saint Paul Street (shown here), and pick up a cheese selec- tion at Le Fromagerie Atwater (at right).
Take a bite Canada’s out of Montreal Culinary Capital 08 Where to Stroll or an aperitif at Philémon spontaneous? The Dinr “east” and “west” don’t Some of Montreal’s most Bar (philemonbar.com). app (getdinr.com) flags last- strictly abide the compass. picturesque pathways minute openings at the city’s Still, it’s easy to get around run alongside Lachine Where to Eat hottest tables, including the using the color-coded Metro Canal. This former fur- Near the Musée d’art difficult-to-book Joe Beef, a lines and STM bus services. trade artery cuts through contemporain de Montréal, temple of nose-to-tail eating the lower part of the city, glass-walled Brasserie where even the mashed Where to Stay from the Old Port to the T! (brasserie-t.com) was potatoes are served with The Embassy Suites by Hilton historic borough of Lachine. made for people-watching. bone marrow. is conveniently located Picnic by the water’s edge This casual offshoot of the between downtown and behind Marché Atwater celebrated Restaurant Toqué How to Get Around Old Montreal. Just opposite, (marchespublics-mtl.com), a serves French classics like Bring walking shoes: the Palais de Congrès covered market that’s open beef tartare and steak frites Montreal is a city of steep convention center provides year-round. La Fromagerie slathered in herbaceous hills and inclines. (During access to the weatherproof Atwater (fromagerieatwater. compound butter. the city’s icy winters, “Underground City”—a ca/en) is your best bet Reservations are a must at footwear with decent grip tunnel network connecting for local cheese and Nora Gray (noragray.com), an is essential.) Watch out for the most important charcuterie, or visit the intimate Italian spot known what locals call “Montreal buildings of central popular Satay Brothers for its natural wine selection directions”: Streets and Montreal—and Place- stall (sataybrothers.com) and sharing plates. Feeling transport routes named d’Armes metro station. for street food inspired by Singapore. Walking north along the canal will lead HOW TO GET THERE you to the cobbled streets > From Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, taxi transfers to the city center are a flat rate (CAD $40). of Old Montreal. While As French is Quebec’s official language, not all cabdrivers speak English—but the dispatcher, near the main exit, can there, pause along Saint help with your arrangements. Alternatively, Montreal’s public transport system, the STM (stm.info), offers a shuttle: Paul Street West for coffee The aptly numbered 747 bus serves a series of downtown stops, including the René-Lévesque/Jeanne-Mance stop, at Olive & Gourmando a five-minute walk from the Embassy Suites by Hilton. Purchase one-way tickets (CAD $10) from the STM self-
(oliveetgourmando.com) service machines by the exit, or directly from the driver if you have the correct fare in coins. FROM LEFT: MARC BRUXELLE/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO; VESPASIAN/ALAMY PHOTO Plan MAKE IT HAPPEN
Bordeaux is the largest wine region in France, both by vineyard acreage and amount of wine produced.
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All Aboard Mary and Jim M. used their Hilton we weren’t as familiar with in one vacation. Grand Vacations Club membership to We’d ride our bikes down a country road, cruise the Bordeaux River aboard the seeing chateaus as we went; we’d pull over, Scenic Diamond in August 2017. One of pull off a grape, sample the wines. We saw their cruise highlights: how the vines were hand-trimmed, to get “We want to visit all the great wine the grapes exposed and keep them close regions of the world. Since we’re already to the ground. You develop a more familiar with California and Italian wines, intimate appreciation of the terroir when seeing the Bordeaux region with a cruise you’re up close, standing there actually was superb. The Club organized cycling among the vines. Now, when we drink excursions that let us experience the area wines from Bordeaux, we know what in a hands-on way, getting to know wines we’re drinking. We taste the earth.”
Have a cruise moment you’d like to share? Email us at [email protected].
CHAD EHLERS/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO @ PLAN: GET CRUISING
BON VOYAGE! Cruise news, tips and facts for smooth sailing
10 Cruise Tip: Maiden Voyages New ships setting sail Become in spring 2018. Break out the Champagne! a bookworm CARNIVAL Horizon ROYAL CARIBBEAN NORWEGIAN Bliss MSC Seaview A common fear of first-time cruisers (Launching April 2018) Symphony of the Seas (Launching May 2018) (Launching June 2018) is they’ll be unable to find solitude Onboard smokehouse (Launching April 2018) Two-level go-kart Panoramic-view outside of their cabin, or that all and brewery from Hit two destinations track on the top elevators and a 360- shared spaces will come with the Guy Fieri at once: More than deck—the largest degree glass prom- expectation of chatting up fellow 12,000 trees and track of its kind enade translate to passengers. Enter the introvert’s plants make up the stunning sea views escape: the library. Most ships have ship’s NYC “Central a library with books, magazines, Park” experience and crossword and jigsaw puzzles, making it a good place to find some quiet time beyond your cabin walls. While you’re there, take a peek at what other passengers are reading— GO YOUR OWN WAY once you’re feeling social again, you’ll Think cruises aren’t your thing? Trust have an opening line at the ready. us, there’s a cruise for everyone: cat lovers, fans of Star Trek and The Walking Dead, vegans, Goths, knitters, Green Bay Packers enthusiasts, psychics and aficionados of ’80s music. Sail on! LEARN MORE meowmeowcruise.com, startrekthecruise.com, Cruise Specialists are available to help you use your Points walkerstalkercruise.com, atasteofhealth.org, to book cruises through CruisesOnly. Visit hgvc.cruisesonly.com to gothiccruise.com, craftcruises.com, find your best cruise match, then call CruisesOnly at 800-364-3656 to packerslegendscruise.com, arrange applying your ClubPoints, Bonus Points or cash supplement. divinetravels.com, the80scruise.com CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: PETE ARK/GETTY IMAGES; SIMON BROOKE-WEBB/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO; STUART BURFORD/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO The collar of each Vumos PLAN: LEADER OF THE PACK Toiletry Kit bottle can be rotated to show whichever label you’d like. Keep Calm
The Nomader While Carrying On comes with a lifetime warranty. From laptop bags to helpful apps, these travel essentials will get you through airport security and into your seat as efficiently as possible
Vumos Toiletry Kit Incase EO Travel Backpack Siphoning 3 ounces of sham- Rummaging through your bag to poo is annoying enough that retrieve your laptop, then frantically you may be tempted to just do tossing it onto the conveyer belt is Compression without. But this color-coded part of the airport experience, right? straps keep set of four squeezable, refill- Not if you’re sporting this expandable the EO Travel Backpack 11 able silicone bottles will have backpack with a convenient 17-inch (below) stable. you singing in the shower no laptop compartment that opens matter where you’re headed. flat, meaning that your computer The sturdy, clear-plastic bag can be screened makes it so easy for TSA without having agents to inspect that you to be removed. Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle may find yourself singing (quietly) in Organizer How many times have you made it to the security line as well. amazon.com pockets the front of the security line only to be can carry told to toss your water bottle (and buy Brookstone Genius Pack chargers, an overpriced new one on the other Packing Cubes Set and its side)? This ingenious roll-up bottle Packing cubes are a travel game- breathable mesh solves that problem by fitting into your changer. This three-pack covers all panels keep the carry-on until it’s ready to be deployed your bases, with a small cube that’s stylish bag cool at a water fountain near your departure perfect for a few carry-on essentials against your back. gate. It’s also leak-proof and BPA-free, (like a change of underwear in case your incase.com and it comes in 11 colors. nomader.com main bag gets lost), a medium one for T-shirts and jeans, and a large one that’s expansive enough to fit an incredible 13 dress shirts. brookstone.com TSA App Like many governmental agencies, the TSA can feel … opaque. Fortunately, its travel app is excellent. It provides 24/7 access to the The Brookstone Genius Pack Pack- most requested airport security information, ing Cubes are made including a useful—and amusing—database of items that are of durable nylon. and aren’t allowed in carry-ons. Bear spray and spear guns are definite no-nos, but shock collars and Harry Potter wands get the go-ahead. iTunes, Google Play PLAN: ON THE FLY
IN THE KNOW: Fun Fact TRAVEL Time zones are not all one hour apart. TRIVIA Some are only 30 or 45 minutes.
Umami-rich mushroom 46% and tomato powder + lavender of travelers prefer mochi rice cakes + licorice ice face-to-face flight cream = all served in Monarch Airlines’ Mood Food boxes meant check-in over 12 to reduce stress + promote self-serve kiosks upbeat attitudes while flying 705 A.D. Year the world’s oldest hotel In the sky at any opened, in Japan given moment 9,728 planes carrying 1,270,406 people Aloha State: Longest life expectancies + Six months How long it would take to drive happiest residents to the moon at 60 mph
1902 63 Year the first written speeding The percentage ticket was issued 95 of travelers The percentage who catch of Florida’s Biscayne zzz’s next to their mobile National Park that’s devices underwater Photo collage techniques can transform already-stunning panoramic images and turn PLAN: PICTURE PERFECT them into your magnum opus.
Turn Your Pictures Into Pieces of Art 13 We all have that one vacation shot; and merging, reminiscent of a surreal DISPLAY YOUR ART every time we look at it, we’re painting or double-exposed film Once you’ve transformed your best image, display transported back to a magical moment. images. Try using AutoDesk Pixlr it by going beyond classic matte or glossy finish. Now, what if you could make the (Apple, Android or Windows) or LightX Experiment with photo printing on stretched colors glow, wipe away imperfections Photo Editor (Apple or Android). canvas for a classic appeal, free-standing glass or transform it into a black-and-white plaques for the office, distressed metal for your masterpiece? You can, with the click Creative Filters Experiment with walls or wood panels to complement rustic decor. of a button. Elevate your smartphone softening photo edges by applying Explore innovative printing options at Shutterfly, snapshots with these photo editing a vignette, wiping away background Woodsnap, Snapfish and Bay Photo. tools and apps, available on iTunes, distractions, applying a texture to lend Google Play or Windows Store. a watercolor or oil-painting style, or Techniques that mimic adjusting colors with traditional filters. double-exposed film lead to evocative, one- Brightness and White Balance Explore Filterstorm Neue (Apple), of-a-kind images. Instantly rescue images that turned Bonfire Photo Editor Pro (Android), out too dark or off-color. This tool is Snapseed (Apple or Android) or even available in most editing programs, Instagram for popular filters. including many built-in camera apps, as well as Adobe Photoshop Express Cosmetic Tools Love that selfie at for Apple, Android and Windows. Machu Picchu, but not that pimple? Enhancing tools offer teeth whitening, Photo Collage Show off a collection blemish healing and red-eye removal. of Alaskan wildlife pictures or landscape Look into Aviary and AirBrush images by combining them into one photo editors, or experiment with
FROM TOP: JASON HOROWITZ/GETTY IMAGES; ELLEN ISAACS/GETTY IMAGES ISAACS/GETTY ELLEN IMAGES; HOROWITZ/GETTY JASON TOP: FROM canvas through the magic of overlapping TouchRetouch (Apple or Android). PLAN: GOOD SAVE Stress Less Save yourself from travel anxiety with these simple strategies
Ready to Exhale because they’re packed with a plastic bag to stuff wet socks Whether you can’t take the protein and good fats to keep into. You get the picture. turbulence on your flight or you satiated. Granola bars are your rowdy neighbor is getting another fix, but avoid ones Strike a Pose on your nerves, this deep that are candy bars in disguise. When you’re bound to your breathing exercise relaxes Instead, look for the low-sugar, seat and feeling either sluggish your mind and body. Start high-fiber variety. or restless, try this seated by closing your eyes and twist: Sit up tall, grab the sides focusing on your breathing. Pack Away Stress of your seat, and twist your Next, breathe in for four Make a mini travel kit tailored torso to the right and left, counts, then out for eight. Pay to your anxiety triggers, and holding each side 10 to 20 attention to your expanding carry it with you at all times seconds. When you have 14 lungs and stomach. Repeat the for peace of mind. Does the a little more space, try a pattern until your anxiety (or thought of getting hurt on the modified mountain pose: annoyance) fades. road send you spiraling? Stuff Stand up tall and bring your Band-Aids and aspirin into a feet together, toes forward. Snack Attack small tin. If it’s dirty hands that Hands clasped, raise your arms Getting hangry on vacation stress you out, put sanitizer above your head. Slowly raise is a buzzkill, so bringing and wet wipes into a zip-top your heels so you’re standing on-the-go grub is always a bag. Getting (and staying) wet? on the balls of your feet. Hold good idea. Nuts are perfect Make it a poncho coupled with 10 seconds.
LET’S CHAT Meeting locals is one of the best parts about travel. But striking up a conversation can feel awkward—ergo, stressful. Ask these three questions to start talking. 1. What are you reading right now? You experiences is always fun, and could give could use the “I need something to read you ideas for day trips near your destination. on my flight” excuse. 3. What’s your go-to restaurant? This one’s 2. Where is your favorite place that a twofer—you’ll get great ideas for dinner you’ve visited? Gabbing about memorable while learning about local hangouts. GARETH BROWN/GETTY IMAGES COURTESY OF SPRINGS PRESERVE Daja Gegen Daja native area from tips with city glowing of this warmth the feel and see to time make Strip, the Beyond Strip. famous city’s the of center the in located conveniently Club Vacations Grand a Hilton at Elara, of Lights City the in stay can Members Club Vegas. Las space: outer from earth on city brightest the sits Arizona and California Between Perspective Local org, redrockcanyonlv.org org, springspreserve. landscapes. crimson its drive or in picnic hike, to travelers surrounded by mountains—invites nirvana desert Area—a Conservation National Canyon Rock Red the while exhibits, animal live and hikes garden, a botanical boasts Springs Preserve 180-acre The Strip: the from miles 15 than less are Both gets.” it as good as is year of the rest the But yes. summer, the in It’s hot Canyon. Rock Red and Preserve love“I Springs outside. get to Vegas is Las enjoying Daja. says there,” food Asian of amazing kinds all get you can because a misnomer of abit actually “It’s Flamingo. the near mall astrip in located Chinatown, in and Strip the off diversity of this is welcomed.”and individuality broken be to meant are rules possible, are things West—that all of the ethos the experience to moved there who brings a diverse people population, that with and of transplants, a city Vegas is Las “But city,”the says Daja. view of a one-dimensional presents which visit, they when Strip the However, she says the key to truly However, key truly to says the she ataste getting recommends Daja “People generally only experience WHAT TO DO Go . , botanical garden. at thepreserve’s culents, ondisplay cactuses andsuc- collection ofMojave boasts aworld-class Springs Preserve 15 GO: FOOD AND DRINK Get Sauced Pour on worlds of flavor with specialty sauces from around the globe
Peanut Sauce A terrific complement to a skewer of grilled meats such as Brined Chicken chicken or beef, or even tofu Balsamic and fresh vegetables, Indonesian With Big Bob Vinegar Gibson Bar-B-Q peanut sauce is endlessly versatile. Two towns in the Italian The sweet-salty sauce usually region of Emilia-Romagna White Sauce features garlic, chili, soy, brown are to balsamic vinegar Did you know that most or palm sugar and coconut. what the Champagne Hilton Grand Vacations region of France is to, Club properties feature Mole well, Champagne. Only outdoor gas or charcoal Native to the Mexican states of balsamic vinegar made in grills? On your next trip, 16 Puebla and Oaxaca, mole now has Modena or Reggio Emilia try this simple saucy recipe: many regional variations. While it is the “real deal” with a Brine may seem odd to serve choco- designation of origin seal. 1 cup each apple juice, water late—crucial to traditional mole— Dress salads with this 1 tablespoon each salt, with meat, when blended with tangy sauce, and drizzle honey spices and prepared properly, it over vanilla gelato for ½ tablespoon each dark forms a smoky, savory sauce. an elegant dessert. brown sugar, soy sauce, fresh lemon juice ¼ tablespoon garlic powder BBQ Sauce Chicken 8 boneless, skinless Tastes in barbecue sauce are varied, from the Jerk Sauce chicken breasts smoke of Kansas City to the spice of Texas Add Caribbean flair to your next cookout with a spicy 1 bottle Big Bob Gibson and the sweet heat of North Carolina. One Jamaican jerk sauce. The combination of spices, brown Bar-B-Q White Sauce to try is Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q White Sauce sugar and Scotch bonnet peppers is easily negotiated, so (bigbobgibson.com) from Alabama. Use it on poultry, pork and you can go as hot—or not—as you like. Plan ahead, though; even seafood (and see recipe at right). Combine all brine ingredi- you’ll want to marinate for at least eight hours. ents in a medium bowl. Add chicken, immersing in brine; cover and refrigerate 1 hour. Remove chicken from brine; wipe off excess salt. Preheat grill to 400° F. Place chicken directly over heat; grill 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden and firm to the touch; inter- nal temperature should be 160° F. Submerge chicken in white sauce. Remove from sauce and serve. Serves: 8 CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: BONCHAN/GETTY IMAGES; SZEFEI/GETTY MILLEFLORE IMAGES/GETTY COURTESY OF BIG BOB GIBSON; MARIBEE/GETTY PANTHER MEDIA GMBH/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO GO: KIDDING AROUND
On the Road Again Keep joy in the journey at every step by knowing how to appeal to your
kids’ interests and needs, from toddlers to teens. Here’s how to keep them … 17
TODDLERS TWEENS TEENS
Entertained Activities and snacks are key. Bring Have your chargers and power strips At this age, your kids can entertain in transit surprises like pieces of dried fruit with USB outlets ready, as tweens love themselves, undoubtedly with a tablet or strung on a thread so toddlers can to stay plugged in en route. Upload other electronic device. Just remind them pluck snacks and eat slowly. Encourage a destination guide or a destination- to download whatever they need—movies, discovery while playing “I Spy” themed game to get them interested e-books, holiday reading assignments, etc.— when riding the airport escalators or in where they’re headed. via Wi-Fi before leaving home. cloud-spotting out your plane’s window.
Off (or on!) It might seem like a splurge back Once you arrive, have them power down Hands-intensive activities like kayaking and mobile devices home, but technology is your friend and take the lead as the family’s guide cooking classes can help keep them off their when traveling with toddlers. Load for a day (they can research pre-trip). Set gadgets. But teens can feel punished if you your device with apps they can play a budget together, then let your tween confiscate their devices. Instead, put without Wi-Fi to keep them busy make suggestions and show the way. technology to good use, challenging your during a meal or in a long line. teen to uncover a special restaurant or play DJ by compiling a destination-themed playlist.
Engaged while Read and show pictures to your young Find ways to relate the sights you’re Having some control over their experience sightseeing ones about the places you’re visiting. seeing to your tween’s favorite school can keep teens engaged. Give them some Let them pick out brochures at visitors’ subjects. “Treasure hunts” for souvenirs independence by letting them hit that centers, or select a postcard at a gift related to what they’re studying (history, gelateria, or the beach, on their own, then shop to instigate a scavenger hunt for science) are fun gifts for friends back having them meet you at the museum. Just a landmark. home, too. make sure their phones are charged for coordinating a meetup later. H. ARMSTRONG ROBERTS/CLASSICSTOCK/GETTY IMAGES GO: LONG WEEKEND
Day One Hot Springs consists of 47 geothermal pools and is the oldest protected property in the 3 Days in … National Park System. That protection ensures the waters are safe to drink, so fill up your water bottle at any of the “jug fountains” around town. Sip the curative waters while strolling down Bathhouse Row, a collection of bathhouses built from 1892 to 1923. This enchanting enclave Hot Springs, is dotted with cellphone-tour signs. Dial in and listen to the history of these facilities—some of which still offer therapeutic baths for under $35, as at Buckstaff Bathhouse, in operation since 1912, with spa services available as add- Arkansas ons. www.buckstaffbaths.com The smallest national park in the United States, Hot Springs beckons Day Two with “the water cure” of thermal Part of “taking the cure” is enjoying the town’s natural beauty. Hot Springs National Park baths and fountains spouting offers 26 miles of scenic trails; hike the Peak 18 drinking water straight from the Trail to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower for 19 earth. Coupled with the scenic magnificent views of the Ouachita Mountains. After a half day on the trails, head to The splendor of the nearby Ouachita Gangster Museum of America, which eulogizes National Forest, Hot Springs earns the history of Al Capone, Frank Costello its place in history as America’s and Bugs Moran, to name a few of the more sinister who vacationed at the springs during original wellness retreat. Prohibition. For Derby fans, from mid-January to mid-April, end your day at the races at Oaklawn Racing & Gaming, launching pad for 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. Not a gambler? Browse the antique shops downtown instead. tgmoa.com, oaklawn.com
Day Three Some of the Ouachita National Forest’s most interesting areas lie an hour northwest of town. Lake Ouachita, the largest man-made lake in Arkansas, is known for its crystal-clear water. Visitors can swim, scuba dive, water ski and fish—bream, catfish, stripers and largemouth bass are abundant. (Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters in Hot Springs rents fishing kayaks.) Quapaw Baths (pictured at far For mountain biking, Womble Trail on the left) offers thermal west end of Lake Ouachita is a popular path. soaks for $20 (quapawbaths.com); the If you plan to extend your stay, a magnificent town of Hot Springs spot for camping and hiking is the Caney Creek hosts a number of hiking trails, including wilderness area, home to the beautiful 4.3-mile North Mountain
SUSAN LEAVINES HARRIS/GETTY IMAGES; OPPOSITE: KC SHIELDS/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO Buckeye Trail. ouachitaoutdoors.com (pictured here). The vaults of Cartagena’s walled city (pictured here) make for a shopping arcade today. At right, a traditional print worn by an indigenous Kuna woman typifies the vibrancy of the region.
20 A trip to the Caribbean and 21 Central America conjures up images of beachside lounging for days on end— TWO TROPICAL CITIES, TWO WAYS but that’s just one way to experience the glory of the region. Cartagena and Panama City can usher you into the rich culture that
lies beyond the postcards. CREDIT GARY TOGNONI/GETTY IMAGES; OPPOSITE: BLAINE HARRINGTON III BLAINE HARRINGTON OPPOSITE: IMAGES; TOGNONI/GETTY GARY vacation. an unforgettable experience and for acomplete else intheworld, available nowhere adventures once-in-a-lifetime sophistication and dreamy coastal call deliver ports of hese popular Zenú people are elegantlydisplayed inthe guided tour, which includesdozensofsites. on thethree-hour Route ofGarcía Márquez guided Gabo audiowalking tour, or godeeper was alsofilmedinCartagena). Take theself- (the movie version, starring Javier Bardem, his work, includingLoveintheTimeofCholera death in2014, andthecity inspired muchof as Gabo, lived inCartagenaoffandonuntilhis Gabriel García Márquez, affectionatelyknown a UNESCOWorld Heritage Sitesince1984. booty theconquistadors pilfered, hasbeen Spaniards torepel pirates whowere afterthe streets andencircled by stone walls builtby the restored colonialarchitecture andcobblestone past. Its historic center, fullofmeticulously both by itswelcome seabreeze andavibrant beautiful citiesinSouthAmerica—isfanned Colombia’s topdestination andoneofthemost The lush,languidromance ofCartagena— CARTAGENA,COLOMBIA More than500 goldobjectscreated by the Colombian Nobel Prize-winning author off withanicy treat atLa Paletteria, whichuses sliced andmarinatedraw fish)atLa Perla. Finish ubiquitous ceviche withaplate oftiradito (thinly Sasson. Andtryadifferent take onthecity’s Hotel by Colombia’s originalcelebritychef, Harry recently openedintheCharleston Santa Teresa and peppers. Harry’s Restaurant andBar was is madeby picklingchunksoftunawithcarrots fruits, andaplateofrefreshing ezcapacio,which and sourcorozo juice, madefrom seasonal palm seriously goodCaribbeanclassics. Order asweet Cocina dePepina isamellow placetotry food andlive musicchannelOldHavana. La are essential)atLaVitrola, where the décor, trip toCubaby bookingatable(reservations at oneofCartagena’s restaurants. Take aquick a devil-may-care pace, whichyou canrelish combination ofvibrant colorsandflavors with in anodtomore recent works ofart. created by Colombianartist Fernando Botero installed anumberofenormousbronze statues Gold Museum inCartagena.Thecityhasalso The cityembodiesthatpeculiarlyCaribbean sum aidesercidquibea iusdant voluptaevoluptati dolo voloconnosquialiam aut audamarchicitreptisi Fugiandandae dolores antem rewarding urbanstrolls. one oftheregion’smost tained withinmakefor today thestreetscon- to preventpirateraids; off inthe16thcentury Cartagena waswalled The oldcitycenterof
LEFT TO RIGHT: FRANCESCO LATRUCCI/GALLERY STOCK; DAN HERRICK/GETTY IMAGES; TUUL & BRUNO MORANDI ecoturismolospinos.com LaPerlaCartagena, lapaletteria.co/en, com/en/dining, facebook.com/ hotelcharlestonsantateresa. blogspot.pe, org/gold-museum, lacocinadepepina. route-of-garcia-marquez.htm, banrepcultural. audiotours, tourincartagena.com/pages/ Resources offer half-day tourstothisspot. offer half-day in Cartagena,like EcoturismoLosPinos, 100 Years ofSolitude.Many tourcompanies flown rightoffthepagesofGarcía Márquez’s by tiny yellow butterfliesthatseemtohave down. ElTotumo issometimessurrounded head tothenearby river torinseoffandcool and surprisinglybuoyant. Afteryour soak, of meltedmilkchocolate. It’s silky, warm is filledwithmudthecolorandconsistency flanks anddown intothecrater itself, which mud. Geologists begtodiffer.) until thefire went out,fillingthe volcano with Totumo crater, sprinkleditwithholywater like fire andbrimstone thatcameoutofthe has itthatalocalpriest, offended by thehell- for asoakinthehealingmudbaths. (Legend within theearth.Thismakes itapopularspot mineral-rich mudheatednaturally deep It’s alsoanunusualmudvolcano filledwith volcanoes intheworld atjust 50feethigh. the ElTotumo volcano, oneofthesmallest shops sellingthefrozen delights. style popsiclesstand outfrom themany other super-fresh ingredients tomake itshomemade- Wooden stairs leadup the volcano’s modest About anhourinlandfrom Cartagenais at right,wearstraditionalgarb. two continents.AKunawoman, the storyofhowPanamaunites museo, whichopenedin2014,tells Frank Gehry’sdesignoftheBio- tierramagna.com/en/our- vessels ayear tocut8,000 miles andmillions wonder thatenablesmore than14,000 Panama Canal,the48-mile-long engineering table cuisinesincebefore itwas cool. Manuel Madueño hasbeenservingfarm-to- also intheCascoViejo neighborhood,where from Bonoandmake timeforManolo Caracol, cream andsorbet.For afullmeal,take acue for homemade, all-natural, French-style ice local institution ofGranclement inCascoViejo America’s 50Best Restaurants. Head tothe Maito, ranked No. 20onthe2017list ofLatin Dorada andrenowned restaurants like cuisine, withcraft breweries like LaRana worn by indigenousgroups inPanama. inspired by thecolorfulclothingtraditionally region’s biodiversity. Thedistinctive roof is Panamanian, themuseumcelebrates the by architect Frank Gehry, whosewifeis Causeway, home oftheBiomuseo. Designed one ofPanama’s largest indigenousgroups. which are popularwiththeKuna people, well-used, includingthevolleyball courts, popular waterfront walkway andparkare beckons withbars, shoppingandart.Its a UNESCOWorld Heritage Sitein1997, Casco Viejo neighborhood,whichwas made district, whilethebohemianandhistoric location. High-risesstud thebusiness metropolis tempered by itslaid-backseaside Like Miami,Panama Cityisabustling PANAMA CITY, PANAMA Panama Cityfunctionsasthegateway tothe Panama Cityisalsoemerging as acityof Also onthewaterfront istheAmador partial-transit-tour.html, museodelcanal.com pmatours.net/pacific-queen/panama-canal- manolocaracol.net,granclement.com, laranadorada.com, maitopanama.com, Resources oceans through theIsthmus ofPanama. cutting between thePacific and Atlantic of dollarsofftheirtransport costs by short- Audio guidesinEnglishare available. at theexcellent CanalMuseum ofPanama. Canal history before orafteryour transit birthday in2014. Boneuponmore Panama about thecanal,whichcelebrated its100th imparts atreasure trove ofinformation to thecanal’s next level. Onboard narration ships andeven larger cargo ships, through Pacific Queen,alongwithmassive cruise lock aschangingwater levels move the sensation ofrisingandlowering insideeach two locksonthecanaltoexperience the hours andtransports travelers through Pacific Queentourist boattakes aboutsix A half-day PanamaA half-day Canaltransit onthe biomuseopanama.org, biomuseopanama.org, 23 24 the year.) of times at other available is unique rainforest adventure this Cruise, aMember on not those (For close. up beauty jungle of the more see to Terrarium and Garden Hummingbird Gallery, Orchid Garden, Butterfly nearby the to avisit and rainforest the followed by a walk through awaits, lunch ample an of trees. varieties area’s 600 the among live that mammals 130 than more and species bird 500-plus of the examples spot visitors help this rare vantage point, guides From Rica. Costa in largest second the Park, National adjacent to Braulio Carrillo through the rainforest canopy tour 90-minute revealing a for gondola open-air an and refreshment, into settle 2015. in Destinations Geographic of National one was which rainforest, Rican Costa the into adventure exclusive an join can Members more, Panama and Caribbean, the Rica, Costa to Cruise Member the During Rainforest Rica’s Costa Excursion Into Exclusive Back on solid ground, ground, solid on Back apura vida After ’s Top Adventure 10 welcome welcome
I Villas of Distinction Distinction of Villas around the world. more than 50 destinations 42-bedroom estates—in bedroom penthouses to one- from villas—ranging thousands of luxurious Distinction. Choose from of Villas with partnership to anew thanks paradise villa own their discover now can status Elite with Members Club wrong. not you’re And paradise.” personal own my is villa “This yourself, to think you bite, first your savor you As other. the in scallops seared freshly of aplate and hand one in wine favorite your of aglass with approaching is who chef, personal your and other save your significant around, is one No ocean. another—the is water of body infinite seemingly that Beyond pool. infinity Not only is every every is only Not Vacations Hilton Grand Grace Bay. Turks andCaicos’ another optionat (pictured here)is Hawksbill Villa feet into your personal personal your into feet your dipping magine OFFER A PIECE OF PARADISE OF APIECE OFFER nearby in Montego Montego in nearby Stay families. for beach inviting especially an is round—Doctor’s Cave year- degrees to 84 78 waters—averaging sands and turquoise white silky its for Known Montego Bay, Jamaica Beach, Cave Doctor’s countries. 18 in villas of hundreds from choose can status Elite with members where Caribbean, the in avilla booking consider areality. into vacation dream your turn can team Concierge Villa the ride, balloon air ahot or shoot photo family a 20-person organizing like requests involved to more services spa in-villa and times tee for arranging From getaway. one-of-a-kind a planning in you assist will team Concierge Villa trademark The guest. each is so but distinguished, property NEW ELITE PARTNERNEW TO Beach loversBeach should beach lined with palm palm with lined beach secluded white-sand this on sun the in Soak Dominican Republic Cana, Punta Beach, Juanillo friends. away with aweek or reunion family a awedding, for ideal is villa this services, spa beachside and pit a fire bedrooms, a plunge pool, four Bay. With Grace of views breathtaking with oceanfront property an villa, Windsong the base home your Make powdered-sugar sand. pristine of miles 13 its for beloved is Bay Grace world, the in beaches top the among Ranked Caicos and Turks Providenciales, Beach, Bay Grace more. and carts golf two views, ocean or garden butler and housekeeper, cook, apersonal features villa each where Moon, Half at Villas the at Bay Soufriere Volcano. to the rainforest the from attractions nearby visiting or beach the at week the spend and 12, to up Sleep more. and peak mountain Piton Petit the of views pool, infinity featuring gardens, an Cottage, Colibri the at Caribbean here. Stay the in snorkeling best the of some You’ll find serenity. Lucia St. typifies Beach Chastanet Anse sands and lush palms, silver waters, warm With Lucia St. Beach, Chastanet Anse scuba diving. to windsurfing from activities, many resort’s to the access have also will travelers Adventurous pool. swimming private own your into plunge or waters, calm and reefs coral colorful the enjoy here, From Resort. Cana Punta the in villa 23 Arrecife the at head your Rest trees.
YAACOV DAGAN/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO (FROG) Ask the Resort Orlando is synonymous with theme parks, Club but there’s plenty behind their dazzle. We YOUR MEMBERSHIP asked Mike M., the general manager at Las Palmeras, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club, for his take on the lesser-known side of Orlando. “We have two new attractions, Topgolf and Andretti Karting & Games. Both are just a short walk from Las Palmeras. Topgolf (topgolf.com) has climate-controlled bays and golf games that make it fun for people at all levels to play together. Andretti (andrettikarting.com) is great for mixed groups, too—speedsters can hit the go-karts, thrill- seekers can swing on zip lines, and gamers will find plenty to keep them occupied. “For something less sporty: I live in Winter Garden, about 15 miles from downtown. Every Saturday, there’s a farmers market for the locals with a number of different artists and food vendors. It can kick off the perfect Orlando Saturday: Start your day at the market, then head to Disney in the afternoon and enjoy the park’s fireworks in the evening.”
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Not a golfer? Not to worry: 51 percent of Topgolf visitors aren’t golfers at all, and only 8 percent are avid players.
Have a question for a resort? Email it to [email protected] and we might answer it in a future issue.
COURTESY OF TOPGOLF @ KNOW YOUR CLUB
News, tips and updates from Club: What’s New With Club? There’s a lot going on this spring
Priority Pass’ special anniversary The Residences by Hilton Club, New Added Benefits offer will include: York City; below, Ocean Tower by Hilton Grand Vacations Club, Hawaii Island Priority Pass Is Celebrating With an ● Up to 25 percent off Priority Pass Exclusive Member Discount memberships for direct/“cash” enrollments You may already know that Priority Pass ● 25 percent off Standard, 15 percent off offers Club Members a 10 percent discount Standard Plus and 10 percent off Prestige on its plans year-round, but to celebrate memberships Get to know José F. Hilton Grand Vacations Club’s 25th ● Increased discount when purchasing Problem Solver anniversary, Members can benefit from with Bonus Points even bigger savings. Through the end of Some people begin their days solving coming out, so if there’s an electrical 2018, Members can enjoy up to 25 percent Win Bonus Points With New a crossword puzzle; José F. spends his problem, it’s one of those two things. off the cost of Priority Pass membership, Monthly Sweepstakes workday solving real-life puzzles. As the You figure it out from there. or save even more by using Bonus Points. All eligible Members in good standing will maintenance supervisor at Ocean 22 by Membership through Priority Pass be automatically entered into a monthly Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Myrtle What got you into hospitality? grants access to more than 1,000 lounges Win Bonus Points, sweepstakes for a chance to win one of two Beach, South Carolina, his job entails making Well, if you live in Myrtle Beach, you’ll work give yourself a haven 26 worldwide. Partnerships like this ensure your of tranquility at a prizes of 2,500 Bonus Points and a drawing sure that every appliance works properly— in hospitality in one way or another! But vacation is more enjoyable by making the trip Thailand property. for the grand prize of 25,000 Bonus Points. New and, more to the point, figuring out how really, I always loved taking care of people. there more pleasant. The best part about it? You don’t have to Properties to fix any problem that arises. “I learn I’ve been working since I was 13; I had my Annual membership has three levels: Standard, which lets do anything to enter! Monthly drawings started in January and will new things all the time,” José says. “It’s a own hot dog stand, and I loved giving members use lounges for a $27 fee; Standard Plus, which offers continue each month through December; sweepstakes winners Announced challenge, but a good one. Everything I work people that fun in their day. Then I worked 10 free visits and $27 visits thereafter; and Prestige, which will be announced on the Club website and in the following month’s This June, The Residences by Village, is slated to begin hosting with is a puzzle.” Club Traveler talked with as a dishwasher, then in housekeeping and offers unlimited free lounge entry. eClub Traveler newsletter. Hilton Club will open in the top Members during the fourth José about life at Ocean 22. banquets, then purchasing. I was working the floors of the Hilton New York quarter of 2018, and will be the front desk at Hilton Garden Inn in Myrtle Midtown—giving Members even first Hawaii Island property to Can you walk us through a typical Beach and they needed someone to help more options in Manhattan. The offer Members direct ocean day at Ocean 22? out in maintenance, so I gave it a try. Residences boasts: views. Ocean Tower will include: I come in at 6 a.m. and take care of the FRESH All Hilton Grand Vacations content has started appearing in ● Premier and penthouse ● One-bedroom, two-bedroom pools, making sure the chemicals are all What do you enjoy the most one place, the Club website. This transition was made for your one-bedrooms, as well as premier, and three-bedroom suites, each correct, and then I find out what needs to about your job? LOOK, convenience and the continuity of your experience. From Club premier plus and penthouse featuring an ocean or resort be taken care of for the day. I’ll check out The people. I like interacting with the SAME Traveler articles to your Member dashboard, everything you need studios that include in-room spas view, full kitchen, balcony and the vacant rooms and make sure guests—there are families that come every to plan a vacation is now in one place. and Central Park views spacious living and dining areas everything’s working correctly. Is the year, even three times a year. There are GREAT ● Fitness center, business center, ● Inviting studios with furniture OK? The cabinets? Is there chipped people from Colombia and Mexico who CONTENT INTRODUCING MOBILE BOOKING AND WEBSITE UPDATES restaurant and bar, on-site kitchenettes paint? Are all appliances working, everything visit, and I grew up speaking Spanish and Now app users can search for the perfect vacation with HGV’s convenience store and private ● Exclusive fitness center, a OK in the bathroom? Anything technical, I’ll English, so we’ll talk in Spanish. The people mobile-friendly booking engine. If you know the dates you’d like owners’ lounge check-in and departure lounge take care of it. I work with are great—we help each other to travel, choose “My Dates” to see only what is available for those ● A location convenient to and access to Hilton Waikoloa out, always working together. In dates. To see what’s available across a range of dates, or during the Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, Village’s amenities, from its What do you like about working maintenance, we know that if we keep Open Season window, select “Flex” or “Open Season.” Central Park and the Empire swimming pools, tennis courts in maintenance? everything right, people will be able to just ALL ABOARD! Plus, improvements to the mobile app trip dashboard have been State Building and tram to the village’s boat Learning new things is one of the best relax instead of having to call every five For the latest made to provide Members with more at-a-glance details, like the rides, shops, restaurants and spa parts of the job. You just try to identify minutes to have a lamp fixed. Everybody status of Members’ home weeks, facilitating better organization cruise news, check out The newly announced Ocean the problem, then you find a way to solve does their part. The general manager is a of multiple trips. Furthermore, each region now features a “things pages 9 and 10. Tower by Hilton Grand Vacations Property images proposed and subject to that problem. You take your basic big part of that. The way managers treat to do” section to assist Members in planning their vacations.
STACY HOWELLSTACY (JOSÉ DANIEL F.); WARD/GALLERY STOCK (PARASOLS) Club, located in Hilton Waikoloa change. ©2018 Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. knowledge of electricity, for example— workers is how workers treat the guests, you’ve got electricity coming in and so guests here experience a real friendliness. RCI BENEFITS Escape to the Caribbean
PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
With 10 beaches to choose from, Your Vacation. Punta Cana is a sun seeker’s paradise. The 20-mile coastline here is the stuff of dreams: sunbathers soaking up the rays, warm Caribbean waters lapping the shore and lazy palm trees swaying Your Choice. in the gentle breeze.
Whether you’re dreaming of sun-drenched beaches, bustling cities or serene moments in nature, RCI has you covered. You can experience amazing destinations 1 28 around the world with access to thousands of RCI affiliated resorts , including those resorts that received the coveted RCI Gold Crown Resort® property or RCI Silver Crown Resort® property award for their quality standards.
Did you know?
One of the many benefits of being a Hilton Grand Vacations Club Member is that OCHO RIOS, you also automatically become an RCI® subscribing member. This means you have access to a world of exciting exchange vacation opportunities! JAMAICA
Few Caribbean islands offer Jamaica’s mash-up of nature and culture. You can spend your days enjoying the golden beaches and sky-splitting sunsets, or venture beyond the gates of your resort and dive deeper into the island’s colorful culture.
Not sure how to vacation with RCI? TIP Give us a call at 800.932.4482 for personalized help. You can also search and book online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Member Tip: Start an Nature Ongoing Search
Retreats Can’t find what you are looking for? With an Ongoing Search2, you tell RCI your parameters (such as dates, destinations, even specific resorts) and RCI will SEDONA, continue searching for you 24/7. Once a match is found, RCI will notify you to ARIZONA either confirm the vacation or release it and continue to search for another Travelers flock to the ancient red option. rocks of this low-key desert town for adventure of all kinds. More than To set one up, click on “Start an Ongoing 150 hiking trails snake through the Search Request” in the box above your canyons and offer something for search results on the RCI website. Then, leisurely strollers as well as fitness fill out the form with your desired criteria. warriors.
30 GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE RCI makes it easy
This east Tennessee mountain village to search, book and is full of small-town charm and is surrounded by some of the most get away. picturesque mountains east of the Mississippi. Use Gatlinburg as your base for exploring the mountains, 1. Log in to where you can enjoy hiking, zip lining club.hiltongrandvacations.com and breathtaking views. 2. Go to the “Club Membership” section
Select “RCI Account” to link to 3. ® 1These vacations are limited and subject to availability and your your RCI subscribing member accessible Points balance. 2The current RCI Exchange Fee is required to set up an Ongoing account and start searching Search. The Exchange Fee may be refundable if no match is found, provided the member is otherwise in full compliance with all applicable exchange program requirements. CST: 2046555-50. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST-26552. Nevada. Seller of Travel Questions? Registration No. 2002-0793. Washington Seller of Travel Reg. No. 602357907. RCI and related marks are registered trademarks and/or service Give us a call at 800.932.4482 marks in the United States and internationally. All rights reserved. 9998 North Michigan Road, Carmel, IN 46032 © 2018 RCI, LLC. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
GRAND FINALE
Charmayne S. and daughter Kira La Dolce Vita Members share their favorite Tuscany vacation memories
We have a family tradition where my wife, daughter and I rotate choosing destinations. It began with Charmayne and me wanting to give our daughter experiences as opposed to things, and to show Kira that it’s a big world out there—travel can help her appreciate her place in the world. This particular trip was Charmayne’s idea, inspired by The Da Vinci Code. We went all around the area, driving most places and taking the train into Florence. We went to Pisa one day and did the typical tourist thing— walking around, looking at the Leaning Tower—and decided to have dinner there before driving back to the property. When we finished dinner, we saw groups of people walking toward the river, so we followed them. The windows of the buildings along the river were
32 ‘‘ decorated with light, and people were sitting on the Karl, walls lining the banks. We climbed onto the wall, too—some of us got up easily, for others it was Charmayne, and more comical—and then music started playing and Kira S., with friends fireworks started shooting into the sky. It turns
Leslie F. and Lee W. out it was Pisa’s annual Luminara festival for their patron saint. I don’t know what we did right that Club Members since 2008 we happened to be there on that night. Featured Trip: Hilton Grand You feel like you have your own apartment Vacations Club at Borgo there. That means you have to supply some things alle Vigne, June 2017 for yourself, but grocery shopping is one of the best ‘‘ parts of being in Italy. You’re forced to figure out Italian pretty quick! We’d observe people in line in front of us— looking for things that indicated the cashier was asking, say, “How will you pay?”—and then we’d respond in Italian in the way they did. And the wine! Boxed wine is looked down upon there, but we saw a box that was only 1 euro, so we thought, What do we have to lose? The next grocery trip we bought five of them! I want to take in culture when I travel; I’m not the kind of person who enjoys vacations where you just sit on the beach. But you don’t need the beach to relax. At the end of the day, we’d go out on the canopied patio at the property and just sit there with a glass of wine and look across to the town on the hillside across from us. That way of life is plenty relaxing for me.
It’s important to book ahead for your stay at Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Borgo alle Vigne, which is a particularly popular destination. Reserve your stay as far ahead as your booking window allows to ensure your taste of la dolce vita.
@ What’s the most memorable vacation you’ve experienced thanks to your Club membership? Send us an email at [email protected]. Upcoming Member Education Workshops Optimize the use of your membership with tips from education workshops
To help Club Members make the most of their memberships, the Hilton Grand Vacations team will continue holding Education Workshops throughout 2018. Learn how to use your Points and keep a vacation state of mind year-round at one of the scheduled Member Education Workshops below.
2018 MEMBER EDUCATION EVENTS SATURDAY, JUNE 23 SATURDAY, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 Chicago: Member Education SEPTEMBER 15 Atlanta: Member Education Workshop, Morning Session Dallas: Member Workshop, Morning Session Where: Embassy Suites by Hilton Education Workshop Where: Hilton Atlanta (downtown Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile Where: Hilton Dallas Lincoln location) When: Registration opens at 9 a.m.; Center When: Registration opens at 9 a.m.; Workshop begins at 9:30 a.m., with When: Registration opens at Workshop begins at 9:30 a.m., with the knowledge center and a reception 9 a.m.; Workshop begins at 9:30 the knowledge center and a reception to follow a.m., with the knowledge center to follow Chicago: Member Education and a reception to follow Atlanta: Member Education Workshop, Afternoon Session Workshop, Afternoon Session Where: Embassy Suites by Hilton Where: Hilton Atlanta (downtown Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile location) When: Registration opens at 3 p.m.; When: Registration opens at 3 p.m.; Workshop begins at 3:30 p.m., with the Workshop begins at 3:30 p.m., with knowledge center and a reception to the knowledge center and a reception follow to follow
3 GRANDTIMES A VACATION STATE OF MIND
SPRING 2018 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID A Permit #1789 BOLINGBROOK IL VACATION STATE OF MIND
SPRING 2018