The modern concept of the timeshare is for companies that offer timeshares in luxury resorts with all of the amenities to make your stay comfortable and relaxing. These types of timeshare are often scattered across the globe or in several different resorts, allowing the owners to choose where they wish to send his portion of the timeshare package that year.

Time share deals are being widely offered by big companies like:
• Marriott,
• Disney,
• Hilton,
• Hyatt,
• Four Seasons
• Starwood.
• Fairfield Resort
• Westgate

In addition there are timeshare exchange programs such as:

1. RCI is a subsidiary of Cedant Corporation which excels in exchange vacations. It is an organization whose concept allows members to discover new vacation spots and enjoy holidaying around the world. The membership of the organization continues to enhance the quality of timeshare vacation ownership. It has more than 3 million members around the world who are given RCI time shares to enjoy dream vacations at 3,700 affiliated timeshare resorts.

2. Interval International is a Quality Timeshare Vacation Exchange Network. It is one of the leading timeshare exchange companies in the world and has over 2,000 timeshare resorts and over 1.5 million member families worldwide.

Benefits of the right time share deal

• If you purchase a time share deal and become an owner, you will be treated like one. Compared to a renter of a resort unit, you can enjoy the privileges of being its owner. Condominiums, the most common type of unit in timesharing, have bedrooms, appliances like refrigerators, iron, wash and dry, colour TV, kitchens, CD and DVD players, just to name a few of the amenities.

• Time share deals are one-time deals but they can be exchanged or sold to other investors. You can freely choose when you want to sell your time share ownership. Take note that the time share resort does not give any of your money back. That is why, the best option is to exchange or sell it for a new one.

So whether you want to enjoy the warm sands in the sunny beaches of the Caribbean or ski a powder packed slope in the mountains of Switzerland, time share deals bring you the advantages of your dream vacation. Don’t wait any longer. As soon as you choose what and where you want, you can find the perfect time share deal that suits your holiday needs.

Technorati Tags: art, holiday, kitchen, travel, vacation

Hiawassee is a great place to settle down for a spell, as it is surrounded by mountains, hills, meadows, waterfalls, and plenty of fresh air. You’ve probably almost forgotten what all that is like, so don’t be surprised if you suffer from a little bit of culture shock upon your arrival. Don’t worry, nature appreciation is probably a better term for it, and it won’t hurt a bit.

On the subject of settling, you might consider reserving a vacation rental for this trip. Especially if you’re looking forward to peace and solitude, and perhaps stirring up a little romance with your honey, you’ll love a place that is more than just a bland, cut-from-a-pattern, box-like room. Push your imagination to the limit and picture what it is you really want.

Might it be a rustic-looking cabin tucked away behind a grove of quaking trees? Perhaps it has hard-wood floors, a fireplace for the cool nights, and cabinets filled with extra blankets, towels, and even books and games for your convenience. The master bedroom is spacious and light, and don’t worry, the closet in this room is perfectly empty and waiting for you to fill it with your clothes. No wrinkled garments during this trip.

Not that you’ll really care about the appearance of your clothes as you put your feet up on the back deck as you watch the sun go down. Enjoy a cocktail or snack from your modern kitchen and congratulate yourself for choosing to stray from the beaten path. Your significant other will probably be willing to pat you on the back as well, so go ahead and bask in the praise you’ll certainly be receiving.

You’ll sleep well in your king-sized bed, and the gentle hum of the outdoors will further calm your senses. Crickets and breezes will replace honking horns and alarm clocks, and the usual bags beneath your eyes will be making no appearances during this trip, thank goodness. Dream about sparkling lakes and wildflowers, because that’s probably what you filled your day with. In case you haven’t noticed, you’ll be pretty relaxed in you Hiawassee vacation home.

Every day you’ll wake with the choice to do what you want. Hang out with your cup of coffee for a while, or hit the trail as soon as day breaks. Go for a swim in Lake Chatuge, grab your binoculars and look for wildlife, or sign up for a whitewater rafting session that will boost your mood like nothing else. It’s all here at your fingertips, so close your eyes and visualize what it is that will make you happy.

If whatever that happens to be results in tired-in-a-good-way muscles, then don’t forget that your very own Jacuzzi tub awaits you back at the cabin. If an hour on the lake has you wishing you could reapply your sunscreen, simply walk back to your place and get it. No car rides or crowded hotels here; as the days go on you’ll realize just how integral a role your lodgings are playing in the overall comfort level of this trip.

From waterfront to mountainside, cottage to condo, the choices are varied and consistently pleasing when it comes to vacation homes in Hiawassee. For some overworked individuals, as long as you’re cozy and comfortable it won’t even matter where you actually are, but it doesn’t hurt that the outdoor offerings of this region are tempting and top-notch as well. Not to mention the town is quaint and pleasant in its own way, with lots of unique shops, nourishing restaurants, and Appalachian festivals that’ll acquaint you with authentic bluegrass and Blue Ridge merrymaking.

All in all, you’re well on your way to recharging your batteries by starting to make plans for your Hiawassee holiday. Go online to book the Hiawassee Vacation Rental that calls your name, and prepare to savor life rather than hurry through it.

Technorati Tags: art, books, festivals, holiday, kitchen, sign, trip, vacation

An increasing number of hotels are positioning themselves to be more than just a place to sleep—they are the action.

You may have heard of the ice hotel in Sweden or even funky spots like the Dog Bark Park in Cottonwood, Idaho … but here are few more unusual hotels to inspire your next trip.

1. To the Lighthouse

Love all things nautical? Then try sleeping in a lighthouse.

There are actually dozens of lighthouses around the world that welcome overnight guests, but at Brown’s Point Lighthouse in Tacoma, Washington, you get to be the lighthouse keeper.

This 30-foot concrete structure is perched by Commencement Bay and the keeper’s dwelling (at right) was recently restored for overnight stays. Guest participate in the “keeper program,” in which they maintain the lighthouse and hold public tours. This job is designed for at least two people, and six maximum, making it a great educational experience for families. Rates range from $500-$700 per week. 253-927-2536, www.pointsnortheast.org

2. Go Climb a Tree

If it seems like the days of kids clambering up trees and running around outdoors are a thing of the past, skip the sedentary vacations and force them out – and up.

The Cedar Creek Treehouse is a private mountain retreat in the woods of Mt. Rainier, located 50 feet up in a 200-year-old Western Red Cedar tree.

Owner Bill Compher built the treehouse himself, making it large enough to accommodate up to five people.

There’s a bathroom, kitchen and dining area, not to mention skylights and an observatory 100 feet up that offers great views from all around.

Though it’s a safe climb up, kids under 10 are not allowed inside the treehouse. Rates are $250 for two people, and $25 for each additional guest. 360-569-2991, www.cedarcreektreehouse.com

3. All Aboard the Romance Train

To conjure up the romantic days of train travel, why not cozy up inside an actual train car for the night? The Northern Rail Traincar B&B in Two Harbors, Minnesota, is made up of connected rail cars with 18 guest rooms.

The Porter Suite sleeps two and includes a dinette and a private bath for $109-$139.

Located on 160 acres of forested land (about 25 minutes outside of Duluth), you have access to Lake Superior and Gooseberry Falls, plus outdoor activities like hiking and golfing. 877-834-0955; www.northernrail.net

4. Were You Raised in a Barn?

Located on the Puget Sound, just a ferry ride away from Seattle, is a quirky little spot designed for two. The Big Red Barn Getaway is a real barn built in the 1890s which has been renovated into a tiny inn.

You’ll be surrounded by miles of unspoiled nature (and may even catch sight of a Bald Eagle). The historic Victorian seaport of Port Townsend is a 10-minute walk away, and Fort Worden State Park is only two minutes away, with gorgeous beaches and plenty of hiking trails. 360-301-1271, www.BigRedBarnGetaway.com

5. How About a Yurt?

Ever slept in a yurt? Even know what a yurt is?

These round, canvas dwellings were created by Mongolian nomads more than 2,000 years ago; it’s an ingenious structure that sits sturdily on the ground and often can fit several people at once.

Treebones Resort in Big Sur, California, has 16 yurts along the ridge above the Pacific Ocean, four of which can fit families. You’ll have the best ocean-view room in town. Rates are $170-$270 for two to four people, including a waffle breakfast. 877-424-4787, www.treebonesresort.com

6. Batting Around in a Cave

You may not know that there are several underground hotels in Cappadocia, Turkey (a region in the middle of Turkey not too far from Ankara), but the most highly touted one of all is the Gamirasu Cave Hotel, which is located inside a restored, thousand-year-old Byzantine monastic retreat. There are 18 exquisitely adorned rooms, some of which were actually monk cells, which are carved into the cave or built with volcanic rock.

Don’t worry, there is running water. Room rates range from about $110 for a double room to about $500 for a deluxe suite. www.gamirasu.com

7. Digging the Dug-Out

The Australian outback is filled with opal mines and dugouts galore—so dive in and experience one first-hand at the Desert Cave Hotel located within the sandstone of Coober Pedy.

The hotel boasts 19 underground rooms, and about 30 rooms above ground for those who prefer not to live troglodyte-style. Also underground are casinos, shops featuring locally mined opals and Aboriginal arts and crafts. Rooms are about $150 a night, not including meals or a cave tour. www.desertcave.com.au

8. Sleeping in the Pipelines

If you ever wanted to brag that you slept in a drainpipe, read on … Daspark Hotel in Lintz, Austria consists of three concrete drainpipes in the middle of a park.

Inside each one is a teensy room built for two, with a double bed, a lamp, a small storage space, and even power outlets. Food, toilets and showers are all located nearby.

If you’re concerned about sleeping in a public park, rest assured that the drainpipes are all locked with a safety code. And best of all, you get to determine your own rates. www.dasparkhotel.net

9. Sleeping with the Fishes

With both China and Dubai building underwater hotels called the Hydropolis, sleeping under water seems to the wave of the future. China is hoping to have its land-based HydroTower component open by the Olympics, but if you can’t wait until then, visit the Jules Verne Undersea Lodge.

This underwater hotel is actually a research lab in Key Largo, Florida, but regular landlubbers are invited to spend the night. You’ll actually have to scuba dive your way into the hotel, but they’ll give you all the necessary training. An overnight visit costs about $475 and includes diving gear and unlimited dives if you’re certified. 305-451-2353, www.jul.com

10. Doing Time

The new Liberty Hotel in Boston has been making headlines as a former jail-turned-luxury-hotel. After a five-year renovation program that cost upward of $150 million, the Charles Street jail has maintained some precious features that pay homage to its history—such as a restaurant called Clink, and a bar called Alibi housed in the former “drunk tank.”

But if you’re looking for a more, well, authentic prison experience, you’ll have to jet yourself over to Latvia to the Karosta Prison. Located in Liepaja (about three hours west of Riga), this former Soviet detention facility was once known as the “prison that nobody escaped from.”

Today, it welcomes (if that’s the right word) visitors to spend a night for about $16.

Guests play the role of a prisoner, complete with ex-Soviet military guards berating and ordering you around, cold iron beds, and toilets that remain uncomfortably close to their original state. http://www.karostascietums.lv/1/EN/news

By Managing Editor Sarika Chawla for Peter Greenberg.com.

Technorati Tags: art, australia, China, edit, house, kitchen, sign, travel, trip, vacation

October through February offers up waves of extreme heights. In fact, they’re big enough to attract surfers from all over the world for a number of professional competitions. Sunset Beach calls out to adventure-seekers with the world’s longest stretch of surf-worthy breakers, and Ehukai Beach is home to the Bonzai Pipeline, one of the most challenging and exciting locations for boarders.

Aspiring athletes can visit these awesome sites, though they are advised to practice caution, and spectators are welcomed to witness the best of the best as they compete for titles and bragging rights. Waimea Beach hosts the Quicksilver Eddie Aikau Invitational every year, and Haleiwa Town has the Triple Crown of Surfing. Both would be great opportunities to be wowed by the thrilling skills of wave-skimming daredevils.

For a more laid-back experience, visit the North Shore during the summer months. The very same waters are now calm enough for a family snorkeling trip, or head to Kawela Bay for a prime shell hunting experience. Golfers can feel privileged to play on courses designed by Arnold Palmer himself, and culture-buffs will be pleased at all the South Pacific traditions they will encounter around every corner. All in all, this portion of Oahu is like a microcosm of Hawaii, so visitors will have no reason to miss out on any of their island expectations.

To squeeze every drop of fun and leisure from this trip, consider renting a vacation home suited to your needs. Entranced by the thought of surfing your days away? Pick a beachside condo surrounded by tiki torches. Prefer to be closer to the inland sites? Rent a hillside hideaway that is a bit quieter, still offers an ocean view, is close to a grocery store, and has its very own swimming pool.

If you’re used to a cozy, urban apartment, take the opportunity to experience something new on this vacation. Go for a place with a king-size bed. Leave the windows open all night without ever hearing a whisper of traffic. Stay up talking and playing music until dawn without bothering the neighbors. If you’ve forgotten what it’s like to have a yard, take a walk through the banana patch out back and soak it all in. Embrace the joys of fresh air and wide open space without the responsibility of ownership or maintenance, and return to your city dwelling refreshed and reconnected to nature.

If you already have a feel for a big kitchen and plenty of breathing room, you’ll be happy to enjoy your time in the North Shore without giving up the comforts you’re used to. Families shouldn’t suffer the indignity of squeezing together into one room or sharing a single bathroom just because they’re traveling. By reserving a four-bedroom chalet with an entertainment area filled with games, there will be no adjustments necessary. In fact, don’t be surprised if returning home is a bit of a drag after you’ve all grown accustomed to the bright colors, ample freedom, and relaxed atmosphere of your vacation home.

Oahu’s North Shore holds a bit of fun for everyone, and the vacation rentals in this area are equally diverse and accommodating. Be sure to envision all that you hope to gain from this vacation as you start to make your plans, and don’t get stuck with anything less than you deserve. To start the ball rolling, go online to peruse all the exciting activities and North Shore Vacation Rentals.

Technorati Tags: art, Hawaii, kitchen, month, sign, travel, trip, vacation

Breakfast portions are huge
This probably relates to the Hebrew/Jewish mentality and the breakfast portions are simply too big. If you are not aware of that you will find yourself eating more than needed and that might lead you to gain some extra pounds during your stay in Israel. Take your time, this is only breakfast, and during the rest of the day you will find out that Israeli street food is even better, so you should save some room and appetite for it.

No meat please!
For various reasons it is almost impossible to find any meat in any breakfast in Israel. a “Kosher” kitchen will need to separate between dairy products and meat products, so unless “English breakfast” is explicitly specified, don’t expect to find breakfast in Israel with any kind of meat.

Breakfasts around the clock
many places in Israel are now serving breakfasts around the clock. It is not unusual to see people eating their breakfast at 2:00 pm or later, you just need to ask for it as this is a very popular meal and Israelis tend to eat it at late morning hours and evenings as well.

Something for everybody
It really depends where are you going to eat your breakfasts in Israel, but you should expect a huge variety of food on any breakfast table. If the breakfast is a continental breakfast, it will consist of coffee, juice, toast, jam, honey, and a pastry of your choice.

If this is an “Israeli breakfast” you will mostly find coffee, orange juice, fresh vegetables salad, goats/cows cream cheese, fresh bread or toast, olives, butter, and fried eggs of your choose.

If you are staying in a luxury hotel you will find that on top of the regular variety you can expect some fish, cereals, and many kinds of different dairy products as they are very popular in Israel. All in all – there is something for everybody in any Israeli breakfast.

Technorati Tags: kitchen

You’ve heard about the meticulously cared for slopes of Camelback Mountain; the lighting, the snowmaking, and the snowboarding pipes all sound like they add up to a great overall experience. Thirty-three trails, 156 skiable acres, and an 800 foot vertical drop will make for the perfect size and level of difficulty for your family and their range in ages, so you feel pretty confident in your choice to visit the Tannersville area.

Unfortunately, you have yet to make reservations for a place to stay. You know you should do it soon, but you always feel so anxious when it comes to locating a place with the perfect location, all the right amenities, and the right price, of course. You fear disappointment, so usually end up putting this part of the planning off for a while.

This really doesn’t have to be difficult. You know what you want, so why settle for less? Location is obviously important, especially when you know you’ll spend much of your time going up and down the mountain. And, while you’d like to be close to everything, you’d also like to have some degree of privacy as well. You’ve had the awful experience of hearing strangers’ voices drift through the walls and of circling the parking lot as you look for a free space, and would prefer to avoid those pitfalls this time around.

If you really want to solve your problems, simply check into renting a vacation home in the Tannersville region. There are plenty to choose from, and each is a little different in its own charming way. From condos to cottages, you’ll find what you’re looking for among the smattering of rental homes available for your perusal.

Perhaps you love the feeling of being immersed in a bubbly hot tub while feeling the crisp air on your cheeks. You’ll be happy to come across a particular property equipped with an outdoor spa and in view of the lovely lake. This same property also has a roomy family room, a wine cellar, and plenty of games, books, and DVDs. The spacious kitchen will entice the chef of the house to prepare a few laid-back meals, and the card table will entertain the poker-players long into the night.

Don’t worry about overstuffing your suitcases, as there is plenty of closet space for everyone’s winter clothes. Or, if you tend towards packing too lightly, you’ll be happy to know that there is a washer and dryer on the premises that will keep the few clothes you brought with you nice and clean.

Your previous apprehensions about falling prey to ordinary lodgings will fade away with the last glowing embers in the fireplace, and you’ll wonder how you ever had the energy to worry about silly things in the past. Furthermore, your exceptional accommodations will keep your engine consistently revved throughout your vacation, as you’ll enjoy the best sleep you’ve had in years.

Wake up early and head out for some cross-country skiing, or savor the sunrise over a cup of coffee before exploring the nearby shopping options. Whatever you choose to do, it will be cast in a different light knowing that you’re coming and going from such a well-suited home base for both you and your family.

If this sounds like a good way to resolve your usual traveling woes, then start researching all the Camelback Vacation Rentals that are available. You’ll find a wide array of options online, so start clicking your way to the vacation you and your family have been looking forward to.

Technorati Tags: art, books, house, kitchen, travel, vacation

New Jersey beach vacation rental will make you feel like paradise. It is regarded as the most comfortable place to live in, while spending vacation. New Jersey beach vacation rental provide comfort and amenities present in a home. Washer, refrigerator, laundries, dryer are some of the services being provided in New Jersey beach vacation rental. Along with all these services, beach vacation rental also embrace of fully furnished kitchen, in which the vacationer can cook any kind of cuisine for his family and friends. It is a perfect combination of relieve and comfort.

New Jersey beach vacation rental let the vacationer taste the real flavor of New Jersey. In other words, it gives a chance to know the people and their diverse culture. New Jersey beach vacation rental can be in the form of condo, villa, apartment, cottage, resort on beach side etc. and the vacationer can choose any of the form as per his budget and needs.

New Jersey beach vacation rental can be used for spending vacations, wedding, family and friends gathering. They are spacious and multi –roomed. And, the vacationer can use New Jersey beach vacation rental as he wants. But, he must not try to misuse or mishandle various objects in rental. Because, if any loss or damaged incurred, then it is quite possible that he is asked to pay for the loss. So better is, that he must use New Jersey beach vacation rental as if one handles his own house.

Technorati Tags: art, holiday, house, kitchen, vacation

Cabin rentals are not just an added advantage to the place, North Dakota. North Dakota cabin rentals are the one of the best alternatives for taking accommodation while holidaying. They provide comfort and various amenities present in home such as TV, washer, dryer etc. Along that, North Dakota cabin rentals also embraces of fully furnished kitchen, in which the vacationer can took any type of cuisine.

In return of using all amenities being offered in North Dakota cabin rentals, the vacationer is needed to pay rent. Location, size and amenities offered in cabin rentals are some of the factors which are considered while deciding the amount of rent to be paid.

North Dakota cabin rentals are available in different sizes. It is true that needs and requirements of each and every vacationer vary from each other. Thus, the vacationer can choose the cabin rental as per his needs and requirements. Prior to deciding the cabin rental, he must consider his budget and the number of people, who will stay in the rental.

The vacationers also have an option to stay in other means such as inn, hotels, motels etc. But staying in North Dakota cabin rental is a recommended means. Following are the brief points which truly describe cabin rentals in North Dakota:

•North Dakota cabin rentals offer privacy.

•They are cheaper than other means of taking accommodation.

• Cabin rentals in North Dakota are the most comfortable means of accommodation as it provide comfort and amenities of home.

Most of the traveling agencies arrange cabin rentals in North Dakota. The vacationer can also gather information about place and available cabin rentals in North Dakota through online mode. And, they can easily book their desired cabin rental through internet just through a single click.

New Dakota is a place of adventure and if you want to reenergize yourself for each adventurous day in North Dakota, then don’t forget to stay in North Dakota cabin rentals.

Technorati Tags: art, holiday, kitchen, travel, vacation

Amelia Island is the kind of destination that is layered in terms of its ability to please everyone in your traveling party. There’s likely to be some overlap in the things everyone wants to do, as well, considering that the beach, playing tennis, hiking, and shopping are pretty crowd-friendly. Basically, don’t worry about anyone complaining of boredom during this trip to the Sunshine State.

Another reason you won’t be suffering through any downtime is that you’re entertaining the notion of renting a vacation home. You’ve heard rumors that many beach bungalows and resort condos are stocked with games, movies, books, and are conveniently located to all the most popular sights. A little investigation will prove this rumor to be true, so to ensure that not a moment of your precious vacation is wasted, follow your instincts and reserve a unique property that will please the whole family.

Considering that you and your traveling companions are looking forward to squeezing every drop of entertainment out of the beach as possible, you’re aiming to reserve a place that’s right on the water. About 100 feet from the shore, you’ll find a cozy spot with central air, a spacious kitchen, a screened in porch perfect for dining, and all the luscious views you can imagine. Being able to take a dip before breakfast without having to set foot in a car will prove to be a priceless novelty, so warn the kids now so they won’t faint with excitement later.

Being where you are also spells nearness to fishing, biking trails, bird watching opportunities, and tons of shops and restaurants. A collection of clay tennis courts is a short drive away, as is a world-class golf course, so you won’t have to worry about packing on the pounds this trip thanks to all outstanding and painless ways you’ll be burning off those seafood dinners and tropical drinks.

Historic, Victorian-styled downtown, with its blocks of charming streets and fascinating background as a seaport and fishing village will also catch your eye, and will also be pretty darn close to your beach house. Spending a day or an evening shopping and sightseeing won’t have to mean hours in the minivan, so take your time and throw the itinerary out the window. This vacation will be delightfully spontaneous due to your unassumingly convenient home away from home.

Things that have bogged you down on previous vacations, like noisy hotel neighbors, no space to unpack your clothes, and a little too much family togetherness, will be things of the past this time around. The vacation property that you end up choosing, if you go for what you really want, will be roomy and open, with closets and bed space to spare. Never feeling claustrophobic will do wonders for everyone’s mood, so venture forth towards all the sights of Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach without ever feeling dread about coming back.

So for those days when you’re biking through Fort Clinch State Park or canoeing through the marshy waters on the lookout for bald eagles, you won’t be worrying about your job, your car payment, or your inadequate hotel room. Savor the landscape with true appreciation, and congratulate yourself for investigating all the alternatives when it was time to pick out a place for you and your family to lay your heads at night.

Educating yourself is always a good idea, so go online to check out all the different Amelia Island Vacation Rental possibilities. You might just end up planning one of your best trips ever.

Technorati Tags: art, block, books, holiday, house, kitchen, movies, travel, trip, vacation

New Jersey vacation rental is just as second home at holidaying destination. Vacationer can use New Jersey vacation rental for various celebrations, vacations, family gathering and even honeymoons. New Jersey vacation rental is available in different shapes and sizes. Usually, they are in the form of villa, condo, cottage, homes, bungalows etc. Thus, the vacationer can choose from the different forms as per his needs and requirements. He must not forget to consider the number of people coming in vacation rental for spending vacation.

New Jersey vacation rental serve all the amenities present in a home. In other words, it provide television, dryer, washer etc. The best thing about taking accommodation at New Jersey vacation rental is that the vacationer will not be deprived of home made food as vacation rentals provide fully furnished kitchen.

However, vacationer have several options of lodging while holidaying such as hotels etc. But, still they prefer staying at New Jersey vacation rental as it provides cost effectiveness and comfort together.

Today, vacationer can book his New Jersey vacation rental with a single click that is through internet. Online mode makes the task of locating and comparing the various travelling agencies (arranging rentals at New Jersey). In present scenario, it is seen that most of the travelling agencies provide a wholesome package, in which vacationer makes single monthly payment to the agencies. And, after that he is not needed to pay for his expenses such as accommodation, tickets etc. However, it must be noted that this lump sum payment made doesn’t include personal expenses.

Lastly, it must be made sure that a vacationer must book his accommodation at New Jersey vacation rental in regard to his budget.

Technorati Tags: holiday, kitchen, month, travel, vacation