Inside John's Locker

Wasn't it in the movie "Help" that Ringo used that line? He probably wasn't the first person to say it, and it likely came from the Beatles' fascination with Eastern religions at the time. Anyway, we can be pretty sure that he wasn't referring to second homes when he said it!

But the line is relevant to the discussion here. Because what is and isn't a second home is pretty much in your mind. In another post, we described a second home as someplace different that is familiar as well. A known quantity. Instant relaxation. You know, you don't have to actually own a second home to have a second home mentality. As long as you like coming back to familiar territory, it doesn't matter whether you own it outright, own part of it or rent it. A hotel room you come back to time and time again, a timeshare or vacation club interest you own, a condo you own and rent out when you're not there. All of these can be a just like a second home if you want them to be.

Second homes aren't for everyone but there are a lot of people out there who like to take a break by returning to a familiar place again and again. And, it's this concept of familiarity that is at the heart of what we at Owner's Locker like to call the "second home mentality."

This second home mentality is not something that can be particularly defined and is extremely personal. It's the feeling of comfort you have when you are surrounded by things familiar to you. Here are some examples:

-Being able to find your way from the airport to your resort without a map.
-Being recognized by the waiter at your favorite restaurant.
-Reaching for the shampoo and it's the brand you always use.
-Pouring champagne into your own special glasses.
-Being able to come straight to your resort without having to stop and stock up.
-Sitting in the same spot by the pool.
-Knowing the best shops to buy vacation clothes.
-Making fried chicken in your cast iron skillet.
-Needing a band-aid and not having to run to the store.
-Finding the swim goggles you used the last time you were here.

Not all of these will hit your radar screen. What makes one person feel at home might seem odd to someone else. What examples can you add to the list above?

This second home mentality is what Owner's Locker is all about. It's our business to help make your timeshare or vacation club interest seem more like your true second home. We know that everyone has different ideas about what will make them feel like they are at home. This is why resort companies really can't provide you with all of the comforts of home--because your idea of what this means is different from anyone else's.

And this is why we hope that you will think Owner's Locker is a good idea--because it will allow you to store whatever it is that makes you feel at home while in your vacation home. We're sure that there are lots of ways that you've tried to accomplish this already. Please share with us some of the things you've already done to personalize your time at your favorite vacation resort. And, tell us some things you have wished you could do or things from home you have wished you had with you. We love to hear what will make your stay special and it will help us design a service that will make you feel at home the instant you unlock the door.

JDVM
www.ownerslocker.com