Many timeshare resorts boast luxury and lavishness, but that’s not all a timeshare can offer. While these resorts are built for ultimate comfort, the culture thirsty, shoestring traveler doesn’t have to give up on timeshare opportunities. Resorts and cultural exploration are not mutually exclusive; in fact, owning something like Marriott’s Vacation Club Destinations Points can make travel easier for the ever-curious explorer.
A lot of popular timeshare resorts, like Marriott and Wyndham, offer points that can be used to stay at any of their timeshares worldwide. This allows for flexibility and guarantees a vacation for those who have a hard time committing to leaving home or work. Still not convinced points are for you? Check out some of these amazing resorts that allow for new experiences outside of the hotel.
Marbella, Spain
Marriott’s Marbella Beach Resort
Off the southern coast of Spain is the city of Marbella. While its Mediterranean waters and golden beaches of the Costa del Sol are enough to make this your top travel destination, there is more to Marbella than meets the eye. A city of prehistoric people and world-renowned art, Marbella will quickly become more than a resort town for engaged travelers.
Thought to be home to some of the first humans as we recognize them today, Marbella has become a popular archeological site, with many ruins of ancient civilizations still standing for the curious wanderer to find buried under green overgrowth. For art fans, Marbella holds the Ralli Museum, which sports works of Latin American art from Salvador Dali, Aristide Maillol and Henry Moore, just to name a few. Or, visitors can step into Old Town to see the historic Eixample. This area between Old Town and the sea premiers a beautiful botanical garden containing fountains and ten sculptures by Dali.
Amphor Talang Phuket, Thailand
Marriott’s Phuket Beach Club Resort
Experience the culture and people of Thailand when you trade in your points to explore the Far East. This small island (albeit the largest of Thailand) has enriching activities for every level of traveler. Immerse yourself in the Thai-Buddhist culture and leave your vacation enlightened.
For the mellow explorer, take a day to see the colorful fish at the Phuket Aquarium. With over 30 tanks and a man-sized cod, this aquarium proves to be awe-inspiring to the young and old. Really want to immerge yourself in Thailand’s culture? Visit one of the 40 Buddhist temples (known as ‘wat’ in Thai) and feel the calming spirit of the Buddha while understanding the deep-rooted culture that influences Thailand. For adventure seekers, the island invites visitors to kayak through Thailand’s mysterious Mangrove Forest. Although not the most beautiful tree, the mangroves feed this island and represent an important part of Thailand’s culture.
Boston, Massachusetts
Marriott’s Custom House
Great adventure can even be found within the United States. Explore one of America’s first cities at this 1847 Custom House overlooking the Boston Harbor. If there was ever a place to leave the hotel and explore the city, Boston is it.
From catching a Red Sox game at Fenway Park to following the Freedom Trail that outlines America’s colonial history, there are myriad activities that will leave any U.S. native feeling nostalgic and proud. Then, take a break from patriotism and explore Boston’s Museum of Science or Institute of Contemporary Art. Hop on the train for a sunny day on the east coast or an evening in Manhattan. Wherever you end up exploring, you will not be a lone traveler.
Where have your timeshare points taken you? When you visit your timeshare, where do you go when you leave the resort? Share your travel experiences in the comments.
