Your Next Vacation: Don’t Get Stuck In “Puerta Backyarda”!

By Lisa Ann Schreier

We all know what the economy is like these days. Pretty scary times, and for most of us, pretty stressful. And the more stress we are under, from whatever source, the more we need to vacation. But when we look at the average price for a family of four to sleep and eat while on vacation in 2008 . . . it comes to a whopping $182.18 per day! With every dollar being precious, it’s easy to find excuses to spend that money in other ways. But the more we postpone—or worse, cancel—our vacations, the more stress we are under. And so the vicious cycle goes.

Lack of money leads to stress –> Stress demands vacation –> Vacation usually means spending lots of money that we may or may not have –> The idea of spending lots of money means we tend to cancel the vacation –> Which leads to even more stress.

I don’t propose to know the solution to our economic troubles. One look at my rapidly diminishing financial portfolio will tell you that much. But I know that there is an answer out there for everyone who is worried about rising vacation costs and the very real threat that they won’t be able to afford them.

Vacation Options

Let’s look at what your vacation options are this year:

1. Stay at home (also known as the “Puerto Backyarda” vacation).

Pros: No travel involved. Just head on out to the backyard or patio, close your eyes, and pretend.

Cons: No travel involved. Just head on out to the backyard or patio, close your eyes, and pretend. And then there are those pesky neighbors to contend with. Not to mention you might be tempted to mow the grass, paint the house, answer the phone, wash the car . . . you get the idea. And if you live in Montana, it’s rather hard to “imagine” a warm, sandy beach. While you could put “Beauty and the Beast” on the DVD for the kids, it’s not quite the same as seeing Belle in person.

2. Stay with friends and family–> especially if they live in interesting places.

Pros: You probably won’t have to pay for room and board. Laundry facilities, lots of conversation.

Cons: Lumpy beds (or couches). Having to do what your friends and relatives want to do. Lots (and lots) of conversation. You know what they say about fish and visiting friends and relatives: three-day limit. After that, “Danger, Will Robinson, danger!”

3. Camping

Pros: Ah, the great outdoors!

Cons: Ah, the great outdoors! Bears, mosquitoes, allergies, West Nile virus, and, of course, the outdoor bathroom “facilities.”

4. Timeshare Resales

Pros: Save 60% to 80% off developer prices. Over 5,700 resorts worldwide to choose from. Spacious villas and condos. High-quality amenities. The pride of ownership. Saving money on your future vacations. The ability to leave a vacation legacy to your children.

Cons: No “free gift,” because you’re not attending a timeshare sales presentation. Oh, well, nothing’s perfect!

Vacation Insurance

Timeshare is, quite literally, a Vacation Insurance Policy. It gives you the peace of mind that no matter what happens, you can afford to go on a vacation. Look at the other insurance policies you already pay for, each of which requires a not-so-good “occurrence” before payoff:

* Car Insurance: Accident—> Bad News.
* Renters’ Insurance: Theft—> More Bad News.
* Homeowners’ Insurance:Fire, Flood, Hurricane—> Really Bad News.
* Health Insurance: Disease—> Bad, Potentially Icky, News.
* Life Insurance:You’re Dead—> Particularly Bad News. Especially if it happens before you go on your dream vacation.

Now compare those policies with “Vacation Insurance”:

* Vacation Insurance: Vacation in condos, villas, and châteaux around the world for thousands less than others are paying—> Really Great News!

A Better Idea

Timeshare makes more sense now, doesn’t it? Timeshare is nothing more than pre-paying your future vacation costs. And while it’s hard to argue with the good sense of that concept—just think if you could pre-pay the cost of all of your future food at today’s prices—the relatively high cost of buying directly from a developer stops many consumers. Even so, from a long-term savings standpoint, an $18,000 developer’s timeshare is still a good idea. But now consider that same timeshare at a $6,000 resale price! That’s an even better idea—and a smarter and more affordable one, as well.

For more information about timeshares, check out Timeshare Insights, and be sure to visit Holiday, where they have a tremendous selection of timeshares at 60% to 80% less than developer prices. Remember, there is no such thing as a “used” timeshare!

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