Hilton Grand Vacations is sponsoring this look at vacation club bucket list travel.
I’m a big believer in bucket lists. They inspire my wanderlust while building excitement for the next trip.
But let’s face it, there’s a big difference between dreaming about a trip and actually making it happen. Some travel dreams are simply that—wishes for a trip out of my budget or capability.
Being the practical boomer that I am, attainable bucket list ideas are what I dream about. What does that mean? I look for doable travel experiences that include extra special accommodations.
Until I started researching vacation ownership, I had no idea that a bucket list trip was a travel option with a timeshare. But when I discovered that Hilton Grand Vacations offers travel opportunities worldwide, I immediately saw the possibilities.
I like the assortment of timeshare vacation choices: Owners use points to visit their “home” resort often or explore new destinations on each vacation. Those points can then be allocated to stay at a Hilton Grand Vacations resort or used for 3rd party travel experiences, including one of my favorites, Tauck tours.
Hilton Grand Vacations resorts offer spacious multi-bedroom suites and Studios in places where I’d like to explore. Comfortable accommodations combined with bucket list experiences? I’ll take that!
My Hilton Grand Vacations Bucket List
I thought it would be fun to create a bucket list based upon the vacation choices at Hilton Grand Vacations. I’ve chosen five properties from the many options available through vacation ownership. What do you think of these vacation ideas for seniors?
Japan: The Bay Forest Odawara by Hilton Club
A repeat trip to Japan is high on my to-do list. So far, my experience has been limited to visiting Japanese ports while cruising. Since I’ve explored Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Osaka and Tokyo, it’s time for a different experience.
I dream about flying into Tokyo, then taking the bullet train to stay at The Bay Forest Odawara in the Kangawa Prefecture. Situated in the Hakone Foothills, the vacation resort comes with views of Sagami Bay and convenient access to Mount Fuji.
Travel experiences that provide a vacation stay where I thoroughly explore the surrounding area are my kind of trips. While staying at The Bay Forest Odawara, I can visit Odawara castle, Hakone Shrine, and explore Mount Fuji and Hakone National Park. Soaking in a hot spring, a quintessentially Japanese experience will be easy to check off my list. There’s one on the property!
Scotland: Hilton Grand Vacations at Craigendarroch Suites
How can it be that I’ve never visited Scotland? It’s sad but true. However, a stay at Hilton Grand Vacations at Craigendarroch Suites, will correct that mistake.
In the Victorian era, this country home played host to lords and ladies partaking in the outdoor activities available on the estate. Now it’s my turn.
Located in Ballater, Scotland—and within the boundary of Cairngorms National Park—there’s plenty to keep a boomer traveler busy. Hike the trails in the park, fish for salmon on the River Dee or explore nearby castles.
When visiting in the summer, I’ll wave at the Queen as my car passes by Balmoral Castle, her summer residence. On a winter trip, I’ll visit the reindeer at Cairngorms National Park.
Returning for the night to a spacious suite makes an active day even better. What a luxury travel combination.
Barbados: Hilton Grand Vacations at The Crane, Saint Philip
What’s an island in the Caribbean doing on my vacation ownership bucket list? Since I’ve never traveled in the Caribbean, not even while cruising, it’s time I experienced the tropical lure of beautiful beaches bordered by the turquoise-hued waters on Barbados.
Hilton Grand Vacations at The Crane features Studios and suites amidst 40 tropical acres with sprawling beachfront, peaceful gardens and a cascading cliff-top pool complex. This vacation is about luxurious relaxation combined with warm weather adventures.
I’ll participate in my favorite activity, snorkeling with turtles and stingrays, take an ATV tour to the island’s picturesque spots and explore Harrison’s Cave. Of course, I’ll want to sample rum at a small-batch distillery like St. Nicholas Abbey or stroll through the lush vegetation at Andromeda Botanic Gardens or Hunte’s Garden.
Italy: Hilton Grand Vacations at Borgo alle Vigne
Tuscany is a perennially popular bucket list destination for boomer travelers. Although I’ve visited this region in Italy several times, I’ve yet to explore Florence or charming hilltop towns like Montepulciano or San Gimignano.
A stay at Borgo alle Vigne, in Selvatelle, provides the opportunity to explore Tuscany slowly, stopping at the many wineries or venturing into Florence to see Michelangelo’s David. It would be sort of like a road trip that returns to the same resort each night.
After spending several days exploring, I can imagine myself lounging on the terrace with a latte that I prepared in the kitchen of my elegant one-bedroom suite. Or perhaps I’ll whip up dinner from a visit to the farmer’s market accompanied by delicious Italian wine.
Utah: Sunrise Lodge, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club
Utah is one of my favorite states for active travel experiences. Although I’ve explored Utah’s national parks, I’ve yet to visit Park City. Considering how much the mountains call my name; I’m surprised that I haven’t explored the Wasatch Range.
While many folks head to Park City in the winter for skiing, I’m thinking a September trip to admire the fall colors would fill the need to stretch my legs before a Rocky Mountain winter becomes a reality.
Sunrise Lodge, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club at the base of the Sunrise Lift at Canyons Resort, puts guests in the heart of Park City action. Accommodations range from a Studio (convenient for one or two people) to 4-bedroom suites perfect for a fall getaway with a couple of friends.
With over 400 miles of public trails, I’ll have a hard time deciding which one to hike first. The Jenni Trail sounds like a good choice. The 5.1-mile one-way trail winds through aspen groves with a killer Park City view at the end. And who says I have to hike the entire trail?
Combining a bucket list trip with vacation ownership makes perfect sense to me. If you’re wondering about Hilton Grand Vacations, I’ll be back soon with more information on the flexibility of their point-based ownership system.
Disclosure: HGV has paid to publish this article at My Itchy Travel Feet.
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