The power of positive thinking?

[GregT]

All,

Long time TUGgers will remember an ill-fated thread that I started where I was cheerful with my Marriott ownership (my original post is Quoted below). There was alot of negativity at that time and I started a thread because I was happy with my ownership. Most TUGgers were supportive of the vibe, but a couple were not. Alas, it got way too negative after 7 pages and I requested the thread be closed by the moderators.

Well, fast forward to tonight at dinner, and my kids (ages 16 & 13 -- Age 18 is out looking at colleges right now) were asking me about my view on the importance of attitude and perspective, and for some reason, that old old old thread came to mind. Now, one of my favorite expressions comes from an investor that I admire -- Lionel Pincus used to say that "he never met a rich pessimist". I believe that -- and I believe in the power of positive thinking.

Well, for those of you who remember the ill-fated thread, thank you for your positive attitude and support. @SueDonJ, @MOXJO7282, @jme, @ilene13, @mjm1 , @dioxide45 , @BocaBoy, I'm happy to see that you are all still active and posting!

Good for us! Timeshares rock -- and today, I am still happy to own my Marriotts!

And the point of this odd thread? I still believe the Quote below, 7 years later......

Best,

Greg

All,

I get a little depressed every time I see the title of the other thread. So I'm starting one with some positive karma, or whatever you call it.

Some of the reasons why I love my Marriott timeshare:

1. Maui Ocean Club No Ka Oi

2. Marriott's name (and Hilton and Starwood) provide credibility to my timeshare hobby

3. My unit (6206/6205) absolutely rocks -- fantastic view, great living space. Now I need to buy the adjacent fixed weeks

4. I know I will go to Maui in June every year for the rest of my life (God willing)

5. I build a Maui tradition with my family -- I think my kids will want to go to Maui even later in life

6. I have space for my friends and family to come and stay with me

7. DClub allows me to add additional rooms if I can't wedge them all into 6206/6205

8. My MFs -- relative to what my friends pay at the Kaanapali Alii ($750/night for a 2BR)-- are reasonable

9. My lock-off can get me good space too if I don't bring a friend one year (but I can't request a 1BR in II for my rocking Studio. Grrrrr.......)

10. My other timeshares give me flexibility to take my lovely wife somewhere pretty and warm a couple times a year

11. I can rent excess points to cover some of my MFs

12. I bought a cookie sheet to carry food/wine down to the grill area -- and now every night I am organized when I cook

13. My kids can play on the play area by the grill while I cook

14. My kids are familar enough with MOC that they can wander (within reason) without my constant monitoring

15. DD 9 gets cold in the pool and I can always find her in or near the hot tub (10 minute rule, though...).

16. The shaved ice by the bridge is a bargain

17. The U.S Open is always on while I am there

18. The Keiki Club is fantastic for the children -- as are the other activities like shore fishing and treasure hunt

19. The pirate ship is still cool for 9 year olds with a younger brother

20. The kitchen is nicer than my kitchen at home (well it was, until I got the new appliances)

21. You can take the bar stool outside on the deck and it positions you to look over the rail. You can sit there for hours in the early morning while checking email and surfing on TUG.

22. The sunset view from the balcony is stunning.

23. 4 adults can have dinner on the balcony, where the sunset view is stunning

24. I know I'll be going to MOC in 5 months

25. I know the exact day and time that FF awards load, so I can go again to MOC in 17 months

26. I would never ever ever have done this, if I had to deal with the volatility of condo rentals and airfare costs.

Timeshares -- and Marriott timeshares -- are perfect for me and my family. The memories and the experience are truly priceless.

Best,

Greg

 

[Nonnie Capurro]

All,

Long time TUGgers will remember an ill-fated thread that I started where I was cheerful with my Marriott ownership (my original post is Quoted below). There was alot of negativity at that time and I started a thread because I was happy with my ownership. Most TUGgers were supportive of the vibe, but a couple were not. Alas, it got way too negative after 7 pages and I requested the thread be closed by the moderators.

Well, fast forward to tonight at dinner, and my kids (ages 16 & 13 -- Age 18 is out looking at colleges right now) were asking me about my view on the importance of attitude and perspective, and for some reason, that old old old thread came to mind. Now, one of my favorite expressions comes from an investor that I admire -- Lionel Pincus used to say that "he never met a rich pessimist". I believe that -- and I believe in the power of positive thinking.

Well, for those of you who remember the ill-fated thread, thank you for your positive attitude and support. @SueDonJ, @MOXJO7282, @jme, @ilene13, @mjm1 , @dioxide45 , @BocaBoy, I'm happy to see that you are all still active and posting!

Good for us! Timeshares rock -- and today, I am still happy to own my Marriotts!

And the point of this odd thread? I still believe the Quote below, 7 years later......

Best,

Greg

Mahalo Greg!!!!
The Marriott program works for my husband and I. We purchased in 2000 and now use points too. It works for us as retirees but know it's not for everyone. We love Marriott!

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[TravelTime]

I am happy with all my timeshares too right now. I have Marriott, Disney, Vistana and Four Seasons. I have been able to book everything I want when I want to go in the unit sizes and view categories I want. Even with the Four Seasons, I lucked out in my first year of ownership and was selected through the lottery to exchange a 2 BR Aviara week for a 3 BR in Costa Rica (with a little extra cash added in but not much for what I get). That was my dream when I bought Four Seasons so I was overjoyed that I got it in year 1. With Marriott, I have been able to use points to book for all kinds of great places like Ritz Carlton St Thomas, Marbella Spain and Maui oceanfront. I love my lockoff with Vistana because I can book 1 week in a 1 BR OF in Maui and use the rest of the points to exchange into a second week using SOs. Finally, my Disney brings out the kid in me.

 

[Panina]

All,

Long time TUGgers will remember an ill-fated thread that I started where I was cheerful with my Marriott ownership (my original post is Quoted below). There was alot of negativity at that time and I started a thread because I was happy with my ownership. Most TUGgers were supportive of the vibe, but a couple were not. Alas, it got way too negative after 7 pages and I requested the thread be closed by the moderators.

Well, fast forward to tonight at dinner, and my kids (ages 16 & 13 -- Age 18 is out looking at colleges right now) were asking me about my view on the importance of attitude and perspective, and for some reason, that old old old thread came to mind. Now, one of my favorite expressions comes from an investor that I admire -- Lionel Pincus used to say that "he never met a rich pessimist". I believe that -- and I believe in the power of positive thinking.

Well, for those of you who remember the ill-fated thread, thank you for your positive attitude and support. @SueDonJ, @MOXJO7282, @jme, @ilene13, @mjm1 , @dioxide45 , @BocaBoy, I'm happy to see that you are all still active and posting!

Good for us! Timeshares rock -- and today, I am still happy to own my Marriotts!

And the point of this odd thread? I still believe the Quote below, 7 years later......

Best,

Greg

Wasn’t active then but if I was I would have supported you all the way. Yes Timesharing rocks!

 

[scpoidog]

Greg,

After much research on this board, I bought in 2010 and again in 2017. So far so good! I’ve learned a lot from your threads and think the positive attitudes here far outweigh the negativity.

 

[jmhpsu93]

A lot of people get into timeshares through emotional purchases (at retail) during some once-in-a-lifetime trip and they dream of traveling there every year, but then life gets in the way and they are stuck with a financial albatross that they can't use effectively. They complain to their friends and if they're lucky sell it for pennies on the dollar (if they can get money for it at all). The constant barrage of commericals in the couple years on satellite radio and TV reinforce that picture.

Most people think that timeshares are a big financial commitment (they are), but fail to realize the time and knowledge commitment that goes along with owning and using it most effectively. If you're willing to put the time in, commit to vacationing somewhere every year (without ridiculous expectations), and learn from people like those here on TUG, you'll get the most out of your financial commitment and get priceless memories for yourself, family, and friends.

 

[jme]

All,

Long time TUGgers will remember an ill-fated thread that I started where I was cheerful with my Marriott ownership (my original post is Quoted below). There was a lot of negativity at that time and I started a thread because I was happy with my ownership. Most TUGgers were supportive of the vibe, but a couple were not. Alas, it got way too negative after 7 pages and I requested the thread be closed by the moderators.
Well, fast forward to tonight at dinner, and my kids (ages 16 & 13 -- Age 18 is out looking at colleges right now) were asking me about my view on the importance of attitude and perspective, and for some reason, that old old old thread came to mind. Now, one of my favorite expressions comes from an investor that I admire -- Lionel Pincus used to say that "he never met a rich pessimist". I believe that -- and I believe in the power of positive thinking.
Well, for those of you who remember the ill-fated thread, thank you for your positive attitude and support. @SueDonJ, @MOXJO7282, @jme, @ilene13, @mjm1 , @dioxide45 , @BocaBoy, I'm happy to see that you are all still active and posting!
Good for us! Timeshares rock -- and today, I am still happy to own my Marriotts!
And the point of this odd thread? I still believe the Quote below, 7 years later......
Best,Greg

As I have said many times over the course of my Marriott ownership of 21 years, and also throughout my
TUG membership and activity of 20 years, if it were not for Marriott and our timeshares,
plus all the related Rewards Points we accumulated and utilized, we as a family would NEVER have
traveled to every corner of this great country and to Europe three times. And most important of all in my book,
our kids would never have had the experiences, nor seen the sights, nor shared priceless time together
without Mr. J.W. Marriott. Thank you, Mr. Marriott.

I'm not sure we would have done anything but have a couple of weeks annually for a family
beach vacation in hotel rooms. Instead, though, we have enjoyed an average of 15 trips annually,
plus random long weekends, either together or as a couple. When looking at our 2017, 2018, and 2019 schedules,
it boggles my mind at how many trips we actually take. I never really added them up.
For 2019 alone I have 25 trips planned, and 2018 was the same.
And I must admit it's a full time job booking, planning, and managing all that, but it's done with a smile on my face
and a warmth in my heart.....and I mean that most sincerely.

Our children, although now grown and professionals themselves, remind us often how lucky they feel
when reminiscing about all the places they've been, and the things they've seen, and they relate every story
with gratefulness and a personal commitment to continue doing the same themselves and with their children.
They thank us often.
We will be grandparents for the first time around March 1, coming up fast, so now we enter a whole new phase
of our lives, and we are excited that we know where to go, what to do, and how to maximize
every precious year together in travel.

We have the ability to give weeks (and other perks) to our children along the way, and believe me, they do appreciate
gifts of time we donate to them happily-----already we've given trips to Hawaii, Aruba, Europe, California, Orlando,
the Caribbean, and more, and of course our default paradise of Hilton Head.

What else can I say? It's all been worth it, and you'll not hear any negativity here..... It's all been positive.
And what are we stuck with?
Positive cash flow rentals even if we do nothing but book them and rent them out.

It's been a fantastic 20+ years, and WOW, I can't even imagine life without the resources we've enjoyed,
not to mention meeting numerous other families that we've grown to both know and love, and still spend time with,
so what price can anyone put on all that?

Greg, quoting an old familiar metaphor, you've been one of the "points of light" in this timeshare journey,
and thank goodness for each and every other TUG member who has contributed in a similar way.
Your list of TUG members above is a good one, and I'm happy to say I've had conversations with all of them
(not to mention several dinners), and there are others not mentioned, but those do stand out.

Thanks for the not-often-enough reminder that many of us have been beneficiaries of a much-enriched family life
due to something as simple as family travel. I for one feel very blessed.

So here's my last and definitive word on the name Marriott............"Don't Leave Home Without It!"

 

[hangloose]

GregT -

Great post. Positivity is important and goes much further than negativity. Both can be contagious, whether in your personal or work life.....but only one leads a high road.

I recall meeting you briefly at Maui Ocean Club probably ~ten yrs ago. My wife thought I was crazy meeting up with a 'timeshare friend'. We've met several since. At that time, we owned two Marriott timeshares at Grande Vista. Our belief in Marriott timeshare remains strong, as we now own five Marriott weeks in total, including two in Hawaii (our favorite location). The memories we are making with our kids, extended family and friends...are priceless. I am certainly thankful for all on TUG who participate and enable great vacations!

Positivity at a young age is just important as in adults. In school, my kids learned about the "positivity project". Google it. They also give their friends "kindness coins" when someone does something nice. While small, it's a great lesson/behavior that will hopefully stick with them as they grow up.

Lastly. One real life "positivity" example via MVCI. Earlier this month, we stayed at Lakeshore Reserve. Our first actual stay at Lakeshore, since touring while it was pre-construction. After returning home, we realized my son lost or misplaced his favorite stuffed animal. You know...the one that he's had since birth and that goes with us everywhere! We looked all over and could not find it anywhere. My wife called the resort and they indicated they didn't find it. I called a day later and spoke with Safety & Security team. They took my name, number, and item description. They called me a day later to indicate it had not been found, but would do a full thorough search of the villa once the current occupant left. Family was disappointed, but stayed positive. About 3 days later, I received a call and the Lakeshore Safety & Security team had found our stuffed animal after searching high and low. Needless to say...we will be sending a positive thank you card (from my son) to Lakeshore thanking them for their efforts. It really meant a lot!

I am thankful for TUG, you, and all others who participate and enjoy timeshares.

 

[MOXJO7282]

To say I'm still happy with my Marriott ownership would be a huge understatement, that is how strongly I feel about the program 18 years since our first purchase. It is by far the single best financial and family relationship building decision I ever made and it remains that to this day with 2020 looking like it will be our best year yet. There is just no way we take 7 trips to Maui and so many other great trips without our investment in the Marriott program. No way no how.


Aside from the amazing family trips we've taken the money we made renting the other units literally put my daughter through college and advanced degree and now is doing the same for my son. Most people will hear we own 25 Marriott units, 12 being Maui 2BDRMs and think I was wealthy to accumulate all those but the facts couldn't be further from the truth and if it were not for the quality and high demand of the Marriott program my crazy plan would have failed. I realized early on the beauty and allure of the MOC and the other great Marriott resorts would be a big selling points and I was right and built a nice portfolio piece by piece. It remains a huge allure to this day, at least to many many people.

Now as we look towards our golden years, although units have become more difficult to secure for use and rent, I can't wait until we can use our portfolio more than we rent and I'm confident it will continue to bring our family and friends joy and happiness for many years to come.

 

[Swice]

I just "liked" you all.

Yes, so often we post analyzing the system or noting experiences and they can tend to give the casual reader a negative vibe... and for that I, and I'm sure many of you... I apologize. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, we have LOVED our timeshare vacations. Some of our vacations have been off the charts spectacular, others have been fantastic and a few have been good. One of our favorite times was actually when it snowed (yes snowed) at Myrtle Beach when were were there for the Martin Luther King long weekend-- we got in the heated outdoor pools (getting out was the problem!!!!!). None of our vacations have even remotely been bad.
Our quirkiest timeshare was when we traded into a property in Scotland and they charged a fee based on the electricity we used. We watched the electric meter spin and freaked out as we watched the numbers go up and up and up. Finally, they came to inspect and then informed us americans that "p" on the per kilowatt charge meant "pence" not "pound!"

 

[bazzap]

I just "liked" you all.

Yes, so often we post analyzing the system or noting experiences and they can tend to give the casual reader a negative vibe... and for that I, and I'm sure many of you... I apologize. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, we have LOVED our timeshare vacations. Some of our vacations have been off the charts spectacular, others have been fantastic and a few have been good. One of our favorite times was actually when it snowed (yes snowed) at Myrtle Beach when were were there for the Martin Luther King long weekend-- we got in the heated outdoor pools (getting out was the problem!!!!!). None of our vacations have even remotely been bad.
Our quirkiest timeshare was when we traded into a property in Scotland and they charged a fee based on the electricity we used. We watched the electric meter spin and freaked out as we watched the numbers go up and up and up. Finally, they came to inspect and then informed us americans that "p" on the per kilowatt charge meant "pence" not "pound!"

We have taken a couple of Interval Getaways in England, as there are no MVC resorts here, where they charged a fee based on the electricity we used.
We were nearly freaked out by this too and we are Brits.
Like you and others here though, our MVC timeshare vacations have enriched our lives considerably.
Our ownership has its pros and cons, but definitely more pros and positive thinking is always my preferred choice - it makes for a happier and more rewarding life.

 

[Luvtoride]

We will be grandparents for the first time around March 1, coming up fast, so now we enter a whole new phase
of our lives, and we are excited that we know where to go, what to do, and how to maximize
every precious year together in travel.

"

Marty, congratulations, that's awesome news!! Welcome to the BEST Club in the world! Vacationing with your grandchild will bring a whole new level of joy to your timesharing experience which is already so high...it will be off the charts! Just on that note, can you imagine vacationing with a newborn or young child in hotel room accommodations?!

We are expecting our 3rd grandchild (first Grandson) in about 2 weeks (she got an induce date from the Dr. this week if she doesn't go into labor sooner). We already have our first timeshare vacation with our newest addition planned for Aruba this July. In fact, I have to go back to the airline and add the details of our newest traveler to our itinerary (even though they don't need a seat, we still need name, DOB, passport number etc.). Talk about Positivity!! We are very excited!

 

[Pamplemousse]

Your outlook will help you with the college admissions process too!

 

[SueDonJ]

Where has the time gone that all our kids are getting so old?! Greg, yours are still little bitty things in my mind! And Luv, we're also waiting on our third grandchild who should be coming along any day now!

I will always think that timeshares were the best thing we ever did for ourselves and every penny spent on them has been worth its weight in gold. In my family Steve and I are happy to return to the same place over and over while Don, Eileen, her husband Evan, and Steve's wife Denise are the true adventurous spirits. Our ownership has pushed us out of our comfort zones a bit but also allowed all of us to do exactly what we want, and we're looking forward to our kids being able to give their little bitty things the vacations that were out of reach when our kids were the little bitty things.

Collectively whether we TUGgers fall at either extreme of focusing on stretching the pennies as far as they can possibly go or voluntarily handing our wallets over to Marriott for them to do with them what they may, or more likely somewhere in between, I can honestly say that one of the best things our Marriott timeshares have done for all of us is lead us to develop this online community. It might sound weird but I've even enjoyed becoming somewhat of an expert when it comes to all things Marriott (although not nearly as much as some of you whose specialties are Marriott Rewards/Bonvoy (ugh!) or resales.) It is truly a pleasure being a part of this group, and I have to credit DaveM for being such a welcoming influence all those years ago. Thanks, Greg, for giving me another reason to say it.

 

[jme]

Where has the time gone that all our kids are getting so old?! Greg, yours are still little bitty things in my mind! And Luv, we're also waiting on our third grandchild who should be coming along any day now!

I will always think that timeshares were the best thing we ever did for ourselves and every penny spent on them has been worth its weight in gold. In my family Steve and I are happy to return to the same place over and over while Don, Eileen, her husband Evan, and Steve's wife Denise are the true adventurous spirits. Our ownership has pushed us out of our comfort zones a bit but also allowed all of us to do exactly what we want, and we're looking forward to our kids being able to give their little bitty things the vacations that were out of reach when our kids were the little bitty things.

Collectively whether we TUGgers fall at either extreme of focusing on stretching the pennies as far as they can possibly go or voluntarily handing our wallets over to Marriott for them to do with them what they may, or more likely somewhere in between, I can honestly say that one of the best things our Marriott timeshares have done for all of us is lead us to develop this online community. It might sound weird but I've even enjoyed becoming somewhat of an expert when it comes to all things Marriott (although not nearly as much as some of you whose specialties are Marriott Rewards/Bonvoy (ugh!) or resales.) It is truly a pleasure being a part of this group, and I have to credit DaveM for being such a welcoming influence all those years ago. Thanks, Greg, for giving me another reason to say it.

Totally agree on everything.

And a huge, huge, huge ditto on giving credit to DaveM, one of the GREAT Hall of Famers here on TUG.
I call him TUG's "Professor and President Emeritus".

Had the great pleasure of meeting Dave, and he's such a wonderful person and quite wise too.
Always hoping he's doing well.
I think of him EVERY SINGLE TIME I get onto HH Island and pass by the RV park where
his favorite HH restaurant Sunset Grille is located.
(It's a hidden gem and worthy of a search and try.)
He did soooo much for TUG for such a lonnnng time, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude
even though many don't know of him. What a gentleman!

https://www.google.com/maps/uv?hl=en&pb=!1s0x88fc7798ab0cdea7:0x4305b5277dd89b72!2m22!2m2!1i80!2i80!3m1!2i20!16m16!1b1!2m2!1m1!1e1!2m2!1m1!1e3!2m2!1m1!1e5!2m2!1m1!1e4!2m2!1m1!1e6!3m1!7e115!4shttps://lh5.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipN4xiOcw9F49KOT7Q6R_Pm8mJ1cJlS3UsoanG5D=w568-h320-k-no!5ssunset+grille+hilton+head+-+Google+Search&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipN4xiOcw9F49KOT7Q6R_Pm8mJ1cJlS3UsoanG5D&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiVq-etu4ngAhXp5IMKHVx5COEQoiowCnoECAYQBg

 

[clifffaith]

We extended the "power of positive thinking" into "Triple P" -- the power of positive parking, many years ago. When we leave for a particular area of town with tough parking, we send out positive vibes as we leave our home and then again and again as we get closer. Amazing how often someone has held a spot for us and pulls out just as we approach! From back in the early days of our careers when we had Zig Ziglar and Brian Tracy tapes on in the car with us constantly, we know "stinkin' thinkin'" gets us nowhere fast.

 

[jimf41]

, and we're looking forward to our kids being able to give their little bitty things the vacations that were out of reach when our kids were the little bitty things.

That line says it best for us. I could not afford great vacations every year when my kids were young. Thanks to the Marriott TS system we've been able to share them with our kids and grandkids. Lord willin' and the dam don't break and we'll share them with our great grandkids in a few years.

Great thread, thanks for starting it Greg.

 

[davidvel]

Greg, thanks for the uplifting thread, we need much more of this to survive these times.

My first pitch from Marriott included the "forced vacations" sales line, but it is the most accurate thing a ts salesperson ever said. Our (resale) ownership continues to force us to "think ahead" about where we are going next, and when. Looking at my vacation spreadsheet I see how incredibly fortunate we are as a family to have enjoyed so many great trips during prime times, in beautiful 2BR condos at amazing Marriott (and other) resort locations, for about $125/night all in. The value just heightens the experience.

 

[BobG7734]

Greg, I totally agree with you and the positive responses of others. We have been MVC owners for 20 years and a member of TUG about 15 years. Over the years we have had many vacations with and without our extended family which we probably would never had! Sure the program forces you use it, but it has been well worth it! Most recently weeks at Ko Olina last August with 11 of us (6 adults and 5 grandchildren)...an experience of a lifetime and one the kids talk about and want to do again! Reading some of the negative and grousing posts on this site gets VERY old ...especially the ones complaining about the presentations which they go to in order to get freebies!!!

The value of the site is learning about techniques and experiences of others...the Puck trick is a classic one!

Keep up the informative posts! I am currently working on weeks in Maui for Feb 2020, again with extended family using points. The points system IMO was one of the better changes...I never had any use for II!

 

[mjm1]

Greg, thanks for bringing the thread and positive thinking back to the forefront. We are so thankful for our experiences staying in our units and meeting so many great people, either in person or virtually through TUG. We remain very positive about what we own and the many experiences yet to come.

Best regards.

Mike

 

[Steve Fatula]

Ah, so very good to read a bunch of posts about people enjoying! Sometimes, it's hard to see through the negativity, though, it in no way causes us to change our views, we love our ownership, and would buy it again, even some at developer prices as hard as that is for some to swallow. They do not have to, it's our ownership. Tug, to it's credit, has a balance of naysayers and supporters. I've been on several other TS forums where it's all (but me) negative, and they are useless since those who hate what they own are never thinking of better ways to use it. So, what's the point!

One of the best decisions I ever made was to buy, one of the second best was to get on Tug!

 

[kds4]

Celebrating our 10th year of Marriott ownership this month and the single greatest enhancement to our timeshare experience has been the existence of TUG. Without the shared knowledge available here, I know we would have paid much more, owned much less, and experienced fewer aspects of all the potential ways to utilize our ownership. The value added is not something that can be repaid, but will hopefully continue to be paid forward to others. Our thanks to all who have contributed to our education on TUG (many of whom are on this thread). I don't need to repeat what others have already said about family experiences and seeing the world in ways not thought possible by land, sea, and air (all thanks to our now MVCI as well as Marriott Rewards memberships). It ain't perfect, but it's a heck of a lot better than we could have done without it.

 

[samara64]

Do not remember the post but like it a lot.

I couldn't agree more. Used to be a big fan of Worldmark where I can drive to over 20 resorts within 4 hours from my home but now liking Marriott more and more. Worldmark was great when the kids were young and did not want to fly all the time.

I just hope MVCI stays the same and does not go the way of the rewords system. I was booking few hotel nights in Spain, Germany and Greece for our summer trip but most of the rooms that sleep 4 are blocked from points reservation but available for cash reservation. Rooms with one bed that sleep 2, are available for points but not in peek times. Point requirements has escalated as well.

 

[MOXJO7282]

That line says it best for us. I could not afford great vacations every year when my kids were young. Thanks to the Marriott TS system we've been able to share them with our kids and grandkids. Lord willin' and the dam don't break and we'll share them with our great grandkids in a few years.

Great thread, thanks for starting it Greg.

This to me is by far the greatest thing that the Marriott program did for my family and I hope it continues until great grandkids are in the picture. When a renter mentions to there is 3 generations involved in the vacation I take another $75 so they can have a pizza party one night on me because I just think that is priceless that multi-generations are enjoying a vacation together. If you go to my website you will see pictures from a trip in 2002 which was the first and last time my in-laws could take a Maui trip with us and it remains the very best trip we ever took because of their presence.

 

[TravelTime]

We extended the "power of positive thinking" into "Triple P" -- the power of positive parking, many years ago. When we leave for a particular area of town with tough parking, we send out positive vibes as we leave our home and then again and again as we get closer. Amazing how often someone has held a spot for us and pulls out just as we approach! From back in the early days of our careers when we had Zig Ziglar and Brian Tracy tapes on in the car with us constantly, we know "stinkin' thinkin'" gets us nowhere fast.

Cool, I found someone else who uses PPP to find parking. I always have a positive attitude when looking for parking and most of the time, I am able to find a decent parking spot wherever I go.