True Story: I Got Stuck On Vacation Due to COVID-19 (And It Wasn‘t Terrible)

One Owner finds the silver lining in his sideways vacation

Eric Z.

11/27/2020

Summary: Read how one Owner made the most of his sideways summer vacation thanks to the flexibility of his Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare.

I enjoy planning a vacation as much as being on vacation itself but planning during a pandemic has been a challenge. As timeshare Owners with Hilton Grand Vacations, it was supposed to be our Hawaii year, which we switched to Myrtle Beach — two pandemic hot spot locations with unique challenges.

Like many travelers, we had to ask ourselves whether we stick to our travel plans or enjoy a staycation. We prefer taking extended vacations, and while deciding what to do, I kept whittling down the Myrtle Beach stay a few days at a time in case we had to cancel last minute.

By then, our previously extended vacation had been reduced to six days. We had no flights booked, and school started the week after we were supposed to return home.

At the last minute, we decided to go to Myrtle Beach — COVID-19 cases were lower than at home. My wife, who was already back at work, decided to stay at home. So my son and I jumped in the car, golf clubs in tow, and headed to Ocean Enclave by Hilton Grand Vacations road trip style.

Infographic explaining the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

After a day and a half drive, we arrived to see super friendly staff, face coverings and hand sanitizer around every corner. Hilton Grand Vacations is taking their participation in Hilton CleanStay™ very seriously, and it shows.

Aerial shot of a blank sand beach on The Big Island of Hawaii.

About the Author 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.”