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Toll Free: 877-624-6889
Intl: (407) 917-8432
Posted on June 08, 2022
So, what defines great long weekend destinations? Is it quick access to the location? Drive-to versus flying? Seclusion or shopping? Mountains or theme parks? And how do timeshare resorts come into play? So many factors go into a great long weekend that it’s tough to gather them all into specific categories, but there are certain themes that emerge.
The general meaning of a long weekend centers on holiday weekends with a holiday either right before or after the weekend. For instance, we’ve just had one around the Memorial Day weekend, which gives people three days off. By now you’re probably thinking “no kidding Sherlock” but stick with me on this.
When it comes to travel on long weekends, three days can be tough to negotiate when it comes to a true break. This is why many people settle for staycations just to chill out.
One tried and true method of extending your time is to add vacation days to a long weekend to get better use of your time off. That’s why the Thanksgiving holiday is such a popular time to take off, since not much gets done on the Friday after Thanksgiving so using a vacation day makes sense for a natural four-day break.
According to career advice website Zippia, Americans leave nearly 430 million vacation days unused and nearly half of U.S. employees don’t use paid time off for vacations. The fact that paid holiday days are not a mandatory requirement of all businesses in America certainly comes into play, but there are ways to strategically use your PTO to give yourself a break.
Remember, you can always create your own long weekend simply by taking a vacation day on a Monday or Friday. You don’t need a holiday for that.
Some experts say that shorter breaks can actually be better than even a full week of vacation. Employees site reasons such as the higher costs, inability to disconnect from their devices for long stretches and fear of work piling up while away as deterrents from taking long vacations.
Shorter breaks allow workers to disconnect easier without the higher costs and fear of work becoming a drama. Creating these shorter breaks also gives people an opportunity to take more breaks throughout the year, especially when they can build time around paid holidays.
Timeshare points programs are designed to enable these shorter getaways. Programs such as Club Wyndham, WorldMark, Marriott Vacation Club and Hilton Grand Vacations are just a few of the points-based programs that allow members to break up their point allotments into smaller increments so they can be used to book shorter stays.
Another way to use a timeshare for long weekend breaks is through an exchange provider. Companies such as RCI and Interval International offer membership levels with points products that let members book shorter stays using their timeshare ownership.
With inflation and higher gas prices impacting travel, about half of travelers say they limit travel time for their vacations to four hours from home when driving or taking a train. Not only are travelers looking for more options closer to home, but this also aligns with shorter breaks.
While this may limit options for some, it also lets you be more creative in your choices. You may be surprised at what you’ll find with a little research for activities within a four-hour drive from home.
According to the American Resort Development Association, the top places and activities for vacationers are:
While the Island option may be a bit difficult by car unless there is a bridge or ferry transportation, these clearly show that vacationers are looking for destinations and activities that can be enjoyed either on a longer or shorter vacation.
For people looking for vacation spots closer to major metro areas, below are some great long weekend destinations that are known for terrific timeshare resorts.
Long known as a vacation playground for New Yorkers as well as Philadelphians, this historic beach township is also with driving distance from Baltimore and Washington, DC. Enjoy the boardwalk, beaches and casinos.
Top Atlantic City Timeshare Resorts: Wyndham Skyline Tower, Bluegreen Resort's at Atlantic Palace
This amazing getaway spot is less than a two-hour drive from Los Angeles but offers a wonderful range of four-season fun. From the watersports of Big Bear Lake to the skiing at Bear Mountain, all variety of outdoor adventures are waiting for you.
Top Big Bear Timeshare Resorts: Lagonita Lodge Resort, WorldMark Big Bear, Club at Big Bear Village
One of the advantages of this Cape Cod township is its location on the western side of the Cape, so you don’t have to go all the way up the Cape to have fun. With easy ferry access to Martha’s Vineyard, this is a great spot from Boston as well as New York.
Top Falmouth Timeshare Resorts: InnSeason Resorts Captain's Quarters, InnSeason Resorts Surfside, Beachside Village
Just over a four-hour drive from the congestion of Atlanta, these southern city dwellers can drive to enjoy the peace and serenity of the beaches, golf and nature preserves on this fabulous island getaway.
Top Hilton Head Timeshare Resorts: Marriott's Grande Ocean, Marriott's Barony Beach Club, Marriott's SurfWatch
Southern Californians have been hitting the road to Vegas for decades, with Los Angeles slightly over a four-hour drive away. Flagstaff is under four hours but Phoenix is less than five hours away from the neon lights, casinos and entertainment.
Top Las Vegas Timeshare Resorts: Wyndham Grand Desert, Marriott's Grand Chateau, Tahiti Village
Long renowned for its sailing and history, Newport is a vacation choice from Boston, New York, Providence or really anywhere in New England. The town dates from the early 17th Century and features colonial history, Gilded Age mansions, watersports and some of the best seafood in America.
Top Newport Timeshare Resorts: Wyndham Long Wharf, Wyndham Newport Onshore, Wyndham Inn on Long Wharf
Under three hours from Houston and just over four hours from Dallas, the home of the Alamo has an impressive list of activities to explore. Led by the famed River Walk, there is great dining, shopping and sightseeing. Also, check out the Natural Bridge Caverns.
Top San Antonio Timeshare Resorts: Wyndham San Antonio at La Cascada, Wyndham San Antonio at Riverside Suites, Hyatt Wild Oak Ranch
A favorite quick getaway spot from Washington D.C. and Baltimore, the beaches and boardwalk rides aren’t all there is. Isle of Wight Bay offers great boating and kayaking as well as the protected wilderness of Assateague Island.
Top Ocean City Timeshare Resorts: Boardwalk One, Coconut Malorie at Ocean City, Club Ocean Villas II
This beautiful area near the Pocono Mountains is easily accessible from both New York City and Philadelphia. Skiing on Shawnee Mountain, kayaking on the Delaware River and visiting local breweries are just some of the fun.
Top Shawnee-on-Delaware Timeshare Resorts: Wyndham Vacation Resorts Shawnee Village, WorldMark Shawnee Village, Ridge Top Village and Ridge Top Summit at Shawnee
About three hours from San Francisco and Oakland and less than two from Sacramento, this four-season wonderland has it all. Beaches and watersports in the summer, world-famous skiing in the winter and all manner of hiking, outdoor adventures, dining and even spa relaxation await.
Top South Lake Tahoe Timeshare Resorts: Diamond Resorts Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort, Marriott's Timber Lodge, Tahoe Beach & Ski Club
Less than three hours’ driving distance to Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Chicago, this self-described “Waterpark Capital of the World” has indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as wineries, casinos, golf, fishing and skiing at Christmas Mountain.
Top Wisconsin Dells Timeshare Resorts: Bluegreen Resort's Christmas Mountain Village, Wyndham Tamarack, Bluegreen Resort's Odyssey Dells
A few of these stops may be new to you and this is clearly not an exhaustive list. If you have a place in mind or need more information about drive-to destinations closer to your home, click here to leave us a message or call us on 877-624-6889 and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Steve manages the public relations and content creation efforts of the company. Previously the Chief Operating Officer for Perspective Magazine, he provided oversight and contributed articles for the five regional vacation ownership trade magazines under the Perspective Magazine banner.
A contributor for industry publications such as Resort Trades and Developments Magazine, Steve Luba has 35 years’ experience in various roles in radio and television, sales and marketing, public relations, media and government liaison initiatives.
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