Endless Vacation Autumn Winter 2014 Middle East

RCI PLATINUM FROM $72 BACK PAGE

9

FINNISH BEACH RETREATS

10

GOAN DELIGHTS

AUTU M N / WI NTE R 2014

P L AY | E AT | S H O P | R E L A X | E X P LO R E

Vegas for kids

OUR GUIDE TO FAMILY ATTRACTIONS

ME1014/WKS

FAMILY FUN IN FLORIDA

E xplore winter sun getaways What will your next adventure be?

Choose from the thousands of resorts we have available NOW for travel between October 2014 and April 2015.

EXTRA HOLIDAYS FROM ONLY

$259

PW*

Extra Holidays make the perfect extra break. Here’s why…

You don’t have to exchange your weeks or points Extend your Exchange Holiday by adding an Extra Holiday Just pay cash and go More space and better quality apartments than you’d get on the high street for the same price

Here’s just a selection:

Grandview at Las Vegas 6923 LAS VEGAS DEC

$409

PER WEEK

Lillyland Beach Club 3240 E GY P T, H U R G H A DA MAR

$459

PER WEEK

Hacienda Tres Rios - All Inclusive A475

Sunset Beach Club 1469

M E X I CO

S PA I N , M A L AG A

FEB

$369

PER WEEK

DEC

Royal Goan Beach Club at Monterio 3820

Vacation Village at Parkway 4940

G OA

F LO R I DA

MAR

$259

PER WEEK

MAR

$469

PER WEEK

$459

PER WEEK

EASY PLANNING. EASY BOOKING. Visit RCI.com or call +971 (0)4 390 1670 (English), +971 (0)4 390 1680 (Arabic), (02) 24178323 (Egypt residents) Sun to Thurs No week deposit/exchange or points required. Extra Holidays are accommodation only and do not include travel or any other expenses. *From only price is based on Resort 3820, 1 bedroom (for 2) for 7 nights starting 07.03.15.

Featured resort pricing: Resort 4940 - $459 based on 1 bedroom (for 4) for 7 nights starting 01.03.14; Resort 3240 - $459 based on 1 bedroom (for 4) for 7 nights starting 01.03.15. Resort 1469 - $469 based on studio apartment (for 2) for 7 nights starting 06.12.14. Resort 6923 - $409 based on 1 bedroom (for 4) for 7 nights starting 05.12.14. Resort A475 - $369 based on 1 bedroom (for 4) for 7 nights starting 07.02.15. All prices are rounded to the nearest dollar and are subject to change. Prices for resorts in North America are subject to local tax. Validity for all: Details correct at time of print (September 2014) but are subject to change and availability which may be limited during peak times and school holidays.All bookings are subject to availability and Terms of Membership, booking conditions apply We reserve the right to amend, withdraw or extend this offer without notice

We hope that you have had an excellent summer, and have enjoyed an RCI Exchange Holiday to warmly remember through the winter months. If you’re planning your next big adventure, don’t forget to make use of the RCI. com tools to narrow down your search – the world is a big place waiting to be explored after all…

We are committed to making sure you are using your membership to the fullest, and following some feedback from RCI members, in this issue we feature a guide that explains – simply – how to search for and book your holiday, plus some top tips. See page 14 and put your learning to good use on our website.

It is very tempting to revisit that firm favourite which the whole family love but, for your 2015 holiday planning, we would like to challenge you to try somewhere new at least once – as your New Year’s resolution – you may just surprise yourself!

Love fun in the sun in Florida? How about trying the sun, and just as much fun, in Las Vegas with our familyfriendly guide on page 6, to keeping everyone entertained, not just the adults!

Sean Lowe Managing Director RCI Europe, Middle East, Africa and India

Login to RCI.com or call us today!

MEMBER SERVICES: +971 (0)4 390 1680 (Arabic) +971 (0)4 390 1670 (English) (02) 2417 8323 (Egypt residents only)

MEMBER NEWS

Welcome

YOUR NEW LOOK RCI.com We hope you have had a chance to login to RCI.com recently, to see the transformations we have made to make your holiday planning easier than ever.

You will now find your personal RCI account information, offers, holiday planning and more search options, all on your homepage - so you can get away on your next great escape in fewer clicks.

Need some inspiration? RCI. com now features a Holiday Ideas page so you are in the know before you go, with access to information and articles on many destinations worldwide.

Not sure which resort to choose? Remember Resort Reviews are useful for narrowing down your resort selections and finding your perfect Exchange Holiday match. With feedback and ratings on activities, amenities, unit satisfaction, service and family friendliness, it makes

perfect sense to learn from those in the know – RCI Members. So make sure when you return from your Exchange Holiday, you take five minutes to share your resort experience by leaving a Resort Review.

Because your holidays are important to you, they are important to us. So we hope you find the enhancements to RCI. com, make booking your RCI Exchange Holidays faster and more fun!

For RCI members who need an invoice showing the VAT included in RCI’s fees, these can now be downloaded by signing into RCI. com and clicking onto the ‘Help’ tab on the home page, and ‘Help Topics’.

A special gift this season If you do not plan on using your deposited weeks or points, why not gift your Exchange Holiday to that special person in your life this Christmas?

From only $23, you can help send your family and friends off on a wonderful Exchange Holiday, with a one week stay in an RCI-affiliated resort. With a wide selection of destinations, home-from-home apartments and flexible travel dates, the gift of an RCI Exchange Holiday is the ideal reward for those who deserve to get away from it all.* To find out more or to book, visit RCI.com or call us, see contact details opposite. *Subject to availability, member terms and conditions apply

40 YEARS OF HOLIDAYS

| E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 3

COMPETITION

Snap & Win! Here at RCI Headquarters in the UK, we love hearing all about your fantastic holiday experiences with RCI. But it’s so much better to see them captured on camera and share with our members – which you can do by entering our new Photo Competition to win one of three fantastic prizes.

All you need to do is send us pictures of your stay at an RCI-affiliated resort. It could be a fantastic view from your balcony or the fabulous entertainment which made your holiday so special…

Send us your snaps before 8 December 2014, along with your name, Membership ID and information about what is happening

in your photos to EV@RCI .com or mail your pictures to The Editor, Endless Vacation Magazine, RCI Europe, Kettering Parkway, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN15 6EY, England. Unfortunately photos cannot be returned. Good luck!

Entrants must be 21 or over.

Entry confirms participants’ agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions. Competition is governed by English law.

For full details please see below.

FIRST PRIZE:

One week stay at Anezina Village (4806) in Paros, Greece worth $726

SECOND PRIZE: One RCI Exchange Holiday Fee worth up to $299

THIRD PRIZE:

One year’s worth of FREE RCI Platinum Membership worth $72

THE WINNERS’ CORNER

Fabulous Forty…

We had an amazing response to the RCI Big 40 Prize Draw. Thank you to everyone who entered! Here are the lucky winners: AN RCI EXCHANGE HOLIDAY: PATRIK NYDALEN, Sweden; ANTONIO LOPEZ LOPEZ and CARMEN COLL VEGARA, Spain; ARJA and ANTERO KANGAS, Finland; SUSANA AREGO SOTOMAYOR, Spain and ABDUL KHALIQ M. SHARIF, Saudi Arabia. ONE-YEAR RCI PLATINUM MEMBERSHIP: PATRIZIA PAOLINO, Italy; PAOLO CRISTOFARO, Italy; GENEVIEVE KICKX and JEAN-LUC NIJMAN, Belgium; JOAQUIM and M. CECILIA CONCEICAO, Portugal; LARS-ERIK & ANNE JOSSFOLK LOHJA, Finland. FREE TAG&TRACK PACK: ANNELI and JUKKA KANSALA, Finland; KATJA FKYGARE, Finland; MIGUEL DOCAL TORRES and M LUISA MORALES GIMENO, Spain; FCO JAVIER UBEDA PRADOS and MA LUISA ROJO GARCIA, Spain; ANTONIOS MOURATOGLOU, Greece.

Endless Vacation, The RCI Magazine, is published twice a year by RCI Europe. Original articles and contributions may be reproduced or transmitted with written permission from the Publisher. No responsibility is accepted by RCI Europe for any losses or consequences resulting from material appearing in this publication. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in Endless Vacation, no responsibility can be accepted for errors or omissions. Information is correct at time of going to press (September 2014). All offers are subject to terms and conditions and availability. © RCI Europe 2014. The Promotion is a free to enter Prize Draw Competition and there are three prizes to RCI European and Middle East Points and Weeks members. First Prize: One week stay at Anezina Village (4806) in Paros, Greece. Prize is up to the value of $726, price is based on 1 September 2014. Resort stay is room only, based on 2 people sharing for 7 nights. Meals, transfers, taxes and other travel costs not included with prize. Winner must confirm by 31 January 2015 and travel must be completed by 30 June 2015. All school holidays, statutory holidays and blackout dates applicable to any accommodations are excluded from this complimentary stay offer and such bookings are not available. Other restrictions may apply. Second Prize: a free RCI Holiday Exchange Fee (up to the value of $299). Prize redeemable through RCI call centre. The Winner must have an existing week to deposit or points available to exchange in order to redeem Prize. Travel and all other costs associated with Holiday Exchange are not included with Prize. Third Prize: Platinum Membership for one year worth $72. For full details of membership benefits visit http//aboutrci.co.uk/platinum/terms/.

The Prize Draw is open to all RCI Europe members serviced by European offices. Employees of Wyndham Worldwide and its group of companies (including RCI Europe), their agents, partners and families are not permitted to enter. One (1) entry per member will be accepted. The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available. The Promoter (RCI Europe) reserves the right to provide an alternative Prize of similar value should the Prize become unavailable for any reason. The Prize Draw is open from 9am on the 13 October 2014 and closes on 8 December 2014 at 11.59pm GMT. Any entries received after this time and date will not be accepted. The Prize Winner will be randomly selected on 12 January 2015 from all eligible entries received before the closing date. Any incomplete or illegible entries will be considered void and not counted. The Promoter will not accept responsibility for entries that are lost, delayed, misdirected or incomplete and/or cannot be delivered or entered for any technical or other reason. Proof of delivery is not proof of receipt. The Promoter reserves the right to withdraw, extend or amend the Prize Draw at any time without notice. How to enter: Email or write to us with your RCI holiday photos and a brief description of why this was a special RCI Resort Stay before 8 December 2014, stating your name

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40 YEARS OF HOLIDAYS

KHOLOUD’S TOP TIPS: ɏɏ Call us as early as possible so you get the most holiday choices available ɏɏ Enjoy the best of both worlds: book one week to explore and one to relax.

In the second in our series of Meet the Team updates, we bring you Kholoud Fayez who has worked at RCI for three years and is busy planning her big day when she marries fiancé, Galal, next year.

We invited Kholoud to share some of her favourite holiday experiences with us.

“I love visiting new places to relax, to enjoy the beach and fresh air, such as Fujairah and Khor-Fakan in the UAE. Shopping always brings me joy, browsing for clothes or antiques and home furnishings .”

She also likes a challenge, having taken part in sand surfing and mountain climbing in Sinai, Egypt.

“My best trips by far have been to Egypt. I went on a camel ride while I was there, which isn’t as easy as it looks – it was quite a feat. We also visited the Pyramids of Cairo which was somewhat more relaxing!”

New RCI Horizons RCI continues to bring you more choice this year, with 70 more resorts to choose from.

Here are some of our latest additions:

Alkhaimah Resort and Residence (D726) Alkhaimah Resort and Residence is a modern oasis in a gorgeous setting, located on the beautiful Alkhaimah Beach. Close to the resort are many restaurants, shops, bazaars and cafés.

Crown Hotel Baku (D623) (above) in Azerbaijan is the place for RCI members looking for something new. With spectacular views, close to shops and attractions in Baku, the resort offers a range of fine dining options.

Dates for your Diary…

Here are key dates to help you in your holiday planning: 17 - 31 January 2015 School Holidays

18 - 28 March 2015 School Holidays

25 April - 1 May 2015 Easter Holiday

and RCI Member ID. Winners will be those who, in the opinion of the Judges, submit the best photograph of an RCI holiday moment. Photos must be your original work and cannot be returned. The Prize Draw Winner’s name and county address will be available from the Promoter’s address (below) between 13 January 2015 and 27 January 2015 upon request and provided a SAE is enclosed. By entering the Prize Draw, the Prize Winner grants the Promoter permission to use their name and likeness for advertising and future promotional purposes without additional compensation.

The Prize Draw is governed by English law and the English courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute arising in connection with it. The Promoter’s decision is final and correspondence will not be entered into. Entry into the prize draw confirms that participants have read, understood and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions. Promoter: RCI Europe, Kettering Parkway, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN15 6EY, England.

WEEKS: Exchange Planner: Information regarding historical inventory supply and average Exchange Trading Power is there to assist with holiday planning; it is not and should not be construed as a representation or guarantee to satisfy a future exchange request. Additionally, inventory supply may vary due to holidays and other peak travel periods. You should anticipate less availability and higher trading power requirements during peak travel periods. Exchange Planner values are correct as at 14.07.14. Resort Offers: These offers are made available by selected resorts and to accept the offer you must contact the resort directly. Please confirm details of the offer when you contact the resort. RCI only acts as an advertiser and is not responsible for the provision of these offers or any of the details set out in the offers. RCI Resort Reviews: Have been condensed and are extracted from RCI.com. For complete member reviews on featured resorts visit RCI.com.

Hitit Ayaş Termal (D617) (above) in Turkey offers a holiday of contrasts, being a thermal spa resort and yet less than an hour from Ankara and many of the country’s sites.

40 YEARS OF HOLIDAYS

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MEMBER NEWS

Meet your RCI team

1

FAMILY-FRIENDLY

VEGAS

Believe it or not, sin city offers plenty of activities for families. From shark tanks to ziplines and the world’s tallest ferris wheel; here are attractions to bedazzle those of all ages.

BY ANDRE A B ENNET T

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40 YEARS OF HOLIDAYS

L

et’s get one thing out of the way: Las Vegas is no children’s theme park. But the city does fancy itself a magnet for children. From the rides at the Adventuredome to the Nevada State Museum’s 11-metre Ichthyosaur skeleton, the city and its surroundings offer all kinds of family-friendly attractions. Here is a guide to the sin-free side of Vegas.

Cruise The Strip You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy the Strip when you have little ones in tow. Some of the most childcaptivating sights are free, including the choreographed Fountains of Bellagio (bellagio.com; starting at 3pm weekdays and 12pm on weekends) and the fireblowing Mirage Volcano (mirage.com; every hour starting at 8pm).

Both these resorts also offer family fun inside. At the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a team of 140 horticulturalists transform the nearly 1,300 square-metre space into

TA K E T H E C H I L D R E N LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

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2

3

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CAN’T MISS IT: 1. The Bellagio Conservatory, steps from the Strip and free to the public.

2. Families enjoying games in the fairground basement of Excalibur Hotel. 3. Character meet and greet at the Fremont Street Experience. 4. Getting crafty at the Discovery Children’s Museum. 5. Las Vegas’s iconic welcome sign 6. Ziplining through downtown’s Fremont Street Experience.

a spectacular — and free — garden with tens of thousands of flowers every season. And Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat (adults $15, children $11), at the Mirage, is home to leopards, panthers and endangered white tigers and lions — among the rarest big cats in the world. You can watch the resident dolphins at play from the underground viewing area or, if you’re up for a serious splurge, sign the teens up for the Trainer for a Day programme (13 and older; starting from $495).

Another great stop for animal lovers is the Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo (flamingolasvegas.com; free), an oasis of koi ponds, streams, waterfalls and — you guessed it — pink flamingos, as well as Chinese pheasants, pelicans and other birds. Further down the Strip, Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay (sharkreef.com; adults $18, children $12) houses more than 2,000 creatures, including, of course, all kinds of sharks — be sure to look out for the nurse shark which is almost three-metres long.

5

Though entry to M&M’s World (mmsworld.com) is free, your wallet will take at least a little hit when the children start asking for sweets and souvenirs.

Watch the free 3-D movie about the adventures of M&M’s characters, and snap a family portrait next to the M&Ms-sponsored Camry race car.

You’ll find more retail adventure at the Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes (grandcanalshoppes.com), known for its ‘streetmosphere’ of dancers, opera singers and live ‘statues.’ Strolling the centre’s cobblestoned streets is free, while the gondola rides along the Venetian’s canals — and the gondolier serenades that come with them — are worth the fee ($19 per person).

If there are thrill seekers among you, the Adventuredome at Circus Circus, is a must (adventuredome.com; day passes, adults $30, children $17). The indoor theme park is the largest in the country and packs families in for heart-pounding rides like the Sling Shot (riders shoot straight up into the air at four G’s) and

Chaos (imagine spinning every which way at breakneck speeds). A merry-goround, games and tamer rides are great for the youngest visitors — and those who prefer to hold down their lunch.

Serious daredevils make for the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower, at the north end of the Strip (stratospherehotel.com; admission to tower $20). Its Big Shot ride is the tallest in the world, at 112 storeys, and shoots passengers over 48 metres into the air at over 45 miles per hour; the Scream teeter-totter plunges riders headfirst over the tower’s steep edge. Many visitors are happy just to take in the view from the observation deck and watch helicopters buzz by at eye level.

Downtown Discoveries Just north of the Strip is downtown, a lively playground for all ages. Recent additions include the Discovery Children’s Museum (discoverykidslv.org; admission $12), where interactive exhibits encourage creative logical

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STAY WHY NOT TRY ONE OF THESE RESORTS? EXCHANGE TRADING POWER FROM 10

Grandview at Las Vegas 6923

Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club Resort 0110

Hilton Grand Vacations Club on the Boulevard 6300

Exchange Planner

Use these calendars to see the average trading power previously required to book an Exchange, and the past availability.

J

F M A M J

J A S O N D

9

10 11

11

11 10 11

Availability: Very High High Moderate Low

11 12 12 12 12

Average trading power previously required

Easy Planning Easy Booking Login to RCI.com* today for more resort information, or to book. *or see page 3 for contact details Terms and Conditions: Exchange Trading Power value: Based on resort 6923 – 1 bedroom on 10/04/2015 - Correct as of 14/07/2014 but subject to change and availability. Exchange Planner: See page 4 for details.

8 AU T U M N / W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 |

thinking. The museum’s 21–metre, 12–level tower — aka the Summit — has slides and climbing tubes to entertain those with restless bodies as well as restless minds.

No downtown excursion is complete without a spin through the Fremont Street Experience (vegasexperience.com).

The pedestrian mall and entertainment extravaganza’s new, slot-machinethemed zipline, SlotZilla, propels riders from a ‘coin tray’ through the heart of the Experience ($20). Terra firma tours are also exhilarating: LEDs dance across the street’s barrel-vault canopy cover and free concerts are relatively easy to find.

You’ll spot numerous flashy signs on and around Fremont Street — keep an eye out for the waving ‘Vegas Vic’ and the sparkling high-heeled shoe of the Silver Slipper Gambling Hall — but the new Neon Museum (neonmuseum.org;

40 YEARS OF HOLIDAYS

admission $18, children six and under free) delivers the ultimate display of iconic Vegas signage. Its outdoor Boneyard exhibit contains more than 150 flashing neon treasures.

Aspiring crime busters will love the Mob Museum (themobmuseum.org; adults $20, children $14). Located in the former courthouse where the famous Kefauver mob trials were held, it teaches everything there is to know about organised crime in the States, from past to present. Exhibits explore topics such as how law enforcement has fought — and defeated — mobsters over the years, and are packed with riveting artefacts.

Vegas may still be marketing to gamers, but with this much excitement, who needs the tables?

PHOTOS:, PREVIOUS SPREAD: LAS VEGAS NEWS BUREAU (3), ALAMY (2), THINKSTOCK. THIS PAGE: LAS VEGAS NEWS BUREAU

A SPLASH OF WILDLIFE: Residents of Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat.

RELAX FINLAND

FINNISH BEACH RETREATS Why not try a beach holiday with a difference in the magnificent landscapes of Finland?

B Y M A R Y A N N E E VA N S

F

as parents chill out while children build sand castles or go shrimping. Beyond the gently lapping waves, the archipelago of the Åland Islands, between Finland and Sweden, becomes the summer playground for the sporting. White sails of large and small yachts fill the horizon, while further inshore it’s the brightly coloured wind and kite surfers skimming over the waves that catch the eye.

Even for the non-sporting, a trip to the 6,500 Åland islands is a must. Ferries and excursion boats slip past rocky islands of pretty wooden houses, while further out the islands are rockier and inhabited by fishermen who bring fresh seafood to the daily markets. Follow the

well-signposted Archipelago Trail by car or on a bicycle to criss-cross the Baltic, courtesy of the bridges and ferries that ply between communities.

Back on the mainland, Naantali offers all the traditional pleasures of a seaside town plus Finland’s oldest church, a charming museum of 19th century life.

Hop on the steam boat and take the short ride to Turku to explore the 700-year old castle with its models of 14th century life, then clamber around old sailing ships in the harbour. Turku stretches along the Aura River, its banks making the perfect setting for summer festivals and markets that fill the cobbled streets.

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

or a summer holiday, the lands of the midnight sun take a lot of beating. Our Finnish friends offer the purest air, sparkling waters and clean beaches. Warm days and balmy nights allow you to sunbathe and sleep well, and add to that the pleasures of bathing at midnight, and reading by the gentle light of the moon, and your holiday takes on a unique perspective.

The crescent that forms Finland’s south west corner curls around the old capital of Turku and stretches from Pori, famous for its international summer jazz festival, to stately Hanko at the southern tip of Finland. Sandy beaches delight,

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E X P LO R E INDIA

THE OTHER

GOA To the thousands of visitors who flock to this little Indian state for the sun and the sand, the real Goa lies as hidden as the elusive tigers in its forests.

B Y C H R Y S E L L E D ’ S I LVA D I A S

D

id you know that Goa is called the ‘Rome of the East’?

With its centuries of cultural influences from Western shores and from within the Indian subcontinent, Goa has one of India’s most unique perspectives on art, music, architecture and culture.

Wildlife and Water Goa’s green stretches extend into five wildlife sanctuaries and one national park. Pug marks (‘pug’ means foot in Hindi) have been spotted in the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and in April 2013, tigers were caught on camera for the first time in Goa’s forests. While you can’t go on a tiger safari yet, a trip into the wilderness will give you a break from the beach.

Take a trip to the spectacular Dudhsagar Falls (literally Sea of Milk) high up in the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary. You can hike there from a little town called Collem or hire a four-wheel drive through your resort that will take you to the falls and back.

En route, stop at Goa’s oldest temple, the 12th century Mahadeva Temple at Tambdi Surla. Carved out of basalt stone, this intricate and elaborately decorated structure is still an active place of worship and you will marvel at the craftsmanship.

THE MAJESTIC AND THE MAGNIFICENT: Visit a Spice Plantation in Goa to enjoy an elephant ride (left) and the Dudhsagar Falls are not to be missed (above).

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40 YEARS OF HOLIDAYS

PHOTOS: ALAMY (2), ISTOCK PHOTO, THINKSTOCK.

A spice plantation indulges your sense of smell. Watch peppercorns dangle like grapes, and banana trees dip with the weight of the fruit. The heady fragrance of nutmeg and cinnamon mingles with the gentle breeze and gives you a taste of nature’s perfume. At the Sahakari Spice Farm in Ponda (sahakarifarms.com), you can try your hand (and legs) at climbing a straight-as-a-lamp-post betel-nut tree or make an Indian fantasy come true with an elephant ride around the plantation.

You can also choose to wash an elephant, but be prepared to get soaked yourself if you do! If you are lucky, you may spot kingfishers, owls and parrots while you enjoy a freshly-cooked Goan meal served on green banana leaves.

For those of you itching to get onto Goa’s maze of rivers, creeks and finally the ocean, there’s a lot to do on the water. Try bird-watching at the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Chorao where a variety of migratory and local birds nest and feed among the mangroves.

Bright blue kingfishers, egrets and larger birds like the lesser adjutant stork are common visitors. Or go crocodile spotting on a boat ride through Goa’s backwaters. Look out for the ‘mugger’ crocodile in the Cumbarjua canal, lazily basking in the sun. Dolphin-spotting trips (bettysgoa.com/cruise) are also very popular. An early morning boat ride into the Arabian Sea takes you on a merry search for the playful creatures. Most tour operators will also include time for fishing, a swim and a ride around the Aguada Bay for a glimpse of the Aguada Fort.

Culture Curry The Feast of the Three Kings (January) is celebrated with great pomp in the village of Cansaulim with three young boys chosen to represent the three kings. The procession includes horses, palanquins (covered sedan chairs) and elaborate costumes.

Holi, the festival of colour, (usually in March) is also celebrated in Goa. Being drenched in coloured water or finding your face covered in purple, bright pink or sunshine yellow can be an out-of-this-world experience.

STAY WHY NOT TRY ONE OF THESE RESORTS? EXCHANGE TRADING POWER FROM 8

Royal Goan Beach Club – Royal Palms 3594

A FESTIVAL OF COLOUR: Sao Joao celebrations with girl wearing a crown of flowers.

While a safe and enjoyable experience, like many adventures overseas, it is advisable to exercise a degree of caution and common sense.

Sao Joao (June) involves plunging headlong into a well or river to celebrate the feast of St John the Baptist. Hugely popular in Siolim, the villagers jump into the water to retrieve gifts thrown in by others. Check for Sao Joao celebrations organised by local hotels where you can don a traditional copel (a crown of flowers) and splash in the pool instead.

Historical Delight When you are not enjoying the festivals, spend time exploring some of Goa’s many museums. From art to aviation, there’s something here for every member of the family. The Houses of Goa museum (archgoa.org) is a ship-shaped building that celebrates everything about Goan homes and architecture. The Museum of Christian Art (museumofchristianart.com) boasts a large collection of art and artefacts lovingly displayed in the quiet confines of the Santa Monica Chapel in Old Goa. With large models of dinosaurs and other animals, a planetarium, a theatre with 3-D science films and a museum, children and adults will enjoy the Goa Science Museum (at Miramar beach; goasciencecentre.in).

It is worth taking the time to look for the real Goa — it is a treasure trove of attractions waiting to be discovered.

Royal Goan Beach Club – Monterio 3820

Royal Goan Beach Club – Haathi Mahal 4129

Exchange Planner

Use these calendars to see the average trading power previously required to book an Exchange, and the past availability.

J

F M A M J

11 10

8

9

Availability: Very High High Moderate Low

9

9

J A S O N D 8

8

8

10 11

11

Average trading power previously required

Easy Planning Easy Booking Login to RCI.com* today for more resort information, or to book. *or see page 3 for contact details Terms and Conditions: Exchange Trading Power value: Based on resort 3594 – 1 bedroom on 18/04/2015 - Correct as of 14/07/2014 but subject to change and availability. Exchange Planner: See page 5 for details.

40 YEARS OF HOLIDAYS

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Exchange Holidays from

6 ETP*

Explore gorgeous Goa on India’s West Coast with an Exchange Fee of just $142 per person. Travel between March and May 2015 to immerse yourself in Goa’s rich and colourful culture by joining the many excursions offered to guests staying at the Royal Goan Beach Club at Benaulim. Tours take place in Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, a spice plantation, museums, temples, beaches and waterfalls.

Book by

10 Nov 2014

Pamper yourself with a taste of Goan luxury and enjoy even more member benefits: 1

Deposit and Exchange your week with RCI

2

Claim your resort discounts when you check in

ID

3

Resort Name

Relax and spoil yourself!

Royal Goan Beach Club - Royal Palms (3594)

Exchange Trading Power

3594

Royal Goan Beach Club – Royal Palms

From 6

3726

Royal Goan Beach Club – Benaulim

From 10

3820

Royal Goan Beach Club – Monterio

From 11

4129

Royal Goan Beach Club – Haathi Mahal

From 15

30%

OFF spa treatments

20%

OFF room upgrades

20%

Discount on extra nights

10%

OFF food and drink

FREE WiFi

Tours

**

FREE**

Book online at RCI.com or call + 971 (0)4 390 1680 (Arabic),

+ 971 (0)4 390 1670 (English),

(02) 2417 8323 (Egypt residents only) Sun-Thurs.

Terms and Conditions: Valid on new bookings made between 13/10/2014 – 10/11/2014. Standard RCI Weeks Exchange Terms and Conditions apply. *ETP (Exchange Trading Power) values are based on selected dates and unit sizes. Exchange Fee per person based on 2 people sharing and booking online for $284. Resort offers are subject to terms and conditions and are redeemed by taking your RCI branded confirmation of booking to reception. **For full terms and conditions visit rcitc2.com 1 2 AU T U M N / W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 | YEARS OF HOLIDAYS

40

YO U W E R E H E R E !

WORLDWIDE TRAVELS

FLORIDA FUN

The Raslan family share their holiday adventures in the Sunshine State...

Y

assin Raslan and his wife Dina from Abu Dhabi, have been RCI members for 13 years.

They own at Sunset Beach Club in Spain, and bought timeshare as a way of visiting new and different places.

The couple holiday with their three children and have visited the States three times, Endless Vacation was keen to learn why the US is so special to them.

“We love culture and history, and enjoy sightseeing and shopping – nowhere comes better for the whole family than Florida,” Yassin tells Endless Vacation.

The Raslans stayed at Sheraton Vistana Resort (0450), featuring seven swimming pools, six recreation centres and a mini-golf course.

“It’s so much fun, safe, so easy to plan and really cost effective for a family holiday.”

When planning their holidays, the family prefer to call on the experience of an RCI Guide to help in their search, with resort quality, getting around and dining options all important considerations for them.

“We were surprised by the high standards of service and the range of facilities onsite, plus the resort is within 15 minutes of the Disney parks, so a perfect base for an Orlando holiday,” says Yassin.

“Each theme park is unique and worth spending a whole day exploring. Getting soaked on the water rides at Universal Islands of Adventure filled us with laughter, and taking in the scenery of the parks was just magical.

“Fans of shopping should visit the premium shopping outlets. We picked up some bargains and there are so many options, from everyday stores to highend brands, which are all very reasonably priced and browsing keeps you occupied for hours.”

Aside from the theme parks, there are lots of family activities and attractions in Florida, from water sports to horse riding. Yassin explains: “It was such a thrill for the whole family to enjoy so many activities, and some were perfect for us all to relax between the excitement of the theme parks. Orlando is a firm favourite and even though we have holidayed in the states three times already, I’m sure we will return!”

40 YEARS OF HOLIDAYS

| E N D L E S S VAC AT I O N 1 3

How to get the Exchange Holiday of your dreams…

Deposit your week and choose from a world of holiday experiences

YOUR WEEK OVER

Deposit your week Deposit your week with us online at RCI.com or by calling us.

Once you have deposited your week, it will be given a ‘Deposit Trading Power’ value.

4500

RESORTS

WORLDWIDE

ɏɏ DEPOSIT EARLY– 2 years to 9 months before the start date of your week to give you the highest Deposit Trading Power value.

The earlier you deposit, the wider your choice of holiday experiences to choose from!

ɏɏ MAINTENANCE FEES - don’t forget to pay these directly to your resort BEFORE you deposit

Deposit: To receive the maximum Deposit Trading Power, you should deposit your week (Holiday Ownership rights) at least 9 months prior to the start date of such week (Holiday Ownership rights). If you deposit your week (Holiday Ownership rights) less than 9 months from the start date your deposited Holiday Ownership rights may be allocated a lower Deposit Trading Power. Visit RCI.com for full terms of membership. Exchange Holidays: Standard RCI Weeks Exchange fee payable and RCI Week deposit required. You can request any RCI accommodation for your Exchange Holiday week. Normal Trading Power Rules apply.

Now that you’ve deposited you have 3 options Option

+ COMBINE

Option

EXISTING DEPOSITS

1. Book an Exchange Holiday that has an ‘Exchange Trading Power’ value equal to your ‘Deposit Trading Power’

2. Book an Exchange Holiday that has an ‘Exchange Trading Power’ value higher than your ‘Deposit Trading Power’ Combine existing deposits and deposit credits to increase your ‘Deposit Trading Power’ to book Exchange Holidays with higher trading power

Option

3. Book an Exchange Holiday that has an ‘Exchange Trading Power’ value lower than your ‘Deposit Trading Power’

+

Receive trading power back called a ‘Deposit Credit’ which you can then use towards a future Exchange Holiday

RECEIVE A DEPOSIT CREDIT

To deposit visit ‘Manage my deposits’ on RCI.com and then search by clicking on ‘Search for a holiday’ Alternatively call us on +971 (0)4 390 1670 (English), +971 (0)4 390 1680 (Arabic), (02) 2417 8323 (Egypt residents only) Sun-Thurs to learn more.

Platinum membership pays for itself!

Get over $285* of added value for only $72!

Priority Access to Exchange Holidays in specially acquired destinations 90 days before check-in Complimentary Unit Upgrades for more room to relax (subject to availability)

Earn Member Rewards RCI Platinum members can also receive even more value from their membership via “money back� for basic RCI transactions:

$31 Extra Holidays

$23 Guest Certificates

$23 Combined Deposits

Member Rewards can be used towards future RCI transactions such as Membership Renewal, Extra Holidays and so much more!

UPGRADING IS EASY. Login to RCI.com or call us on + 971 (0)4 390 1680 (Arabic), + 971 (0)4 390 1670 (English), (02) 2417 8323 (Egypt residents only). *Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. RCI reserves the right to vary or amend benefits available. Some benefits may be subject to availability. Please visit www.aboutrci.co.uk/platinum/terms. RCI Platinum is not availableto RCI Lite members. *The up to $285 worth of savings are made up of the following (1) Member Rewards credited to your account when making the following transactions; Extra Holiday ($31), Guest Certificate ($23) and Combined Deposit ($23). (2) An Open Fairways membership card worth $189 which is free with Platinum membership.

PEM1254/WKS