Category: Stress-free Holiday travel tips

When you hear “top family vacations,” does your mind jump to visions of prohibitively expensive weekends in Tahoe or Vermont? Top family vacations aren’t necessarily top-dollar family vacations. With a little planning, you can have a truly memorable experience with a surprisingly reasonable price tag. At Best Vacations Ever by Preferred Guest Resorts, our job is to organize packages and do the planning for you so that you can enjoy time with your family.

Winter Mountain Vacations

If you like to ski or snowboard, or even just thrill at the thought of a warm fire and a hot drink while the world sparkles outside, you’ll love the holiday feel of a winter mountain vacation. From the Carolina Blue Ridge to the Smoky Mountains to California’s National Parks, the winter offers adventures and experiences that your family will remember for years to come.

The Carolina Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains that cross the western end of North Carolina are part of the Appalachian chain, some of the oldest mountains in the world. Several major ski slopes are located here, from Beech Mountain’s new ski resort opening its doors this December to Sugar Mountain, which features a number of early-season Winter Value Packages.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Asheville, N.C., is a cultural hub in the heart of Appalachia, home to countless small shops and restaurants, to Biltmore Estate’s lavish Christmas displays—this area offers a bountiful range of family-friendly museums and tours.

The Smoky Mountains

Over the state line in Tennessee, just far away enough away from Asheville to make the trip seem somewhat long sits the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Smokys are a beautiful getaway at any time of year, with trails and mountain views to take the breath away.

Equally attractive, especially in winter, are the vast array of indoor, family-friendly winter options available in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. From the Ripley’s Believe-It-Or-Not Museum to stage shows to art galleries and a broad range of dining experiences, you’ll find something to please every member of your family in Gatlinburg.

California’s Mountains

Yosemite National Park is a glorious winter destination that offers all the beauty and excitement of a mountainous environment with downhill skiing at Badger Pass, as well as ice skating, cross-country skiing, and ranger-led tours. Need a break from the mountain air? Go down the hill into the valley for a hike. In that sliver of time when winter begins to turn to spring, it’s worth a trip to the valley just to see the waterfalls swelled with spring melt.

Mammoth Lakes, squirreled away in California’s Sierra Nevada, is a resort town designed with the family in mind. Built around the epic skiing available on Mammoth Peak, Mammoth Lakes looks like a little Alpine Village tucked away at the mountain’s base. Dog sledding, sleigh rides, and snowmobiling are other magical-memory activities that Mammoth Lakes offers only during the coldest times of the year.

If you’ve caught on to the appeal of a mountain getaway in winter, let us show you just how beautiful it can be. Share your top family vacations spots! No matter what your vacation preference, you can find help planning your trip from Best Vacations Ever by Preferred Guest Resorts. Check us out online, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter to learn more.

Timeshare and vacation club presentations are an excellent way to receive free tickets to local attractions, complimentary accommodations and other incentives. The gifts you can receive range from run of the mill to spectacular, all with the intent to encourage travelers to sit through a presentation. Before you attend this kind of event, you need to be prepared. Here are the things you’ll need to bring with you, if you decide to make a purchase:

The Right Mindset

You realize that timeshare and vacation club presentations are for making a sale, so approach the event with an open mind. Let the presenter know before the session begins that if you’re interested, you will certainly make a purchase, but that you’re not interested in being pressured into buying something you know you don’t really want. This will allow you to enjoy the presentation without as many pressures from the presenter.

Readable Intentions

It’s a waste of your time and the presenter’s if you lead them on, pretending you’re interested in a particular product just to let them down at the very end. If the timeshare they bring up sounds interesting to you, show your intentions. If you’re not interested in that particular property or product, make it apparent so you can move on to something that is of interest.

Knowledge of Timeshares

Do your research ahead of time so you know how timeshares work and what you like about them. Then, when the presentation begins, you can tell the presenter that you’re more interested in learning about the amenities of the resort rather than the ins and outs of timeshares. This decreases the presentation time and brings the session to the point more quickly.

You may not have attended a timeshare and vacation club presentation before, but if you’re even remotely interested in what the presentation offers, it’s certainly worth attending. Connect with us on Twitter for more information!

How do I reach you by telephone?

In the USA dial 1-800-656-2780.

Outside of the USA:

Why don’t you confirm where I will be staying until I receive my travel confirmation letter?

We work with multiple partner properties at each of the accommodation levels in order to provide our guests with the greatest amount of availability when it comes to booking their travel dates.  Peak season weeks do fill up quickly, so we encourage you to book your preferred dates as early as possible.  In most cases, when you purchased your promotional vacation package, you paid for a specific accommodation type (standard, premium, luxury or condo).  If you login into the www.bestvacationsever.com website, you will be able to see information and pictures of many of our partner properties, so that you can get an idea of the types of properties available.  Once you book your travel dates, you will receive a travel confirmation notice that will give you the specifics of where you will be staying.  Upgrades, are often available for purchase by calling our Customer Service team at 1-800-656-2780.

How many days notice is necessary to book a reservation?

It is always best to book your reservation as early as possible…ideally 60-90 days in advance.  It is also recommended that you book even earlier for peak travel weeks (holidays, spring break, and summer).  In addition, a minimum of 30 to 45 days notice is required to avoid a priority booking fee on last minute reservations.

Can I book a reservation with less than the required amount of days?

Yes.  We do allow our guests to book reservations under the required 30 to 45 days, however a priority booking fee will apply. Please note all reservations are based upon availability.

Are there any dates I may not book?

No.  There are no blackout dates; however, all reservations are based on availability.  Peak travel weeks fill up quickly, so we encourage you to book as early as possible.

I purchased multiple destination locations.  Can I book all of the vacation at one location?

No.  This is an introductory vacation package sold for the purpose of introducing you to each of the resorts and promoting vacation ownership. However you may extend your stay at certain locations for a nominal fee per night.

Where is the Welcome Center where I will be checking in when I arrive?

Information regarding the Welcome Center where you will check-in is in your reservation confirmation letter and also available when you log into the www.bestvationsever.com.

When is the Welcome Center open?  

Information regarding the Welcome Center where you will check-in is in your reservation confirmation letter and also available when you log into the www.bestvationsever.com

How far are the hotels from the Welcome Centers? 

In many cases, the Welcome Center will be located on the same property where you will be staying.  In other cases, the Welcome Center will be located in the same general vicinity as your accommodations.

What time is check in? 

In most cases, you can check into the Welcome Center between 10am and 3pm.  However, please double check with your Welcome Center to confirm their hours of operation. However, your actual accommodations are not usually available for check-in until 4pm. Information regarding the Welcome Center is in your reservation confirmation letter and also available when you log into the www.bestvationsever.com.

If I need to cancel my reservation, or change my dates, are there any penalty fees?

You may cancel your reservation for all U.S. destinations, one time, at no cost when changes are made at least 7 days in advance. All non-U.S. locations need a minimum of 15 days to avoid penalties. Cruises need a minimum of 45 days to avoid the rebooking penalty.  You may incur a fee if additional cancellations or date changes are made.

What are the additional fees associated with the cruise portion of my vacation package?

You are responsible for all port, service, registration, and government departure fees.  Fees are per person.

What documents do I need to board the Cruise? 

A valid passport (not expired) is required.

What is a reservation guarantee? 

The reservation guarantee is a fee collected to ensure the arrival of our guest(s) traveling on a promotional vacation package, and guarantees that the guest’s room will be available upon arrival. The reservation fee may be applied toward your room taxes upon check-in.

Can I transfer my package to someone else?

The package is transferable to anyone who meets the promotional requirements outline at the point of sale.

How many people may ravel on the promotional vacation package? 

Please check the terms and conditions of the promotional vacation package you purchased.  Most packages come with either a standard or premium room which can accommodate up to 4 people.

What if I am traveling with a larger party than my promotional package allows?

Based on availability, you may be able to upgrade your accommodations to a 1, 2 or 3 bedroom condo for a nominal additional cost. Another option may be to book a second room.  Please contact our Customer Service team at 1-800-656-2780 for all upgrades and additional room needs.

When do I receive my promotional vacation gifts (i.e. attraction tickets, dinner certificate, rental car)?

In most cases, you will receive your gift upon completion of the VIP resort sales presentation.  Occasionally, you may be “pre-gifted” at the time of arrival by leaving an imprint of a major credit card until the completion of your resort presentation.

Can I purchase extra theme park tickets?

Yes.  Please contact our Customer Service team at 1-800-656-2780 to purchase additional theme park tickets.   In addition, most Welcome Centers also have area attraction tickets available for sale upon arrival.

Who needs to attend the resort sales presentation?

If married, both spouses must attend. If single, every guest in the party must attend.

How long is the sales presentation? 

The sales presentation is approximately 90 minutes long.

Do I have to attend the sales presentation at each location? 

In most cases, yes.  The promotional package your purchased was sold for the purpose of introducing you to each of the resorts and you will need to attend each resort’s sales presentation.

Are we required to purchase anything at the sales presentation?

You are not required to purchase anything.  We only require you and your party to attend the resort sales presentation.

When does the tour take place?

The tour is scheduled at the Welcome Center upon arrival, and is normally set up for the day after you check-in.

Can I prearrange the resort’s sales presentation or request a time? 

The sales presentation reservations may not be scheduled before arrival at the Welcome Center.  A specific tour time may be requested; however, the actual time will be based upon availability and confirmed at check-in.

Is transportation included?

Not unless a rental car was included in your promotional vacation package.  You are responsible for all transportation (i.e. air, car, train, etc.).

Which address do I provide for immigration purposes?

Please select your Welcome Center check-in location:

• Barefoot’n Resort – 2750 Florida Plaza Boulevard, Kisimmee, FL  34746.
• Calypso Cay Resort – 5001 Calypso Cay Way, Kissimmee, FL  34746.

What should I do if I am arriving late?                                                                                Please contact the Welcome Center if you will be arriving late.  Contact information for the Welcome Center is located on your reservation confirmation letter.

How do you check-in after the Welcome Center is closed?

Please contact the Welcome Center to which you are arriving.  Contact information for the Welcome Center is located on your reservation confirmation letter.

Do you provide shuttles to the parks? 

Some of our resort partners do provide shuttle service to the area theme parks.  Please contact the Welcome Center at the number located on your reservation confirmation letter to confirm your resort’s list of amenities and services.

Are pets allowed at the resort? 

No.  For your safety and others, pets are not allowed.

While summer is the most popular time to take a trip with the family, there are some top family vacations that are more enjoyable once the cool weather arrives. Some ideas for family vacations are not even possible until the fall season. To bring a little excitement into your family’s life before the holidays hit, consider these two ideas for fun family vacations in the southeastern United States.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This national park receives more visitors every year than any other national park in the country. The natural beauty is stunning, and the diverse colors of fall are simply breathtaking. In addition to the spectacular color show that awaits you with a fall visit to the Great Smoky Mountains, you can also enjoy fishing, camping, hiking and the chance to shop in America’s greatest arts and crafts community without scorching summer temperatures. All things considered, fall is the best time for the whole family to visit the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

College Football Road Trips

The NCAA football season is in full swing, and now is the time to see your favorite teams battle it out on the gridiron. Even if they’re not playing in your neighborhood, you can go on one of the top family vacations you’ve ever had visiting stadiums in the region that feature your favorite Southeastern Conference teams. Make it a weekend family road trip to see the big game of your choice.

What is your favorite kind of family trip to take? Do you have plans for traveling with your family this fall? Connect with us on Twitter to join the conversation about family vacations! Get ideas from others, find out about promotional vacation packages and learn how to book your vacation with Best Vacations Ever!

When it comes to the best vacation spots in the US, Walt Disney World® is at the top of the list for many families. Unfortunately, a Walt Disney World® vacation can be get pricey, with one-day tickets for a family of four costing well over $300. Disney veterans, though, know that there are ways to bring the cost down, and find cheap Walt Disney World® vacation packages.

• Consider a timeshare. Many timeshares in Orlando offer discounted or even free Walt Disney World®tickets, in return for taking a tour and hearing a presentation. Because Orlando has so many great things to see and do, timeshares are a great vacation option. Preferred Guest Resorts  has a fantastic promotional vacation package at the Country Inn & Suites Orlando Maingate at  Calypso Cay

  

  Resort which offers a peaceful oasis close to attractions, dining, golf and more. As a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel, they offer great amenities, fun activity packages, and superior customer service.

• Buy a ticket package. The price of a daily ticket goes down when you buy several days at once. For example, an adult one-day ticket costs $85, but a five-day ticket costs $251, which comes out to just over $50 per day. For a ten day ticket, the per day cost drops dramatically; coming in at $291, they have a per day cost of less than $30. These passes typically expire two weeks from the date of purchase, but, for an additional charge, you can upgrade to a no-expiration option.
• Annual tickets can be very cost effective. Annual passes allow you to return as many times as you like, all year long. Ranging in price from approximately $500 to $700, they pay for themselves in just a few visits.
• Join a club! If you are a Sam’s Club or Costco member, or a member of AAA or AARP, you are entitled to Disney discounts as one of the perks of membership.

There are many ways to save money when visiting the happiest place on earth. When you are ready to plan your vacation, visit Best Vacations Ever for information on how to plan your perfect Orlando vacation. One of the best vacation spots in the US can soon be within your grasp!