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"It’s The Roses"

By David Skinner,
President, Holiday Group

Not long ago I read an investment report published by Bear Stearns called the Leisure Almanac. The purpose of the report was to enlighten Wall Street investors on the future of the leisure industry, including cruise lines, golf, lodging, gaming, resorts, timeshare, theme parks, bowling, fitness, snow, ice and motor sports. It read:

"Boosted by positive demographics and lifestyle trends, U.S. leisure industries offer promising opportunities for investors ahead." Furthermore, "America is creating a vast 'Experience Economy'," says Bear Stearns senior managing director Jason N. Ader. "Baby boomers, their "Gen-X" kids and the "echo boomers" not far behind are flush with cash - and feel entitled to frequent leisure activities that offer not just relaxation, but also escape, entertainment and sensory stimulation," he observes. "Boomers' priority on leisure in particular is driven by their feeling that they are overly stressed, time-constrained and deserving of relief - and rewards."

While the report was written in 1999, the facts and certainly the demographics hold true today. The most profound aspect of the report followed: "Baby Boomers are more prone than their parents to spend generously for high-end leisure activities. And by example, Boomers teach their kids that leisure is not an option, but rather an ingrained aspect of lifestyle - the counterweight to careers and working."

As a Baby Boomer (as I imagine many of you), I heartily agree with their conclusions. I however would state it more simply. It's the roses! Those proverbial roses along the way. Whoever you are, whatever your station in life, your success at work, at home or play, it's the roses!

While the report made specific investment recommendations, that's not our role here. We're not analysts, fund managers or brokers. We're pretty much just regular folks at Holiday, who believe in our product. And we also believe that vacations are a necessity that all of us deserve! Vacations balance the stress of modern life. They break the daily grind and rejuvenate our daily routine. Vacations are a priceless investment in our families and in ourselves. So, please, by all means, go ahead and smell the roses!

If you are considering timesharing for the first time, please use our pages to learn as much as you can. And then call one of our Vacationeers. They are Holiday's vacation gurus who will answer your questions and help find the right timeshare for your vacation needs.

And remember, as you browse our vacation listings, it's the roses along the way that bring us the most joy!