A riveting book offers an outlet for the mind, but its pages can also serve as a blueprint for a physical escape from your everyday routine. So head to the library or bookstore for one of these summertime reads, and let it lead to the beach, lake, or mountain at your next getaway.

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Club News Checking In Match Summer Reads with Your Next Vacation Destination Find Your Next Thrill in Branson Picture Yourself in Kona Staying Cool in Austin Q + A with Ladd Marks There’s an All-Inclusive for That

5 Alternate Adventures that will Enhance Your Classic Summer Vacation

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The sundeck that’s located on the 12th-floor rooftop, the courtyard, and the Ashley House, the resort’s on-site antebellum home.

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01/10

Summer issue 2025

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Staying Cool in Austin

ITINERARY

Austin, Texas, may average 300 sunny days a year, but staying cool is a breeze, even in summer. Refreshing water fun, underground caverns, after-dark live music, and frosty sweet treats — this “coolcation” itinerary is full of ways to beat the heat while soaking up the best of the city.

Make the short 3-mile drive to Lady Bird Lake after lunch for expansive views of Austin’s skyline. Capital Cruises rents swan pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, and even a quirky electric “donut boat” that holds up to 10 people. For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, cruise in style with Retro Boat Rentals ATX. Hop aboard vintage motorboats from the 1950s, including the cotton-candy pink Gidget and the ice-blue Dorothy, inspired by the beloved character from The Wizard of Oz.

Afternoon

After a laid-back afternoon, head to Pelons Tex Mex, a vibrant eatery serving up bold Mexican dishes and frozen margaritas in the heart of Austin’s historic Red River Cultural District. For live music, Red River Street is the place to be. Catch evening performances at Mohawk or check out Swan Dive, a venue with live music. Stubb’s Bar-B-Q, a legendary venue, hosts unforgettable shows most nights. If you’re in the mood for country, don’t miss The Little Longhorn Saloon, a lively honky-tonk bar with a weathered wooden façade and vintage-style decor.

Evening

Known for Southern comfort food with a modern twist, Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill specializes in dishes like green chile macaroni, horseradish-crusted salmon, and creole shrimp and grits. Pair your meal with a hand-crafted cocktail or a moonshine flight. The restaurant is located in one of downtown Austin’s oldest buildings, with Kinfolk Cocktail Lounge & Spirits Library in the basement. Afterward, it’s a short stroll to Here Nor There, a trendy speakeasy-style bar, or Amy’s Ice Creams, a local haunt with creative new flavors each month, as well as classics like sweet cream and mint chip.

Evening

After a fun-filled morning at the water park, dry off and make your way to Natural Bridge Caverns, just 15 miles west of New Braunfels. A one-hour guided Discovery Tour provides an overview of the first areas discovered at the caverns. Marvel at massive chambers and breathtaking limestone formations of soda straws, stalagmites, and stalactites. At a cool 70 degrees inside, it’s a perfect escape from the Texas heat. (The last tours depart by 4 p.m.) For the truly intrepid, try an Adventure Tour, where you’ll crawl, climb, and explore even more natural formations.

Afternoon

Start your day at Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort in New Braunfels, about an hour’s drive from downtown. The resort opens at 10 a.m. on Saturdays, and you’ll want to arrive early to be first in line for thrilling water coasters like the Master Blaster, and high-speed waterslides like the Black Knight. Cool off in the wave pool, float along the not-so-lazy river, or let the kids splash around in the lagoon area. After some fun in the sun, satisfy your hunger with a late lunch on-site at Shipwreck Grill or B&B Barbecue.

morning

Magnolia Café is an Austin institution that’s been serving up favorites like buttermilk short stacks, eggs Bennies, and huevos rancheros for more than 45 years. This cozy, laid-back spot is the perfect place to fuel up for your last day in Austin. After breakfast, head to the blissfully air-conditioned Texas Capitol for a guided or self-guided tour. (The first guided tour departs at 12:30 p.m. on weekends.) If time allows, wander Blanton Museum of Art, one of the largest university art museums in the U.S. located at The University of Texas at Austin.

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Epic viewpoints, turquoise waters, and lush parks beckon visitors to Kona on the west side of Hawaii, aka the Big Island. Exploring these scenic, nature-filled stops provides immediate gratification, while photographing them creates lovely vacation memories for years to come.

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About the Issue

Pack your bags — you’re going places! This summer, live out your bucket list in beautiful Kona, find your next thrill in Branson, or let a favorite book club read inspire a change of scenery. Now is the time to book an epic getaway, with freedom to unwind and explore.

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EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Kylee Krizmanic PROJECT EDITOR Allison Vancura GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ruby Pierce CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Austin Cannon, Erin Gifford, Gary Thompson COPY EDITOR Diane Penningroth WYNDHAM DESTINATIONS EDITORIAL TEAM Anna Reinert, Leslie Johansen, Jenny Rains, Karen Johnson Destinations Editor 6277 Sea Harbor Drive Orlando, FL 32821 WorldMarkbyWyndham.com ClubWyndham.com MargaritavilleVacationClub.com ShellVacationsClub.com Destinations is produced quarterly for WorldMark, Margaritaville Vacation Club, and Club Wyndham owners, and semiannually for Shell Vacations Club members. ©2025 Wyndham Resort Development Corporation; Wyndham Vacation Resorts, Inc; Shell Vacations Club, LP. All rights reserved.

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Picture Yourself in Kona

The sundeck, because you get a 340-degree view of our beautiful city.

What’s your favorite place on property? Why?

02/10

The familiarity and fun of our annual summer vacations keep us coming back to our favorite resorts year after year, but you can discover new sights, adventures, and flavors when you hop in the car for a day trip. Here are five experiences you can enjoy on your next summer detour.

Wherever you vacation, there’s likely a state park, national park, or wildlife refuge within several hours. Pack a picnic and then keep your eyes peeled as you gaze across canyons, waterfalls, and hardwood forests — you never know what kind of wildlife you may spot. Trip Idea: Orlando visitors can get to Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in fewer than two hours. The refuge is dedicated to the protection of the Florida manatee, offering an excellent chance to witness the sea cows paddle along in search of food.

Admire Natural Phenomena

Amazing amusement parks, world-class entertainment, and eye-popping natural adventures make the southern Missouri city of Branson a must-show-me destination. Though it offers big-city attractions, Branson (population 13,000) is small-town at heart — an ideal mix for travelers craving extremes of adrenaline-fueled action and tranquil relaxation, with plenty of memorable moments in between.

Voted America’s top theme park in 2023 and 2024 by readers of USA Today, Silver Dollar City is famous for its seven roller coasters, including Time Traveler, the world's fastest, steepest and tallest spinning coaster. Fire In The Hole, the Midwest’s largest indoor roller coaster, is housed in a climate-controlled building, so you can ride it anytime, regardless of weather, during the park’s March through early January season. Outlaw Run, a wild wooden coaster, keeps you guessing with its steep drop and rollicking rolls. And Powder Keg, the park’s longest coaster, is an explosive excursion into the woods.

Roller Coasters at Silver Dollar City

Barton Springs Pool

WRITER Austin Cannon

WRITER Gary Thompson

WRITER Erin Gifford

WRITER Austin Cannon

WRITER Gary Thompson

When you’re craving an incredible vacation, follow RCI’s simple recipe: Pick one of these world-class destinations, go on amazing adventures, and indulge in ample resort amenities — like nearly unlimited meals and snacks, bottomless drinks, and endless entertainment.

Prepare to soak up sun, history, and breathtaking beauty in a region where stunning beaches meet vibrant culture. By day, sink your toes into the spectacular powdery white sands of Cancún and marvel at the area’s well-preserved ancient Mayan ruins — the Chichén Itzá archaeological site is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. El Castillo, once a Mayan pyramid housing a temple, is now a Yucatán Peninsula landmark. The Tulum ruins, along the Riviera Maya, rise dramatically from a cliff overlooking the sea, offering scenic vistas and places for iguanas to sunbathe. By night, move your feet to the beat at Coco Bongo, Cancún’s No. 1 nightspot. People pack the club for its spectacle of live bands, acrobats, conga lines, soap bubbles, and confetti. The island of Cozumel, with its clear Caribbean waters and proximity to the world’s second-largest barrier reef system, is famous for scuba diving and snorkeling. The culinary scene there bubbles, too, thanks to places like Buccanos, Ix-Kool, Guido’s, and festive favorite Señor Frog's. Playa del Carmen attracts serious shoppers to its historic La Quinta Avenida, aka Fifth Avenue, a pedestrian-only parade of boutiques that stretches more than a mile, paralleling the beach.

Mexico, Caribbean Coast

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Silver Dollar City theme park was built around the entrance to Missouri’s deepest cave, which extends more than 500 feet underground. Osage Nation peoples discovered it in the 1500s, Spanish explorers later sought riches in it, and miners prospected it. But the only treasure anyone ever found was bat guano. Park admission includes a 60-minute tour of the cave, starting with a 300-foot descent into the breathtaking Cathedral Room, the nation's largest cave entrance room. You then follow a trail of stairs and ramps as a trained guide shares learnings and lore. A unique cable train carries you back to the surface.

Marvel Cave

where to stay

WorldMark Austin

On the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic is only the Caribbean’s second largest country, but it’s the region’s most-visited and geographically diverse destination. Along with palm-peppered white-sand beaches, you’ll find mountains, deserts, coastal villages, and architecturally significant cities. The town of Punta Cana, with one of the longest white-sand coastlines in the Caribbean, epitomizes seaside bliss. When you’re not lying on the beach, you can swim, fish, or go below the water to see marine life and shipwrecks. If you’re not into diving, try driving — Punta Cana is a golf mecca, with several lush coastal courses. Take a thrilling off-road dune buggy trip, book a sun-splashed catamaran cruise, or just relax at gourmet restaurants and soothing spas. In the northern part of the country, near Puerto Plata, the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua beckon visitors to jump, slide, and swim through the natural cascades and pools. In the capital, Santo Domingo, wander the historic Ciudad Colonial (Colonial City), the first European settlement in the Americas. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 500-year-old neighborhood is a maze of narrow streets lined with architectural treasures from the 16th to early 20th centuries. Many colonial buildings now hold museums, shops, hotels, restaurants and sidewalk cafes.

Dominican Republic

Long before Cancún and Cozumel became so popular on Mexico’s Caribbean side, the country’s Pacific coast had established solid beachheads with tourists. Acapulco was the face of Mexican travel for years, then Puerto Vallarta rose to prominence. There’s much to experience on Mexico’s venerable west coast, including dramatic shorelines, thrilling adventures, and deep cultural roots. Puerto Vallarta — PV — retains a small-town feel, despite being a suave and sophisticated city. A highlight is El Malecón, a pedestrian boardwalk through 12 blocks of art, bars, restaurants, and street vendors that’s just a short walk from the iconic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. You’ll also want to explore Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), also called Old Vallarta or Old Town. It’s an unpretentious, LGBTQ-friendly village of restaurants and cultural attractions anchored by the city’s most popular beach, Los Muertos. At night, the pier lights up with a captivating kaleidoscope of colors. In Acapulco, the legendary cliff divers of La Quebrada still make their daring plunges into the water. And in the Los Cabos region, humpback whales continue their annual migration to warmer Pacific waters in winter, creating opportunities for sightings from mid-December to mid-April. You might spot whales on a boat ride to El Arco, the Arch of Cabo San Lucas.

Mexico, Pacific Coast

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WorldMark Austin

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Two new tiers, lots more perks, and great vacations elevated. The VIP by WorldMark program includes the benefits you’ve always loved with TravelShare, and expands on them with exclusive offers, adventures, and experiences. Check out Travel A La Carte for the full range of travel benefits for owners with VIP status, review your complimentary tier-based housekeeping services, Guest Certificates, and Club Pass fee waivers. Learn all about converting credits to Wyndham Rewards points. VIP by WorldMark brings big benefits and bigger vacation smiles.

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High above Table Rock Lake, Top of the Rock is an Ozarks heritage preserve just south of Branson that offers top-of-the-line outdoor activities, including a nine-hole, par-3 golf course designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. It’s the first par-3 course to be used in a professional championship (the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf tournament), and you don’t have to be a resort guest to book a tee time. Playing here is a celebration of nature’s beauty: Holes incorporate soothing waterfalls, meandering creeks, bass-filled ponds, and pristine lakes. Watch for Arnie’s Barn restaurant, a 150-year-old structure relocated from Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the hometown of another golf legend, Arnold Palmer. The ninth hole is stunning, especially at sunset.

Golf at Top of the Rock

You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the 55-foot-tall octopus sculpture at the entrance. The statue is modeled after Aquarius, a Giant Pacific Octopus, and one of the characters you’ll meet inside the Aquarium at the Boardwalk, along with more than 7,000 resident sea creatures. Go on an underwater adventure while staying dry as you gaze at a coral reef, ride a 5D submarine, watch kids climb in a kelp forest, and put skin to fin by touching rays and sharks in pools. Get your camera ready for the Jelly Infinity Room, where numerous bioluminescent jellyfish pulse and flutter in slow motion.

Aquarium at the Boardwalk

Somewhere over the rainforest, monarchs fly. OK, that’s not what Judy Garland sang in The Wizard of Oz, but you’ll have a feeling you’re not in Missouri anymore when you see the rainbow of colors on the flora and fauna in the Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure. A self-guided journey through this emerald forest puts you in the flight path of more than 1,000 exotic butterflies imported from their native countries — and you can hand-feed them with a complimentary nectar flower. Pro tip: If you dress in bright colors (ruby slippers?), the butterflies are more likely to alight on you. See vibrant rainforest blooms, plus reptiles and amphibians.

Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure

Talk about dinner theater. As you dig into this one’s four-course feast, you’re entertained by a 32-horse spectacle featuring friendly competition and expert equestrian riders executing high-speed stunts on their steeds. The meal consists of down-home favorites like rotisserie chicken, pulled pork, corn on the cob, and mashed potatoes, while the show’s menu also includes elaborate musical productions and magical special effects. New for 2025: Butterfly Dreams, a segment full of winged horses, brilliant butterflies, and aerial acrobatics. Arrive early for the famous Horse Walk, and tap your toes to preshow entertainment by live country and bluegrass music performers.

Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction

How do you make the classic dinner-and-a-show date even more romantic? Just add water. Savor a three-course meal and live entertainment aboard the Showboat Branson Belle as it plies the gentle waves of Table Rock Lake at a leisurely average of 6 mph. Between the meal and the performance, take in lake views from your favorite vantage point: sitting in an Adirondack chair, strolling one of the four grand decks, or looking out the window from your table. Inspired by glamorous riverboats of old, Showboat Branson Belle evokes a bygone era of travel. Before or after the cruise, shop for souvenirs and fashions on the White River Landing dock.

Showboat Branson Belle

where to stay

Club Wyndham Mountain Vista (Club Pass)

Club Wyndham Branson at The Meadows (Club Pass)

Club Wyndham Branson at The Falls (Club Pass)

WorldMark Branson

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Club Wyndham Mountain Vista (Club Pass)

Club Wyndham Branson at The Meadows (Club Pass)

Club Wyndham Branson at The Falls (Club Pass)

WorldMark Branson

Embrace the slow-travel trend by spending a day exploring a small town within a couple of hours from your resort. Bop around Main Street shops for souvenirs or your next vacation read before indulging in some sips at the local brewery or winery. Grab your lunch to go and enjoy it in the local park or square. Trip Idea: Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is just over an hour south of Branson, Missouri’s, theme-park thrills. Its Victorian buildings downtown house relaxing spas, cozy cafes, and eclectic gift shops beneath forested rolling hills.

Discover Small-Town Gems

The foodies in the family can take the wheel on this one and steer you toward the finest regional eats. Track down fresh-caught seafood in New England. Snag a po’boy or spoon some gumbo in New Orleans. Set out on a quest for the best tacos in Southern California. Trip Idea: Staying in Austin or San Antonio, Texas? Schedule your day around lunch in Lockhart, the barbecue capital of Texas. The particularly ravenous can make it a daylong tasting tour, visiting the likes of The Original Black’s Barbecue, Kruez Market, or Chisholm Trail BBQ.

Feast on Local Delicacies

Sports fans can pair their traditional summer vacation with a jaunt to see their favorite teams play, while music-lovers can plan their trips around their beloved bands’ tour dates. Of course, you can opt for a more intimate feel at a minor league baseball game or local live-music venue, which both feature talented athletes and performers. Trip Idea: Trade the seaside deck chair in Newport, Rhode Island, for a bleacher seat and a hot dog at Boston’s Fenway Park. The 113-year-old stadium is a monument to baseball history and the perfect setting for a Red Sox matinee.

Catch a Game or Show

Itching to alter your vacation routine? Take a day to experience something you’ve never done before, like an e-bike tour, hiking or a cooking class. Heck, you can even try your hand at yoga. And who knows? Maybe you’ll find your next summer vacation staple. Trip Idea: Get on the water during a guided kayak tour on Yellowstone Lake, the large alpine basin at the center of Yellowstone National Park.

Try a New Activity

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“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” book cover

“A Court of Thorns and Roses” book cover

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where to stay

Massanutten Resort (RCI)

You won’t see any bullfighting, but the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains are a worthy substitute for the Pyrenees range that towers over the events of this Ernest Hemingway novel that follows a cast of expats around Europe in the 1920s. Plan a day trip into Shenandoah National Park, stopping at the scenic overlooks along Skyline Drive. And unlike Hemingway’s protagonist, leave any problematic travel companions behind.

Massanutten, Virginia

DESTINATION:

The Sun Also Rises

BOOK:

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Club Wyndham La Belle Maison (Club Pass)

WorldMark Avenue Plaza

While living in the French Quarter, Tennessee Williams wrote his Pulitzer-winning play about Blanche DuBois' move to New Orleans and the fractious relationship with her brother-in-law that ensued. Today, that’s where you can set out on a quest for the best po’boy or relax with a beignet in Jackson Square. And streetcars still run — take the St. Charles line, the oldest continuously operating streetcar line on the planet, to the legendary Audubon Park.

New Orleans, Louisiana

DESTINATION:

A Streetcar Named Desire

BOOK:

where to stay

WorldMark Palm Springs

WorldMark Plaza Resort and Spa

Midcentury buildings, hip restaurants, darling boutiques: Vibrant Palm Springs is an alluring setting for this contemporary rom-com novel centered on the reunion of two estranged best friends. Follow their lead (but leave the drama behind!), and lounge by the pool, visit the Palm Springs Art Museum, or ascend the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

Palm Springs, California

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People We Meet on Vacation

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WorldMark Dolphin's Cove

WorldMark Anaheim

A tangled web of star-studded relationships takes center stage in this work of historical fiction when the novel’s namesake unveils her secret Hollywood past to her biographer. Witness the tinseltown Evelyn Hugo would’ve inhabited during an Old Hollywood Walking Tour or stop by the Hollywood Museum to examine props and artifacts from film’s bygone eras.

Los Angeles, California

DESTINATION:

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

BOOK:

It’s not West Egg of a century ago, but you can imagine Gatsby hosting one of his rip-roaring parties at one of Newport’s mansions, Gilded Age castles built by tycoons and financial barons. Tour The Breakers, the palatial Vanderbilt family residence, and see if you can count all the bedrooms (48) and fireplaces (27).

Newport, Rhode Island

DESTINATION:

The Great Gatsby

BOOK:

where to stay

Club Wyndham Smugglers' Notch Vermont (Club Pass)

On a dewy summer morning, you can mistake Vermont’s rolling, forested hills for the Spring Court, the fictional setting in the first volume of Sarah J. Maas’s über-popular fantasy series. You won’t find Tamlin, the “faery” ruler of the Spring Court, down in the valley, but you can still experience the natural beauty in a memorable fashion. During a llama trek with Northern Vermont Llama Co & Christmas Tree Farm, you’ll navigate the Green Mountains at a gentle clip as the large lamoids carry your picnic — ice cream included!

Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont

DESTINATION:

A Court of Thorns and Roses

BOOK:

where to stay

WorldMark Lake Of The Ozarks

The Lake of the Ozarks is about 150 miles southwest of this novel’s presumed setting, but rest assured Tom Sawyer and his pal Huckleberry Finn would’ve loved rowing along the lake’s 1,100-plus miles of shoreline. Have a grand adventure of your own at Lake of the Ozarks State Park and explore the park’s network of caverns — another Tom and Huck pastime.

Osage Beach, Missouri

DESTINATION:

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

BOOK:

where to stay

Club Wyndham Newport Overlook

Club Wyndham Newport Onshore

Club Wyndham Long Wharf

Club Wyndham Inn on the Harbor

Club Wyndham Inn on Long Wharf

Club Wyndham Bay Voyage Inn

where to stay

Massanutten Resort (RCI)

Massanutten, Virginia

DESTINATION:

The Sun Also Rises

BOOK:

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Club Wyndham La Belle Maison

WorldMark Avenue Plaza

New Orleans, Louisiana

DESTINATION:

A Streetcar Named Desire

BOOK:

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WorldMark Palm Springs

WorldMark Plaza Resort and Spa

Palm Springs, California

DESTINATION:

People We Meet on Vacation

BOOK:

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WorldMark Dolphin's Cove

WorldMark Anaheim

Los Angeles, California

DESTINATION:

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

BOOK:

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Club Wyndham Newport Overlook

Club Wyndham Newport Onshore

Club Wyndham Long Wharf

Club Wyndham Inn on the Harbor

Club Wyndham Inn on Long Wharf

Club Wyndham Bay Voyage Inn

Newport, Rhode Island

DESTINATION:

The Great Gatsby

BOOK:

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Club Wyndham Smugglers' Notch Vermont (Club Pass)

Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont

DESTINATION:

A Court of Thorns and Roses

BOOK:

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WorldMark Lake Of The Ozarks

Osage Beach, Missouri

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The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

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(Club Pass)

Time seems to pass in slow motion — or stay paused — on Kona’s blissful beaches. Two of these sandy Shangri-Las, Manini‘owali Beach and Hāpuna Beach, rank among the world’s best. They epitomize a Polynesian paradise: fine white sand, calm and clear water, and almost too-good-to-be-true backdrops. Manini‘owali, on Kua Bay, is a series of sandy crescents separated by lava rock formations. Farther north, Hāpuna, the largest of the island’s white-sand swaths, rates high for sunning, swimming, bodyboarding, and snorkeling.

Manini‘owali Beach and Hāpuna Beach

where to stay

WorldMark Kona

Until the early 19th century, breakers of sacred laws sought refuge here at a sanctuary bounded by a great wall and the ocean. Today, Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is a refuge for anyone craving Hawaiian history and culture. Explore the ancient Royal Grounds, once reserved for Kona’s chiefs, and the adjacent Pu'uhonua refuge, which contains important ceremonial structures. The park is near Hōnaunau Bay, home to a beloved snorkeling spot known locally as Two Step.

Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Hiking stark lava landscapes to sacred temples and petroglyphs, you wonder how early Hawaiians lived in Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park on the rugged Kona coast. Then you see the ingenious fish ponds they built, now sheltering wetland birds. More wildlife awaits near shore, where monk seals sunbathe and green sea turtles come up for air. Just offshore, tropical fish parade past snorkelers. It all happens a few miles south of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, with Hualālai volcano looming in the distance.

Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

If you’re shopping or dining in Historic Kailua Village, check out this charming little body of water along Ali'i Drive. With its dark lava rocks, palms, and patch of sand at the end of a seawall, the bay invites quick swims, lingering looks, and selfies. At sunset, the scene turns stunning, as fading rays reflect on the ocean. The swim portion of the famed IRONMAN World Championship triathlon starts in these clear, calm waters, as do many boat tours.

Kailua Bay

The Big Island’s largest natural bay teems with tropical fish and coral reefs, drawing snorkelers. Spinner dolphins also swim the brilliant blue waters, designated a Marine Life Conservation District for their abundant, diverse marine life. Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park also attracts kayakers and boat tours. History runs deep — Hawaiians first encountered Westerners here when Capt. James Cook arrived in 1779. A monument marks where he died after a fight with native peoples.

Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park

For one of the most inspiring vistas on the Big Island, drive Hawaii Route 270 (Akoni Pule Highway) until it ends in the green pastures of North Kohala. There, horses graze as you gaze down from verdant cliffs to a black-sand beach, offshore outcroppings, and the impossibly blue ocean. After you’ve taken in the scene — and taken plenty of photos — hike down to the beach. It’s a short but steep descent that most people can do in 20 to 25 minutes.

Pololū Valley Lookout

Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park

Kailua Bay

Pololu Valley Lookout

where to stay

WorldMark Kona

Vacation starts with a splash at Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed oasis that hovers around 68-70 degrees year-round. Pack your towels and water shoes, and dip into its deep blue waters, perfect for snorkeling among plant life and fish. For a guided experience, book a 90-minute snorkeling tour with Save Our Springs Alliance, available weekend mornings at 8 a.m. Afterward, head to Terry Black’s Barbecue for an early lunch. Indulge in tender brisket, smoky ribs, and house-made sausages at this must-visit Texas BBQ joint.

morning

Lady Bird Lake

Pelons Tex Mex

Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort

Natural Bridge Caverns

Kinfolk Cocktail Lounge & Spirits Library

Blanton Museum of Art

morning

Lady Bird Lake

Pelons Tex Mex

Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort

Natural Bridge Caverns

Kinfolk Cocktail Lounge & Spirits Library

Blanton Museum of Art

Illustration of a red hardcover book with gold foil detailing on the cover and spine

Scenic view of green rolling hills during golden hour with a purple sky above

Aerial view of mansion in Newport Rhode Island along the Atlantic coastline

White Hollywood sign viewed through palm leaves on a sunny day

Courtyard view of a pool surrounded by palm trees and resort buildings at dusk

Historic green streetcar traveling down a shaded tree lined street in New Orleans

Hiker sitting on a mountain trail overlooking scenic ridges during sunset

Upside down riders on a twisting roller coaster under a blue sky in Silver Dollar City theme park

People walking with flashlights through the dimly lit Marvel Cave

View of Top of the Rock golf course with lush green fairways and rock formations

Child pointing at fish through the glass at an aquarium

Close up of a white and black butterfly perched on an orchid flower

Black horse surrounded by aerial performers, all wearing orange and purple butterfly wings on stage

Small cruise ship sailing on the water during sunset

Guests riding a water raft down a steep drop at ride in Silver Dollar City theme park

Palm trees on the shoreline of a sunny beach

Aerial view of beach and bay in Hawaii with clear turquoise

View from lookout of lush green trees and a beach with bright blue water

Group of people swimming in Barton Springs Pool during the daytime

People sailing and paddling on Lady Bird lake during the day with the city skyline in the background

Four plates of food with tacos and sides of rice and beans

Two guests riding on a tube down a bright blue waterslide at Schlitterbahn Waterpark

People standing on a platform inside cavern looking into the dimly lit cave

Moody low-lit restaurant with an empty table set with charcuterie and glasses

Woman standing in front of a modern stone building under a blue sky

Bright blue water and sky on the beach in Hawaii

5 Alternate Adventures that will Enhance Your Classic Summer Vacation

Couple kissing beneath a large stone arch on a shopping street in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Flags displaying the years 1903, 1904, 1912, and 1915 hanging against the stadium outside Fenway Park

Hands wearing black rubber gloves, cutting into a rack of smoked BBQ ribs on a wood cutting board

Scenic waterfall at the far edge of a lush valley

The Caribbean island nation has a rhythm of its own, thanks to beaches, reggae beats, and a magical vibe that’s laid-back yet energetic. Natural beauty is everywhere — rivers, waterfalls, mountains, swaths of countryside, and verdant botanical gardens. The culture is rich and flavorful, as is the zesty cuisine. But it’s the people — diverse, creative, soulful, and welcoming — that make Jamaica unforgettable. One memorable experience is a climb up Dunn’s River Falls near the port of Ocho Rios on the northern coast. Climb with a guide or admire the falls from their base. Equally memorable is the Luminous Lagoon in Falmouth, one of the few places on Earth where microscopic organisms in the water create bioluminescence. Cap a nighttime trip with a swim in the otherworldly glow. Montego Bay, aka Mobay, is a resort hub. Golf is big here, as are snorkeling and kayaking off Doctor’s Cave Beach, one of the island’s most visited spots. It’s along Mobay’s famed Hip Strip, a procession of restaurants, bars, and shops. Music fans make a pilgrimage to Kingston to the Bob Marley Museum, which honors the Jamaican-born reggae pioneer. What’s more Jamaican than reggae? Rum. Get a taste when you tour the Appleton Estate distillery in Nassau Valley, makers of rum for more than 270 years.

Jamaica

Aerial view of people on a beach with bright blue water during the daytime

Aerial view of a blue waterfall in a lush green rainforest

Aerial view of a beach during sunset with the city of Puerto Vallarta in the background

Sailboat sailing on bright blue waters off a coast in Jamaica

choose one of the four options below!

General Manager, WorldMark Avenue Plaza

We have movie nights, bingo, line dancing, seasonal New Orleans crawfish boils, and more to come!

Are there any regular activities or events held at the resort?

03/10

I love Mardi Gras, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival, the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival ... basically all of the festival season!

Do you have a favorite day-drive destination or nearby attraction/activity?

06/10

Don’t miss the National World War II Museum, the Longue Vue House & Gardens, and the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum.

What are some hidden gems or off-the-beaten-path activities visitors should plan for on their next trip to New Orleans?

05/10

I love to walk around Jackson Square and the French Quarter during the day and admire the mixture of French and Spanish architecture.

What’s your favorite activity or thing to do in New Orleans?

04/10

A baseball hat. You never know when you’ll need one.

What’s the one item you always pack for a vacation?

10/10

Disconnect! Not only from your phones and computers, but also from work and home so you can enjoy who you’re with and where you are in that moment. This may be the only time you visit where you are, so soak it all in and don’t take it for granted.

What’s your No. 1 travel tip?

09/10

I love going anywhere on a cruise.

What’s your favorite vacation destination?

08/10

Take a horse and buggy tour of the French Quarter, eat beignets, and eat a po’boy sandwich.