And once I find it, how do I go about closing this deal and get the correct paperwork done?

The good news is that most Aruba timeshare closings are straightforward and move along relatively fast.  The closing costs are affordable and you would probably buying into a 99 year "right to use" or lease.

Sellers of Aruba timeshares are scattered all over the place, so you won't have much luck just looking in the local real estate section of the newspaper.  You will be more successful in using a timeshare broker who has a large selection of Aruba timeshares for sale and can guide you through all the necessary closing documents, escrow, and transfer.  Aruba Marriott timeshare resales are a hot market.  For example, Marriott's Aruba Ocean Club is described by RCI as being "Separated from the magnificent Caribbean Sea by a lovely white, sandy beach, this Five Star property offers the ultimate in luxury vacations."  If you can buy one at a significant discount through a timeshare resales broker like www.rpmls.com you will save thousands.

Additional Aruba Timeshares for Sale:  Costa Linda Beach Resort, La Cabana Beach Resort, Renaissance Aruba Resort, Playa Linda Beach Resort, Marriott's Aruba Surf Club, Casa Del Mar Beach Resort, Paradise Beach Villas, Caribbean Palm Village, and Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort.

Tips for Travel: Making plans for a family vacation should not resort to the annual trip to "visit the family" 3 states away. Get creative, explore some new destinations and put some excitement back into your family vacation. While searching for some of the best family vacation destinations I came across www.weather.com 's Travel Top 10 list of Family Friendly Destinations. I discovered many familiar vacation spots on the list - here they are:

San Diego California - San Diego is a beautiful city with mild weather, great beaches, water sports, activities for the family, and much more. Your vacation cost may be a little higher for your stay there but San Diego came in first on their list.

Orlando Florida - Orlando is one of my very top choices for vacations with the family. Having been to Orlando a number of times on a vacation, I would concur with their choice. Each time I went to Orlando, I stayed in a timeshare rental and saved quite a bit on the lodging cost of the trip. With Orlando you have countless attractions and activities to enjoy.

Yellowstone National Park - This park has been one of America's favorites for generations.

Hershey Pennsylvania - This place is called The Sweetest Place on Earth! The Hershey chocolate company was founded here over 100 years ago. Not only is there an attraction to the candy for children, but an impressive theme park, zoo, gardens, and a museum.

Atlantis Bahamas - See yesterday's blog article! An awesome adventure.

Caribbean Cruises - The Caribbean provides a huge expanse of exotic tropical islands. From Aruba in the Eastern Caribbean to Jamaica in the West, these islands host the stuff dreams are made of. Cruises in the Caribbean provide the family with activities for the family, children, and teens.

Maui - Hawaii is considered to be the dream vacation destination for millions of people. Consider renting one of the fabulous timeshares on Maui to save a bundle of money. For example, Marriott's Maui Ocean Club is one of the greatest resorts on the island and has the amenities and activities to suit any style.

Washington DC - I'm not sure I'd place the nation's capitol in the top ten list of family vacations. Yes, there is a lot to see that would be memorable for anyone. The Smithsonian Institution, National Zoo, monuments, capitol, and White House are all fine experiences. I'd personally avoid the hot summer months that are packed with tourists.

Estes Park Colorado - The Rocky Mountain National Park (next to Estes Park) offers hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and adventuring. Outdoor activities are the champion of vacations to Estes Park. Be sure to check out these Rocky Mountains timeshare deals for the best bet for great lodging.

Myrtle Beach South Carolina - With over 100 golf courses and 60 miles of beautiful beaches, there is something for everyone in Myrtle Beach. Water parks, museums, zoos, deep sea fishing, and beach activites are the main course for a trip to Myrtle Beach.

Grand Timber Lodge timeshare in Colorado

On November 14 ABC News ran a 8 minute video raising warnings to anyone interested in buying a timeshare. They highlighted all the stereotypical issues involving timeshares - declining values, rising maintenance fees, lack of true flexibility.  They made the whole industry sound either shady or worthless. They only told half of the story.

Owning and using a timeshare will work for you if you go into the experience with your eyes open. Especially at the beginning. Never pay retail prices for what many owners would be willing to sell you for a serious discount. Buy a timeshare at a location you really like and plan to frequent. Don't make your decision about buying a timeshare based on exchanging it every year for your favorite destinations. That seldom works out. Finally, use your timeshare. that's where the true value is. Over time, you really will save a bundle and enjoy much nicer accommodations.

When you get ready to sell your timeshare, use a timeshare resales specialist. A company with a lot of years of experience like www.rpmls.com. And be reasonable about what you intend to get out of it - What is my timeshare worth? The bottom line is . . .

Buy timeshare resale - don't pay retail.

Playa Grande Resort Timeshare - Cabo San Lucas Mexico

How many times have you heard the pitch: "You get a free weekend at a fabulous timeshare resort, in exchange you would be required to attend a 90 minute presentation"?  The offers come in many forms with varying requirements.  The temptation is the free lodging. But what is the risk of such a timeshare travel deal?

You could be placed in a tiny room in a bad location.  There may be undisclosed fees.  The "90 minute presentation" may turn into an all day event where you are held hostage by a series of sales people. You may even spend thousands on a timeshare purchase that you never intended to spend.  USA Today posted an article today about such a proposition.  They recommend that if you intend to buy a timeshare, buy the timeshare from an owner, not the resort. "If you buy in at the developer's asking price, a timeshare "investment" almost always loses value. That's why most experts recommend you buy a timeshare on the resale market rather than a "retail" timeshare." (source)

In addition, when you buy resale you will not be on the receiving end of a high pressure timeshare sales pitch.  There are many ways to go about finding just what you want.  www.rpmls.com is a great choice.  There you have many choices and a professional staff to assist you in your search.

Buy resale, not retail. Don't assume that a timeshare travel deal from the home resort is the best value!

In today's BBC news, they reported that the European Parliament has passed a law mandating a 14 day right of withdrawal for timeshare purchases. Also known as the "right of recission (rescission)" in the US, this practice has been unevenly regulated for many years in the European timeshare market. Estimates are that there are 1.5 million timeshare owners in Europe. And, until now, a timeshare buyer had a difficult time changing their mind if they bought a timeshare.

This, along with several other unsavory sales practices, has left a very negative impression on the general public when it comes to timeshares in Europe. You don't have to look far to find hundreds of examples of European timeshare owners who have had bad experiences.

In the United States a timeshare buyers' right of rescission may vary from seven to 15 days. The length of time will be determined by either the laws of the state the timeshare is located in, or by the timeshare developer.  If you find yourself wanting to back out of buying a timeshare from the resort, you have to act fast and in accordance with the method they require. When you closed the deal on buying your timeshare, you were most likely given a checklist saying that they explained your right to cancel. It should also explain exactly what you must do to cancel. Usually, you have to exercise your right of recission by sending it in writing. Just make sure you go through the wickets they require.

Sheraton's Vistana Villages Orlando Florida timeshare

PS: Is it "rescission" or "recission" ? - I found it in the dictionary both ways......

Villa Group Resorts, based in Mexico, announced the opening of one of their finest timeshare resort projects: Villa La Estancia, Puerto Vallarta. This resort features 245 beautifully appointed suites ranging from 1,200 sq ft one bedroom units to the 3,350 sq ft three bedroom units. Coming from the Villa Group of timeshare resorts, it is no surprise that the quality, elegance, and value are unsurpassed.  All the units will feature the most modern communication, information, and luxury appointments. "Each of the spacious suites is stylishly decorated with marble floors, granite countertops, whirlpool tub, walk-in shower and spacious balcony. Wrought-iron gates open to Hacienda-style entryways where individual doors lead into each suite." (source)

In the world of timeshare resales, Villa Group Resorts' Villa del Palmar is a consistent best seller.  These resorts in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, Loreto, and Cancun have high quality service, features and amenities. Timeshare owners of these properties have always given them way above average reviews. If you are thinking of buying a timeshare and want luxury, service, amenities, pools, spas, palm trees, and all at a bargain, then this would be the way to go.

Villa La Estancia, Puerto Vallarta

Today from www.MousePlanet.com comes this charming story: "The Disney Company recently purchased 21 acres of oceanfront property on Hawaii's island of Oahu to be home to Disney's first mixed-use family resort outside of its theme park developments. The expansive resort, scheduled to open in 2011, will have more than 800 units including hotel rooms and villas for Disney Vacation Club (DVC), which is Disney's rapidly growing timeshare business."

So, how is this a charming story? The rest of the story is the history of Hawaii and Disney.

Beyond the story of a 1937 cartoon with Minnie Mouse in a hula skirt (Hawaiian Holiday) is a magnificent accession of Oahu property destined to be one of the finest resorts within the Disney Vacation Club timeshare enterprise, or any other for that matter. Hawaii has long been a source of inspiration and imagination of the most desirable vacation destination of all time. And, the combination of travel and tourism will forever be the driving force of the economy of Hawaii.

Disney Vacation Club timeshares include:

Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa

Disney Villas at Wilderness Lodge

Disney's Beach Club Villas

Disney's BoardWalk Villas

Disney's Old Key West Resort

Disney's Vero Beach Resort

Disney's Hilton Head Resort

If you are thinking of buying a Disney Vacation Club timeshare, buy resale - don't pay retail. You can save thousands that way. If you want to sell your Disney Vacation Club timeshare, we have buyers waiting with standing requests! Give the timeshare pros at www.rpmls.com a call - 1.800.200.9857.

From Hawaiian Holiday, 1937

Instructional videos are not new. But in the world of timeshares, videos with good information for owners and buyers of timeshares are hard to find.  www.rpmls.com newest service features numerous videos from timeshare industry experts. They answer many questions timeshare owners are asking like: "What is my timeshare worth?", "What are the options available to me if I want to sell my timeshare?", "How do the resorts attract buyers for their properties?" and more.

For both sellers and buyers, there are selling and buying tips for many regions, resort families, and specific timeshare developments. For example, if you you'd like to sell your Disney Vacation Club timeshare, you'll find a very encouraging message. If you want to buy or sell your timeshare in Orlando Florida, here's the top two best sellers! There's advice about Starwood points and options, Manhattan Club, RCI vs II, and Marriott Maui Ocean Club.

There are already 19 videos posted with more on the way.

And because it is in a blog format everyone can join in on the discussion with their comments about their timeshare experiences. The titles are key word searchable and categorized. For example, there are already three videos in the Starwood Timeshare Resort category discussing different aspects of Starwood timeshare resorts.

You'll see real people offering real solutions. Not just another "dot com".

As a follow up to my last blog about the top ten beach resorts, here's my pick of the top ten ski resort timeshares in North America:

Marriott's Summit Watch - Park City, Utah - Located at the base of historic Main Street, Marriott's Summit Watch is steps away from the town ski lift, in the heart of beautiful Park City. While the area boasts of having "the greatest snow on Earth" for skiers, it also offers year-round recreational opportunities including great golf, tennis, mountain biking, and fishing.

The Cliff Club at Snowbird  Park City, Utah - This resort is nestled in the heart of the Wasatch Mountain Range and boasts four restaurants, three lounges, two outdoor pools, a 27,000 sq. ft. spa, and lap pool. This year round resort offers ski school, and downhill skiing.

Grand Timber Lodge - Breckenridge, Colorado - Grand Timber Lodge is one of Colorado's finest ski-in, ski-out resorts. Located next to the Snowflake Chairlift and just a short walk from downtown Breckenridge, Grand Timber Lodge features studio, one, two, and three-bedroom residences.

Marriott's Mountain Valley Lodge - Breckenridge, Colorado - Marriott's Mountain Valley Lodge is in the heart of town on Maggie Pond. overlooking the Quick Silver Super Six chairlift. The ski mountain boast 27 lifts and more than 148 ski trails.

Trapp Family Lodge - Stowe, Vermont - Situated high in the Green Mountains, these Austrian-themed guest houses are still owned and operated by the Trapp Family of the Trapp Family Singers and Sound of Music fame. Set on a spectacular 2,800 acre mountaintop, The Lodge's main dining room and Austrian Tea Room offer amazing culinary delights.

Inn Season at Pollard Brook - Lincoln, New Hampshire - This resort is set high above New Hampshire's number one scenic byway just across from the state's popular ski mountain, Loon Mountain. On-site amenities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, outdoor whirlpool, sauna, tennis courts, game room, and playground. All units have a fireplace, deck, kitchen, VCR and mountain views.

Hyatt High Sierra Lodge - Lake Tahoe, Nevada - This fabulous Five Star resort is situated on Lake Tahoe's north shore in Incline Village. These lovely two-bedroom/two-bath units with fireplace are just steps away from the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort.

Shell Vacation Club Mountainside Lodge - Whistler, BC Canada - Visitors will enjoy the views of both Blackcomb and the Whistler ski areas from the pool and the hot tub at Mountainside Lodge. The resort features over one vertical mile of ski terrrain, the longest run in North America. This quiet ski-in/ski-out location is close to shops, restaurants, and golf.

Whiski Jack at Whistler Creek - Whistler, BC Canada - This resort offers you the thrilling skiing of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Whistler's Arnold Palmer golf course is a special treat for summer guests. Boardsailing, fishing, horseback riding and much more are available during the summer.

Marriott's Timber Lodge - South Lake Tahoe, California - Marriott's Timber Lodge is at the base of world-renowned Heavenly Ski Area, adjacent to the Heavenly Aerial Tram. Amenities include a courtyard pool, on-site restaraunt, convenience store, fitness center, ski storage, valet and children's activity center. The resort offers a varriety of one- and two-bedroom villas with a fireplace, private balcony or terrace, fully equipped kitchens.

Well,that's my top ten list for ski resorts. Have any to add?

Narrated Slide Show of the Top Ten Ski Timeshare Resorts

This was my first trip to Las Vegas. During the flight, the man sitting next to me had plenty of advice on how to enjoy this city. His advise was, "Next time, take a car, roll down the window, throw your wallet out the window and then go home." At that moment I decided there had to be a way to enjoy this town without spending a fortune. I had already made arrangements to stay at a fine new timeshare resort, the Monarch Grand Vacations Cancun Resort: Great accommodations, awesome pool complex, great price. Of course, that's the value in buying timeshare, paying today's price for tomorrow's vacation. More on that later.

I found quite a few free shows in town that were world class and quite spectacular. Here are a few of them:

The fountains at the Bellagio. Possibly the best free show in town. This is a choreographed music and fountain experience. Crowds gathered on the sidewalk and there were plenty of "oohs and ahhs" to go around. Don't miss this one if you are in town.

Fremont Street Experience. They host hourly shows from dusk to midnight. Rumor has it that they have 12 million lights high above the street and the show is amazing.

Lions at the MGM Grand. Just go to the MGM Grand and find the display close to the entrance. You can get up close to the glass and see the lions and their beautiful habitat.

The Sirens of Treasure Island Las Vegas. One of the best free shows in Las Vegas is held every night in front of the Treasure Island Hotel in Sirens Cove. The free show goes on nightly at 7:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 10:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. in Sirens' Cove at the front entrance of Treasure Island Hotel and Casino.

Circus Circus. High above the Casino, the performers walk on the high wire, perform magic and make you laugh. The show happens at regular half-hour intervals throughout the day.

Volcano at the Mirage. Every hour after dusk, the Mirage volcano explodes for crowds of curious Strip onlookers.

Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo. Pink Flamingos don't just exist in people's front yards as a decoration. The Flamingo has a captivating habitat right in the heart of their hotel. Just stroll by in the nice air conditioned lobby and soak in the beauty of this one!

Fall of Atlantis and Festival Fountain shows at Caesars. The Fall of Atlantis fountain show will captivate you with its stunning special effects. Located in the Forum Shops, the free fountain show uses lifelike animatronic figures to recount the myth of Atlantis.  Once the show concludes, take a walk behind the fountain and check out more than 100 species of ocean life in a 50,000-gallon saltwater aquarium.

The Rio. The Rio may be a little off the strip but it has one of the most breathtaking views from the rooftop club, The Voodoo Lounge. It also features a man made beach and lagoon, a full service spa, and the largest wine cellar in the world boasting over 50,000 bottles. In the Masquerade Village part of the hotel, you can catch one of the best free shows in town: Masquerade Show in the Sky. This show takes you to a Brazilian Carnival, complete with floats, beads, and Mardi Gras style fun. The floats, unlike any you have ever seen, truly "float" up in the air on rails throughout the Masquerade Village.

And now, back to accommodations in Vegas. My number one choice is staying in timeshares. A hotel simply does not compare with a timeshare. You get so much more space, amenities, the list is huge. I did a drive by tour of several in town.

Polo Towers is located right on Las Vegas Boulevard. From the Skyview Lounge, you catch an awesome view of the MGM Grand, New York New York, Luxor, Paris, and Excalibur.

The Jockey Club, situated next door to the billion dollar Bellagio, is also right across from Paris, and near Mirage, Venetian, and Treasure Island. This timeshare features a Southern California styled elegance and the suites are more like residence than a hotel.

HGV Club Flamingo Hilton, also on Las Vegas Blvd, has one of the most beautiful pool complexes in town. A true oasis in the desert, you are surrounded by palm trees, tropical and lush landscaping, and pools to lounge by. Now THAT'S a vacation.

There are many more things to see and to do in Las Vegas that are affordable and fun. Don't stay away because you feel like you might be throwing your wallet out the window.