Celebrating Independence Day, Independent-LY
by Sharon Scott Wilson, RRP

In a workaday world, most of us occasionally get the feeling we’re trapped. Let’s face it: we’re just not taking enough time off from the daily grind to free ourselves of stress and lack of rest. As I write this, we are heading into the July 4th Independence Day holiday and you know what? I’ll bet many of us can’t remember when we actually took a week’s vacation!

According to an article written by Daniel B. Kline for "The Motley Fool," @CNNMoney*, "Americans are self-defeating when it comes to vacation. A 2016 Bankrate study showed that more than 50% of U.S. workers give up at least some of their paid vacation days each year. On top of that, an earlier report in 2014 showed that 42% of Americans claimed they don't take vacation time at all.

“That's potentially bad for workers and their employers. Taking time off -- whether it be a short break or an extended vacation -- can help you function better at work. ‘There is a lot of research that says we have a limited pool of cognitive resources,’ Allison Gabriel, an assistant professor of management at Virginia Commonwealth University told Entrepreneur [magazine]. ‘When you are constantly draining your resources, you are not being as productive as you can be. If you get depleted, we see performance decline. You're able to persist less and have trouble solving tasks.’”

How about you? Are you longing to shake off those golden handcuffs? Perhaps it’s time to take a look at making a commitment to yourself and your family to take an honest-to-goodness vacation each and every year. In fact, maybe this your moment in which you begin to turn over the proverbial new leaf. You might even start to move forward by celebrating July 4th in a luxurious resort condo of your very own….At least, you can own a piece of one.

Call It Vacation Ownership; Call It Timeshare….But Most of All, Call It Freedom!

Ask anyone who owns points or a week at a timeshare resort and, invariably, they’ll go on and on about how much better it is to vacation in one, rather than staying in a hotel. It’s much more than a room! Most resorts have 2- and 3-bedroom units with living rooms, separate bedrooms with their own bathrooms, kitchens, dining areas, and balconies.

Family meals together are back in the picture. There’s no more stuffing your family into one hotel room to eat pizza on the bed! No way! You’ll have a fully equipped kitchen for those grab-it-and-go meals or to whisk up a big batch of spaghetti complete with Grandma’s spicy meatballs. If your family enjoys games, sports, swimming, or golfing, most resorts have enough choices of activities to fill the bill.

Oh! And speaking of Independence, did we mention your exchange privileges? You’ll have the freedom to explore a new destination every year if you’re the adventuresome type. Depending on the value of your vacation ownership purchase, it’s entirely possible to spend a week in Orlando one year, another in Europe the next, and yet-another in Hawaii or Bali after that! Or, you may prefer to reconnect with your loved ones in a familiar place for an annual reunion.

Vacation ownership allows you to invest in your happiness and in your relationship with your family by ensuring you take future vacations—and saves you money in the long run. Once you own a timeshare, your vacation choices are almost limitless. You can choose different destinations, resorts, and times of the year. Through exchange programs, you can select places around the world—for your family vacation, a girlfriend getaway, adventurous solo travel, a romantic retreat—whatever your heart desires.

Is It Too Late to Enjoy a Resort on July 4th?

Maybe not! The July 4th holiday falls smack-dab in the middle of the year; that’s “Week 26.” As I write this, it’s close to the last week in June 2018. If you were to purchase a floating week today, there may still be an opportunity to enjoy your first holiday on Week 26. Take a look at Bay Tree Solutions’ list of available weeks at Marriott Vacation Club and note: They are all floating. I’d urge you to call Bay Tree at 800-647-4130 for more specifics.

Imagine watching Independence Day fireworks light the sky over Cinderella’s Castle! At the time of this post, Bay Tree Solutions had several timeshare choices available in Kissimmee, Florida. Among them were some great bargains like the Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort -- East Village. Located on over 1,000 acres of mystical wetlands adjacent to the Walt Disney World Complex, the East Village of Orange Lake Resort offers luxury mid-rise condos overlooking the championship Arnold Palmer designed golf course. You can choose from two- or three-bedroom units that accommodate eight or ten people respectively, with full kitchens, private patios, washers/dryers, and flat-panel TVs. East Village amenities include golf pro shop, sports bar, pools and spas, and fitness center. Plus, Orange Lake Resort owners and guest enjoy access to amenities at the other three villages: West Village, North Village, and the newest River Island. Browse East Village timeshares for sale by owner now to save thousands!

Or, what could be more in keeping with the Spirit of ’76 than a vacation in Williamsburg, Virginia? From historic sites to roller coasters of great heights, there's something for everyone. Did you know that General George Washington assembled the Continental Army in Williamsburg in 1781 for the siege of nearby Yorktown? From there, his ragged team fought what was, at the time, the largest military organization in the world and won the war for American independence. The famous attorney, planter, and orator Patrick Henry known for his brave statement, "Give me liberty, or give me death!" had his plantation nearby. The town’s newest timeshare resort, Patrick Henry Square, was given the moniker in honor of the early patriot.

Perhaps you are reading this article after the 2018 Independence Day has come and gone. Well then, this is the perfect time to start planning for next year…or even, next month! It’s never too late to declare your own independence from drudgery and commit to happiness!

*http://money.cnn.com/2017/11/08/pf/jobs/taking-vacation/index.html