travel tips – Page 4 – The Perennial Traveler

How to Get a Killer Exchange

Posted on July 5, 2017Author The Perennial TravelerLeave a comment

Ready to explore the world beyond our four home resorts? With affiliations all over the world and an in-house direct exchange department, it couldn’t be easier to broaden your horizons! Here’s what you need to know to help your exchange go as smoothly as possible:

Contact us with your exchange request as early as possible (8-12 months out is ideal). The more time you give us, the more likely it is that we’ll be able to find just what you want.
Be as flexible as you can with your travel dates, location, unit size, etc.
Travel off-season! This is a savvy traveller’s best tip. Not only is it easier to find accommodations, but you’ll avoid the crowds everywhere else, too!

Our friendly Direct Exchange Department would love to give you more information and answer any questions you may have. Contact us at (800) 359-6753, and press 2 for the Direct Exchange Department. Or start by exploring our lists of U.S. and International Direct Exchanges.

*Direct exchanges are a benefit provided to Perennial Vacation Club members only. Interested in joining our unique, member-owned club? Find more information here.

Solo Travel: How to Get Away

Posted on June 6, 2017Author The Perennial TravelerLeave a comment

Planning a solo adventure? There’s no better way to rest, recharge and reconnect with yourself than to explore a new place on your own. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your trip:

Read up on your destination and plan some of your activities in advance. Solo travel is a wonderful time to follow your passions, so think about how you’d like to spend your time (which may include leaving plenty of time to linger in a place you love, or to explore something you discover along the way).

Choose restaurants where you feel comfortable. There’s no need to dine in just because you’re traveling solo. A corner table or bar could be the perfect place to discover the local cuisine, chat with some locals or simply review your travel plans.

Stay safe. Even if you’re generally a night owl, this is a good time to follow the sun. Know where you’re going and stay aware of your surroundings.

Take pictures and keep a journal. You’re making your own memories, and discovering new things not only about where you are but about yourself. Make the most of it, and create ways to remember all you’ve discovered later.

Have your own tips for solo travel? Please share them below!

How to Make Travel More Meaningful

Posted on April 18, 2017Author The Perennial TravelerLeave a comment

The view from one of our Daytona Beach tiki huts…

Trying to create vacation memories that will last a lifetime? Here are a few ideas that will make your next trip more meaningful for everyone involved:

Plan special activities. Part of the fun is planning what you’ll do and where you’ll go, and this is exciting for everyone. Take some time to research what’s going on while you’ll be visiting your travel destination, and think about what places or events would be the most meaningful for your group.

Read a book together. Before the trip begins, choose a book that relates to your destination, or that you think everyone will enjoy, and plan to complete it by the end of the trip. This could be fiction, non-fiction or anything at all! Traveling alone? Consider what books on your to-read list you’d enjoy diving into during your travels. Local history or fiction that takes place on location is always a good choice.

Be open. Some of the best travel moments occur when you take an unexpected path. This could happen suddenly, when something comes along that looks promising, or you could plan in advance to try something a bit outside of your normal activities.

Discuss! Take the time to think (and talk) about your adventures. What was everyone’s favorite place, restaurant or memory? What would they want to include (or not) on the next trip? Thinking about what was truly special helps create memories that last.

What are your favorite way to make travel more meaningful?

A Staycation… in a New City

Posted on March 28, 2017Author The Perennial TravelerLeave a comment

Deer enjoying a staycation at our Bandera resort

Vacations are a wonderful time to explore new destinations, but it’s also important to take the time to rest and recharge. For some people, that means planning a “staycation,” a vacation in your own home. This gives you the time you need to rest but, of course, doesn’t offer a true getaway.

Why not choose the best of both worlds? Resorts that offer kitchens, living rooms and plenty of room for everyone allow you to create a home away from home, while still allowing you to visit a new (and beautiful) part of the world. A few home-cooked meals and some time spent lounging in your resort may be just what you need to get the rest and downtime you need, while still giving you the opportunity to get out and explore as much as you like!

Bring that book you’ve been meaning to read, perhaps a few simple recipes, your comfiest clothing and some tea or other relaxing drinks… along with your walking shoes, maps and camera, and create your own perfect balance between a vacation and staycation.

What are you favorite ways to create a home away from home?