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Toll Free: 877-624-6889
Intl: (407) 917-8432
Posted on February 01, 2022
Okay, so here we are again. Ironic that, as we look ahead to Groundhog Day tomorrow, 2022 is starting to feel a lot like 2021 as Omicron continues to spread. But even as we manage life alongside COVID, vacationers are still looking ahead to where they want to go in 2022 and the time when they can book their trips with confidence.
Maybe not quite at this very minute, but we know from the last two years that Americans are resilient and optimistic long term about their vacations. The rollercoaster ride of the tourism industry has demonstrated this, as cancellations were continually followed up by rebookings.
This dichotomy is seen in a recent study conducted in mid-January by Destination Analysts - showing that COVID continues to put a drag on vacation planning with 40% of respondents cancelling or postponing a trip due to Omicron.
However, 80% of those same respondents have a vacation planned this year, with nearly 73% expressing “higher levels of excitement for their prospective travel future.” It may seem like a mixed message, but if travelers have learned anything over the last two years, it’s the importance of being flexible when it comes to vacations.
With so many people looking ahead to a vacation this year, presumably on the hope that Omicron retreats as quickly as it came, let’s check out some of the most popular places where vacationers want to go in 2022.
This list is, as always, determined by the prospective timeshare buyers who place offers and inquiries through our platform. You’ll find a great blend of destinations which provide a variety of experiences whether you are looking for a beach, mountain, tropical, historic or live entertainment experience.
Have a look at our top 10 list to see what’s popular:
Hawaii calls with the magnificence of Maui, combining spectacular scenery with wonderful beaches, culture and an unmatched natural environment. Water sports, whale watching, golf, shopping, hiking and nature walks along with the culture and history of Hawaii’s traditional royal capital come together for an exhilarating experience.
Lahaina is the popular gathering spot with its galleries, restaurants, shops and sailing history, while the Nakalele Blowhole is a unique natural phenomenon – best at high tide.
Top Timeshare Resorts: Diamond Resorts Kaanapali Beach Club, Marriott's Maui Ocean Club, Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas North
Always popular with timeshare owners, the laid-back Caribbean island of Aruba has some of the best beaches in the world – and is located safely south of the tropical storm belt.
Great swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and sunshine, plus shopping, casinos and a unique landscape across the island means you can have a variety of vacation experiences. Arikok National Park with the Fontein Caves and the Natural Pool are iconic to the island and worth the visit.
Top Timeshare Resorts: Marriott's Aruba Surf Club, Marriott's Aruba Ocean Club, Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort
With Daytona, there’s more to enjoy than just the NASCAR races at the Speedway and this town made famous by the Daytona 500 and driving on the beach is a favorite of timeshare owners.
The beach is the main attraction, but there’s also golf, shopping, boating, fishing, birdwatching, the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and water parks to keep you active. And the Kennedy Space Center and historic St. Augustine are only about an hour away.
Top Timeshare Resorts: Wyndham Ocean Walk, Diamond Resorts Daytona Beach Regency, Atlantic Terrace
History buffs can’t get much better than Williamsburg, with the living museum centered on Duke of Gloucester Street in the colonial district bringing 17th and 18th century Virginia to life. Original buildings such as the House of Burgesses and the Governor’s Palace are part of over 100 buildings restored to their original splendor.
There is also Jamestown and Yorktown nearby to experience the full colonial period from its original discovery through the Revolution. Amusement Park fans also have Busch Gardens, King’s Dominion and Water Country USA to enjoy.
Top Timeshare Resorts: Wyndham Kingsgate, Diamond Resorts Historic Powhatan Resort, Diamond Resorts Greensprings Vacation Resort
Say Aloha to the capital of Hawaii, which has so much to offer. Yes, Waikiki Beach may be the most famous beach in America, but there are also great spots along the coast and through to nearby Ko Olina.
Quality shopping and dining coexist with the history of Pearl Harbor and royal culture of the original inhabitants to blend into a fabulous vacation. Explore the volcanic history of the area at Diamond Head crater, check out Iolani Palace built for King Kalakaua and the Polynesian history at the Bishop Museum.
Top Timeshare Resorts: Wyndham at Waikiki Beach Walk, Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Royal Garden Waikiki
The Smokies are always a big hit and accessing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from one of these towns in eastern Tennessee is as popular as ever. The Park is the most visited National Park in America, with impressive sightseeing, nature walks, hikes, whitewater rafting and wildlife.
There is much more to the area than the Park, with museums, amusement parks, unique restaurants and the always fun Dollywood to visit. Be sure to check out the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower, the highest point in Tennessee where you can see parts of six states on a clear day.
Top Timeshare Resorts: Wyndham Smoky Mountains, Bluegreen Resort's Mountain Loft Resort, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa
The family-friendly, self-described Live Entertainment Capital of the World, Branson has been providing wonderful variety shows for decades. But beyond the shows, Branson is also known for its scenic location in the Ozark Mountains with wonderful outdoor activities at Table Rock Lake.
Frequent visitors are well aware of the fun at the Silver Dollar City amusement park, with the Branson Scenic Railway a terrific way to sightsee from the comfort of your carriage. Museums, water parks, a giant Ferris wheel and shopping at Branson Landing make this place fun for everyone.
Top Timeshare Resorts: Wyndham Branson at The Meadows, Wyndham Mountain Vista, Grand Crowne Resort
One of the best stretches of beach on the east coast of the U.S., the Myrtle Beach area has long been on the radar of favorite destinations for timeshare owners. Its allure is its combination of 60 miles of beach, attractions, shopping, live entertainment and collection of terrific golf courses – creating a destination you’ll want to visit more than once.
Dolly Parton's Pirates Voyage is the dinner show which replaced the Dixie Stampede and is loads of fun for the family. Hit the Boardwalk, try the SkyWheel or shop at Barefoot Landing. There’s just so much to do.
Top Timeshare Resorts: Wyndham Ocean Boulevard, Sheraton Broadway Plantation, Wyndham Seawatch Plantation
A big draw every year for timeshare owners and guests, Las Vegas is always one of the most sought-after destinations in the country.
Most already know about The Strip, trips to the Hoover Dam and the more romantic options of the Venetian Gondolas and Eiffel Tower, but did you know about Fremont Street?
The pedestrian-only, five block section known as the Fremont Street Experience in the downtown area of Las Vegas is a canopy-covered collection of great pubs, restaurants, shops, casinos and all the live entertainment you can handle.
Top Timeshare Resorts: Wyndham Grand Desert, Marriott's Grand Chateau, Tahiti Village
Yes, the town that Mickey built is number one once again on the list of most popular places that timeshare vacationers want to go. Every major hospitality brand in the timeshare industry is represented here, with multiple resorts to satisfy the needs of vacationers from around the world.
Even if owners don’t specifically own an Orlando timeshare, they always seem to make it there through exchange companies like 7Across, RCI and II.
The major theme parks are well known such as Disney World, Universal and SeaWorld along with their offshoots like Disney Springs, Typhoon Lagoon and Aquatica. But were you aware that your kids can see their favorite Sesame Street characters at SeaWorld’s Sesame Street Land? And there are always the chompers at nearby Gatorland or, for the explorers, about an hour away is the Kennedy Space Center.
Top Timeshare Resorts: Wyndham Bonnet Creek, Sheraton Vistana Resort, Diamond Resorts Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club
There are obviously more spots to explore than the ones mentioned above, with timeshare destinations such as Pompano Beach in south Florida, Sedona, Hilton Head, Cancun and Tahoe just barely missing the cut into the top 10.
If you need more information about any of these places or resorts, or if you have a different destination in mind, leave us a message by clicking here or call our licensed agents at 877-624-6889.
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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