My wife and I would like to use one of the Marriott travel packages to go to our timeshares in Hawaii in July, 05. Could one of you give us some advice -

Any tips you would give us on booking?

We may not use the one week of hotel out there. Other options with that week that we should know about?

Many thanks!

Al Hanna

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I would suggest calling the airlines you're considering and inquiring as to seat availability for the dates/destination you're interested in as soon as bookings for those dates become available. Typically, this is around 330 days prior to outbound travel. Airline's policy for holding award bookings varies, but you should be able to get them to hold the booking while the miles are transferred from Marriott. Be aware you may have to pay MR an expediting fee, 15.00 IIRC, which should get the miles in 3 days. Do all of this on the phone.

You don't have to use the hotel cert and miles at the same time and the hotel cert is good for one year and extendable to two years. IMO, the best use of the hotel cert is to get a CAT 6 or 7 package and use it for properties you would not normally be able to reasonably afford. The increased price in points is more than worth it.

Lastly, search Flyertalk. Lots of good info. Also, check out TUG (Timeshare Users Group). There are numerous MR points gurus over there on their BBS.

Good luck!

Pat