Expert Advice

Lessons Learned: 5 Post-Pandemic Affirmations for a Future Filled with Travel

One Owner shares why he'll never take vacations for granted

Eric Z
Hilton Grand Vacations Owner with son and wife posing with Buddha at Ocean Tower by Hilton Grand Vacations on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Aerial view of Hilton Grand Vacations at McAlpin—Ocean Plaza and the South Beach in Miami, Florida.    

It was February, and I was sitting on the beach just outside of Hilton Grand Vacations at McAlpin-Ocean Plaza, enjoying the sun with friends and talking about life as we escaped the Michigan weather for a week when it came up in the conversation. 

"Hey, did you hear about that Corona thing?" 

Little did we know that a few weeks later, we would be in lockdown back home in Michigan, and it would be more than a year until life seemed like it was returning back to something resembling "normal."          

This year, after a decade of annual February trips, we've postponed that Miami trip until May. Even though I'm struggling to plan the rest of the year's trips for various reasons, such as low inventory for airlines and rental cars, I'm still making plans — the light at the end of the tunnel, and the future is bright.  

Traveling might be different for a while, but I'll never take it for granted again, and I'm changing the way I look at it. 

Here are my five pandemic travel affirmations for a future filled with travel. 

  1. I plan far in advance and remain flexible when things change.
  2. I take as many pictures and videos as possible so I can look back and reminisce. 
  3. I never take for granted the time with family and friends that I get on vacation. As we get older and priorities change, that time together is precious. 
  4. I take the time to say thank you to those in the travel industry that make our vacations memorable and safe. 
  5. I don't sweat the little things and focus on the fact that we can travel. 
Hilton Grand Vacations Owner and wife posing with friends outside of Hilton Grand Vacations at McAlpin - Ocean Plaza.   

The most challenging part of planning vacations used to be picking a date and location. While I miss those days, I look forward to traveling again with a greater appreciation of what travel brings to our life. 

Benefits of Timeshare Through Hilton Grand Vacations

For me, vacation ownership with Hilton Grand Vacations affords time with family and friends, and time to reenergize as we set aside the world's problems. While we're on vacation, I love that our sole focus is on building lifelong memories while exploring new places and finding hidden treasures along the way.

It's something for which I have a new appreciation and will truly savor each time.

Read Affordable Family Vacations Start With Timeshare to explore how Owners maximize Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare. 

 

Hilton Grand Vacations Explorer, Eric Z.

Eric Z

Seasoned Owner and returning Explorer, Eric made his home resort The Grand Islander by Hilton Grand Vacations in 2006 and never looked back on life before vacation ownership — quickly climbing the ownership tiers, reaching Elite Premier status. As an Elite Premier Owner, he and his family including, his wife, teenage son and parents, regularly enjoy elevated access to some of the best amenities and services offered to Members, such as extended vacations. 

Over the years, his travel has afforded him unforgettable father and son trips, priceless multigenerational family vacations and even his once-in-a-lifetime destination wedding at Kings' Land by Hilton Grand Vacations in Hilton Waikoloa Village. He's your go-to guide for practical vacation ownership tips and says, "I love Hilton Grand Vacations and the opportunity to share what I've learned over the years."

Popular Articles