With so much information out there about how timeshares work, deciding whether a timeshare is right for you can be a daunting task. From points charts and maintenance fees to which brand to join, there is much to learn. Although it may seem like a lot of information, it is vital to understand what you are purchasing when it comes to a timeshare. They can be a fantastic way to enjoy a lifetime of vacations. However, there are several key things to consider when deciding if they are right for you. These include the benefits of ownership, how vacation clubs work, annual fees, and purchase options. Continue reading for everything you need to know about whether vacation clubs are worth it for you and your family.
Why Do People Buy Timeshares?
Timeshares have a long history of providing families with fantastic vacation experiences year after year. The way timeshares work has evolved significantly and has developed into what we now know as the modern vacation club. While some traditional fixed week timeshares still exist, most timeshare companies now follow the points-based vacation club model. Vacation ownership offers many advantages, and there are many reasons people choose to buy timeshares.
Some of the most notable are reliable quality, spacious accommodations, flexible booking, fantastic destinations, and more affordable vacations. What’s more, joining a vacation club is also joining a group of travelers who love the same resort brand. Vacation club ownership can provide a sense of community among members who share similar travel interests. These perks all contribute to why so many timeshare owners are happy with their vacation club contract. In fact, according to the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), around 90% of timeshare owners report being happy with their ownership. But are vacation clubs worth it for your family’s needs? Let’s get into the benefits.
Vacation Club Members Enjoy Consistent Quality and Flexible Options
The most notable benefit of owning a timeshare is locking in at least one vacation a year, at a timeshare resort that owners know they will love. Although it may not be the same resort each year, since it is a resort under their chosen vacation club’s collection, owners find quality that they can rely on. Many members find that vacation clubs allow them to travel more frequently than they would otherwise.
Some vacation club members also appreciate the ability to invite family and friends to join them on vacations. With the spacious accommodations at timeshare resorts, you are often able to save on an additional hotel room with all of the extra space. Plus, not only do vacation clubs offer rooms with much more space than traditional hotels, but their amenities also go above and beyond. Members of vacation clubs often enjoy access to luxurious resorts and exclusive amenities. With all of these benefits considered, the convenience and luxury of these resorts may make joining a vacation club worth it for you.
Many vacation club members also appreciate the flexibility and variety of travel options available to them. Vacation club points allow owners to book at any resort in their portfolio, meaning you can go somewhere new each year or stick to what you know and love. It is totally up to you. In addition to being able to switch the resort location each trip, you can select different accommodation styles. You can also decide what time of the year you go, depending on your family’s needs over the years. So whether you want to stick to the same week for your yearly vacation or mix it up, flexible timeshare ownership makes it possible.
How do Vacation Clubs Work? Understanding Points-Based Timeshares
Within the timeshare industry, there are many different well-known resort developers, including Disney Vacation Club, Hilton Grand Vacations, Marriott Vacation Club, and more. While each vacation club membership has different fine print and usage terms, the points-based model is generally the same. Points allow you to gain access to any of the resorts within a resort’s collection. This means you can plan a vacation to one place for a few years, and somewhere totally new the next.
It is important to note that each resort may require a different number of points, also varying by season. Additionally, the cost will vary depending on the room type that you select for your trip. This is where point charts can really help. Points charts break down exactly how many points you will need for a specific date, at a specific resort, in a specific room type. This can help you maximize the value of your points or plan for your vacation.
Many clubs also offer priority booking windows for your home resort, so you can book before reservations open to others. Booking early definitely comes in handy if you know your favorite spot is a popular vacation destination. So if you were wondering why you need to select a specific property for a home resort when your points work anywhere, this is a good reason to choose your top pick.
Are Vacation Clubs Worth It? Understanding Maintenance Fees
One of the most vital things to understand when buying a timeshare is that the initial cost does not lock in vacations with no further costs. That said, these are not hidden fees or annual dues to join the club. They are yearly fees that go toward the upkeep of the resort. Similarly to if you owned a vacation home, there is maintenance that must be done to keep the resort looking and feeling its best. By paying maintenance fees, owners know that the properties will be maintained and remain at their best over the years. It is also important to note that these annual fees do not remain the same from year to year. Over time, annual maintenance fees will rise, so it is essential to keep that in mind before buying.
Vacation Exchange Options for Even More Flexibility
Vacation exchange platforms allow owners to exchange points for other properties beyond their own resort brand. The two most common exchange platforms that resort developers work with are Interval International and RCI. Some of the most popular clubs that Interval International works with include Hyatt Vacation Club, Marriott Vacation Club, and Disney Vacation Club, among many others. Whereas RCI is primarily affiliated with Wyndham Destinations, Hilton Grand Vacations, Bluegreen Vacations, and more. Some are affiliated with both, including Holiday Inn Club Vacations and Westgate Resorts.
With vacation exchange, there is virtually no destination that is out of reach for timeshare owners. This is true no matter which brand of vacation club membership you own. This means you can take vacations around the world, even in places where your resort developer does not have a location. With the flexibility of vacation clubs and exchanges, you could potentially stay at a new property every year, if you wanted to. That said, you may need to pay membership fees to join and exchange through these programs. So, keep that in mind when budgeting for your travel. If you prioritize exploring new places when planning for travel, joining vacation exchange programs may make joining a vacation club more worth it.
How Resales Can Help You Save on the Initial Purchase Price
If it is your dream to join a vacation club, but you are not sure that you can afford it, it may be more obtainable than you think. Buying resale timeshares is a fantastic way to save money on the initial purchase of your vacation ownership. Since current owners are selling these timeshares, they often sell for significantly less than the retail value. Many resales of vacation club memberships fetch only a fraction of the original price. You may sometimes find timeshares for sale for as little as $1. By saving on the initial purchase price of your timeshare, you may have more money to spend on activities or other travel expenses. If you have decided that joining a vacation club is worth it for you and are looking for a good deal on resale timeshares, check out Timeshares Only’s resale marketplace.
Buy a Timeshare on the Resale Market With Timeshares Only
On Timeshares Only’s resale marketplace, you will find all the big-name resort brands like Marriott Vacation Club, Holiday Inn Club, Bluegreen Vacations, and more. With so many timeshare options all in one place, you may find your dream ownership! Buying a timeshare through the resale market not only makes it easy to compare prices and brands all in one place, but the buying process itself is also simple. Our team of timeshare experts can guide you through the process, from making an offer to becoming an owner. If you have any questions about the process or getting started on buying a resale timeshare, call or email us. Our team is happy to help.
