The AFVC makes this possible by utilizing "excess" inventory at condominium timeshare resorts. "Excess" inventory consists of condominium units that resort owners do not use, which generally means off-season or short-notice travel. If you enjoy off-season activities in popular locations without the hassle of high-season prices, crowds and lines or if you can travel on 10 days notice or less, the AFVC offers an incredible vacation value.

Michele and Gary Kessler, both Pax River employees, used the club's last-minute booking benefit to upgrade a family vacation in Orlando, Fla. last December. By calling the club's toll-free number, the Kesslers re-located their family from an $89 per night typical interstate hotel to a five-star resort for only $209 for seven nights. The resort boasted five swimming pools with waterfalls, children's programs, two-room villas with kitchens and living rooms.

The Kesslers traveled to Florida with the Bellinis, another Pax River family. Cmdr. Ed Bellini and his wife, Nan, were so impressed with the accommodations in Florida and the AFVC program that they used the club's Web site to book a family getaway to Williamsburg last month. Although the Virginia resort they chose had "an entirely different flavor," Nan felt that the customer service and value was hard to pass up.

David Conklin, head of 4.5C Planning and Operations Office, and his wife, Donna agree. They used the club's toll-free number to book a stay in southern Spain last year. They found the reservation agent extremely helpful and were able to book a great resort, the Miraflores Beach and Country Club, based on the agent's recommendation. The two-bedroom completely furnished villa sat on the top of a hill overlooking the mountain range on one side and a gorgeous view of the Mediterranean on the other.

"It was an excellent choice and a Gold Crown Resort," said David. "We were able to get the exact week we wanted and the resort staff treated us the same as any resort owner. They gave us our choice of rooms when we got there and were very helpful in making our stay enjoyable. We will definitely use the AFVC program again."

Club condominium units typically include a full kitchen, stocked with everything from a refrigerator and stove to coffee pot and soap for the dishwasher. Many units even include a washer and dryer. Guests have access to a variety of on-site recreational facilities, swimming pools, fitness centers, game rooms, gift shops, restaurants and organized activities.

The reservation fee is a flat $209 per week for the unit. You may travel alone or with friends and family up to the maximum occupancy of the unit reserved. Maximum occupancy will range from two to six adults/children and in rare cases up to eight people. You can reserve more that one unit based on availability for $209 per unit but are responsible for travel expenses, local taxes, security deposits, telephone calls and fees charged by the resort for optional amenities or services (such as jet ski rental, lift tickets, camel rides, etc.).

While condominium units are timeshare resorts, there is no requirement to attend a timeshare presentation. Some resorts are already sold out and do not have active sales centers on site. If the resort is still in sales, at some time during your stay, you will probably be given an opportunity to attend a presentation in exchange for a premium or gift. Don't panic. Department of Defense affiliated employees using the AFVC program are under no obligation to attend the sales presentation; simply decline the offer.

The master reservation system computer updates the AFVC Web site every morning at 5 a.m. All accommodations are available at that time and are loaded into the search section. Start your search there but understand that the Web site only lists resorts with three or more units available for a given date. There are many other locations with fewer than three units available but these can only be accessed by the reservation agents by using the toll-free number. When booking a stay, be sure to reference Patuxent River Installation No. 114.

The seven-day, space-available condo rental offer is a great value, but the AFVC offers other vacation choices and support as well. A separate travel club provides 24-hour service for discounted airline, rental car and hotel reservation services, as well as discounted cruise and tour packages. Check out the club opportunities section for full details on this and other exciting values available to Department of Defense affiliated personnel. Access the Club's Web site at www.afvclub.com or call 1-800-724-9988 to speak to a customer service representative.