Which Timeshare is best for us?

Only you can determine what is best for you. And the time do think about this is before you take your vacation. The developers/timeshare companies are waiting for you on your vacation. They want to catch you in the moment – when you are having a wonderful time – and at your most vulnerable to them. After all, you took your vacation to relax, and here they are, offering you free attractions, discounts, etc… to help you enjoy your experience even more. And of course, they want you to purchase a timeshare/vacation package so you can do this year after year. And they want to catch you during the high. Before you have had the time to really think about what is best for you and your family. And they usually do not give you much time to think about the pros and cons of what will work best for you.

For some people, the traditional timeshare is perfect for them. The have one set week at their vacation club. Each year the family goes to the same resort during the same week, thus building a wonderful family tradition for years of memories. Yet this is only one type. Now there is a wide variety of options to meet any families need. Some timeshares just offer points that can be used worldwide at various resorts at various times. Some offer the option of discounted vacations for those with lots of flexibility, for those that can vacation at the spur of the moment. There are even some programs that offer rental opportunities on your weeks with the potential for earning income!

But the key here is, timeshares are NOT financial investments. They won’t appreciate in value. They can be difficult to sell. In fact, they WILL lose value vs. their initial purchase price from the developer. Where timeshares offer value is an investment in your future vacation memories. And if purchased for the right price, timeshares can save your family money on vacations in the long term, and possibly even the short term.

What types of timeshares are out there?

There are all kinds of different timeshares and there is one out there to fit your wants and needs. Every type of vacation will have a timeshare out there for you to purchase. From luxury all inclusive resorts in exotic locations to camping at your favorite fishing hole, there is something for everyone. Beaches, mountains, lakes, rivers, entertainment, family, the choice is yours. And the key is to purchase one that really fits what you and your family. So dream about what you would like before you think about purchasing, and it will make your decisions that much easier.

Do you prefer to go to the same place the same time each year, and have a guaranteed resort to stay in? A fixed week would work for you. Same week, same place each year. Does you have flexibility in your schedule? A floating week may make most sense to you.

Do you prefer to have different travel options available to you? A timeshare can offer that too. Some allow you to trade your time for a different resortand/or week. And some don’t even operate on weeks, they use points. And the points can be used say for a beach resort during the summer one year, and a ski resort during the winter the next year.

Do you prefer to gamble? Go to Disney? There are places for you. Like to stay in a lake or river community and fish? It’s out there too. Like to camp or have a RV? There are packages out there for you too. If you can dream it, the right one is out there for you somewhere. And the internet is a great place to find out what you need about a place before you talk to a developer/salesman. Doing your homework is critical to finding the best timeshare for you to enjoy for years to come!

Why buy a timeshare now?

With the economy, many people have less money to spend on vacations. So there are some good deals out there on timeshares. And this is a good time to lock in a prime week at a favorite resort or destination at a great price. Simple supply and demand. There is always more supply of timeshares than demand, and now, this is definitely a BUYERS market for youl. For instance, some developers and owners are more willing to negotiate on price to sell their vacations. This can lead to some FABULOUS deals for you. Especially in the resale market. In the resale market, one can expect to pay less than 50 % of the typical purchase price. Sometimes even paying just 10-30% of the developer price. I have even heard of people selling their timeshares for free, or even with a “bonus” of some sorts to take over the maintenance fees, with the buyer coming out ahead. If you have been thinking about making a move on your favorite place, this is a wonderful time to find the best deal on the best place for you and your family.

Why use a Time Share?

Timeshares. Vacation Clubs. Resort memberships. Campground memberships. Outdoor resort memberships. All of these are different names - yet all of them basically operate the same way. And there is something for everyone. You purchase an interest in one at a home resort, with the ability to use on a pre-set basis. And you have a "free" way to use to enjoy your resort. In these tough times, having a free week at a resort can be a blessing and inexpensive way to enjoy your vacation time with your family.
Typically, you have a set week every year, sometimes with the ability to trade for a different resort. But now, vacation clubs can offer so much more. Some offer points or weeks which can be used for other travel and vacations. Some may offer a rental program for your weeks, in which you have the opportunity to earn income