Tips for Planning Your Next Summer Vacation With HGV
The last day of summer may be just around the corner, but that doesn’t mean summer vacation has to slip from Members’ minds. In fact, now is a better time than ever to start planning your next summer getaway. Club Members can book many resorts six to nine months out, so start thinking about where you’ll go. And while you’re at it, make sure to save or extend any leftover 2019 ClubPoints to help with your 2020 vacation planning.
Don’t have time to plan right now? Then mark your calendars for Jan. 28, 2020. The last Tuesday of January is the annual National Plan for Vacation Day. Take a minute to schedule a reminder to sit down with your family or friends on this day and plan your 2020 vacation days.
This vacation calendar tool allows you to plug in your number of days off and start arranging them to visualize your vacations. Share with friends and family and then export to Outlook, Google Calendar or another scheduling app.
Whether you’re planning a weeklong trip or some shorter getaways, the key to putting your vacation days—and Points—to use is to plan where and when you’ll use them. According to research by Project: Time Off, 212 million vacation days are forfeited annually. Begin your year with time already set aside to make your vacation plans a priority.
Where to Go
Consider a vacation south of the border. Club affiliate Fiesta Americana offers Members a variety of memorable summer vacation options, whether you’re after an all-inclusive, adults-only escape filled with bottomless piña coladas, a chance to explore Mayan ruins, or split your days between the pool, the greens and a wine spa.
Stay Here:
Live Aqua Boutique Resort Playa del Carmen
Enjoy being yourself and relaxing at this adults-only, all-inclusive resort filled with artistic touches and luxurious amenities, from an infinity pool to the Feel Sense SPA by Live Aqua. In addition to the on-site amenities, Club Members can make the most of the resort’s prime location by scheduling an archaeological excursion of nearby Mayan sites.
Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos All Inclusive Golf & Spa Resort
Just 10 minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas, Members can spend their days worry-free at this all-inclusive oceanfront retreat. Enjoy preferred privileges at the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus signature golf course at Cabo del Sol or relax at the SOMMA Wine Spa with indoor and outdoor treatments, a fitness center including Kinesis, a Jacuzzi and a sauna.
What to Pack
If you’re heading to a warm summer escape, you’ll want to protect your skin, eyes and lips from the sun. This means packing sunscreen, aloe vera, sunglasses (in a case so they don’t get smashed or lost) and lip balm with SPF. And if you’re taking a trip to Hawaii, remember to buy sunscreen that does not contain chemicals that are harmful to coral reefs, namely oxybenzone and octinoxate. (A law banning these sunscreens will go into effect in Hawaii on Jan. 1, 2021.)
To save room in your bag, try to limit yourself to three pairs of shoes—sandals, walking shoes and dress shoes. You may also want water shoes if you’re planning on participating in underwater activities like snorkeling. You can also use creative methods to fold your clothes to really maximize space.
Remember to pack at least two swimsuits and two cover-ups. This way if one set is wet, you have a spare.
Lastly, don’t forget a tote bag that zips. This will allow you to fit all your pool and beach essentials without fear of them falling out while you’re digging for your swimsuit cover-up or sunscreen.
Tips to Maximize Your ClubPoints
Below are a few tips and tricks to help you maximize the value of your Points so you can take advantage of your Club membership and explore with HGV.
Under 3,500 Points
If you’re worried about not having enough Points, here are a few tips to put your mind at ease when planning your 2020 vacation:
- Book a midweek stay and a smaller unit to stretch your existing Points.
- Consider booking a shorter getaway of three to four nights.
- Book during our Gold and Silver seasons if your dates are flexible.
- Borrow from next year's ClubPoints and book that special trip you've always dreamed of.
3,500 to 13,999 Points
Whether you’re heading to Mexico, Europe or Asia, take advantage of the Club Reservation window, which allows Members to confirm a reservation for an available unit at any HGV resort.
You can use ClubPoints, Saved Points or Bonus Points to make a Club Reservation. However, Bonus Points cannot be combined with Club or Saved Points. Want more? Check out all the amazing ClubPartner Perk opportunities planned for 2020 and use any combination of ClubPoints, Saved Points, Bonus Points and cash. Read more in this eClub Traveler article.
14,000 Points and Beyond
Book during your Home Week Priority window for the optimal opportunity to reserve what you own 365 to 276 days before your desired check-in date, and 365 to 186 days before your desired check-in date at Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand Vacations Club or The Grand Islander by Hilton Grand Vacations Club. Members with Elite status can also enhance their vacation experiences with these perks:
- Expedited check-in at select Club resorts. Look for the designated area at the front desk reserved for Elite Members.
- Access keys denoting Elite status.
- A signature welcome gift when you arrive at your resort (for Club Members qualifying for Elite Plus and Elite Premier status).
- Automatic room upgrades. If you’re a Club Member with Elite Plus or Elite Premier status, you may be upgraded to the next best available unit within the same suite size, at no additional charge.
*Top photo: Gorgeous white sand beaches await in Playa del Carmen. Mustang_79/Getty Images
Travel Planning