I got a temporary member password today and, for the first time, was able to see what properties are booked when.
If I get a Private membership, I can book 21 days up to a year in advance (if I understand the process). However, that means that 24 days would be (I think) available to me only 90 days out. Since I'd be flying 'most anywhere, getting reasonably priced tickets becomes a factor. For those 24 days, I think I'd be limited to the 30-90 day window (since tickets less than 30 days in advance are likely to be expensive). When I looked at availability, the more desirable spots seem to be pretty much booked up during that window (specifically, Sept. 15 - November 15). (Ski resorts are, of course, available, but beach resorts...not so much.)
Am I looking at these availability calendars too skeptically?
Also, I looked at availability with an eye toward using "last minute reservations". (Heath clarified for me that "last minute" means space is available one week prior.) Since I'm on the east coast (Baltimore), options are pretty limited within driving distance and I think airfare and seat availability are going to be very restrictive. I suspect that "unlimited" last minute reservations may be a non-benefit for me (and, maybe, a great benefit for Colorado residents).
I'm still giving this serious thought, but I gotta say that I wasn't encouraged by the availability calendar.
Ron
If I get a Private membership, I can book 21 days up to a year in advance (if I understand the process). However, that means that 24 days would be (I think) available to me only 90 days out. Since I'd be flying 'most anywhere, getting reasonably priced tickets becomes a factor. For those 24 days, I think I'd be limited to the 30-90 day window (since tickets less than 30 days in advance are likely to be expensive). When I looked at availability, the more desirable spots seem to be pretty much booked up during that window (specifically, Sept. 15 - November 15). (Ski resorts are, of course, available, but beach resorts...not so much.)
Am I looking at these availability calendars too skeptically?
Also, I looked at availability with an eye toward using "last minute reservations". (Heath clarified for me that "last minute" means space is available one week prior.) Since I'm on the east coast (Baltimore), options are pretty limited within driving distance and I think airfare and seat availability are going to be very restrictive. I suspect that "unlimited" last minute reservations may be a non-benefit for me (and, maybe, a great benefit for Colorado residents).
I'm still giving this serious thought, but I gotta say that I wasn't encouraged by the availability calendar.
Ron