This is a collaborative post with Hilton Grand Vacations*
“I’m writing to touch base and see about your thoughts on when you might feel comfortable to start talking travel with your readers,” asked M from Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV)
Back in October when I agreed to, I was hopeful that the pandemic would improve. I imagined I’d be making up for lost vacations of 2020 with a packed schedule in 2021.
With my Covid-19 vaccine on the calendar for mid-March and promising availability for the broader population by summer, I’m feeling more optimistic about travel again and am ready to contemplate my post 60 travel bucket list that’s overflowing with places to visit and people to see with each passing day.
My son D’s picture of a Maui sunset makes me want to go to Hawaii
A hopeful outlook for travel
According to the recent update on “American Travel in the Period of Coronavirus” by Destination Analysts: “Anxiety about the pandemic is as high as ever right now, but driven by optimism about vaccine timelines, Americans keep seeing the light at the end of the tunnel grow larger and closer. This more hopeful outlook has lifted excitement about travel, with planned trips beginning to ramp up in May and urban destinations continuing to show signs of recovery.
In a measurement of “pent up demand,” two-thirds of those whose typical travel patterns were altered by the pandemic say they miss traveling “very much,” and now 22.2% of them say they are going to travel more in 2021 to make up for lost time. Meanwhile, 50.9% confirm they will return to their pre-pandemic levels of traveling.
I haven’t been to California since 2016, but now I’m more optimistic about going back in the near future
Imagining a world when I can travel again
Ooh, ooh, ooh, it’s easy to imagine a world when I can travel again during my life after 60, especially when I look at the Hilton Grand Vacations website. Ooh la la, which HGV resort or property would I go to if I could fly away right now?
Sunsets in Hawaii
Hawaii has always been high on my bucket list. I’ve never been to any of the islands. My son D went to Maui three years ago and said it is the most beautiful place he has ever visited. BTW, he has traveled extensively in his 30 years and lived abroad, so he has some credibility.
The skyline is breathtaking at Hilton Grand Vacations’ Hawaiian Village in Oahu
Beautiful beaches in California
“Lose yourself in a relaxing beach break,” states the promo for the Hilton Grand Vacations’ California timeshare resorts. Three of the four HGV California resorts are located “in the quaint coastal charm of Carlsbad, a quiet seaside town brimming with beautiful beaches and sun-kissed fairways just a short drive from San Diego’s celebrated cultural attractions and theme parks.”
You can warm up near the outdoor fire pit at Hilton Grand Vacations’ MarBrisa resort in Carlsbad, CA
Ooh, ooh, ooh, I love California. I remember my trip there several years ago with my daughter A. We stayed in Venice Beach and walked to Santa Monica and drove to Santa Barbara. It was so much fun. Yes, yes, yes, I want to book a trip to California when I feel comfortable to fly again.
Sightseeing in Washington D.C.
I haven’t been to D.C. in years, but it’s such a beautiful city and there’s so much to see and do there. The Hilton Grand Vacations’ D.C. property, The District by Hilton Club, is a perfect place to stay. It’s situated on the top floors of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington D.C. Georgetown. It’s a cosmopolitan timeshare resort that’s conveniently located just minutes from the area’s famous monuments, memorials and museums.
I especially want to go to the new National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of Women in the Arts when they reopen. Unfortunately both are closed now due to Covid-19.
There’s an airy atrium at The District by Hilton Club in Washington, DC
Going back to New York City
The Quin by Hilton Club in NYC boasts sweeping views of Central Park
Yes, yes, yes, I so want to walk Fifth Avenue again, take a stroll in Central Park, visit the MET, the MoMA and other museums. I want to dine in my favorite NYC restaurants. I want to meander along the High Line and sample the diverse culinary delights at food stalls in Chelsea Market. I want to explore Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where my son D lives, and take the ferry to Hoboken, New Jersey, where my daughter A resides.
My biggest expenses in retirement are travel and health and I’d rather be traveling than spending my $ on dental implants.
Now that I’ve piqued your interest, I’ll share how vacation ownership with Hilton Grand Vacations works.
According to Hilton Grand Vacations, “the average purchase price for a new buyer is around $22,000. If you choose financing options, additional costs apply. Otherwise, you just pay your annual maintenance fees to your homeowner’s association and transaction costs where necessary.
As an example, you can exchange your ClubPoints for stays at 6,300 hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio of brands or exchange privileges at 4,200 RCI® Exchange resorts.
What a view from the suite at the Grand Islander by Hilton Grand Vacations in Oahu
If you’re like me, I’d rather be paying for travel during my retirement years than spending it on things like my $5000 dental implant that I had to get after an emergency tooth extraction last week. Of course, I need and want to stay healthy. That’s why most importantly, I’m saving my retirement pennies for my healthcare costs during my life after 60. And when that bucket is full, for sure, I’m stashing the rest of the cash in another large bucket for my future vacations.
Is your appetite whet for travel?
There’s a load of information on the Hilton Grand Vacations website about timeshares. I encourage you to check it out.
In the meantime, I’m preparing to take a road trip with my boyfriend L to a warmer climate this month. Double masked and socially distant, I’m looking forward to walks on the beach and beautiful sunsets in Flo-Ree-Da.
Be well. Stay safe. And keep dreaming about all the vacations you’re going to take when you can travel again.
Judi
*Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” Hilton Grand Vacations provided me with compensation for this post and will be providing me with a stay at a HGV resort/Hilton Club property in the future as part of our blog partnership in 2020/ 2021. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Note: Most of the images in this post were provided by Hilton Grand Vacations, except the ones from my son’s trip to Maui and my trip to California.
