Travel and Leisure Articles

A better timeshare is available on the market today if you really look hard. But sometimes it can be hard when most all of the timeshares today share the same problems. Not this one.

The following is a short summary……….

No yearly maintenance dues.

No black out dates.

You can travel anytime during the year.

Listings of over 5000 5 & 4 star resorts.

Full-service travel agency that offers high-end luxury travel at private member only rates.

The service behind the scenes has been offering travel for over 20 years.

Live customer service 24/7.

Ability to travel within just hours of making your reservation.

Includes Cruises and Airfare.

If you don’t find a place near to where your going to be staying, a request can be made and find you the nearest location.

Are there any recorded calls that you can listen to?

Yes. You can dial in and listen at your leisure

24/7 Recorded Conference Calls

503-445-8573 Travel Membership Testimonials

503-445-8566 3 Minute Sizzle Message

503-445-8567 Latest Live Conference Calls

503-445-8564 Latest Live Conference Calls

503-445-8561 Q&A Conference Calls

I recommend calling in and listening to the latest conference calls and the Q & A calls as well. You will be able to see just how much better this company is compared to other timeshares out there to take your money every month in maintenance fees and other ridiculous policy mumbo jumbo. I hope this helps for anyone looking into a timeshare.

Timeshares can be a blessing or a nightmare if you don’t know what your signing on the dotted line. Be sure to read every word before you sign your signature.

Do you like to go on vacations? Do you travel at least a few times a year and enjoy staying in the nicest of places? If so, then a timeshare might be right for you. What are time shares?

Time shares are basically resorts that sell each week of the year in each unit for a discounted price. When you buy a timeshare you actually own part of the property so you can resell it later to get your money back out of it or even make a profit. Timeshare are great for those that like to travel to the same destination each year and for those that like to go to different places since most timeshare companies have added a flexible option to their plans.

You will be able to trade your week or weeks in for time at another resort in another destination. They usually charge a small fee to transfer the time to another destination, but it is much less than renting a hotel. You can also buy vacations in other resorts after you have used up your week for a discount. You will pay around 50% of what you would pay for a 5 star hotel and you will get all the amenities of a resort.

They also give you options to get discounted airfare, rental cars, and cruises. This gives you a lot of flexibility with your vacationing. You will be able to take more vacations to more destination worldwide than you could ever imagine. The best part is that when you decide that you no longer want to use your timeshare you can sell it to someone else and get your investment back. This is a great way to vacation without spending as much money and still getting the 5 start atmosphere that you crave.

Now you know the answer to what are time shares and you can use this information to decide whether or not a timeshare is right for you. There are a lot of pros and only a few cons to owning a time share, but they are still not right for everybody so make sure you are making the decision that is going to fit your vacation needs best.

Timeshares attract people who like to travel. They are suppose to be a way for you to stay at beautiful resorts that you share ownership with and you get to stay at in most cases once a year. They can range anywhere from 15,000 to even $50,000. There are different types and there are some that you can stay at more than once a year.

Here is something that I discovered. There are travel memberships out there that let people stay at the same timeshares that many timeshare owners own, for even less than what owners are paying. These travel membership companies negotiate deals, make bulk reservations with resorts in advance and members of these travel memberships actually stay at these resorts at better rates than the timeshare owners themselves.

Timeshares require you to pay maintenance fees to maintain the resorts, yearly fees, and if you want to exchange your timeshare resort you have to join an exchange company. That is another fee that the owner has to actually pay. If you want to let friends and family use the resort you have to pay for guest passes.

One of these travel membership charges a one time fee of $2,995 dollars. That is a one time fee that a person pays and it is actually good for the rest of their life. Members get access to stay at thousands of resorts for less than $100 a day. These resorts are located at different locations worldwide. Members get 3 guest passes per year that they can give to family and friends and they have a special section in the membership that has all resorts priced at $37 dollars per day. They change the resort locations every few weeks for that section. What makes it even better is that these are four and five star resorts.

Another interesting thing about this resorts membership is that members do not pay maintenance fees, exchange fees, and no yearly fees. At $37 dollars a day they can stay at 5 star resorts which would equal to $298 for 8 days and 7 nights. Timeshare maintenance fees alone are more than $298 a year and there is no limit to the amount of resorts you can stay at worldwide with this membership. Another interesting feature about this same exact membership is that they gives access to members to find all types of cruises at wholesale prices.

When you compare a timeshare with what this travel membership offers, timeshares don’t look very attractive at all. Right now the timeshare industry is very strong but after experiencing the benefits of this membership sometimes I wonder if timeshares will remain such a strong market. Will timeshares keep growing at the rate that they have been doing it for through the next five years, or are we heading towards the death of timeshares? I guess only time will tell and we will just have to wait and see.

Renting a timeshare is easy. There are thousands of timeshare owners with weeks to sell all over the world and they’re all vying and fighting for your rental dollar. Unfortunately, not all timeshare rentals are created equal. For hints and tips on finding a timeshare rental that’s right for you, keep reading.

Call the Resort You Want

Typically, if a timeshare owner has a week that they need to unload, they will often rent it through their home resort. So, if you have a specific resort or location that you want, you’ll likely get results by phoning them directly.

However, renting a timeshare through the resort, rather than the owner, means you’ll be paying the resort rate. You’ll often find you can negotiate a cheaper weekly rental if you can rent owner-direct, saving yourself anywhere from 25-40 percent off your week.

Ask for More Pictures

If you’re considering renting a timeshare from a private timeshare owner but aren’t sure about the quality, you can always ask the owner for more pictures and details. Before you commit to any timeshare rental, make sure you know what you’re getting into, the quality of the property and generally what you can expect from the rental.

Get a Rental Agreement

Ask your timeshare’s owner to send you a copy of the reservation before you pay any money. To be sure, phone the resort on your own and verify the reservation yourself. Make sure your rental agreement spells out exactly what’s included in the rental and what’s expected of you as a tenant.

If you’re still concerned about possible fraud or misrepresentation, ask the landlord to consider using an escrow company. Your rent will then be kept in escrow until after the check-out date, protecting both the landlord and you, the renter.

Redweek.com (http://www.redweek.com)

With millions of timeshare swaps and rentals listed, this is one of the busiest timeshare rental websites on the Internet. You can sort and search by location, price, sleeping capacity and dates. You can also read customer and guest reviews of the timeshare and its amenities.

Timeshare Users Group (http://tug2.net)

Admittedly, this is a site designed for timeshare owners to share information, swap timeshare weeks and offer advice. However, they also happen to have an incredibly extensive ratings and review system maintained by thousands of timeshare owners. So, if you’re worried that a timeshare rental in Costa Rica might be a dud, you can look it up here for an honest opinion.

You are in a dilemma. You have been offered a timeshare rental and it seems to be very tempting. Viewed only in pictures and calculated the costs yet you are a little hesitant. Do take note of the items discussed in order to make a clear decision as to whether or not to

undertake a timeshare rental.

1) Time and place

Having a timeshare would be a great investment so be on guard when offered a rental. Check out the time you would be allowed to use the property. If the time allotment would be during the rainy season or on off tourist times of the year, then you won’t be able to enjoy much. Also, have someone check the condition of the property. Many times, pictures given to you would not be an accurate representation of the actual property.

2) Hidden costs

Do be wary of hidden costs in the offer. In order to avoid this, seek out a computation from the owner as to the expenses you need pay up prior to availment so you can budget everything else. Also, if there is a security fee requirement, allow for acceptance of

checks rather than cash so you have the leverage to cancel the amount instead of being the one to pursue the return of the deposit made.

3) Reputation

This is probably the single most important fact that needs to be reviewed by the would-be lessee. Find out if the one making the offer is the actual owner or agent of the timeshare owner. Unscrupulous individuals who have no rights to rent out in the first place dupe many times people into renting a timeshare.

Being a baby boomer myself I am always looking for travel bargains. Several years ago I made the mistake of purchasing a very expensive timeshare property in Cancun Mexico. There is nothing wrong with the property. In fact, the Palace Resorts timeshare that I own offers some of the most beautiful properties in all of Mexico.

The mistake and problem came when, after spending thousands of unnecessary dollars, I found out about a travel club membership that offered huge discount timeshare rentals for baby boomers and other discriminating travelers. I could not believe my eyes when I saw that my own timeshare property was part of the membership. It cost me $2998 to join this membership and it cost me $58,000 for my timeshare! This was crazy. I could have taken trips for the rest of my life at huge discounts with the $58,000 I had already spent.

The two main differences between the timeshare that I purchased and this membership is cost and flexibility. Not only did I have to pay to own the timeshare in Cancun, but I also still have to pay the all inclusive fees every time I travel. Those fees range from $1700 per week to $7,000 per week depending on the property I choose. I can travel as many times per year as I’d like, but if I want to stay in my home resort, I need lots of money.

With my new travel club membership, I paid my one time fee of $2998 and every time I want to travel (and I can travel as often as I want), I only pay from $298 for two for the week up to the highest of $799 for the week. Sometimes the properties even allow up to 4 people to travel and these are all coveted timeshare properties! Also, with most timeshare properties you have to travel during a certain week every year to the same property. They don’t all cost what I paid and you can get a timeshare property for $15,000 BUT you will pay maintenance fees either monthly or yearly and those costs can rise at a moment’s notice. The average maintenance fee is between $500 and $700 per year on top of your monthly timeshare payment if you have one.

My family is overjoyed that I joined this membership because now they can travel with me or as my guest. Another exciting benefit is that they know that when I pass away, I will be passing this membership on to them. It’s a 100 year lifetime membership transferrable for a very small fee.

There are huge discount timeshare rentals available for baby boomers if you just know where to look. Other places will include doing a google search, looking on Ebay and visiting vacation rentals by owner, but so far, the travel club membership has offered the very best deals on 4 and 5 star timeshare properties for all types and ages of travelers, including huge discounts on cruises and airfare. You can find out more by visiting the links below and investigating how to save money on your next vacation yourself. Use your boomer travel money wisely and take lots of trips!

Vacation ownership industry commonly known as time-share is being much sought after by middle-class and upper middle-class who are planning to travel more often than in the past, as it gives them the flexibility to travel to different destination, year-on-year with just one package. As a leading player in this industry, Mahindra Group company. Club Mahindra has captured a lion’s share of this industry which is growing at a robust pace. In an interview with Express Ramesh Ramanathan, managing director of Mahindra Holidays & Resort India Ltd, speaks to Rommel Bodrigues about this evolving industry. Excerpts:

Why has the vacation ownership industry not really taken off?

This is not true, this is one of the fastest growing sectors in the tourism industry having registered significant growth in recent decades. The industry has over 40 vacation ownership companies with 80 resorts. You will also be surprised to know that since 1998 the industry has registered a compounded annual growth exceeding 15 percent. Club Mahindra, a leading player, has recorded a CAGR of 57 percent in terms of revenue over the last three fiscals.

In that case why is the concept not widely accepted, and which cities are largely hooked on to vacation ownership?

I don’t agree, however, we can say the concept is nascent in India. With rising salaries more and more domestic tourist are willing to travel across the country. With a vacation ownership they benefit immensity as buyer acquires the right to holiday at a reason for the time you need at a location you desire. Also since vacation ownership resorts are located at many desirable locations around India and the world, you get a multiple choice to travel. In fact, the demand has percolated from the Metros to the Tier 11 cities as well.

What is the vacation ownership industry worth?

The global vacation ownership industry is estimated at over US$9.4 billion. The industry comprises 5,425 resorts in over 95 countries with a total of 6.7 million owners, holding 10.7 million vacation ownership weeks.

How can the concepts be defined in real terms?

Vacation ownership is essentially the ownership and usage of a hospitality asset, which is sold or a predetermined duration or perpetuity. Although there cab be a range of products from different companies, broadly it may include deeded ownership interest in an immovable property, right to use products which allows user to avail accommodation during a specified week, season or time interval for a specified number of years.

Does the inbound traveler also contributed to this industry?

Very much, through affiliate programs we have travelers coming in to Indian resorts and likewise our members can avail facilities anywhere in the world.

What is the Government contribution towards this industry?

The Government has recognized the importance of the hospitality industry and over the past two to three years, has enacted or announced several initiatives to give further impetus to the industry. The Incredible India campaign development and up gradation of airports, with Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore already under renovation, reduction of travel costs by removing domestic and foreign air travel tax are some of the steps government has taken to boost the industry.

How is your company positioned in the sector?

As a leader in the industry we account for nearly 65 percent of the total active members across this industry in India with RCI.

What kind of facilities do you have?

We have a pan-India coverage, with a total of 21 resorts. Our Club Mahindra Holiday resorts include 19 resorts, of which our owned resorts are located at Munnar, Coorg, Goa, Binsar, Manali and Ashtumudi. In addition, our members can choose to access a range of RCI resorts globally.

If you think only the rich can afford to buy their own vacation home, you’ve probably never heard of timeshares. Timeshares has actually made it possible for average folks to buy a share of a home, a vacation villa, a resort or a condo unit. But are they really worth the investment? Here are things you need to know:

What are timeshares?

A timeshare is one type of real property ownership, in which a person buys a share. This share gives him the right of use for that property. You don’t actually buy the property - you buy the right to use it for a specified period of time. This period of time is fixed, usually a week of every year or every other year, depending on the agreement. This means that for every type of property there is, there are multiple parties that have the rights of usage.

The term ‘timeshare’ can also be used to refer to real properties sold or rented in this manner. They could either be offered as part-ownership or right-to-use/lease. The latter doesn’t give the owner of the share any form of ownership claim to the property.

Why you might want it

A timeshare works well with people who regularly go on vacations each year and/or those who want to own vacation properties. It’s an excellent choice in case you and your family wish to enjoy time off at a particular resort and could mean a lot of savings on your part because the accommodation is already covered by your purchase of the share/s.

A timeshare can also be used in other ways. Depending on the type you bought, you could, for example, rent it out for a profit, sell it or give it as a gift to someone else.

Is it worth the investment?

A timeshare is not exactly an investment in the sense that it does not appreciate in value over time. In fact, in case you want to sell your timeshare in the future, there’s a good chance you might even have to sell it at a loss.

Furthermore, expect to pay for annual expenses to cover for administration, management and maintenance of the property. As to how much this is will depend heavily on the type of unit you have, its location and popularity.

So when is it a good investment?

A timeshare can be worth the investment for you if you travel frequently and stay in hotels. If there’s one or a few locations that you go to regularly or at least several times a year, buying a timeshare can help you save a few hundreds to a several thousand dollars each year.

A timeshare can also be worth the investment if the location is right. If you bought a timeshare resort condo unit in Hawaii but live in Ohio and frequently vacation in Florida or California, it won’t be of much use to you at all. Unless, of course, you rent it out, in which case you could earn. This is what many timeshare owners do, not only to turn a bit of profit but also to pay for their timeshare fees. However, that will depend of course on how popular the location and facilities included in your timeshare are. It will only have a good potential for generating income from rentals if there are people who find it attractive enough to actually rent.

So is a timeshare worth the investment? That will really depend on the type of circumstances involved in your case. Before buying a timeshare, consider the points discussed above so you make a more informed decision.

When people decide to buy Florida timeshares, it is advisable to find a membership that fits in their budget. Though the timeshare concept is novel and valued for its utility people may find it difficult to arrange for their membership costs. When deciding upon Florida timeshares, people may decide opt for loans that can pay for such expenses. Once Florida timeshares are financed, members may even opt for refinancing. A number of Florida timeshare companies along with presenting the concept, introduce interested people to lending institutes. Florida timeshare companies may require, prospective members to fill in bank papers and details that help quicken the financing procedure.

As these financing options are similar to loans taken for other purposes, lending institutions exercise the same verification procedures. Financing for Florida timeshares is available for new memberships as well as resales. Before finalizing a financing company, it is advisable for prospective members to compare existing loan rates and benefits. This helps locate a lending institution that offers a reasonable loan and payment option. A number of Florida timeshare companies work hand in hand with customers to find a feasible financing source. Customers may even make enquiries at lending institutions that cater to vacation ownership properties.

Financing Florida timeshares through credit unions is a common option. If interested individuals are part of a credit union, they may choose to opt for loans from the credit union. Such options are considered to be viable as these lending bodies offer reasonable interest rates to members. The money is made available as a personal loan once approved. Others who boast of a good percentage of equity in their personal property may opt for a home equity line of credit to fund their Florida timeshare purchase. At times, lending institutions may not offer financing options for resales that are of a reduced value. In such cases, Florida timeshare financing can be made available through seller financing or by taking over the first owners existing loan.

Our usual daily schedules seem to bore us at times that we feel like getting away with it even for a while. We tend to get stressed with the demands of our daily life that at times we want to go somewhere else to chill and relax. There are a lot of activities that we want to do and it would be exciting if we do it in the resorts that we wish to go. Timeshare is one of the top options of many families today for their vacation.

Timeshare is a co-ownership of a vacation property; you can choose for a resort that will accommodate you for a specific time once a year. It provides all the services of a vacation package, all the infrastructure of a resort and the satisfaction of relaxing far from the hectic and demanding life. It is the economical and flexible means to use up a vacation. And in timeshare you will be given an opportunity to spend vacations at different resorts each year. You can opt for a trip to Hawaii, the Caribbean, Florida and other major timeshare resort regions. This property can perhaps provide you and your family a way to unwind and you are like giving yourself and your family a delightful time annually.

You can obtain timeshare in an affordable rate and even in great discounts because resale prices of timeshare resorts are up to 60% lesser. There are numerous properties of these sorts that are for sale; Manhattan Club, Marriotts Newport Coast Villas, Tahiti Village, Marriotts Maui Ocean Club, Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa, Disneys Boardwalk Villas, Disney Beach club Villas, Marriotts Grand Chateau, Moon Palace, Grandview at Las Vegas, Royal Sands, Pueblo Bonito Resort at Sunset Beach, Wyndham Ocean Walk and lots more. In that fact, you can be confident that you have a lot of options of vacation resorts for the whole family.

It is accessible since you can search it in the internet with many resorts to pick from where you can relax and have an enjoyable time for yourself and your family. You can go skiing, golfing, swimming, or any activities that you love to do. Look for a timeshare directory that will update you about the area, its history and other local places to go.

It can offer you a soothing and fun vacation that is worth the money you have spent. It has a well-developed and mature resale rates that made millions of families decide to own one.

Many wonderful places are waiting to be discovered and it would be great to share it with your family. It can be exciting for your family to have something to look ahead each year, and to get away with our ordinary everyday routine for a while. This type of property can economically offer you and your family the get-away break that you deserve.