Timeshare travel has been around for decades and continues to be one of the most popular forms of vacation ownership. The industry offers a number of benefits for both owners and visitors, including more space than hotels, excellent amenities, flexibility in travel destinations, professional management and, of course, great prices.
The Value of a Timeshare
Owning a timeshare is a lot like owning a membership in a golf or tennis club. The value of your investment is built up over the years, as you use your timeshare each year. It is an investment that pays for itself, but also creates vacation memories you’ll cherish forever.
The Cost of a Timeshare
As with any type of investment, the price of a timeshare will vary depending on how often you intend to use it and the resort that you purchase it from. While the initial costs can be a significant amount of money, you’ll typically save much more in yearly maintenance fees and hotel room rates than you would by renting a hotel.
If you’re not able to use all of your timeshare week within a given year, it can be a good idea to rent it out. This is especially beneficial if you’re planning to visit a destination that isn’t in high season, because it will be easier to find someone to take your place for the week.
Floating Weeks
Many of the most popular resorts offer both fixed and floating week timeshares. Floating weeks give timeshare owners the freedom to choose the best vacation week for them. However, they do come with a few drawbacks: They can be hard to book during high seasons and you may not have as much flexibility in choosing a vacation spot.
Vacation Exchange
The most common form of timeshare ownership is points-based, which allows you to trade your vacation week for a stay at another comparable resort in the same network. Most major vacation brands offer this option, and it is a popular choice for families and travelers who want to experience different resorts each year.
Flexibility and Unique Experiences
In recent years, a growing segment of the timeshare market has been driven by young, millennial travelers who appreciate the ability to plan their own trips rather than staying at a resort. This trend is fueled by the desire for a more personalized vacation experience and to have access to more amenities than hotels can provide.
During the past few years, there has been an increasing focus on finding new and creative ways to make timeshares more flexible. This has resulted in many innovative solutions, such as timeshares that are mobile and allow you to book your stay on your phone.
It’s important to know the differences between each of these types of timeshare options before you decide which one is right for you. These differences can help you determine if a timeshare is right for you and your family.
While there are several advantages to owning a timeshare, it’s important to do your research before you sign any contracts. Taking the time to ask the right questions and read all the fine print will prevent you from becoming an unwitting victim of a timeshare scam.