Destination Sedona, Arizona: Beauty and Adventure

Sedona, Arizona has some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States, making it a lovely timeshare getaway with plenty to do and see. The adventurous enjoy riding among the desert setting on Pink Jeep Tours excursions, one of Sedona’s most popular off-road family adventures, which offers views of gorgeous red rocks, ancient ruins and a glimpse of what the natural Southwest is all about.

Red rock formations are the backdrop of this town and many of these rocks are named after the items they resemble such as Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Chimney Rock, Coffeepot Rock and Snoopy Rock. Hot air ballooning is a memorable way to view the region, just don’t forget your camera.

Sedona has a reputation for being an extremely “spiritual” town. The red rock formations are not only breathtaking, but home to what is said to be extremely powerful energy sources called vortexes. Many visitors like to grab a map and hike to these special areas to feel the metaphysical energy for themselves. Whether or not you believe in the power of these spots, it’s impossible not to be taken by the area’s stunning landscape.

Built into a thousand-foot-high red rock wall sits the Roman Catholic Chapel of the Holy Cross, an architectural wonder designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. Completed in 1956, today the chapel is open to visitors who wish to see this stunning creation. Beneth the chapel is a gift shop teeming with spiritually inspired works such as crosses, paintings, sculptures, rosaries and books.

For day trips from Sedona, “road-trippers” enjoy Arizona’s Route 66, which runs about 30 miles north of Sedona. The Mother Road passed through the town of Flagstaff where fun stops are found such as Galaxy Diner (a Route 66-themed diner), Lowell Observatory (where Pluto was discovered) and the Museum Club (musicians back in the day used to stop here and play for an evening). Flagstaff’s quaint downtown is filled with shops and restaurants. The Santa Fe Rail Road Depot Visitor’s Center is a great place to start.

The Grand Canyon is about 1.5 hours from Sedona and an obvious “not to miss” Arizona highlight. The town of Williams is known as the “Gateway of the Grand Canyon” and is probably one of the most authentic Route 66 towns left. Rod’s Steakhouse is a delicious and affordable place to stop in for a prime rib lunch, but save room for dessert at Twister’s Soda Fountain, a classic place to soak in some 50’s atmosphere.

Why More People Don’t Buy Timeshare, Part 1

As “The Timeshare Crusader,” I’m very careful not to appear to have a bias for or against any timeshare company, any type of timeshare, any exchange company, etc.

However, there is one thing that I will admit to having a strong bias for and that is vacations–specifically, timeshare vacations. As many of my regular readers know, I used to be a timeshare salesperson and sales manager. And I truly believe and still believe in the product.

I’ve always been a very analytical person, so one of the things I never understood was the very small number of Americans who own a timeshare. Timeshare has been around for more than 35 years, and according to the latest statistics, less than 7% of Americans own a timeshare. It is clear, though, that more than 7% of Americans go on a regular vacation. So why the discrepancy? Why is it that so few Americans who could benefit from timeshares actually own them?

Here are three reasons:

Perception

Yes, it is true that the timeshare industry has left a bad impression in many consumers’ minds. The media are quick to point out the terrible investment potential of timeshares, while being very slow to point out annual hotel price inflation. However, the vast majority of timeshare owners report that they are very satisfied with their timeshare, and the media seem to miss that story altogether.

Selling Techniques

Anyone who has survived a three- or four-hour, high-pressure sales presentation knows how horrible they can be. After six years of working in sales and four years working for consumers, I still don’t understand why timeshare resorts continue to employ these high-pressure “you have to buy it today” techniques, when they clearly don’t work for the vast majority of consumers.

While a select number of timeshare companies seem to understand that today’s consumers don’t respond well to such techniques, the vast majority of them still rely on those techniques. And to its discredit, the primary market timeshare industry has managed to keep a lid on a legitimate secondary market for timeshares. My educated opinion is that the times are finally changing, and once consumers know that there are reliable sources to purchase timeshare from other than developers, and that there really is no such thing as a “used” timeshare, a lot of developers will be left scratching their heads while looking at empty sales rooms.

Lack of Advertising

Before I got started in timeshare, I was an advertising person . . . and a good one to boot. I was a media buyer/planner/copywriter for some of the Chicago area’s largest products and services.

And while my experience was in the “dark ages” (i.e. before the advent of Internet advertising), and we relied on radio, newspapers, television, magazines to get the word out, everything we did was telling the story of the product or service in question, and making a call to action about that product or service.

The timeshare industry, however, almost never uses the actual product in their advertisements. Instead, consumers are bribed with a discount vacation offer or free attraction tickets, and once they’ve bitten on the bribe, they are told that they must listen to a 90-minute timeshare presentation.

Consumers rightly feel that if timeshare is so good, why do developers feel the need to bribe people?  Why not simply advertise the timeshare for what it is and what it does?  Consumers are smart–smarter than many advertisers give them credit for. Consumers feel that the industry is hiding something and so are hesitant to buy the product. But they’re not hesitant to take the developers up on their bribe. That’s why each year, more than 3 million Americans go to one or more timeshare presentations and enjoy the free gifts, but less than 10% purchase the timeshare.

So what is an interested, perhaps confused, consumer to do? By all means, take the developers up on their offers. Eat their bagels, enjoy the discounted vacations, and have fun at the attractions or dinner shows. Ask questions. Find out for yourself the difference between fixed weeks, floating weeks, and points. Compare prices. Then educate yourself, work with a consultant, read books, talk to other owners, and make wise choices for yourself.  And if you find that the secondary market is the way to go, congratulations.

But hurry, because I feel the bagels, discounted vacations and attraction tickets are on their way out . . . along with the dinosaur sales managers, nosebleed price drops, and gold pinky rings.

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Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader is the author of Surviving A Timeshare Presentation, and Timeshare Vacations For Dummies, and blogs for Holiday Group.

Destination Hawaii: Maui’s Upcountry

When most travelers think of heading to the timeshare on Maui the vision of sun, sand and a Mai Tai in hand come to mind. But what rests on the slopes Maui’s majestic Haleakala Crater is worth escaping the white sand behind and trekking up this beautiful volcano and exploring Maui’s Upcountry for a day.

About an hour’s drive from Wailea and Ka’anapali, on the 20,000-acre Ulupalakua Ranch sits Tedeschi Winery. The tasting room, or the “King’s Cottage,” was built in 1874 for Hawaii’s monarch David Kalakaua and Queen Kapi’olani. Today visitors can sample, carry, or ship home local Maui Splash Pineapple Wine or Framboise de Maui Raspberry Wine, along with other traditional grape wine varieties.

Lavender-laced scones spread with lavender butter and lavender-flavored tea and coffee are only a taste of what you will get at the 11-acre Alii Kula Lavender farm. Guests may opt for guided or self-walking tours through stunning and relaxingly scented lavender gardens. Guests complete the tour with a small lavender bouquet of their own to take home. The indoor gift shop is teeming with lavender specialty items, including coffee, tea, candles, lotions, and other novelty items.

The Surfing Goat Dairy is one of the more unique stops along the way. Guided tours are offered, which include the milking of a goat–if you wish. Or, if “hanging loose” is more your speed, skip the tour and kick back with a cheese sampling. After all, the dairy churns out more than 25 different kinds of goat cheese. Some of the tasty chevre includes Ole! (jalapeños, artichokes, lime juice, cilantro), Men’s Challenge (horseradish), and Purple Rain (Maui lavender).

March 2009 Q & A

Q: We’ve been reading up on timeshares the past few months and what we’ve seen sounds pretty good for what we’d get. But I have to ask, why does timeshare seem to have a bad reputation with some people? –Chris in Denver

A: Chris, terrific question. Timeshare can be a wonderful product for some people. All sorts of benefits to them, as I’m sure you’ve already discovered. The bad reputation comes from the less than upfront way they continue to be marketed–some developers don’t just advertise or market them, they bribe people with “free gifts” and other things rather than extol the many benefits of timeshare. And after the consumers are lured in with the bribe, they are subjected to 90 minutes, 120 minutes, or more of a timeshare pitch, at which point they are asked to make a decision because “the price is only good for today.” As you know, this is a silly at best, demeaning at worst, way to purchase anything. It’s best to consult with a timeshare advisor to make sure you are getting the right product. Happy vacationing!

Q: Recently I attended a time share presentation and I have to say it was not what I expected. Very high pressure selling that made me uncomfortable. Can you tell me some good sources where I could find out what I want to know rather than just what someone wants me to hear? –Marleen in Springfield

A: Marleen, fortunately, there are a few sources that are in the business of educating savvy consumers such as yourself. Here are three resources (and one shameless plug) that I recommend:

1) Get yourself a subscription to TimeSharing Today (www.tstoday.com). It is a great magazine that has tons of useful information and great articles.

2) Become a member of the National Timeshare Owners Association. This group is dedicated to helping owners and potential owners. You’ll learn a lot and possibly get some great contacts as well.

3) Talk to Holiday about your specific timeshare needs. They have a great deal of different types of timeshare available and will help you decide which is best for your needs.

4) Here’s the shameless plug. Work with me at www.timeshareinsights.com. I offer four different Modules. Module 1 helps people decide if timeshare is right for them. Module 2 helps people find the best timeshare for them. I don’t sell or represent any timeshare, so you can be assured that my advice is totally unbiased. If you e-mail me and mention this blog, I’ll honor a 50% discount on either of my Modules for you (and other readers) until May 1st of this year. Hope this helps.

Q: How do you think the current economic situation will affect the value of timeshares? Is it time to sell? –Kathleen in Minneapolis

A: Kathleen, without knowing your specific situation, I cannot give you specific advice, only my opinion. If you are using your timeshare, then by all means don’t sell. If you are having trouble using it, but can rent it, then don’t sell. The value of timeshare has always been a tricky question. You buy it from the developer at $20,000 and immediately the “value” of it drops by more than 50%. Or you purchase it from Holiday Group, for instance, at thousands less and the “value” remains the same. Selling is always an option, as long as you go into it with a clear head. You are not going to make money on it. Whatever you do, don’t ever pay anyone a listing fee to sell your timeshare. If you’d like more detailed, personalize advice, drop me an e-mail and ask me for Module 3. Don’t fret . . . there are always options.

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Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader is the author of Surviving A Timeshare Presentation, and Timeshare Vacations For Dummies, and blogs for Holiday Group.

Do you have a timeshare-related question for Lisa, “The Timeshare Crusader”? Click here to send your question.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Timesharing, But Were Afraid to Attend a Sales Presentation to Ask

Part Seven: Bargain Hunting for Luxury Timeshares

By now, you are a virtual “walking encyclopedia” of timeshare knowledge! Floating weeks, odd-year membership, red season, maintenance dues, deeded, fractional, lock-off, trading power, all-inclusive–it all makes sense to you now.

And you thought timesharing was just about taking vacations! Well, it is. But getting more vacation value for your money is what we aim for. And it begins by giving you the basics you learned in Parts One through Six.

In this final installment you will get the low-down on the economic issues of timesharing and take away proven strategies for finding a luxurious timeshare product, cheap. How cheap? How does 60% to 80% off retail sound to you? That’s right. Owners who purchase their timeshare on the resale market pay less than half of the going price on the retail market (at the resort sales presentation).

How to Set a Realistic Budget

The three factors that impact your timeshare budget are purchase price, annual maintenance fee, and the transfer and settlement fee. Let’s take a look at each one of these.

Purchase Price
This price includes the title or membership rights to your timeshare. As a member, you’ll be eligible for all the other benefits of ownership, including making reservations, use of the resort amenities and, in some cases, access to a private beach club and spa.

Annual Maintenance Fee
Fees range from $250 to $1000 per year depending on the membership and the resort. While maintenance fees for a two-bedroom unit will typically be higher than a studio, please know that each resort (or home owner’s association) sets their own fees. As an owner, you will be responsible for this fee every year (or every other year if you have a biennial membership) to cover the cost of maintaining the resort and grounds even if you decide to bank your membership for the year.

Transfer and Settlement Fees
If you are buying a timeshare on the reseller market (either from an online auction or through a timeshare resale company), the timeshare needs to be transferred into your name.

The costs to do that are termed transfer and settlement fees, which may include one or all of the following: county recording fees, homeowner association dues and state tax assessments. The purpose of these fees is to cover the costs incurred by various companies to ensure the transfer adheres to all state regulations (which can be a complicated process) and is processed in a timely manner.

Nine Tips for Buying a Timeshare Week on the Resale Market

1. Buy from a reputable company.
2. Think long-term and buy the biggest unit you can find and afford.
3. Buy the best resort you can find.
4. Know the maximum amount you’re willing to spend.
5. Do your homework! Ask for and check references from the Better Business Bureau (or equivalent). If it’s on eBay, get a feedback rating AND always contact the company (never buy from an individual) by email or phone to ask a question before bidding.
6. Look for a week with great trading power if you will ever exchange your timeshare.
7. As trading power is a function of supply vs. demand, be careful when buying a timeshare in a popular vacation destination that is saturated with timeshares, as is Orlando where the demand rarely exceeds the supply.
8. Pay with a credit card or PayPal.
9. Be patient with closing. Timeshares do take a while to transfer. But don’t get complacent–do follow-up with your reseller.

The Bottom Line and the Dotted Line

So there you have it: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Timesharing But Were Afraid to Attend a Sales Presentation to Ask. You now have an incredible edge in finding a timeshare that matches your Timeshare IQ, along with successful strategies to hunt down a luxury timeshare at a bargain price.

And here’s the bottom line: before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you can answer every one of the following questions with a definitive “Yes!”

* Does your timeshare reseller have happy customers and positive timeshare-related feedback?
* Is your timeshare reseller a member in good standing of the BBB and industry associations such as ARDA?
* Does your timeshare reseller have a wide variety of inventory for sale on and off eBay?
* Does your timeshare reseller work with a reputable transfer company?
* Does your timeshare reseller guarantee your purchase?
* Does your timeshare reseller only sell timeshares?
* Is your timeshare reseller easy to contact and do they answer their phones?

Happy Travels from Holiday Group–your friendly timeshare experts!

Maximizing your timeshare exchanges

By Jerry Nisker, Orange, California

[This article previously appeared in TimeSharing Today magazine.]

We have all heard someone say “I can never get anything I want” when talking about attempting to trade their timeshare. I purchased my first timeshare 15 years ago, and like most people I had no idea how to use it as a trade. Again, like most people, I joined RCI and began to ask questions in order to understand how to maximize my ability to trade for those places I really wanted to travel.

Over the years, I have learned some very valuable tips from the RCI counselors that have helped me to enjoy timesharing rather than complaining that I can’t get a trade. Since I have both “week” and “points” resorts, I have listed a few of these tips below to help you get the most out of your trading:

Weeks

1. Bank your week as early as possible. I always bank two of my weeks two years in advance. This helps to maximize your trading power.

2. Request a trade as early as possible and be flexible with both places and dates. By going someplace just one week on either side of prime time, you increase the possibility of getting what you want. I once traded a one bedroom unit, for a three bedroom, three bath Gold Crown resort on a golf course in Hilton Head, SC by going “off season.” In addition, this resort allowed RCI members to play golf free. Regular green fees were $125.

3. If you do not have a Gold Crown unit, you can still trade for one if you are willing to go many place during the “off season,” or if you are willing to trade a two bedroom unit for a one bedroom unit.

4. Ask the RCI counselor to recommend a way for you to get the trade you want. I have found that the counselors have a way of manipulating their system in order to be helpful.

5. If the trade you want is not available when you first call, continue to call day after day. For various reasons, people cancel their vacations, which allow RCI to place those units back in the trading pool. Don’t give up.

One other very interesting item; during one conversation with an RCI counselor, I mentioned that I was giving some thought to replacing all of my non Gold Crown units with Gold Crown units. He told me not to do that, which surprised me. He went on to explain that although RCI is a “like for like” system, they would prefer to trade their customers up rather than down. The reason for this is that when they give a Gold Crown owner a non Gold Crown unit, they receive complaints that it was not the same quality as the unit they gave up. In other words, RCI would rather give us a better unit and avoid the complaints, plus it makes it more likely that we will trade in the future. Most of my trades were to Gold Crown resorts from non Gold Crown resorts.

Points

The great thing about points is that if you have enough of them. you don’t have to be concerned with Gold Crown, Red Week, Prime Season or anything else. Points are points, regardless of where your home resort may be. There are, however, a few tips that can be very helpful:

1. If you are attempting to trade for someplace other than your home resort, do it 10 months in advance. For example, if you want to go to Hawaii, at 10 months out the selection of Gold Crown units are extremely good.

2. Just as with weeks, consider going “off season” because it will require fewer points.

3. Consider going for a shorter period of time than a full week, as you will use less points.

4. Avoid weekends, as Friday and Saturday represent 40% of the total points for the week.

5. If you don’t have enough points for a particular resort, borrow them from your coming “use year.”

6. Call or check the RCI website daily. New weeks are put into the system every day. If one is not available today, it may be available tomorrow or next week.

7. If a “points” resort is not available, ask the RCI counselor to check the “weeks” resorts. The thing to keep in mind is that if you trade points for a weeks resort, you must book for the entire week.

8. Use the last minute 9000 point deals. If you can take a vacation within the next 45 days, call RCI for these incredible opportunities. I booked a two bedroom, 2 bath unit in downtown Sedona at a Gold Crown resort for 9000 points for the an entire week.

9. If you find that you never seem to have enough points, purchase the most inexpensive unit that is already in the points system. Do not over pay for a timeshare and then pay a separate charge to put it into points. I know of one situation where you can purchase a timeshare for only $850 that gives 25,000 points per year. Shop around!

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TimeSharing Today is a friend of Holiday and the leading independent magazine for timeshare owners. Enjoy informative articles, resort reviews, tips on exchanging and other valuable timeshare information in each 56-page issue. As a guest of Holiday, please get your FREE Trial Subscription!

Destination St. Patrick’s Day: Parade Fun

Saint Patrick’s Day, always held March 17th, is a one of the most festive days of the year. Regardless of nationality, everyone has fun reveling in this Irish-themed holiday filled with music, dancing, corned beef and cabbage, green beer and bagpipe filled parades. Since the holiday lands on a weekday this year, most parades are scheduled the weekend before. No matter where you are vacationing this March, there are sure to be some green festivities nearby, but here are a few of the largest U.S. celebrations and parades.

Browse Holiday’s current inventory for a timeshare near one of these great destinations.

The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been marching every March 17th since 1762 as a float and automobile-free parade. Marchers, bagpipers and dancers make this a parade memorable. Starts at 10 am.

The Irish spirit of Chicago comes to life from the moment the Chicago River magically turns emerald green. Two festive parades take the town by storm the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day. The river dying will be at 10:45 on Saturday, March 14th and the Downtown parade starts at noon. The 2009 South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade will start rolling Sunday, March 15, 2009 at noon.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania St. Patrick’s Parade will be held Sunday March 15, 2009 from 12-3:30 pm featuring floats, bands and Gaelic dancers.

San Francisco boasts the largest St. Paddy Day parade on the West Coast and has a reputation for its chic fashions. This year the parade will be held Saturday March 14th and begin at 11:30 am, additional festivities run from 10 am to 5 pm.

Dublin, Ohio is an obvious choice for a St. Patty’s celebration. The entire town will be reveling in fun on Saturday, March 14 with an 11am parade, music, dancing and pre- and post-parade parties. Be sure to stop by the Blarney Bash Tent featuring Irish music, dancing, drums and bagpipes.

No matter what parade you decide to watch be sure to arrive early to claim your spot, bring snacks and beverages and don’t forget to wear green–you don’t want to get pinched!