There are many reasons that travelers might gravitate towards timeshares, whether they’re looking for more space, flexible travel destinations and perks, or the peace of mind in knowing their trip is already planned and booked. But, the nuances of how timeshares work can seem confusing and intimidating to prospective buyers who don’t know what they’re getting into. This article is designed to help bridge that gap and explain how timeshares function in a more understandable way.
Timeshares come in many different forms, but their core function remains the same. Owners purchase a certain amount of vacation days each year, and can use these to book a vacation at a resort owned by their specific timeshare brand. Some brands offer a fixed-week model, while others allow owners to exchange their week with other resorts within their network. These companies also often feature a marketplace where travelers can purchase additional vacations or upgrades to their existing stays for a fee.
In addition to the flexibility of these vacation options, many timeshare companies boast a variety of resorts in popular travel destinations around the globe. This allows their owners to visit a wide range of new places and expand their horizons while maintaining the comfort of staying in one place they know and love. For some, this may be the ideal solution for them and their family’s vacation needs.
One of the biggest benefits that timeshares provide is a form of travel protection against rising prices. Typically, when people plan trips on their own, they have to deal with the risk that airfares, hotels, and other vacation accommodations will go up in price due to demand or supply shortages. Timeshare owners, however, have paid for their vacations up front and are able to enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that their vacation will be more affordable than it would be had they not invested in a timeshare.
Another benefit of timeshares is the ability to book last-minute deals. In the past two years, travel expenses have risen significantly, with hotel prices up an average of 39%. For people planning a one-off trip, this can be a big hit to their budgets. Timeshare owners, on the other hand, can book these last-minute getaways at steep discounts.
Lastly, timeshare owners can take advantage of their ownership by inviting friends and family to their vacations. For those with a points-based timeshare program, they can even earn extra vacation points for guests that they bring to their resorts. This is a great way to get more out of their membership while expanding the circle of family and friends who they can travel with in the future. As an added bonus, many beach clubs and all-inclusive resorts offer day passes for prospective buyers to try before they buy, allowing them to gauge their value for themselves. This can be a great way to see if the vacation lifestyle is right for them and their families. This will also give them a better idea of what their yearly maintenance fees will be, if they decide to buy.