Tips for Marriott Vacation Club Owners

This section is perfect for current Marriott Owners to check for some of my favorite tips and tricks. Let's face it, we pay a lot for these resorts (between airfare, rental cars, food and entertainment), so let's make the most of our time! Some of these tips could be used by non-owners too. I do use almost all of these during every trip. Please remember that each resort is different so something in one place might not apply to the others.

Marriott Tip 1:

Invest in a bracelet key card

Never forget your room key again! They are normally one for $15 for two for $20 making it an inexpensive way to never think about your keys again. This gives you access to all the same things the regulars keycard would and will not demagnetized from your phone.

Marriott Tip 2:

Always have the owner discount card

Even if it is one or two dollars here or there, the discount card will add up over time. It can be used at some local restaurants, so check with the front desk to see all the deals you can get while on vacation.

Marriott Tip 3:

Check for drink discounts/happy hour

Some resorts offer an unlimited happy hour if you purchase a cup for $30. This will give you a couple $$ off any drink you get for the trip. Some are specific to just wine or beer, but a discount is a discount. Some resorts do pitchers or buckets to give you more bang for your buck or drinks of the day. Ask your bartender what deals they do and they will help get you the best one.

Marriott Tip 4:

Take advantage of the activities

Each resort has fun activities that could be free or a very small fee. They have activities for people of all ages and are always so much fin to participate in. I have made salsa, guac, aloe and candles. They do workout activities too like aqua fit, hiking and yoga. Those are normally free, just double check you do not need to sign up before hand.

Marriott Tip 5:

Booking within 60 days will give you a discount

As Owners, booking with 60 days will give you a discount on the original points needed to book a trip. I was able to take so many more trips by booking this way. The trips end up being half the price and you can normally get into any resort you want as long as it's not an extremely popular place. Those resorts will be hard to get since they will be already booked for months.

Four Things Always In My Travel Bag

These are fourth things that you do not want to be caught without on any trip to any place!

Passport/ID

Forgetting these items can spell disaster for your trip! I always make sure to have both so I never have to take my passport outside of the hotel room and can still get a drink. TSA is also changing the rules about state licenses for domestic travel in 2025, so a passport or real ID will be needed

Phone Charger & Power Bank

When I forget this, the amount of money I end up spending to replace it is crazy! Airports always raise technology prices and so do tourist areas. So, to avoid this it is the first thing I add in my bag. I even always pack a backup so if that one breaks I am ready. The power bank is good for if your on the go, since you won't have to worry about finding an outlet.

Sunblock

This is the most used item that I carry! I will forever preach about how bad it is to be exposed to the sun without it. I have a mini size one to keep in my carry-on and full size bottles I have in my checked bag. Its the best makeup you could apply. When solo I use spray more then lotion since I can reach everywhere easier.

Good Book

On any trip, even if its for work, with friends, with family or solo, a good book will always be a good decisions. Taking sometime to slow down during the day to read even just ten pages is one of my favorite rituals when traveling. Sometimes those books are educational and other times they take me to other worlds. Depends on the day.

Inspiration, Planning & Tricks

TRAVEL TIPS

MONEY & TRAVEL

Let's face it, travel can be extremely expansive and that could be a big reason for pushing it off. Check out this page for ways on how I save money when traveling. I also feature some tricks I use to have the most enjoyment for the least amount of money.

Check out my blogs for in-depth experiences

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

It is important when planning your trip to look for things during the "off season" or right before/after major holidays. This will be the best time for you go since everyone is coming later on or just leaving.

It also helpful to plan your trip during the week and avoid weekend. This might be hard for some people who work, but it will help you to save some money.

Bring some snacks with you! I always bring granola bars, popcorn, nuts and chips so I do not have to buy snacks at the airport. It could also save you from buying a couple of breakfast's or lunches.

Take your own refillable water bottle with you! I cannot tell you how many trips I've use this trick on, and the amount of money I have saved that can be used for those unplanned moments.

GET INSPIRED

The most important part of travel is to make sure it is what you want the trip to be. It does not matter if you spend $5 or $500, if is not something you want, it will be a waste of money. Your enjoyment is worth the price.

Do not be scared to do it alone! Some of my best memories during travel has been the things I decided to do by myself.

My first solo travel experience was on the Oasis of the Seas, a 8 day cruise with tons of different things to try! This was the more expensive route to take but it ended up being the best thing I ever spent money on! Head to my blog to find out more!