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

Over the next 7 weeks we’d like to share our knowledge of timeshares and timesharing. You don’t have to sit through a high-pressure sales presentation to get the facts. Here they are! Be sure to check back each week for the next installment.

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Part 1: Five Easy Pieces

Let’s get straight to the heart of the matter: What makes a vacation great?

*Traveling to exciting places
*Experiencing new things
*Sharing special times with family and friends
*Relaxing in luxurious surroundings
*Getting away and having fun

. . . and doing all of that without going deep into debt!

Timesharing was created to turn the luxury vacation of the rich and famous into an affordable getaway for the rest of us. But saving money is only the start. Learning how to enjoy the vacation lifestyle is just as important. So let’s get started!

Unlike a typical hotel room, timeshares aren’t just a place to sleep and shower. Their spaciousness, their amenities, their furnishings say you’re on vacation the moment you arrive.

1. More Space
Timeshare accommodations offer spacious living rooms, large master bedrooms, additional bedrooms if you wish, plus the extra space afforded by fold-out couches for accommodating even more family and friends. Two or more bathrooms give family members more privacy. Separate areas for dining create a comfortable, homey setting. And many units have full kitchens for those times you would prefer to dine in, or prefer not to spend the extra money to dine out.

2. More Luxury
Timeshare units often include secluded patios or balconies for private outdoor relaxation. The offer higher quality furnishings, thicker bath towels, more modern bath fixtures and upscale decor throughout. Units often feature a washer and dryer, a home entertainment center and Internet access.

3. More On-Site Amenities
Most timeshare resorts offer standard amenities that are far superior to those of a mid-priced hotel, including large swimming pools, saunas, tennis courts, fitness facilities and a choice of restaurants and bars.

Timeshares are frequently located in highly desirable vacation spots that offer easy access to golf courses, hiking and horseback trails, theme parks, beaches, fishing, water sports, winter sports, shopping, dining and theaters.

4. More Flexibility
From quiet countryside to sizzling beaches or big city lights, timeshare owners enjoy members-only privileges at thousands of resorts all over the world through the exchange services of Resort Condominiums International (RCI) or Interval International (II).

Floating use and points programs let owners pick the time of year that best suits their schedules. Owners can bank their week with an exchange company for use at a later time, rent the timeshare to non-members, or in some cases allow the resort to rent out their week.

5. Less Cost!
Your annual timeshare maintenance fee is less than the cost of seven nights in a hotel room in the same area. Your bill is zero when your stay is over. There are no hidden fees or unexpected charges. You spend less money on eating out because most units have kitchens for preparing your own meals whenever you want. You save even more by not paying an extra charge for an additional child or visiting guest.

Built to appeal to the sophisticated tastes and higher expectations of today’s vacation owners, timeshare resorts offer luxurious amenities with the personable service of a world-class hotel at a more budget-friendly price. And that’s just the beginning.

In addition to the “5 Easy Pieces” that give you the whole vacation experience, timesharing also gives you special perks and privileges. You’ll learn about these in Part 2 of Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Timesharing But Were Afraid to Attend a Sales Presentation to Ask.

–Gillian Armstrong

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