Membership with Hilton Grand Vacations opens the door to a whole new world of unique travel experiences. But don’t just take our word for it. Sharon and Mark booked a guided tour through New Orleans and along the Mississippi River. Here’s how they’re owning their vacation as Hilton Grand Vacations Members.

Q: What Is Your History With Hilton Grand Vacations?

   

Sharon and Mark: We’ve been members for about 14 years. My son and his wife, who were already Members, gifted us their HGV ClubPoints to travel to Waikoloa for our 10th wedding anniversary.

We were so impressed with the resort’s beauty, customer service and activities that we signed up right then and there. We knew that Hilton Grand Vacations would allow us to travel the world and learn about many different places and cultures.

   

Q: Where Is Your Home Resort?

Sharon and Mark: We bought into the original Las Vegas property. We love our Home Resort because of its location on the Las Vegas Strip and the choices in terms of booking. We’re able to get a 1- or 2-Bedroom Suite, and the kitchen is fantastic. Now when we travel with our family and friends we can casually cook and eat together in the dining space.

We can’t say enough about the Team Members, either. They’re so attentive and friendly every time we visit.

Q: Tell Us The Story Of Your Recent Guided Journey.

Sharon and Mark: We decided to book the New Orleans and Mississippi River Country Tour, and we could go on for days about how much we loved each and every part of the trip.

   

The tour was top-notch from beginning to end. From the time we left the airport in New Orleans, we didn’t have to lift a finger. The accommodations were amazing, including the Ritz-Carlton and the famous Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter.         

We ate at some of the best restaurants in New Orleans. We even got to attend cooking school and learn how to make Creole gumbo and jambalaya.         

If we were to travel here on our own, there is no way we would have had the same experience. Our guides were so knowledgeable, and we really got to learn the area’s history and culture.         

The bus drivers were amazing, too. If any of the guests didn’t want to walk, or needed a break, the drivers would take them back to the hotel and then return when they were ready for more.

Some highlights of our trip include:

• Taking a float plane over New Orleans and the Bayou. We had no idea how large Lake Pontchartrain really is.
• Enjoying a private jazz performance at Preservation Hall.
• Learning the history and secrets of the Mardi Gras parade on Bourbon Street.
• Exploring the Houmas House Estate in Baton Rouge.
• Riding a steam paddleboat along the Mississippi River.
• Touring the World War II Museum in New Orleans.

Our itinerary was well-organized, but we loved that we also had time to explore on our own.

The eight days flew by much too quickly. By the end of the trip, we learned that we were two of the only travelers on their first guided tour. Most guests had done an average of 12 excursions. One woman was on her 63rd guided trip!

Q: Has This Trip Inspired You To Take More Guided Journeys?

Sharon and Mark: Yes, we’re already talking about taking a tour through England, Ireland and Wales. This would be a heritage tour for us. We’re also interested in the winter Yellowstone tour, complete with snow carriages and more.

Q: How Did You Use Points To Book Your Guided Journey And Was It Worth It?

Sharon and Mark: It was definitely worth it to use our points for this kind of travel experience. First, we researched guided journeys to find the trip we wanted. Friends of ours took the New Orleans tour and raved about it, so we were convinced.

"I called a Club Counselor, and they helped us booked it. It was that simple."

Q: Would You Recommend Fellow Members Use Their Points To Take This Kind Of Trip?

Sharon and Mark: Absolutely. A guided journey with a trusted company makes it easy to explore your destination; you aren’t on your own to plan the trip. We got a complete feel for the culture and lifestyle of New Orleans and the Bayou.

If you’re the type of traveler who likes to explore and learn, a guided tour is a great option for you.

Q: Where Are You Off To Next With Hilton Grand Vacations?

   

Sharon and Mark: Although we talked a lot about going to Breckenridge during the summer, there are many properties we want to see. We just need to find the time. Next year, we’ll look into taking shorter trips to travel somewhere we’ve never been.

We aren’t sit-around-the-pool people. We love to get out and really get to know a destination. But of course, some days we do just want to relax around the resort, and we love how relaxed we feel with Hilton Grand Vacations.

Vacation Beyond Your Imagination

Timeshare can transform the way you travel — and Hilton Grand Vacations’ points-based reservation system empowers you to explore the world like never before. Whether you want to book a 5-night cruise to the Caribbean or enjoy a week-long stay in a 3-Bedroom Suite in Las Vegas, the choice is yours.

For more inspiration, check out “How I Enjoyed A Girls Getaway In New Orleans, From Brunch To Bourbon Street.”