While timeshare travel can be a great option for those who love to vacation and are drawn to the same destination year after year, it’s not for everyone. Some people are worried about the high up-front costs of timeshares, which can cost upwards of thousands of dollars when purchased straight from the developer. But when you break down the total price of a lifetime of vacations versus individual hotel bookings, many owners find that the long-term savings are actually quite impressive.
A timeshare, or vacation ownership, is a deeded share of property at a resort you choose to use each year. This is usually sold in weekly increments, but can also be converted into points you can use at other resorts around the world (points systems). Whether purchasing a fixed week or using points to book stays at different resorts each year, vacation ownership offers a more flexible alternative to traditional hotel accommodations.
Timeshares offer spacious, home-like vacation rentals with resort amenities, making them a great option for family vacations. Many resorts feature activities like tennis courts, adults and kids pools and game rooms to keep families entertained. Additionally, many timeshare rental units come with fully equipped kitchens and living areas, allowing you to save money by cooking meals at your unit.
In addition to providing a more affordable way to vacation, timeshares can help families stay healthy by eliminating the need to spend extra money on meals in restaurants or buying fast food at local eateries. In fact, many timeshares include an onsite fitness center and spa, so you can take advantage of their health benefits without spending additional money.
Those who purchase a timeshare enjoy the security of knowing their annual accommodations will be taken care of. This eliminates the stress of budgeting for inflated hotel prices. Furthermore, timeshares are usually much better value than hotels, as they provide larger and more comfortable accommodations for the same price.
For those who don’t always have the time or desire to take a vacation, renting out a timeshare is a great way to turn unused weeks into a supplemental income. Timeshare companies often work with reputable third-party companies to manage the rental process for their owners, ensuring that renters are vetted and are receiving top-quality accommodations.
While it’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant blow to travel, vacationers have rediscovered their wanderlust and are planning trips for Summer 2022 and beyond. Many travelers will find that vacations are significantly more expensive than they were just a few years ago, with increases in airfare, hotel prices, car rental rates and gas costs. Fortunately, those who own a timeshare can avoid these rising travel expenses by securing their vacation rental or exchange reservation at today’s fixed rate.
While some may find it difficult to justify a timeshare’s up-front cost, those who consider the value of vacationing and the flexibility of timeshare travel will find it worth the investment. With satisfaction rates near 85%, vacation ownership remains an excellent alternative to hotel stays.