Up in the mountains, skiers dream of runs blanketed in powdery white snow. But you don’t have to snap into skis to enjoy the flakes at higher elevations. Head to these five mountain towns and take advantage of all the history, outdoor exploration, and culture they have to offer.

Issue Features

Club News Road Trip Trends New Holiday Travel Tradition Red, White & Blue in Williamsburg, Virginia 5 Mountain Escapes Q + A with Kalina Kennedy A Sunny Retreat to Oceanside, California RCI Exchange: There's a ___ for That

Road Trip Trends

Q + A with Kalina Kennedy

Kalina Kennedy

name

General Manager

profession

Brooklyn, NY

hometown

St. Thomas, USVI

current city

A

Q

The beach, the proximity to Red Hook (a coastal village on the east side of the island), and the night kayaking excursions.

What are the top three features of the resort?

01/10

Winter 2025

checking in

FEATURE

Nice List

INTERVIEW

A Sunny Retreat to Oceanside, CA

ITINERARY

This small beach town between Los Angeles and San Diego has all the cinematic sunsets and effortlessly cool vibes you’d expect, but with far fewer crowds. All it takes is a weekend to be charmed by this destination’s character, with its lively pier and art-lined streets.

Grab a made-from-scratch lunch at the Petite Madeline Bakery just blocks from the Oceanside Pier. If they’re not sold out, get a pastry to go, along with something to sip on from the espresso bar, as you explore downtown’s colorful streets on foot. You’ll pass by dozens of eye-popping murals — so many that the city offers a mural map for self-guided walking tours. Afterward, make your way to the iconic Oceanside Pier nearby. Stretching 1,954 feet into the Pacific, it’s one of the longest wooden piers on the West Coast and treats you to phenomenal views.

Afternoon

After an iconic sunset by the pier, dive into Oceanside’s emerging culinary scene with a casual dinner at Local Tap House & Kitchen. Grab a seat on the patio and enjoy comfort dishes like seafood stew or a pecan-crusted Scottish salmon with any of the 30 beers on tap. After dinner, try a unique experience by wandering through a hidden passageway inside Kilowatt Brewing’s tasting room on Mission Avenue. A door hidden behind a mirror leads you to The Space Pad, an intimate speakeasy known for its craft cocktails and out-of-this-world atmosphere.

Evening

Treat yourself to a meal with a view. Lighthouse Oyster Bar & Grill, perched upstairs in the Harbor Village, offers front-row seats to a gorgeous marina sunset. Snag a table on the deck if you can — you’ll overlook bobbing boats and shimmering water as dusk falls. Lighthouse serves up ultra-fresh seafood, like creamy clam chowder and shucked oysters. If you’re up for a nightcap, raise a glass to an unforgettable getaway at The Rooftop Bar.

Evening

There’s so much to see at the San Diego Zoo, your morning can quickly spill into the afternoon. When you’re ready to head back, stop at Oceanside Harbor. Walk on the village’s boardwalk, lined with casual shops and fishing boats, and rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard — the harbor’s calm waters are perfect for gentle paddling. If you’d rather stay on land, you can rent a bike near the pier and cruise The Strand, the beachfront road, to soak in the sunshine and ocean breezes. By now you might be craving a snack, and this is a great time to grab a pre-dinner fish taco from a dockside stand.

Afternoon

The San Diego Zoo is about 50 minutes south of Oceanside. Pick up provisions at And Breakfast Burritos for the drive, best enjoyed with the windows cranked all the way down. Aim to arrive by 9 a.m. to beat the crowds. You’ll have the morning to stroll lush paths and see wildlife from every corner of the globe, like lemurs leaping through jungle habitats, koalas napping in eucalyptus trees, elephants rumbling across savanna exhibits, and so much more. When you’re ready for a break, grab a bite at one of the zoo’s eateries or bring a snack to enjoy in Balboa Park’s gardens near the zoo entrance.

morning

Start your final day with brunch at Stratford at the Harbor. With nautical nods and a patio overlooking the marina, it’s a favorite among locals seeking a relaxed, waterside start to the day. Finally, top off your weekend with one more adventure to soak up local history. Take a short drive inland to Mission San Luis Rey. Founded in 1798, this landmark is the largest of California’s 21 Spanish missions and is characterized by its grand, white Spanish architecture. Walk the grounds to admire its 1815 church. In the quiet central quadrangle, you’ll find the first pepper tree in California, planted in 1830, still growing.

morning / Afternoon

Start a New Holiday Travel Tradition

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They say there’s no place like home for the holidays, but you can summon the reason of the season wherever you are in simple yet meaningful ways, whether new to you or old (Santa) hat.

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About the Issue

As 2025 prepares for its final act and winter approaches, we’re dreaming of vacation. This issue has plenty of inspiration for exploring close to home, hitting the slopes in mountain towns, and celebrating America’s roots. For those seeking one last trip before the calendar flips, we’ve shared exciting ways to shake up your holiday traditions. We hope that this magazine in your hands feels like an invitation to see and do more.

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VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL MANAGER Kylee Krizmanic EXECUTIVE EDITOR Brian Kramer PROJECT EDITOR Allison Vancura GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ruby Pierce, Maddy Lickteig CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Melody Beuzelin, Austin Cannon, Kathryn Streeter, Gary Thompson COPY EDITOR Diane Penningroth WYNDHAM DESTINATIONS EDITORIAL TEAM Anna Reinert, Leslie Johansen, Karen Johnson Destinations Editor 501 West Church St. Orlando, FL 32805 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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5 Mountain Escapes Perfect for Hitting the Town

9 Ways to Make Spirits Bright

The upper deck at Sangria’s Beachside Bistro. It’s the best area to watch the sunset.

What’s your favorite place on the property?

02/10

Need a reason to hit the road? Short vacations offer spontaneity, convenience, and a great bang for your buck. Explore closer to home and see what you’ve been missing.

According to Allianz Partners USA’s Vacation Confidence Index, Americans are jumping on the micro-cation trend. These short-haul domestic getaways — trips of four or fewer nights more than 100 miles from home — are fueled by time and budget constraints, but that’s not all. Staying close to home also provides more focused travel opportunities: a chance to be immersed in small towns, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and local communities you’ve previously overlooked or want to rediscover at a different time in life.

Close Quests

Caroling, hot cocoa, and pretty packages under the tree were all once new ideas. This year, embrace the gift of travel and make fresh memories at one of four distinctly different destinations.

Discover new ways to celebrate the season by experiencing the Big Apple’s most cherished events. Start with the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which gets lit December 3 and glows daily until early January. Feel like a kid again while shopping at nearby FAO Schwarz — it still has a giant dance-on piano like the one in Big. Watch real pros dance at Radio City Music Hall, where the annual Christmas Spectacular stars the legendary Rockettes. Kicks give way to pirouettes when the New York City Ballet performs The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. See a humbug-free musical version of A Christmas Carol at Perelman Performing Arts Center. Macy’s and nearby department stores put on a show of their own through holiday window displays, a tradition since 1874. Even if nature hasn’t turned Central Park into a real-life snow globe, it’s still a spot for winter strolls, ice-skating on Wollman Rink, and shopping at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market. The park also borders the American Museum of Natural History, which houses the beloved Origami Holiday Tree, decorated with thousands of intricate, hand-folded ornaments. Cruise with Classic Harbor Line and see the lights of Manhattan aboard a Yule yacht that decks its halls — and hull.

01 New York City

Oceanside beach

Radio City Music Hall

WRITER Allison Vancura

WRITER Gary Thompson

WRITER Melody Beuzelin

WRITER Austin Cannon

Club News Meet 5 Extraordinary National Parks Vacation Experiences You’ll Remember Forever Discover Desert Tranquility, Culture and Urban Thrills in Las Vegas Mix-and-Match Meals — Food Halls Service Itinerary: Branson, Missouri Q+A with Hiking Concierge, Ash Nudd RCI Exchange: Massanutten, Virginia

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VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL MANAGER Kylee Krizmanic EXECUTIVE EDITOR Brian Kramer PROJECT EDITOR Allison Vancura GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ruby Pierce, Maddy Lickteig CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Melody Beuzelin, Austin Cannon, Kathryn Streeter, Gary Thompson COPY EDITOR Diane Penningroth DESTINATIONS EDITORIAL TEAM Anna Reinert, Leslie Johansen, Karen Johnson Destinations Editor 501 West Church St. Orlando, FL 32805 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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Club Wyndham Smugglers' Notch Vermont (Club Pass)

Whether you want to thrill or chill for the holidays, Avon beckons from the heart of Colorado’s scenic Eagle River Valley at the foot of Beaver Creek Mountain. The town makes a great base camp for powder-powered escapades at Beaver Creek Resort — skiers can be dashing through the snow in minutes by taking the free shuttle bus to the Riverfront Express high-speed gondola. And there’s a sweet tradition: free freshly baked cookies every day at 3 p.m. at the bottom of the Haymeadow and Centennial Express lifts. Ice-skaters, ice fishers, and pond-hockey players take to Avon’s Nottingham Lake, where firepits, seasonal music, and stunning views warm up a winter afternoon or evening. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers follow trails at the Beaver Creek Nordic Sports Center, plus the Walking Mountains Science Center offers guided winter nature hikes. Back in town, stroll open-air Main Street Mall, which is lined with restaurants and seasonal art displays, and take in sparkling lights and decorations. And the festivities continue into 2026 — during the MLK holiday weekend in January, Avon hosts a dazzling fireworks show.

02 Avon, Colorado

Club Wyndham resort at avon

If a nostalgic Noel is on your wish list, travel to this Bavarian-style village in central Washington’s Cascade Mountains. Charming alpine architecture, cozy cafes, and beer gardens give Sound of Music vibes year-round, and the holidays add Village of Lights: Christmastown, a high-wattage display running from Thanksgiving through February. More than half a million lights shine all day and into the night, a bright Christmas just like the ones you used to know. Horse-drawn sleigh rides add to the jingle-bell joviality, and you don’t have to go far for more fun in the snow. Ski Hill, 2 miles from downtown, bustles with alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking. For meals, you can eat, drink, and be Bavarian — plenty of brats, pretzels, and schnitzel — but there’s also Italian, Mexican, Mongolian, or South American. The shopping is equally varied, a treasure hunt that unearths nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks, steins, and music boxes, plus fragrant artisan soaps and candles. Or discover your personal style amid boutique clothing, fine china, and jewelry. The festivities continue after New Year’s Day, when January’s Winter Karneval honors a centuries-old German tradition called Fasching, with ice carving, fire dancers, fireworks, and a pub crawl.

03 Leavenworth, Washington

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Travel Deals

Black Friday is upon us, and that means all kinds of sales and discounts for WorldMark owners. If you’ve been saving up for the holidays, now’s the time to splurge on great family outings, couples’ hideaways, and girls’ getaways. It doesn’t stop there — the New Year also brings deals from WorldMark by Wyndham Travel on cruises, guided tours, activities, and attractions.

’Tis the Season for Specials

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At The Championship

Owners with VIP status had front-row seats as Cameron Young won the tournament, Margaritaville Vacation Club celebrated its 10-year anniversary, and the Sports Illustrated Resorts 5K participants crossed the finish line. Also on view was the Club Wyndham NASCAR display car, accompanied by the great Richard Petty. Attendees watched the Margaritaville Vacation Club sandcastles being built while enjoying a special 10th anniversary cocktail at the Chill Bar. And the Club Wyndham Beach, an annual favorite, re-created an Oceanside, California experience.

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Get ready for a new way to book your resorts from the palm of your hand. That’s just the beginning, though. The WorldMark mobile app allows you to personalize your vacation preferences, view seasonal offers or promotions, and explore attractions and activities near your resorts. Look for downloading instructions coming soon via email and website updates. Once you’re in, you’ll be set up to discover the many ways you can use this versatile app for all your vacations.

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Your fellow owners have submitted their photos of the special places and secret discoveries they’ve encountered on their WorldMark vacations. Now it’s your turn to decide which images best captured the “Hidden Gems” theme of this year’s contest. View the top entries on WorldMark’s social media channels and pick your favorite. The Owners’ Choice winner will be tabulated and announced early next year on Facebook, Instagram, and right here in Destinations magazine.

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To Treasure

Traditions

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Ease into your visit with a hearty breakfast at Beach Break Cafe, a surf-inspired spot that’s been a community staple since 1988. Locals line up for the giant omelets and famous cinnamon coffee cake, served in a diner-style eatery with walls decked in vintage surfboards and beach memorabilia. Fully fueled, head downtown to the Oceanside Museum of Art when it opens at 11 a.m. Wander by rotating contemporary art exhibits that feature living Southern California painters, sculptors, and photographers.

morning

Oceanside Pier

The Space Pad

San Diego zoo

Oceanside Harbor

Lighthouse Bar and Grill

Mission San Luis Rey

morning

Oceanside Pier

The Space Pad

San Diego Zoo

Oceanside Harbor

Lighthouse Bar and Grill

Mission San Luis Rey

Unlike traveling by train or plane, road trips let you stop, go, and make detours at your own pace — no adhering to strict timetables or baggage restrictions! They’re an efficient and affordable way to travel in groups, particularly with children who require routine breaks. Pack up, hit the road, and take in the beautiful scenery along the way. When something interesting catches your eye — a quirky roadside attraction or intriguing museum — pull over and embrace the thrill of discovery.

Flex Moves

Our new owner travel app is designed to bring a world of convenience to your Club experience, putting the power to tap into new vacation experiences right in your hands. The app streamlines everything from reservation confirmations and upcoming vacations to wait-list matches and end-of-year use reminders. Download it now to enhance your travel planning and make your Club experience even more enjoyable.

Seamless Navigation

A quick escape is enough time for a mental and physical boost, but a few days away can quickly add up. Your Vacation Sidekick benefit and in-house travel agency can offset travel costs by offering exclusive savings on all aspects of your road trip. Enjoy discounts on rental cars, hotels, and more to ensure every aspect of your getaway aligns with your budget and goals.

Travel Perks

(When You’re Not on the Slopes)

Rather hit the slopes? Slide over the fresh powder at Smugglers’ Notch Resort.

Deep in the evergreen forests of northern Vermont, Smugglers’ Notch earned its moniker as a well-hidden, cave-lined passage for the transport of contraband from present-day Canada into the U.S. During a winter visit, snowshoe through Wiessner Woods, a 79-acre wonderland filled with hemlock, spruce, pine, and maple trees in Stowe. Or trade snow-draped greenery for Glow Tubing at Smugglers’ Notch Resort, where LED illuminations twinkle beneath the night sky as families slide and spin down the tubing lanes. Roughly 5 miles north, sunlight fills Jeffersonville’s Bryan Memorial Gallery, home to a selection of art that captures the essence of northern Vermont. Peruse Lost & Found: New England’s Landscape, an exhibit spotlighting contemporary perspectives of the region’s scenery.

Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont

01

Rather hit the slopes? Gaze over lake Tahoe at Heavenly Mountain Resort.

Heavy annual snowfall lays an ideal foundation for exploring Lake Tahoe’s pristine mountain scenery. Lake Tahoe Adventures’ Summit Snowmobile Tour traverses the Hope Valley wilderness south of the lake, roving along Charity Valley and ascending to 8,300 feet for screen-saver views of the Sierra Crest. For overhead vistas without winter’s chill, board the Scenic Gondola at Heavenly Village for a 2.4-mile ride to an observation deck, where you can gaze over Lake Tahoe’s cobalt waters. Happy hour awaits at The Idle Hour Lakefront Wine and Bubbly Bar. Take your time enjoying a wine flight as the sun disappears beneath the nearby peaks.

Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada

02

Rather hit the slopes? Take on the blue — or even some black diamond — runs at Steamboat resort.

After snow falls over the Flat Tops, listen carefully for sled dogs barking as they mush through the fresh powder. Teams of energetic pups from Snow Buddy Sled Dog Adventures in Oak Creek will pull you along for hours as you try your hand piloting a sled. Discover a more relaxing escapade at downtown’s Old Town Hot Springs. It’s fueled by the all-natural Heart Spring, heating the water in the pools to around 100 degrees. Watch steam rise from the surface within the Big Hot Pool, or head to the smaller Spa Three for the muscle-relaxing jets. While you’re downtown, visit Steamboat Art Museum for displays that celebrate the themes and scenery of northwest Colorado.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

03

Rather hit the slopes? Find a freshly groomed run on one of whistler BLackcomb’s peaks.

Fifteen years ago, Whistler’s snowy playground was a host site for several events during the Vancouver Winter Olympics. At Whistler Olympic Park, channel your inner athlete during cross-country skiing or biathlon lessons, or rent a toboggan or saucer and slide around in the shadow of the Olympic ski jumps. Ascend above the clouds — no high-speed ski ramp required — on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. The 11-minute journey connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains at more than 1,400 feet above the ground, affording spectacular panoramas of the snow-topped forests and valleys below. In the evening, make your way to the base of Cougar Mountain and follow Vallea Lumina’s enchanting multimedia light show as it dances between the trees.

Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

04

Rather hit the slopes? Swish between the alpine trees at Taos Ski Valley.

New Mexico’s high desert is a fitting locale to carve your own path of winter wonderment. Lace up your skates for a few laps around Eis Haus Ice Skating Rink, which also hosts daily rounds of ice bocce, plus silent discos on Saturdays. For less slippery exploration, head to nearby Angel Fire for a sleigh ride with Nancy Burch’s Roadrunner Tours. Beginning at Frontier Park, steeds tow your sleigh through the snowy foothills and forests, home to wildlife including elk, deer, and golden eagles. And don’t head home before visiting Taos Pueblo, an adobe pueblo where the Pueblo Indians have lived continuously for centuries. Roughly 150 people still live in the historic pueblo, and their ancestors have dwelled in the surrounding area since before Columbus arrived on the continent.

Taos, New Mexico

05

Live out your holiday movie fantasy in New York City.

Do you want to build a sandman? Trade frozen holidays for a warm getaway to the emerald waters of Destin-Fort Walton Beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast. This 24-mile stretch of soft, sugary sand rolls out a white carpet that’s as beautiful as any blanket of snow — and feels much better on bare skin. The water may be a little cool for swimming in winter, but it’s fine for fishing, paddleboarding, boating, kayaking, and snorkeling with a wetsuit. And the weather is comfy for strolls on the beach: Try Henderson Beach State Park, where 30-foot white sand dunes anchor the spectacular shoreline. Trace Destin’s rise from a small fishing village to a world-class beach resort at Destin History and Fishing Museum. Taste the fresh seafood that’s still one of the town’s lures — you’ll find many restaurants on or near the water, including those at shopping and entertainment hubs HarborWalk Village, Destin Commons, Downtown Fort Walton Beach, and The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. And even though it may not look a lot like Christmas in Destin, a festive spirit fills the air, thanks to events such as the annual Holiday on the Harbor Lighted Boat Parade, Jolly Jubilee at Destin Commons, and Mistletoe Market at HarborWalk Village.

04 Destin, Florida

Destin, Florida

where to stay

Club Wyndham Emerald Grande at Destin (Club Pass)

Take a gondola ride in the ski resort town of Avon, Colorado.

Shop for German trinkets in Leavenworth, Washington.

Warm your heart and your toes at the beach in Destin, Florida.

Discover the site of the 1781 battle between generals Charles Cornwallis and George Washington that secured America’s independence and marked the finale of the Revolutionary War. While awaiting reinforcements, the British were trapped by the Continental Army and French allies, and ultimately forced to surrender 8,000 troops. Relive this historic moment by first stopping at the Visitor Center for an introductory film and museum exhibits, which include Washington’s campaign tents. Pick up a map to embark on a leisurely self-guided driving tour or explore key battle points on a walking tour with a park ranger.

Yorktown Battlefield

This historic meeting place was started in 1776 and offers a lesser-known window into the Colonial era through the religious lives of enslaved and free Black people. On a courageous quest to secure the freedom to congregate and worship, a small group began gathering secretly. By 1781, under the leadership of the Rev. Gowan Pamphlet, an enslaved Williamsburg man, the congregants established themselves as Baptists, eventually moving to their current location on the west side of Williamsburg. Enhance your visit with a guided tour of one of America’s oldest African American churches and pick up a book detailing its moving story.

The Historic First Baptist Church

Icon of a crescent moon surrounded by stars

Watch as Colonists go about their day-to-day activities in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia’s former capital and, at 301 acres, the world’s largest living-history museum. Stroll around the impeccably preserved town, stopping to observe craftspeople in action as they make shoes, books, and guns. Visit the Capitol and learn about the fire of 1747, Blackbeard’s trial, and other events witnessed here. See what it took to be a soldier of the 2nd Virginia Regiment, listen to Founding Fathers such as Patrick Henry orate, and tap to the music of Fifes and Drums as they march down Duke of Gloucester Street.

Colonial Williamsburg

Icon of an arrow pointing down with a $ symbol

Celebrate the major milestone by visiting the first permanent English settlement in the Americas, located on the James River. Historic Jamestowne marks the original site where English settlers built a community in 1607. Observe archaeologists as they work to unearth artifacts. On the walking tour, hear tales about the significant fort remains, the still-standing 17th-century church tower, and the influential roles of John Smith and Pocahontas. It’s a quick drive to Jamestown Settlement. This living-history museum offers glimpses of daily life through film, displays, and demonstrations, such as basketmaking. Step aboard replicas of the two ships that transported the settlers.

Jamestown

WRITER Kathryn streeter

On the cusp of America’s 250th birthday, Williamsburg, Virginia, looms as a giant in the grand story of our nation, with foundational historic landmarks and interactive experiences.

Red, White & Blue in Williamsburg, Virginia

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where to stay

Club Wyndham Governor's Green (Club Pass)

WorldMark Kingsgate

Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown form America’s Historic Triangle and work together to offer bundled deals for visitors. The trio of famed towns is connected by the Colonial Parkway, a scenic 23-mile drive.

Did You Know?

The Historic First Baptist Church’s original worship space on Nassau Street in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg is undergoing reconstruction and will be ready for visitors in fall 2026, America’s 250th birthday.

Through a collaboration between Visit Williamsburg and William & Mary, an epic handcrafted quilt is being created as a birthday gift to America. Contributors from across the world can mail quilt blocks to Visit Williamsburg. Once assembled, the quilt will be permanently housed at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center.

On the eastern end of St. Thomas, Elysian Beach Resort is a dreamy private beach retreat surrounded by verdant hills that beckon exploration. General Manager Kalina Kennedy shares her favorite experiences on and around the property.

General Manager, Elysian Beach Resort

Rent a boat and explore the island by sea.

What’s your favorite activity or thing to do on St. Thomas?

04/10

We have wine and cheese events, movie nights, sip and paint, and muffins and mimosas.

What are some of the most popular activities or events at the resort?

03/10

Noise-canceling headphones.

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

10/10

Take the larger suitcase, you’ll need it.

What’s your top travel tip?

09/10

New Orleans.

What’s your favorite vacation destination?

08/10

Magens Bay Beach is a must-see!

What’s the No. 1 must-see/must-do activity for owners visiting St. Thomas for the first time?

07/10

Take the ferry over to St. John for the day. Maho Bay Beach is amazing!

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

06/10

Check out Pirates Treasure Museum or take a day trip to Water Island.

What are some hidden gems or off-the-beaten-path activities visitors should include during their next trip to St. Thomas?

05/10

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WorldMark Elysian Beach Resort

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Escapes

From Maine’s northern woods south to Georgia, the ancient Appalachians delight road- trippers with breathtaking wilderness and history-steeped attractions.

Appalachian Trail

Northeast

A mesmerizing journey awaits in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. Spend an afternoon winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains and taking in spectacular vistas.

Skyline Drive

Southeast

There’s never been a better time to venture West: This nostalgic stretch linking Chicago to Santa Monica, California celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

Route 66

Midwest

This coastal highway runs more than 650 miles, but the most famous stretch is along the Central Coast. Peel off to visit charming towns or enjoy a picnic by the Pacific.

California Route 1

West

Pack the car and get ready to sing along with a playlist curated just for you.

Road Trip Tunes

The best stories start before you arrive at your resort. Pick one of these regional adventures and explore some of our country’s most amazing scenes.

Your Road Trip Playlist

Take a few minutes early in the morning or late at night to be still, silent, and grateful.

Fill your home with holiday scents for a day, either burning candles or simmering spices on the stovetop.

Leave an extra-generous tip for a holiday transaction, like a coffee, meal, or haircut.

Call or write (don’t just text) one person you haven’t seen in a while to catch up.

Make or buy at least one ornament that reflects something important from the past year.

Create a reverse Advent calendar — a box you add items to each day for donation to a local food bank or shelter.

Be a bell ringer for The Salvation Army.

Make cards for residents of a care center — or go caroling there.

Swap books with loved ones on Christmas Eve, exchanging a personal story or memory tied to each title.

It’s time to escape — to a serene beach, the snow-capped mountains, or anywhere in between. These resorts’ amenities, programming, and convenience make travel planning stress-free, especially when you reserve a stay at an RCI Gold Crown Resort. That’s the highest RCI designation, meaning the property surpasses standards of cleanliness, hospitality, amenities, and more.

In search of a quick city getaway? Use your RCI Points or Trading Power to book a stay along the Chicago River, near San Diego’s beaches, or on Boston’s historic streets. And don’t worry if you don’t have Points or Trading Power — members can take advantage of exclusive rates when they book cash-only stays.

Journey to extraordinary destinations all over the world aboard an RCI Cruise voyage. Pass through the peaceful turquoise waters of the Caribbean, admire Alaska’s unspoiled natural beauty, or visit historic Mediterranean ports. The world is your oyster.

Chat with RCI’s Vacation Guides by phone and online to receive personalized assistance and insights to help you save more, travel better, and make the most of every trip. Plus, get answers to frequently asked questions and insider strategies for smarter travel. Start a conversation today at RCI.com.

On your next getaway, let RCI help you explore beyond your hotel or resort. Along with securing your stay, your RCI benefits can also fund your rental car, unlocking day trips to far-flung beaches, exciting amusement parks, and must-try restaurants.

Even the most proficient planners can use a hand planning the Scottsdale bachelorette party or the Cancún destination wedding. Consult one of RCI’s Group Reservations Specialists, and together you can craft a memorable event for your closest friends and family.

There's a for That

Getaway

There’s a for That

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Club Wyndham Emerald Grande at Destin (Club Pass)

04 Destin, Florida

destin, Florida

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WorldMark Leavenworth

03 Leavenworth, Washington

Downtown Leavenworth

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Club Wyndham Resort at Avon (Club Pass)

02 Avon, Colorado

Club Wyndham resort at Avon

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Club Wyndham Midtown 45 (Club Pass)

01 New York City

Radio City Music Hall

Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada

02

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

03

Rather hit the slopes? Take on the blue — or even some black diamond — runs at Steamboat resort.

Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

04

Rather hit the slopes? Find a freshly groomed run on one of whistler BLackcomb’s peaks.

Taos, New Mexico

05

Rather hit the slopes? Swish between the alpine trees at Taos Ski Valley.

WorldMark South Shore

Up in the mountains, skiers dream of runs blanketed in powdery white snow. But you don’t have to snap into skis to enjoy the flakes at higher elevations. Head to these five mountain towns and take advantage of all the history, outdoor exploration, and culture they have to offer.

General Manager, Elysian Beach Resort

The upper deck at Sangria’s Beachside Bistro. It’s the best area to watch the sunset.

What’s your favorite place on the property?

02/10

We have wine and cheese events, movie nights, sip and paint, and muffins and mimosas.

What are some of the most popular activities or events at the resort?

03/10

Rent a boat and explore the island by sea.

What’s your favorite activity or thing to do on St. Thomas?

04/10

Check out Pirates Treasure Museum or take a day trip to Water Island.

What are some hidden gems or off-the-beaten-path activities visitors should include during their next trip to St. Thomas?

05/10

Take the ferry over to St. John for the day. Maho Bay Beach is amazing!

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

06/10

Magens Bay Beach is a must-see!

What’s the No. 1 must-see/must-do activity for owners visiting St. Thomas for the first time?

07/10

New Orleans.

What’s your favorite vacation destination?

08/10

Take the larger suitcase, you’ll need it.

What’s your top travel tip?

09/10

Noise-canceling headphones.

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

10/10

Resort Spotlight

Look here for even more resort inspiration and travel tips from Kalina.

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Enclosed by palm-shaded hills and overlooking its own yacht-filled cove, this unforgettable resort provides a full array of amenities and water activities — both above and below the sea.

Elysian Beach Resort

Visit RCI.com to unlock special deals at hotels and resorts around the globe.

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Explore the map to discover your new holiday tradition!

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Club Wyndham Smugglers' Notch Vermont®

Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont

01

Rather hit the slopes? Slide over the fresh powder at Smugglers’ Notch Resort.

Rather hit the slopes? Gaze over lake Tahoe at Heavenly Mountain Resort.

Fifteen years ago, Whistler’s snowy playground was a host site for several events during the Vancouver Winter Olympics. At Whistler Olympic Park, channel your inner athlete during cross-country skiing or biathlon lessons, or rent a toboggan or saucer and slide around in the shadow of the Olympic ski jumps. Ascend above the clouds on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola — no high-speed ski ramp required. The 11-minute journey connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains at more than 1,400 feet above the ground, affording spectacular panoramas of the snow-topped forests and valleys below. In the evening, make your way to the base of Cougar Mountain and follow Vallea Lumina’s enchanting multimedia light show as it dances between the trees.