Where to stay on Kauai South Shore: Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club

Every time I visit a Marriott Vacation Club, I’m equally impressed. The Waiohai Beach Club is the fourth property I’ve seen, and won’t be my last. Why? While every Marriott Vacation Club is different, in order to fit into its setting geographically and culturally, core amenities and values remain consistent across the brand: roomy, family-friendly suites with kitchens and washer/dryers, above … [Read more...]

Timeshare Rentals De-Mystified: What you need to know about Marriott Vacation Club

I remember my first encounter with vacation timeshare rentals like it was yesterday: I was thirteen, and bored stiff sitting in a stuffy hotel ballroom on a beautiful Hawaiian beach day. I was waiting for my parents to exit a time share sales pitch so we could embark on the promised snorkeling excursion at its conclusion. We never bought that time share, but certainly enjoyed snorkeling at … [Read more...]

Best travel experiences of 2015: Our top family trips

In the travel industry, there are a lot of articles and advertising messages that tell parents to hurry up and see it all. Go before they grow up. See it before they're out of school. You only have X number of years left. While I appreciate the effort to get families out their front door, I urge parents to remember that primarily, travel is about time together, sharing experiences and new places, … [Read more...]

Five holiday gifts for travelers who have everything

Have an avid traveler on your gift list this year? It's a no-brainer to pick up something travel-related, but what if she already owns all the latest travel gear, or you have no idea where he's planning to vacation next? No worries: the following five epic holiday gifts for travelers will make any jet-setter happy. 1. Give the gift of connection: Fly with WiFi, photo by Glen … [Read more...]

Top hotel chains for family travelers

We get asked for hotel recommendations all the time. And we have plenty to give: after all, we spend over 100 nights per year in hotel rooms, suites, vacation rentals, and condos. While specific hotel picks in family travel destinations are important, it can be equally useful to know which are the top hotel chains for family travelers...no matter where you're going. We have our favorites, … [Read more...]

Family-friendly Vegas hotel: Marriott Vacation Club Grand Chateau

Is Las Vegas a family-friendly destination? While I believe there are better vacation choices for families, there are plenty of reasons families find themselves here, from conventions to shows to sport tournaments. And when you do go, you'll need a family-friendly Vegas hotel. We just returned from Marriott Vacation Club Grand Chateau, and let me tell you: we'll never stay anywhere else in … [Read more...]

West Palm Beach vacation: Marriott’s Oceana Palms

Interested in a West Palm Beach vacation? I was curious about the Florida coastline, so for my first trip to Florida outside of Orlando, I checked out the Palm Beaches area north of Miami. Um, it’s kind of ok here. Maybe I should venture beyond Disney more often! I stayed at Marriott Oceana Palms, which is a Marriott Vacation Club property. I knew I’d be happy with the resort, as I’d … [Read more...]

Boston with kids: a stay at Marriott’s Custom House

Marriott's Custom House is hands down the most unique Marriott Vacation Club property I've ever seen. Originally built in 1847 as a--you guessed it--custom house for 1/5th of the world's wealth brought in at the busy harbor, the hotel is one of the most impressive historical buildings in all of Boston, and yet its one-of-a-kind features are seamlessly integrated with Marriott Vacation Club's … [Read more...]