| We are a family of 5 and are considering getting a timeshare for either the kids Christmas break or spring break. Is it cheaper than going to expedia or some other search engine to book a room etc? If a timeshare is the way to go where should it be? We also thought about getting a timeshare in a cheesy place and just switch around every year. |
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Ye gods no. We have one in Orlando and it suuuuuuucks. Yes, it's convenient and comfortable, but it's not that cheap, and even after you pay it off, you need to pay maintenance and taxes. Plus you're locked into vacationing at THAT place, or one just like it in another vacation destination. I'd MUCH rather have the cash to spend on different kinds of vacations.
Hint: All of us timeshare owners are desperate to rent ours out, so you should be able to rent one at any time and save yourself the hassle. We have a three bedroom lockout in Orlando and would be thrilled to get $500 for the week. |
| No they are a scam. Like Las Vegas, the odds are set up against timeshare owners. |
| Thanks for the info. Is there a website where you can find listed timeshares for rent? TIA |
| Only if you want to go to the same place. |
| We have a timeshare and have never been to the same place twice. |
Yes, you can do this, but for many timeshares you need to pay a fee to change locations or weeks. It costs a little bit extra to stay at partner hotels instead of the resorts. It's $100 here and there, plus the taxes and fees. If you love that kind of vacationing, it can be worth it. But for most people, it's just not. |
| No, they are total scams and hard to get rid of. |
What does "lockout" mean? TIA. |
| NO FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DON'T DO IT |
| I have friends out West who have 2 timeshares, one in Maui and one in the Park City Utah area. She is a SAHM and he makes bank and they love to snorkel and ski, so far she loves it. I have another friend who likes hers because she can swap into a place like Aruba and pay much less for a week with three bedrooms than she would for a hotel. But who wants a maintenance bill for a place you only visit once a year? In Kona Hi there are retail storefronts where desperate salespeople try to get tourists to commit to a deal. I feel like if they were such a good deal people wouldn't be desperate to sell or unload them. |
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redweek.com
http://tug2.com/timesharemarketplace/ |
You can lock off one side of a large unit to break it into two smaller units, each with their own kitchen, bath(s), and living areas. Useful if renting to strangers or traveling with another family. |
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http://tug2.net/advice/Timeshare_Buying_Tips.htm
Here are some time share buying tips. Never buy direct from the resort. Always buy resale. |
| God no. If you like the amenities of timeshare resorts, rent other people's points. |