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INTERVAL INTERNATIONAL
IntervalWorld.com
DAVID C. GILBERT
PRESIDENT,
INTERVAL INTERNATIONAL
6
1976–2016
Not long ago, I boarded two planes, flew across 11 time zones, and landed for the very first
time in Thailand. While most of my days were spent in meetings and my evenings in pre-
arranged dinners with clients, I did carve out a limited opportunity to explore. Thailand is
absolutely beautiful — its lush countryside reminds me a bit of Jamaica’s — but with so little
downtime available, it was challenging to set priorities.
I really could have used this book.
The
Travel Planner
is something new from Interval International, and I couldn’t be more excited
to present this membership benefit to you and the other nearly 2 million families from around
the world who, year after year, explore new destinations, experience different cultures, and
expose their children or grandchildren to the sheer joy of travel — all through Interval. I’m proud
to be a part of that 40-year tradition, and I know you’re going to find this book informative, fun,
and, above all else, useful as you plan your next exchange or Getaway — it’s called the
Travel
Planner
for good reason.
Like the
Resort Directory
of past years, the
Travel Planner
is packed with the resorts that have
earned Interval its reputation as The Quality Vacation Exchange Network
®
. But it’s far more than
a redesigned Directory.
This is Interval’s guidebook. Within these pages, we highlight more than 100 areas around the
globe. You’ll find lists of activities that you simply must try and attractions that you just have to
visit. There are day-trip recommendations and advice for those traveling with kids, as well as
Community tips from other members and helpful seasonal information. And because Interval
offers much more than exchange and Getaway vacations, you’ll discover practical ways to
make the most of your membership if you upgrade to Interval Gold
®
or Interval Platinum
®
.
And we’ve brought all of this information together with our proprietary Travel Demand Index
(TDI), which illustrates just that — the demand for a particular area, week by week, throughout
the year. If you trade with points, the TDI plays a major role in determining how many points you
will need to make an exchange with Interval. Even if you trade with weeks or are considering
buying a Getaway or tour package, the TDI is a valuable tool that tells you when the best
opportunities for travel are likely to be available.
To learn how to use the
Travel Planner
, refer to the next three pages. And for more on the TDI,
turn to page 16. Then move on to the 100-plus area features and start planning your next
adventure through Interval. Once you’ve decided where you want to visit, I recommend that
you go to IntervalWorld.com, where you can search the online
Resort Directory
for even more
resorts and further details about those included in this book, watch resort and destination
videos on Interval HD, get advice from your fellow members on Community, and, of course,
make an exchange or buy a Getaway.
As for me, I’m bringing the
Travel Planner
on future business trips, as well as on vacations. In
fact, I’ve been tempted to head back to Thailand and relax for a day on Phuket’s Nai Harn
Beach — ever since I read about it on page 394.
Letter From the
President