Autumn / winter 2013

RCI Platinum benefits Back Page

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Island escape

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Holland Outdoors

Autu m n / wi nter 2013

P LAY | EAT | S H O P | R ELA X | E X P LO R E

One for all

and all for lebanon

Family fun in Florida ME0913/WKS

Renew for 5 years and SAVE $166

You made the right choice with RCI… Congratulations!

You are a member of the world’s largest holiday exchange provider. You and millions of others* have made the right decision in joining RCI’s Exchange community and here’s why…

You’re part of the only flexible exchange system

YOU can enjoy the best quality resorts

• Trade up or down to get your dream holiday

• RCI support resorts with Health & Safety standards

• Receive deposit credits so you can take more holidays

• 1 in 4 RCI affiliated resorts are rated Gold Crown by members

We make it convenient for YOU • RCI.com allows you to plan your holiday easily with a wide selection of useful tools at a click of a button • “Home from Home” exchange accommodation

YOU get the most choice • More than 4,000 resorts in approximately 100 countries around the world • Different exchange options available with our Wyndham partner brands that include villas, cottages, high quality camping plus more Save money by receiving up to 40% off** direct bookings with our Wyndham partner brands...

We are proud to be associated with recognised Industry Associations to give you peace of mind.

*approximately 3.7 million members (RCI 2011 audited figure) **40% discount based on Landal’s last minute reservations.

All other discounts vary and terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability and can be withdrawn at any time. Booking facilities and documentation may only be available in English.

Renew your membership for 5 years for only $529 and save $166!

Login to RCI.com or call +971 (0)4 390 1680 (Arabic), +971 (0)4 390 1670 (English) or (02) 24178323 (Egypt residents only) today

Welcome I hope your summer was filled with happy holiday memories – hopefully with RCI! We enjoyed our family break, but as usual it was over too soon and we’re thinking about the next one. Again we face a battle of wills between the children and adults, although we are getting good at compromise!

What we don’t compromise on is quality, and that’s something that RCI takes very seriously too, with highquality resorts worldwide, all of which are rated by you, our members.

Summer’s end doesn’t mean the end of holidays. RCI has lots of great winter getaways for you to enjoy, whether you want to take in a snowy landscape or enjoy some winter sun.

If you need help finding the perfect destination, or making the most of your timeshare ownership with RCI, speak to one of our Guides or visit RCI.com where we’ve introduced a range of information to help you, including Member Guides. Visit rciweeks.co.uk/me/inside.

Don’t forget to plan ahead to get the most out of your trading power as well as take advantage of some great offers.

Sean Lowe Managing Director RCI Europe, Middle East, Africa and India

Photo competition

My Best RCI Holiday Spring 2013 winner

The theme of our Autumn Photo Competition is My Most Colourful RCI Holiday. If you have any pictures that capture a bright RCI holiday experience, send them in and you could be a winner!

FIRST PRIZE:

A FREE RCI Exchange

SECOND PRIZE:

olloclip 3-in-One Photo Lens for iPhone 5 worth $107

THIRD PRIZE:

A Snugpak Travel Set, featuring a passport delux bag, washbag, travel towel and dri-sak, worth $77

TO ENTER: Send photos of your most colourful RCI holiday, with a few words about where they were taken and what made the experience so special, to EV@rci.com with your Name and Member ID, or write to the Editor, Helen Foster, Publications, RCI Europe, Kettering Parkway, Kettering, Northants NN15 6EY, England – by 28 October 2013.

My Best RCI Holiday Spring 2013 winners were: First prize – Giovanni Marinelli, Italy. Second prize – Brian and Ann Holman, UK. Third prize – Guglielmo Catalano, Italy For full terms & conditions see page 4.

We want to hear from you!

Login to RCI.com or call us today!

Member Services: +971 (0)4 390 1680 (Arabic) +971 (0)4 390 1670 (English) (02) 2417 8323 (Egypt residents only)

We love to hear about your holidays and experiences with RCI. Please email us at EV@rci.com or write to the address above. Please include your address and phone number.* *Endless Vacation cannot be held responsible for lost or damaged photos or slides.

We reserve the right to edit submissions.

Paris is just one of the world’s exciting cities now accessible with RCI.

RCI Platinum membership gets better and better! One of the latest benefits to our upgraded membership package is City Experiences, which gives RCI Platinum members exclusive priority access to city break destinations such as Paris, Dubai and Chicago.

Big cities are rarely available using an exchange system so this benefit changes that. To find out more about upgrading to RCI Platinum, visit rciweeks.co.uk/me/platinum

Letters from our readers

More great holiday options RCI strives to give you the best possible choice of resorts, and among the latest to join our exchange network are:

Royal Sun Resort (D013), a fabulously located resort set high on a cliff overlooking the sea and tranquil village of Los Gigantes in Tenerife.

T w e n t y y e a r s o f m e m o ri e s We have been RCI members for 20 years and have enjoyed many successful exchange holidays during that time. Some of the wonderful places we have visited include Tenerife, Lanzarote, Andorra, Menorca, the Spanish mainland and Mexico – we look forward to many more destinations.

– J ose Luis T ei x ido Pa b o n a n d C a n delaria M urillo M ic h el , Barcelona, Spain, RCI Members for 20 years.

Endless Vacation also available online If you are one of the increasing number of people who enjoy reading magazines on their laptop or iPad, you can choose to receive the endless vacation digital edition via email. If you want to opt out of receiving the printed version, please register your preference by visiting eme.endlessvacation.com/survey and have your membership number to hand. Don’t forget to make sure we have your up-to-date email address.

snugpak.com for further details. Email your RCI holiday photos and a brief description of your holiday to EV@rci.com or mail to the address on page 3, stating your name and RCI Member ID. The Winners will be those who, in the opinion of the Judges, submit the best photograph of a colourful RCI holiday moment. Photos must be your original work and cannot be returned. RCI Travel is owned and operated by ICE Europe Ltd (Registration number 3793955, registered office: c/o ICE, Suite 8, Buckingham Parade, The Broadway, Stanmore, Middlesex, UK, HA7 4EB) trading as Our Holiday Centre, which is an ABTA and ATOL bonded company and uses the RCI Travel brand under licence from RCI Europe. RCI Europe does not supply travel services and is not responsible for products or services sold by RCI Travel. Not all information in this magazine is applicable to Clubs members. Exchange Planner: Information regarding historical inventory supply and average Exchange Trading Power is there to assist and should not be construed as a representation or guarantee to satisfy a future exchange request. Inventory supply may vary. You should anticipate less availability and higher Trading Power requirements during peak travel periods. Exchange Planner values given are correct as at 12.06.13. RCI Resort Reviews: Have been condensed and are extracted from RCI.com. For complete reviews please visit RCI.com.

Tresco (0591), set in the idyllic Scilly Isles 45 km south west of Land’s End, UK, this long-term RCI affiliate has added luxury one–bedroom cottages to its unique offering.

Top Tip We set up saved searches at the start of the year to coincide with school holidays. It’s an easy one-click and we can even save favourite resort search criteria.

It saves time and allows us to search regularly and quickly.

– Mark and Caroline Longman, Ceredigion, Wales. RCI Members for 13 years.

Send your tips to us at EV@rci.com or the address on page 3 – there’s an RCI goody bag for any that are published.

Endless vacation 5

‫أخبار األعضاء‬

See the city lights… and sights

‫أخبار األعضاء‬

Back to the future!

RCI membership is on the up, with more members returning to us and rediscovering why we’re the best!

More than 20,000 members have rejoined RCI during the past three years, recognising the wide range of travel benefits we have to offer and the fantastic ways RCI can help you make the most of your timeshare ownership.

Our high quality service, range of resorts and unique enhanced weeks product (deposit credits and combining) are bringing members back.

One example is Katia Conserva from Lama in Taranto, Italy. Katia joined RCI after first buying timeshare in 1993 but let her membership expire after becoming disillusioned by an

apparent lack of resort availability.

She rejoined this year after hearing about some of the changes RCI has made in recent years.

“I spoke to a friendly RCI Guide who understood my needs and helped me find the resort I wanted,” she says.

“I had a great experience at a great resort. I feel RCI really cares about me and treats me like a VIP - every time I need something I can speak to my personal travel agent!

“It’s also great to be able to combine my deposits to go to resorts of a higher value, or get a deposit credit back when my week is worth more – which I can then use for another exchange. I’m delighted to be back.”

Katia Conserva and friends enjoy an RCI Exchange holiday in Tenerife.

We’re here to help Are you making the most of your RCI membership?

Your timeshare ownership and RCI membership, offers a wonderful world of holiday options, and we’re here to help you make the most of it.

RCI pioneered timeshare exchange nearly 40 years ago and is the world’s leading holiday exchange organisation, with 4,000 affiliated resorts in more than 100 countries around the world.

As well as providing Exchange

holidays – enabling you to swap a week or weeks in your home resort to try somewhere new – RCI offers a wide range of products, opening a world of holiday opportunities.

Even if you prefer to visit your home resort every year, you can still take advantage of great deals and offers such as Extra Holidays and Late Deals.

We understand that RCI’s range of products and services can sometimes be confusing, so in

response to member feedback have created a range of educational tools as a guide to all we offer.

RCI.com contains all the information you need to make the most of your membership. The site is updated all the time to provide precisely the information you need.

In addition, we’ve added a PDF version of our New Member Guide to help you get started with RCI. You can find this at rciweeks.co.uk/me/inside

Terms and Conditions: Endless Vacation, The RCI Magazine, is published twice a year by RCI Europe. Original articles may be reproduced or transmitted with written permission from the Publisher. No responsibility is accepted by RCI Europe for any losses or consequences resulting from material appearing in this publication. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in Endless Vacation, no responsibility can be accepted for errors or omissions. Information is correct at time of going to press (Aug 2013). All offers are subject to terms and conditions and limited availability. © RCI Europe 2013. General T&Cs: The Promoter is RCI Europe, registered address Kettering Parkway, Northants, NN15 6EY. The Promoter reserves the right to provide an alternative Prize of similar value should the Prizes become unavailable. Only open to European residents aged 21 or over, with one (1) entry. Prizes are non-transferable. No cash alternative. Entry is free and no purchase necessary. Employees of Wyndham Worldwide and its group of companies, and their families are not permitted to enter. The Draws and Competitions are open from 9am on 9 Sept 2013 and close on 14 Oct 2013 at 11.59pm GMT. Entries received after this time will not be accepted. Winners will be selected on 28 Oct 2013 and notified by email. Incomplete or illegible entries will be considered void. Proof of entry is not proof of receipt. The Promoter reserves the right to withdraw, extend or amend the Draws or Competitions. Winners grant the Promoter permission to use their name and likeness for advertising and promotional purposes without additional compensation. The Draws and Competitions are governed by English law. The Promoter’s decision is final. Entry confirms participants’ agreement to be bound by the T&Cs. Page 3 Photo Competition: First Prize: free holiday Exchange (up to the value of $253) or Points reservation (up to the value of $219). Prize redeemable through RCI call centre. The Winner must have an existing week to deposit or points available to exchange to redeem Prize. Travel and all other costs associated with holiday exchange are not included with Prize. Second Prize: One olloclip 3-in-one Photolens (RRP $107) to fit the iPhone 5. Three lens provided are fish eye, macro and wide angle. iPhone is not included with prize. Third Prize: The Snugpak Travel Set (RRP $77) includes; a black Passport Delux bag; a black Luxury Washbag; a large, blue super-absorbent antibacterial Travel Towel; and a durable, 100% waterproof Dri-Sak in black. Visit

4 Autumn / winter 2013

three kilometres from the village itself.

Hikers can explore nine trails within the reserve, while bird enthusiasts can take advantage of observation posts to see more than 150 different species, some of them globally endangered, including the Greater Spotted Eagle.

Some 20 per cent of the country’s iconic cedar trees are found in the area, forming the backdrop to some of the best ski slopes in Lebanon at the country’s oldest ski resort, The Cedars, in nearby Amioun. It is easy to see what draws locals and visitors back to these slopes, with exceptional surroundings offering no better place to be during the ski season, which usually runs from late December until April.

Back in Ehden an evening stroll through the village’s Al-Midan Square turns up a variety of restaurants and

cafés, set among typical Lebanese architecture. For a complete Ehden experience, a trip to Al-Ferdaous in nearby Nabeh Mar Sarkis is a necessity.

The restaurant is famed as much for its size and dramatic views of the valley as for its version of the local kibbe, a dish of ground up meat and spices, which is still made the old-fashioned way using a pestle and mortar.

While Ehden makes the perfect base to stay cool in the hot summer months, a day out by the beach is just a short journey – which even makes it possible to ski in the morning and sunbathe in the afternoon. Less than 50 km away the UNESCO-protected town of Batroun has laidback beaches, great food and plenty of local charm in its winding roads and Ottoman-era architecture. A fish lunch at Chez Maguy overlooking

the glittering Mediterranean is not to be missed.

The ideal escape

The small town of Baabdat may be only 22 km east of Beirut but its idyllic scenery and tranquil way of life make it seem a world away from the capital.

Surrounded by pine forests, with beautiful views of Beirut and a cool summer climate, Baabdat provides the ideal base from which to explore all the area has to offer in terms of scenery and village life.

A 15-minute drive towards the coast is the village of Beit Mary, which, thanks to its position at 800 metres above sea level, has breathtaking views of mountains and coast. Each year the village plays host to the Al-Bustan International Festival of Music & the

have it all in lebanon: (Main picture) Pigeon’s Rock is a dramatic coastal site in Beirut. 1. Upmarket Zaitunay Bay in Beirut; 2. The lovely rural landscape of Ehden; 3. A beautifully lit mosque in Beirut; 4. You can also take to the ski slopes in Lebanon; 5. The mountainous village of Ehden; 6. Imposing statue of Youssef Bek Karam in Ehden; 7. Corniche Beirut promenade at Ramlet el Baida beach.

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A visit to Beirut is the icing on the cake of any holiday to Lebanon, and there’s something for all tastes.

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Endless vacation 7

E x plore Lebanon

One for all

...And all for Lebanon Despite its tiny size, Lebanon has something for everyone – after all, how many places can you ski in the morning and sunbathe on the beach in the afternoon?

BY EMMA GATTEN

T

here are few destinations that can truly be said to have it all, but Lebanon must be considered among them.

Packed into this tiny Mediterranean country you can find idyllic natural beauty – from breathtaking mountain scenery to tranquil beaches – alongside rich history, culture, nightlife and exceptional gourmet experiences.

6 Autumn / winter 2013

Garden of Ehden

The mountainous village of Ehden, 100 kilometres from the capital Beirut, is the ideal summer getaway location.

Overlooking the awe-inspiring Qadisha Valley, Ehden is steeped in religious and national history.

At the centre of the village stands a statue of Ehden-born Youssef Bek Karam, considered one of the earliest

Lebanese nationalists, who led a rebellion against the Ottoman Empire in 1866. Historic churches and monasteries dot the surrounding valley, including Mar Mema, thought to be the oldest Maronite church dating back to the 8th century.

The jewel in Ehden’s crown is its nature reserve, a vast wildlife haven stretching over 3,500 hectares, just over

STAY Why not try one of these resorts? Exchange trading power from 6

Mena House Club 4081 Member Review: “Every room has majestic views.”

Ehden Country Club 6067 Member Review: “Combines relaxation, nightlife, historical attractions and the best natural views.”

Batroun Village Club 6222 Exchange Planner Use this calendar to see the average trading power previously required to book an Exchange, and the past availability.

Lebanon J

F M A M J

J A S O N D

13 14 16 13 11 14 15 14 11

11 13 15

Past availability: Very High

Average trading power previously required

Easy Planning Easy Booking Login to rci.com* today for more resort information, or to book. *Or see page 3 for contact details Exchange Trading Power value: Based on resort 6067 – hotel room on 18/10/13, correct as of 12/06/13 but subject to change and availability.

Exchange planner and member reviews: see page 4.

8 Autumn / winter 2013

Performing Arts (albustanfestival.com).

Next year the festival takes place from February 18 to March 23, and will bring global acts from the world of classical music to the village’s beautiful setting for the 20th year in a row.

With its spectacular views of Beirut, the village of Broumana, situated between Beit Mary and Baabdat, has been a popular tourist destination for many years. As a result, the village has some of the area’s best restaurants, including Mounir, where delectable Lebanese dishes are matched by beautiful natural surroundings, including its own organic garden that provides fresh fruit and vegetables.

Capital gains

Beirut is the city that can’t be beaten.

The resilience of the Lebanese capital and its people means it has spent the past decade going from strength to strength, and is now an intoxicating and vibrant city that attracts visitors from across the world. Easily reached from both Ehden and Baabdat, a visit to Beirut is the icing on the cake of any holiday to Lebanon, and there’s something for all tastes.

As Lebanese cuisine gains popularity in major cities across the world, there’s nowhere doing it better, or with more options, than Beirut. In the chic Monot district, Abdel Wahab is the go-to choice for a sophisticated Lebanese Sunday lunch. For a fresher take, Tawlet, in the newly trendy Mar Mikhael district offers a different regional menu every weekday,

created by chefs visiting from across the country.

Those looking to sample the city’s gourmet delights, especially some off the beaten track, should try Taste Lebanon.

Run by Bethany Kehdy, spend a day with the food writer on a ‘Beirut Bites’ tasting tour of the city.

When it comes to nightlife, Beirut combines unique urban cool with Middle Eastern glamour. At places like Momo in the Downtown Souk area, or Centrale, on the edge of the chic Saifi Village area, immaculately turned-out young professionals sip cocktails every night of the week. In the summer, rooftop bars reign supreme, from the sophisticated cocktail hour of the Four Seasons to the all-night partying of Skybar, or the more down-to-earth Coop d’Etat in the Gemmayzeh neighbourhood.

During the day residents escape the heat by heading for the water, either zipping up the coast to the old town of Byblos or relaxing poolside at city resorts such as Le Plage. Visit the elegant new marina Zaitunay Bay where you will find an array of restaurants and cafés, as well as the Beirut Yacht Club.

Complete your Beirut day by watching the sunset – or rise – over Pigeon Rocks, the stunning rock formations just off the coast also known as the Rock of Raouché, best seen from the Raouché Corniche.

Photos: (main picture + 2): thinkstock; Emma Gatten (3); Hasan Shaaban (3).

a taste of lebanon: Colourful tables at Chez Maguy seafood restaurant in Batroun, Lebanon

You were h ere Sardinia

An island getaway

Italian adventure: The Scarello family have fun in the Sardinian sun and other locations

We discover the Scarello family’s favourite RCI holiday…

Sardinia.

Photos: (main picture): Istockphoto.

T

he Scarello family, from Cairo have been RCI members for 19 years and own at Mirette Touristic Village (2420) in Hurghada, Egypt. They decided to buy timeshare after attending a timeshare exhibition on the recommendation of a friend.

With four children and increasing commitments, Maurizio and Hebatallah Hafez like to plan months to a year in advance to make sure they can book their preferred holiday, as planning last minute often offers less choice.

The couple, along with their four children, love the flexibility of RCI, Maurizio explains: “RCI allows us to use our timeshare for a family holiday, but is also useful when I travel on business or

to golf tournaments, as it means I can take the whole family.”

In addition to golf, the family like to immerse themselves in the culture of their holiday, enjoying the summer sun.

Over the course of their RCI membership, the family has certainly developed a wide travel CV, including Austria, France and Germany, as well as Florida and California in the US. The Scarellos often visit Italy and the islands – Maurizio is Italian – and most recently the family stayed at Residence Portorotondo – Asfodeli (2705) in Sardinia.

The resort features an on-site pool, restaurant, and lush gardens which lead guests down to the beach, where water sports are available. The resort is great

for families as it is very safe – key requirements for their holiday.

Although in a quiet location, Maurizio was surprised and impressed by how easy the access is to the islands and small villages. Another bonus for this sun-loving family is the close proximity of the resort to the famous beaches of Costa Smeralda, which are only four kilometres away.

“We love exploring, visiting the coast, and usually hire a car to get around. Last year we took an excursion to the Costa Smeralda and Corsica which was just wonderful. The food in Italy is delectable, so another great reason to visit!” Maurizio added.

Endless vacation 9

You told us that you wanted to know more about...

Trading Power

The Adjustment Schedule

RCI calculates a trading power value for your Deposit and every Week within our Holiday Exchange System.

Assigning all Weeks a numerical value allows you to understand your Week’s value and the Exchange Holiday options available to you.

The Adjustment Schedule is a sliding scale of Deposit Trading Power. Depending on when you deposit your Week, the amount of trading power it is assigned may change. If you deposit between 2 years and 9 months from the start date of your week you will receive

100% trading power.

Trading Power values are evaluated frequently by our team of experts and are based on factors such as supply and demand for Weeks in the RCI system. There are two types of trading power: Exchange Trading Power and Deposit Trading Power.

Exchange Trading Power is the value given to all Exchange Holiday Weeks in the system and it adjusts constantly in the same way as in any “marketplace” – as supply and demand varies.

Adjustment Schedule

Percentage retained 100%

271 + days 95%

181 - 270 days 91 - 180 days

90% 80%

31 - 90 days 60%

15 - 30 days 14 days

45%

Deposit Trading Power is the value given to your ownership at the time that you deposit it with RCI based on supply and demand for your Week in the prior year.

Each year, your Week’s Deposit Trading Power does not change after it has been deposited and is used to determine which exchange options are available to you.*

Deposit Credits You will receive a Deposit Credit if the Exchange Holiday you book requires LESS trading power than that of your Deposit. Deposit Credits can be used on their own to book another Exchange Holiday meaning you can get several holidays from one Deposit!

Combined Deposits You can combine your Deposits or Deposit Credits to create a “new Deposit” and increase the trading power value you have available to exchange with, giving you access to more resorts or allowing you to go on one incredible trip! To combine, you will need to pay a small fee.**

For everything you need to know about your RCI membership go to:

rciweeks.co.uk/me/inside *Please note that the Deposit Trading Power of your Week is only determined and fixed when you deposit it with RCI. Until then, any indication of trading power is an estimate and should be considered as such. **The fee to combine Deposits or Deposit Credits is $85 online and $95 offline. RCI reserves the right to discontinue offering combined Deposits, to modify the terms regarding the combined Deposits, and to change the fee(s) for combining at its sole discretion.

We’re listening

The hills are alive!

Hanging out with bollo: Janet Rice, RCI call centre guide with Landal’s mascot bear.

Photos: landal Greenparks (2); Francesca Ledder (1).

groceries at the park shop – open seven days a week – or visit Timber’s Brasserie for a bite to eat after enjoying a swim in the resort’s pool.

It doesn’t take long for children to become acquainted with Bollo, Landal GreenPark’s mascot ranger bear. Let their imagination run wild in the adventure playground or drop them off for a play session at Bollo’s Playhouse.

Meanwhile, the adults can take some time out to relax, dine or enjoy a leisurely stroll around the pretty woodlands.

If you are looking to venture outside the resort, Arnhem is just a 30-minute drive from Landal Heideheuvel. The town can only be described as quintessentially European with narrow cobblestone streets, high-end boutique style shops and a sprinkling of pavement cafés.

For seniors looking for something a little more varied, Landal Hoog Vaals (8145) affords some of the most spectacular views of the surrounding hills – yes there are hills in the Netherlands! Landal’s trademark wide open spaces provide the ideal setting for active holidaymakers, including biking, walking and squash. Not your thing? Then slow the pace down with a round of mini golf or cast a line at the nearby fishing lake (license needed).

After an action-packed day, you may wish to visit the beauty centre for some well-deserved pampering, or simply relax and take in the views of the hills from Timber’s Brasserie.

Just 30 kilometres from Vaals (thirty-five minutes by car) is Maastricht.

In the main square you will spot European cafés. Order some refreshments and grab a seat outside to watch the world go by. As you sit you will hear the familiar sounds of bicycle bells and baskets rattling as the locals navigate the cobblestone streets on their bicycles.

Love the beach?

Landal Landgoed ‘t Loo (C903) is the perfect resort located close to the Veluwe Lake with a man-made beach onsite – ideal in the summer months for basking in the sun. Overlooking the lake, you can dine like a king, quite literally, in the castle-themed restaurant.

Visit Giethoorn, affectionately nicknamed ‘Venice of the North’, to explore the network of waterways on a

How to get there From Dubai, Amsterdam in the Netherlands is a direct 7 hr flight.

NETHERLANDS

Smit Giethoorn boat tour and learn about Dutch traditions from your informative captain.

Finally we finished off our trip with a game of bowling, perfect for the competitors in the family! All Landal parks feature a bowling alley, beautifully decorated with a woodland theme, with the exception of Landal Hoog Vaals with its mining themed décor, and Landal Landgoed ‘t Loo with its medieval touches. Although it has to be said that a stay at any of the Landal GreenParks resorts is sure to leave you feeling like royalty!

feeding fun: (above) Stopping off to feed the ducks at Bollo’s; (main image) enjoying a leisurely stroll around Landal Hoog Vaals.

Endless vacation 13

O n locatio n Landal greenparks, netherlands

LANDGOED ‘T LOO

AMSTERDAM

HEIDEHEUVEL

NETHERLANDS

A breath of

HOOG VAALS

fresh air Why not take some time out for outdoor adventure and fun with the family? We think Landal GreenParks might be your ideal holiday.

I

By Lorraine Karabin.

t can be difficult to find that one holiday that fits all – but our On Location trip to the Netherlands may just have uncovered it. For those who like a little of everything on their holiday, be it woodland walks, keeping the children entertained or visiting local attractions – it can all be enjoyed at any of the Landal GreenParks resorts.

12 Autumn / winter 2013

Woodland wonderland

Landal Heideheuvel (8142) was our first stop, just over an hour from the airport. Visiting in September, it was evident that Autumn was around the corner and its gentle breeze was refreshing on our woodland walk, with the crunch of leaves beneath our feet.

Most lodges at Landal GreenParks are detached and at selected resorts –

including this one - you can park your vehicle next to your accommodation during your stay.

The beauty of all Landal parks is the wide open spaces they provide for some solitude.

However if you want to experience a bit more action, head to the main hub of the park to grab some

Details are correct at time of print, but please check with your resort before booking/arrival as certain facilities may be closed during off-peak season.

STAY Why not try one of these resorts? Exchange trading power from 15

Daytona PRIMARY

SECONDARY

TERTIARY

Outrigger Beach Club 0651 Member Review: “It was wonderful staying at a resort right on the beach.”

Orlando PRIMARY

DAYTONA DELIGHTS: (Clockwise from top left) Daytona Beach Pier; Check out the iconic car exhibits at the Daytona Speedway museum; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing is a must for fans of motor sport; Historic downtown Beach Street is home to unique shops and markets; A statue on the Beach Pier; Blue skies over Daytona Beach Pier.

Photos: (main picture): 4corners; shutterstock; superstock (5).

SECONDARY

with vendors selling everything from parasailing to bike rentals.

Water taxis, sailing lessons, deep-sea fishing – there’s no shortage of boating options in the Daytona region. Opt for a scenic ride aboard a small cruiser like The Manatee (manateecruise.com; adults $25). The 25-passenger vessel runs two-hour tours down the Intracoastal Waterway from Ponce Inlet.

You’ll stop to check out dolphins, manatees (in season), nesting pelicans and majestic waterfront homes, while a knowledgeable guide shares intriguing historical facts.

History hopping

Stroll around the Daytona Beach Historic District and among the Beaux Arts-style buildings and faux gas lamps, you’ll find the Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory, which dates to 1925 (angellandphelps.com). Take a free tour (Monday–Saturday) to learn about making chocolate.

Next stop: Daytona Magic, a must-see for those intrigued by sleight of hand (daytonamagic.com). Owners Harry Allen and Irv Cook have been magicians for more than 40 years.

Their 12,000 tricks run the gamut

from practical jokes children can buy with pocket change to sophisticated equipment for professionals.

Your history outing ends at the Museum of Arts & Sciences (moas.org; adults $13). Child-friendly displays include vintage Coke machines, and the skeleton of a five-metre-long ground sloth.

Step on it

Your final pit stop – the Daytona 500 Experience, part museum and part arcade, next to the city’s legendary track (daytona500experience.com). Try out Acceleration Alley and sit in what looks like a real stock car (it’s 20 per cent smaller) and drive a simulator at speeds over 200 mph. Calm your nerves with a tour of the museum; you’ll see a 1935 Bluebird, a 1960s Mini Cooper and signed hand and foot imprints of Dale Earnhardt and other speedway legends.

Water taxis, sailing lessons, deep-sea fishing — there’s no shortage of boating options in the Daytona region.

TERTIARY

Vacation Village at Parkway 4940 Member Review: “This resort is easily accessible to all area attractions.”

Exchange Planner

Use this calendar to see the average trading power previously required to book an Exchange, and the past availability.

North Atlantic coast J

F M A M J

J A S O N D

13 17 17 15 16 17 18 15 13 14 13 13

Orlando J

F M A M J

J A S O N D

13 14 16 13 11 14 15 14 11

11 13 15

Past availability: Very High High Moderate

Average trading power previously required

Easy Planning Easy Booking Login to rci.com* today for more resort information, or to book. *Or see page 3 for contact details Exchange Trading Power value: Based on resort 0651 – 1 bedroom on 21/12/13, correct as of 12/06/13 but subject to change and availability.

Exchange planner and member reviews: see page 4.

Endless vacation 15

P lay

FLORIDA FUN: Daytona Beach, probably the world’s most famous stretch of sand

Florida, US

Flipside of

Florida Discover Daytona, the family-friendly Atlantic-coast town where racing cars are just the beginning.

Y

ou can plan your trip around the Daytona 500, but the seasonal headliner has nothing on this Florida city’s permanent attractions – a long, wide stretch of beach, pleasant year-round temperatures and activities for all ages.

New and renovated attractions have sprung up alongside Daytona’s historical

spots, further boosting its multigenerational appeal. You’ll also find year-round racing-related activities that all the family can enjoy, so rev up and go!

Beach and beyond

At the heart of Daytona’s busy beachfront lies the Daytona Beach Pier, a

227-metre-long wooden walkway near the intersection of Atlantic Avenue (A1A) and International Speedway Boulevard. Walk or drive beneath the arched sign that reads ‘World’s Most Famous Beach’, and then pick your pastime: To the right you have more than 11 kilometres of auto-friendly sand; to the left, a stretch of car-free beach

ORLANDO – Theme parks With Orlando only an hour away, follow these tips and you’ll be able to pack lots into a short stop over.

Avoid the March Spring Break.

Track waiting times by downloading a smartphone theme park app.

Let the family pick one ‘must-do’. Get your No. 1 pick - on arrival map out your route of top rides and use the park’s daily schedule to plan.

14 Autumn / winter 2013

Use the fast track service. Insert your tickets in a machine outside popular attractions to get a time to return to enter without waiting in line.

Bring your own pushchair or wheelchair as rental queues are long. Plus the rentals at any given park are identical, so your own will stand out. If you rent one, tie a bright ribbon onto it so it’s easy to spot.

Start SAVING today!

is better than ever!

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Terms and conditions apply. RCI reserves the right to vary or amend the benefits available. Some benefits may be subject to availability.

Please visit aboutrci.co.uk/platinum/terms for more information. RCI Platinum is not available to RCI Lite members. Booking terms and conditions and literature for featured benefits may only be available in English.