Here are 5 important questions to ask before purchasing a timeshare:
Start by sizing up your goals as a vacationer. Where do you want to travel? Who are your favorite travel companions? If you don’t travel often, timeshare may not be for you.
Do you already travel a lot with a particular brand? Allegiance to a particular hospitality brand can pay benefits from points on loyalty programs to peace of mind.
Onsite visits are great for getting a feel for the quality, amenities and services a vacation ownership brand offers. Since most timeshare brands allow travelers to rent a stay at a timeshare resort, this is a great way to experience the timesharing lifestyle before making the commitment to purchase. Take time to talk with other owners while on property to hear about their experiences.
The cost of a timeshare varies from unit to unit, resort to resort, by the time of year and even owner to owner, depending on how often they vacation. According to the ARDA International Foundation (AIF), the average price of a timeshare transaction in 2023 was $24,170, a figure that has variance depending on levels of luxury from single to multiple bedrooms, for example. In addition to the purchase cost, owners will also pay annual maintenance fees which help keep the accommodations and amenities up to date.
Start by doing your research. Timeshare brands have robust websites to inform about their vacation clubs as well as tutorials on making reservations and using the product to the fullest. Most resorts located in popular areas such as Orlando or Vegas offer an abundance of onsite activities from golf courses to swimming pools to cultural centers with hands-on activities to delight all ages.
Timeshare owners also benefit from a flexible points-based system that allows them to book vacations at a resort of their choice for a length of time that best suits their vacation needs.
Still need more information? Contact your developer and have them walk you through your ownership!
If you think you’re bound to visiting your timeshare like clockwork, think again. Timeshare exchanges enable owners to trade for comparable accommodations or travel-related services and experiences. The first option for exchange is to use an internal network through your developer that allows you to book properties within their existing portfolio. The second option is to use an external exchange company – the largest are RCI and Interval International – to open another network of resorts. Points can also be exchanged to book cruises, car rentals, sporting events and more.
Contacting your timeshare developer directly is the most efficient way to exit your timeshare. Additionally, The Coalition for Responsible Exit, a program created by ARDA in partnership with leading resort developers and exchange companies across the vacation ownership industry, provides resources to help owners responsibly and safely exit their timeshares.
Create Countless Amazing Memories On Your Next Vacation!
Timesharing lets you take a vacation without sacrificing the comforts of home.