preloaddefault-post-thumbnail

Timeshares

Before you cringe, learn the basics

The word “timeshare” can evoke a lot of feelings – and not all of them good. Sometimes the word alone can remind you of pushy salespeople, boring presentations and lifelong contracts that are impossible to get out of. It’s time to shatter that perception.

If you’re one of those families that vacations together frequently, a timeshare may be exactly what you need to make the most out of your trip. Before you cringe, learn the basics:

A changing industry

Think about all the reasons why you thought investing in a timeshare was a bad idea. Now bundle those ideas up and throw them overboard. The industry is constantly changing to accommodate people who’ve made investments, and now there are more flexible options, so you don’t have to worry about signing a contract that binds you and your timeshare in marriage until death do you part. This new flexibility makes it possible for families to buy timeshares – and now more and more are opting in.

Your home away from home

Timeshares offer amenities that traditional hotel rooms typically don’t: more space, kitchen facilities and a homier feel. A lot of resorts have gone to great lengths to include kid-friendly amenities as a way to really appeal to the family demographic they now target. Timeshares also come equipped with washers and dryers most of the time – often necessary for a family of five.

A huge money-saver

Prices for timeshares have plummeted because many folks – either because their kids have all grown up or simply because they don’t get away as much as they’d like to – want to sell their property. No matter what the case it, it works to your benefit. People trying to unload their timeshares quickly will sell them for drastically reduced prices, saving you bundles of money. Beyond saving money, you could reap other rewards, too. You can convert unused weeks into points to redeem for discounts on cruises, car rentals and airfare.

So much to do

Timeshares take the on-site amenities that hotels offer and turns them up a notch. There’s almost always a pool, and some resorts even have water parks and movie theaters, free of charge. There is generally a community center where you check in and out; you’ll find a game room and board games that you can rent and bring back to your timeshare for a quaint family game night. Game rentals are typically free – provided you bring the game back in the same condition you borrowed it in, of course.

Keep in mind

Now, while your investment in a timeshare could mean a lot of money saved on family vacations, it also means fees that require budgeting.

At the end of the day, you need to remember that this is not a financial investment; it’s an investment in your family. Make sure you do your research first, so you know exactly what you’re looking for. There are more than 5,000 timeshare resorts out there – it’s time to take your pick.

(Featured image: Grace Garcia)

About the author

Melisse HinkleA New England native but explorer at heart, Melisse has traveled throughout North America, biked through rice paddies in Bali, seen the Northern Lights in Iceland, walked alongside llamas in Machu Picchu and made her way around Europe while studying abroad in London. She is the Head of Content and Social Media for North America at Cheapflights.

Explore more articles