timeshare vs travel memberships

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Timeshares vs. Vacation Clubs vs. Travel Clubs

10 Min Read | Apr 4, 2023

These days, most people have heard enough horror stories about timeshares to know you should run for the hills whenever someone tries to sell you one.

When it comes to vacation clubs and travel clubs, though, things are a little different. Those programs have started popping up a lot over the last few years, and they’re billed as the way to achieve R and R. Resorts, airlines and other companies in the travel industry advertise these members-only clubs as great alternatives to timeshares and play up their discounted travel options .

But here’s the truth: Vacation clubs and travel clubs are, by definition, timeshares. There are some differences between them—but nothing that makes them any better. And in some ways, they’re even worse. You’ll get all the restrictions, money traps and sneaky fees of a regular timeshare —but wait! There’s more! You’ll get some extra ones too—including creative new ones you’ve probably never heard of. 

Now, all that might surprise you if you’ve heard only good things about these clubs or you’re thinking of buying a membership. So let’s dig into the details. We’ll show you how these clubs work, how they waste a ton of your money, and why you’re better off keeping your distance.

How Timeshares and Clubs Work

A timeshare is a single property you visit year after year. You purchase a time-sharing agreement, then pay maintenance fees. After all that, you own the right to vacation at the property during preset times, usually a week or two each year.

Not only does the insane cost of owning a timeshare make it a complete rip-off (thanks to a boatload of hidden fees and restrictions), but the timeshare industry is also full of fraud and often uses unethical sales practices. Stay far away.

Vacation Clubs

A vacation club is a type of timeshare. But instead of paying to use a single property, like a traditional timeshare, you get access to multiple properties in multiple locations. Don’t be fooled though: Vacation clubs stink just as badly as timeshares since they also come with a ton of fees and restrictions.

Travel Clubs

Travel clubs are a type of vacation club. They have a lot of the same expenses and destinations, but members of a travel club vacation together. The company gets them group rates, so they usually pay less for memberships and fees than vacation club members.

The Risks of Vacation Clubs and Travel Clubs

Timeshares, vacation clubs and travel clubs all sell people the idea of a fairy-tale vacation at a bargain price, but these “dream” vacations come with nightmarish problems. Here are some of the biggest:

• They limit where you can travel. A lot of vacation club companies make it sound like you can travel anywhere in the world using their plan, but it’s just not true. Sure, vacation clubs give you more options than a traditional timeshare, but you can only travel to locations where the vacation club company has a property. And even the biggest companies don’t have properties everywhere.
• They’ve got restricted travel dates. Even though you technically “own” a timeshare or club membership after you buy it, you can’t use it whenever you want. That’s because you have to work around the other owners’ schedules and any blackout dates set in place by the timeshare company. No thanks.
• They don’t always let you bring your family. Here’s an area where vacation and travel clubs are worse than timeshares. Did you know many clubs only give the membership to the person who paid for it? That means, unlike with a timeshare, you can’t bring anyone you want along for a trip to some club destinations. And depending on the club, these restrictions can also apply to your immediate family! 
• They’re hard to get out of. This one’s the kicker. It can be really difficult to get out of a timeshare or club membership if you decide you don’t like it. There’s a reason one of the first things you’ll see if you search the internet for “timeshares” is a list of companies dedicated to helping folks get out of them.

Vacation Club Costs

Not only do timeshares, vacation clubs and travel clubs have a bunch of confusing risks and restrictions, but they also charge a ton of fees! Let’s take a look at all the costs involved in owning a timeshare or club membership, many of which are totally ridiculous. They include:

• Initial purchase price
• Financing costs
• Closing costs
• Maintenance fees
• Point redemption fees

Initial Purchase Price

This is the actual cost of purchasing ownership in a timeshare, vacation club or travel club. It’s the biggest expense in owning a timeshare, but once you pay it, the timeshare is yours. Of course, there are plenty of other fees you’ll still have to pay even after dropping cash on the initial purchase price—more on those fees in a moment.

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The average initial purchase price of a seven-day timeshare is $24,140. 1 With vacation and travel clubs, the price depends on the company you’re buying from. For example, Disney Vacation Club’s typical initial purchase price starts around $32,000. 2 A Hilton Grand Vacations membership averages $22,000. 3 And some vacation clubs also charge an annual membership fee on top of the initial purchase price.

Financing Costs

Now, most folks who buy timeshares don’t have $20,000 just lying around, so they wind up financing the initial purchase price. That means they make a down payment and turn the remaining amount into debt that they pay off in monthly installments. It’s just like a car loan or a student loan —but way worse.

Why? Because timeshare financing usually carries a ridiculous interest rate. Take Disney Vacation Club as an example. While they advertise interest rates that start at 10% (which is still terrible, by the way), the fine print will tell you that some members could get slapped with an 18% interest rate! 4 That’s almost as bad as credit cards —which, for comparison, have a 20.4% average interest rate. 5

So, while a monthly payment of $400–500 may not sound like a big deal, you’ll be racking up interest the whole time. That’s a huge part of how these companies make money.

Closing Costs

Are you ready to pay your initial purchase fee and jump into vacationing? Hold your horses, partner. There’s still more money to fork over.

Next, you’ll pay closing costs to finalize the sale of the club membership or timeshare. And closing costs aren’t cheap—close to $1,000 in some cases. For example, Disney Vacation Club sometimes charges over $850 for closing costs. 6

There aren’t even this many hoops to jump through at the National Dog Show!

Maintenance Fees

One of the “perks” of owning a timeshare or club membership is that, even though you technically own part of the property, you don’t have to worry about cleaning or other maintenance when you’re not using it. It seems like a great benefit, but don’t think for a second you won’t pay for it.

Maintenance fees are timeshare and vacation club companies’ way of charging you for the upkeep of their properties, and these suckers are expensive. The average timeshare annual maintenance fee is a whopping $1,000. 7

Here’s the kicker with maintenance fees: You have to pay them as long as you own the timeshare. That’s right—even if you pay cash for your timeshare or membership, or pay off your loan, you’ll still owe annual maintenance fees.

Alicia, a member of our Ramsey Baby Steps Community on Facebook, found that out when she paid off her vacation club membership in 2021. She called the club company after making her final payment and asked if she’d still owe her $875 maintenance fee. Spoiler: She did.

“I paid it off two years early, then I asked, ‘Do I still have to pay the maintenance fees?’ And they said yes,” Alicia said. “I get irritated when we have to hit ‘submit’ on the payment.”

Point Redemption Fees

Somehow, there’s still another fee left to go over, and this one is the most ridiculous of them all. A lot of vacation clubs operate based on a points system. Each year, members are awarded a set number of points. Then, when a member wants to take a vacation, they redeem those points to book time at a property.

Here’s the problem: Sometimes, vacation clubs charge their members a fee to redeem their points. That’s right—you have to pay even more money just to use the points that you already paid for! It’s complete nonsense, right? And yet, plenty of people sign up for these plans year after year. 

This is just dumb, folks. Don’t fall for this garbage.

Are Vacation Clubs Worth It?

No! One more time for the people in the back: No! One more time for everyone else who still didn’t hear: No!

Even if you stumble onto a timeshare or club that isn’t a scam, it’s still a horrible financial decision. Let’s take a look at why.

For this example, we’ll say you bought a vacation club membership and agreed to pay a $400 monthly payment over 15 years with a $1,000 annual maintenance fee. Over the course of a year, that comes out to $5,800.

What if, instead of sending $5,800 to the vacation club company, you just bought a $3,000 vacation yourself and kept the remaining $2,800? That $3,000 would probably buy you a pretty nice vacation, and you’d have a ton of extra money to put toward other important financial goals like getting out of debt or saving for retirement .

In fact, $2,800 invested annually for 15 years in good mutual funds with a 10% rate of return comes out to nearly $100,000, according to our investment calculator . So, if you bought a vacation club, you’d be wasting almost $100,000 of investment potential on nothing.

Do you see how the math just doesn’t make any sense here? Especially when you consider that those numbers didn’t include membership fees, point redemption fees, closing costs, or interest. And don’t forget, clubs and timeshares almost always cover only your lodging—your costs for food, travel and attractions will likely only be discounted (not free) with these programs.

At their worst, timeshares and vacation clubs are fraudulent scams. At their best, they’re complete rip-offs. This is a lose-lose scenario if we’ve ever seen one.

The Better Way to Pay for Vacations

Like we just talked about, saving up and paying cash for your vacations is a much better way to travel than buying a timeshare or club membership—and it’s not close. But saving money isn’t always easy, and it can be super difficult if you aren’t living on a budget by making a plan for your money at the beginning of every month.

If you’ve never made a budget before—or if you want a tool that makes it a whole lot easier—downloading the free EveryDollar app is a great place to start. EveryDollar lets you set up a budget in minutes so you can get a jump start on saving up for that next big trip. Plus, the premium version allows you to connect your bank account to the app so it automatically tracks your transactions.

So, instead of dealing with these timeshare and vacation club companies, give them the cold shoulder by getting on a budget and saving up to pay for vacations without them.

Download EveryDollar today!

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About the author

Ramsey Solutions has been committed to helping people regain control of their money, build wealth, grow their leadership skills, and enhance their lives through personal development since 1992. Millions of people have used our financial advice through 22 books (including 12 national bestsellers) published by Ramsey Press, as well as two syndicated radio shows and 10 podcasts, which have over 17 million weekly listeners. Learn More.

The Truth About Timeshares

The first word that should come to your head when you hear the word timeshares should be RUN! Run far, far away! If you run fast enough, you can eventually escape that annoying, high-pressure salesperson!

Timeshare Maintenance Fees: The Ugly Truth

A timeshare is a guaranteed vacation spot, but it’s also a guarantee you’ll be slapped with hefty maintenance fees every year. Here’s what you need to know.

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Timeshare vs. membership: pros and cons of each vacation rental type.

Timeshares and vacation clubs are often confused, but they have several differences, some of them being their flexibility, costs and availability.

See: Why Nobody Is Buying Vacation Homes Anymore Find Out: How To Build Your Savings From Scratch

Picking the option that’s the most suited for you depends on these factors and what type of vacation you are looking for .

“The main difference between a timeshare and a vacation club or membership is that a timeshare is usually for a specific destination whereas a vacation club is for any destination that brand has a property,” said Kendall Meade certified financial planner at SoFi . The other difference, Meade added, is that a timeshare is usually for a set amount of time whereas in a vacation club you can pay more or less for how often you would like to go.

Here’s some more information about both so you can decide which is right for you.

Timeshares are vacation property arrangements that allow you to share the cost of a property with others in which several unrelated parties own a fractional share of a property, as Rocket Mortgage explains.

According to Meade, timeshares have several advantages, including being more affordable than purchasing your own vacation property and having less maintenance. They also provide a guaranteed vacation destination and the ability in some cases to swap with others, and you can share them with friends and family.

Other benefits include the fact that many timeshares are located within resort communities that offer a range of amenities, such as pools, spas and golf courses, said RatePunk CEO, Justin Albertynas, adding that owning a timeshare can also provide a sense of ownership and investment in a property.

Check Out: 5 Affordable Up-and-Coming US Locations To Buy Vacation Property in 2023

Albertynas explained that there are several downsides to timeshares. For example, they are often expensive upfront, with initial costs including the purchase price, annual maintenance fees and other associated costs.

In addition, owners are typically limited to a specific week or weeks of the year, making it difficult to change vacation plans or accommodate last-minute changes.

Finally and most crucially, timeshares can be difficult to sell or get out of, with many owners finding it difficult to recoup their initial investment.

What’s more, they may end up not being cheaper than booking vacations on your own.

“You will need to run the numbers and account for the upfront cost, maintenance fees, travel costs and more,” said SoFi’s Meade, adding that they also are a depreciating asset, rather than potentially appreciating ones like owning real estate.

“In general timeshares should not be thought of as an investment, rather a lifestyle purchase,” Meade said.

Memberships or ‘Vacation Clubs’

Memberships, on the other hand, are very different as they typically offer their members exclusive access to vacation rental properties, Albertynas said.

“They can usually book these rentals at discounted rates or with additional perks, such as concierge services or activity packages. Some clubs also offer points-based systems that allow members to accumulate points over time and redeem them for vacations,” Albertynas added.

Michael Brown, CEO of Travel + Leisure Co . explained that the membership-based model allows travelers to curate the vacation of their dreams without being tied down to one brand, region or timeframe, instead, offering thousands of potential destinations on one convenient platform.

“For guests seeking deep discounts at a range of hotels and resorts around the world, T+L GO offers exciting vacation deals, with additional amenities including preferred pricing on rental cars, cruises, activities, excursions, and the services of a personal travel concierge,” Brown said.

Another benefit is that membership programs offer flexibility in terms of choosing vacation destinations and travel dates, allowing members to plan vacations based on their individual preferences, Albertynas said.

One drawback of vacation memberships is that they typically require an upfront membership fee, annual fees and additional fees for booking accommodations, which can add up over time. In addition, Albertynas noted that some programs have limited availability for certain destinations or accommodations, which can make it difficult to book preferred options.

“Members may not have as much control over the specific accommodations they book, as options may be limited by availability and membership level,” he added.

In the end, some experts say that the real question is whether you’re looking for a vacation rental that will give you a good return on investment.

“If you’re renting a timeshare, then yes, I’d say it’s better than a membership. But if you’re just looking to rent out some of your space, then there are pros and cons to both options,” said Mac Steer, owner and director at Simify.

And other experts noted that sometimes saving up for vacations and booking them on your own can be a better option.

“There is no upfront cost as a buy-in, no commitment, no annual fees, and no restrictions on where or when you vacation,” Meade said.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : Timeshare vs. Membership: Pros and Cons of Each Vacation Rental Type

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Fiascos and Fixes

Timeshares and travel vacation clubs: What to know before you join one

Stephanie Patterson

Travel columnist

March 16, 2023

Buyer’s remorse. That describes too many consumers who get talked into spending thousands of dollars on a timeshare or travel vacation club, only to find that it is not right for them. They are now locked into a long-term commitment of ever-increasing fees and need help figuring out what to do.

This article will help you determine if a timeshare or travel vacation club is right for you and how to weigh the benefits and risks of membership. And if you are a timeshare owner wanting to get out of your contractual agreement, we have some suggestions.

Fraudulent companies targeting the timeshare resale market have multiplied over the last several years. We’ll help you recognize what is a scam and what is legitimate.

What’s the difference between a timeshare and a vacation club?

A timeshare is a type of vacation property where the owner shares the costs with other owners. The timeshare rules are specified in an agreement. A timeshare typically gives the owner a specific number of weeks per year to use. Owners cannot modify the timeshare or use it whenever they desire.

Timeshares are usually spacious and well-maintained condos, hotels, villas, or apartments on a resort property. The concept originated when the condominium industry needed to get rid of excess inventory. Amenities often include golf courses, tennis courts, pools, gyms, beach access, and more. 

A travel vacation club is also a type of timeshare. Many hotel chains and resorts tried to set themselves apart from the stigma attached to timeshares by calling their timeshares travel vacation clubs. 

Resorts such as Disney Vacation Club, Club Wyndham, Hilton Grand Vacations, and the Marriott Vacation Club consider the owners of their timeshares as travel vacation club members. Members are guaranteed an annual vacation at one of the network resorts throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Timeshares have expanded to luxury campsites, single-family homes, lodges, private jets, and yurts. 

It’s important to note that a timeshare is not an investment, and you do not own the property. It is an illiquid asset that will continue to lose value.  (I’ll explain this in a minute.)

The average cost of a timeshare/travel vacation club

When you buy a timeshare, you pay a specific amount for the initial purchase and are then responsible for recurring annual fees. According to the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), the average price of a timeshare is $24,140. You’ll also have to pay closing costs.

Timeshare resales often sell for substantially less than the original purchase price. They are likely to continue to decrease in value from the date of purchase.

Annual dues/maintenance fees

Along with the upfront cost of a timeshare, you’ll have to pay recurring annual dues/maintenance fees. These dues cover the cost of maintenance, which typically includes operating expenses, repairs, insurance premiums, and a percentage of real estate taxes. The amount of dues is determined by the size of the unit and the location. The average dues/maintenance fees are currently around $1,000 per year – and they continue to escalate.  

If the property requires an upgrade or unexpected repairs, the timeshare owners may get charged a special assessment fee.

Financing a timeshare/travel vacation club

If you plan to finance your timeshare through your bank or the property owner, you could pay extremely high-interest rates (as high as 20% or so) along with closing costs. You will not qualify for a conventional mortgage because there is no collateral – you do not own the property. 

It is not a good idea to finance the dues/maintenance fees. Only buy a timeshare if you can afford to pay these fees. Remember that you will continue paying annual fees as long as you own the timeshare.

How to survive a timeshare/travel club presentation – without signing a contract

Unfortunately, some timeshare companies have given the industry a bad reputation through their hard-sell tactics and lack of transparency.

Timeshare companies entice potential buyers by offering a free vacation, cruise, or some other type of incentive and often push participants into signing the contract before they leave. They may use guilt or other dishonorable practices to accomplish this task.

Many participants feel pressured into buying a timeshare or travel club and later feel trapped .

It’s important to note that there are reputable timeshare companies with professional presentations that are transparent about what they offer. These companies do not strong-arm participants into buying, so read reviews of the timeshare company you’re considering before taking the plunge.

If you attend a presentation and have an interest in buying a timeshare, take the contract home and read it thoroughly. Check the accuracy of the figures given and compare those costs to what you plan to spend on vacations over the next several years. 

It is not a good idea to sign the contract at the presentation, no matter how much pressure you receive. If the so-called great deal is legit, it will still be there when you are ready to sign later. If the timeshare company isn’t willing to extend the deal so you can do a thorough review, view that as a warning sign.

Signing a timeshare contract is a long-term, perhaps lifelong financial commitment.

What if you sign the contract and then have buyer’s remorse?

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), most states provide a mandated rescission period (usually around three to ten days). If you purchase a timeshare at a presentation and then decide you made a mistake, you can get out of the contract within the allowable time frame of that state. The rescission option only applies to timeshares that are sold in the U.S. There are no rescission periods in most other countries.

At Consumer Rescue, we emphasize the importance of reading the entire contract before you sign (See: Why you should never report a credit card transaction as fraudulent when it isn’t ).

Do not rely on the words of the salesperson. The contract always trumps the spoken word.

Check the contract for a cancellation clause. A fair contract often provides 24 hours to a week for buyers to change their minds.  

If you decide to cancel within the cancellation period, notify the property owner immediately by phone. Follow up with an email and a written cancellation sent via certified mail with a return receipt request. You may need proof of the date that you canceled.

Leased timeshare/travel vacation club (right to use)

There are two types of timeshares: leased timeshares and deeded timeshares.

Leased timeshare

One of the more common timeshares is where you lease the right to use a property or a group of properties for a specified length of time each year – typically for a week.

• The contract could be for a fixed week each year or a floating week that allows you to change your vacation dates annually.
• The developer holds the deed, and resales may be more restrictive.
• Many contracts have an expiration date of anywhere between 20 and 99 years. Once the contract expires, you lose your right to use the timeshare.
• Leased timeshare owners are responsible for the annual dues/maintenance fees.
• Some timeshares offer extended stay options beyond a week.

It’s important to understand that you don’t own the property and will not have any say in fees or management decisions. If the property owner goes bankrupt, you will likely lose your right to stay at your timeshare.

Shared deeded ownership timeshare

A deeded timeshare is a real estate purchase where you own a percentage of the property according to the time allotment (number of weeks) purchased. 

• You receive a deed for your share of the property with no contractual end date.
• Ownership is for life and you can pass it down to your heirs. 
• You may receive some tax advantages, such as deducting the interest paid for financing and the portion you pay for property taxes.
• A deeded timeshare usually comes with member voting rights.
• Deeded timeshare owners are responsible for the annual dues/maintenance fees.

Contract options of a timeshare/travel vacation club

Timeshares offer different contract options. Many of these contracts come with an expiration date of between 20 and 99 years. The timeshare reverts to the property owner – not you – upon expiration. Deeded timeshares do not have an expiration date.

Point system contract

The point system is one of the more popular contract options. The points represent timeshare ownership.

Many resort timeshares/travel vacation clubs operate on a point system. This option provides added flexibility for the members (owners) by allowing them to stay at resorts within the network by paying with points.

To become a member (owner) of a timeshare/travel vacation club, you make an initial payment that buys you a specified number of points. The resort determines the cost of the points, and it is subject to change. 

For example, Disney Vacation Club says on its website, “To become a member, you’ll purchase a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club Resort, which is represented by an annual allotment of vacation points. You’ll use your vacation points to book accommodations at Disney Vacation Club Resorts–or enjoy thousands of other vacation properties around the world–for decades to come.”

Disney’s purchase price for a travel vacation club starts at $32,550 for 150 vacation points. Closing costs are based on the resort and will cost upwards of $631. The lowest annual dues/maintenance fees start at around $1,104.

Members (owners) can redeem points at vacation properties within the network or exchange them for cruises, guided tours, and other adventure travel options. The number of points required for a stay is based on the resort’s location, the travel dates, the length of stay, and the location and type of resort. 

Club members can purchase more points for more expensive locations or longer trips. They can also borrow points from their future years to fund a vacation. Unused points can carry over to the following year. Depending on the contract, points can expire if there is minimal to no travel activity in a specified period (such as two years).

Fixed week contract

You are given exclusive rights to use the same unit during a designated week each year. For example, you may choose the first week of June to be your annual week.

You may have the option to trade weeks with other property owners through an exchange company. This process may sound simple enough, but it often becomes complicated. You’ll have to plan about a year ahead if you hope to swap dates with another owner. There will also be additional fees when trading dates.

If you prefer to go to the same place at the same time every year, a fixed week contract may suit you. 

Floating week contract

You have flexibility in choosing the week (within a predetermined period or season) when you want to use the timeshare. These dates can change annually. Reservations are typically on a first-come, first-served basis, so planning a year ahead is recommended. Traveling during a high-demand season or around holidays will increase the cost of the contract.

Reserving the time slot you prefer may take some work on your end. There are a lot of other timeshare owners that may be vying for the exact location at the same time.

Pros and cons of buying a timeshare/travel vacation club

Before you take the plunge and sign the contract – research thoroughly. It bears repeating that the contract is a long-term agreement. You will limit your vacation plans to a specific resort for the next 20 to 99 years (except for deeded timeshares with no expiration date). It will also be an expensive outlay of cash initially and every year after that – whether you use it or not. 

The timeshare sales presentation will try to make you believe that you will save thousands of dollars on vacations over the next several years. Put their figures to the test by compiling a cost comparison analysis yourself. 

Include realistic amounts of what you plan to spend on vacations over the next several years, including airfare, food, car rentals, tours, miscellaneous expenses, and lodging. Compare those figures with the cost of owning a timeshare (breaking the costs down annually) and include all other travel expenses (minus lodging). You might be surprised.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, you’ll usually find a timeshare is more expensive overall than the average vacation.

The exciting thing about the future is that it is a mystery. That vacation spot or resort property you love visiting now may become less enticing in a few years. 

If you want to avoid the commitment of a timeshare, and there’s a particular destination you enjoy going to every year, consider renting a vacation home. If you find a rental home you like, book it annually. 

Pros of buying a timeshare

• The resort properties are typically well-maintained and offer spacious accommodations, including a kitchen, one or more bedrooms, and a washer and dryer. You can expect quality lodging.
• You’ll be guaranteed a spot if you like to have your vacation at the same time and place every year.
• You can diversify your travels by visiting different resort properties in the network throughout the U.S. and abroad, if the contract allows.

Cons of buying a timeshare

• There are high upfront costs, and the annual maintenance fees will continue to increase. The interest rates for financing the initial outlay will be high.
• Timeshares decrease in value. If you decide you no longer want it, you may experience a loss if you try to sell it. There’s often no return on your investment. 
• Your vacations will be limited to the properties within the resort’s network.
• A timeshare may not include room service and housekeeping unless you are staying at one of the hotels in the network.
• A timeshare is not for you if you like to travel several times a year and take a vacation for a few days at different places.
• A timeshare will not allow for a spontaneous vacation.

How to get out from under a timeshare/travel vacation club

If you no longer want to use your timeshare or cannot afford it, options are available.

Ways to get rid of a timeshare:

• Sell your timeshare through a reputable online source.
• Give the timeshare away to another person. You would lose your initial investment but could get out from under the annual dues/maintenance fees. Make sure the transfer is in writing.
• Ask a licensed real estate broker to list the timeshare.
• Rent the timeshare (if the contract allows). Your timeshare resort may offer rentals and may allow you to include your property.  You can also list it on a vacation home site or with a reputable timeshare resale company that offers rentals.
• Contact the resort owner or developer and ask if you can return the timeshare. Generally, the owners will take the timeshare back if you are current with your payments and the timeshare is paid in full. They will not pay you for the timeshare, but you will no longer have to pay the dues/maintenance fees. You may be charged a transfer fee.

If you financed your timeshare, that’s a contractual obligation. You are still responsible for making the remainder of your payments. These are determining factors that may affect your eligibility to exit your timeshare.

Some owners decide to walk away from the commitment of their timeshare by defaulting on their annual dues/maintenance fees. But breaking the contract will likely hurt their credit score and reduce their chances of getting future credit.

Timeshare resale scams to avoid

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that numerous companies claim to be consultants or resellers of timeshares but are scam artists. This fraudulent practice grew as many timeshare owners became desperate to get out of their contracts. 

Scammers search the web for owners who are trying to sell a timeshare (and sometimes even those who are not). They tell the owner they can sell their timeshare for a significant profit and ask for a sizable fee in advance. They then disappear with the money.

Other resale scam companies will contact owners and say a buyer is interested in their timeshare. They ask the owner to wire money to move the deal forward. 

To add to the list of fraudulent companies, some present themselves as legal firms. They advertise that they can get owners out of their contracts quickly. The owners are told to stop paying the bank or the property owner and divert those funds to the scammers. The fraudulent “legal firm” makes the owner believe this must occur before they can file a lawsuit against the resort property.

These types of scams may seem obvious and easily avoidable, but many timeshare owners continue to become victims. 

The FTC has a lawsuit against a company that used scare tactics and high-pressure sales to steal money and timeshares from older adults. They would invite timeshare owners to a free dinner and then guilt them into thinking they would be saddling their children and grandchildren with a huge financial burden with their timeshare. 

This company received over 90 million dollars. These unsuspecting consumers believed the company was genuinely looking out for their interests by selling their timeshare. The company gladly took their money – but did nothing.

The FTC warns consumers not to pay any fees in advance to resellers and to check the company’s rating online. 

If you are the victim of fraud, contact the Federal Trade Commission or your state’s Attorney General . You can also contact the Resort Owners’ Coalition with questions you may have on selling your timeshare.

The bottom Line

Timeshares/travel vacation clubs are a big commitment and limit your vacation options. They require a substantial initial investment and ever-increasing annual costs, and there is no return on your investment. 

If you decide later down the road that the timeshare is too expensive to maintain, you’ll have difficulty selling it. You may only get back a small portion of your initial outlay. If you financed the timeshare, you would have paid a substantial amount in interest since the rates are typically high. Getting out from under your contract could result in a significant financial loss.

Conversely, according to the American Resort Development Association’s (ARDA) U.S. Shared Vacation Ownership 2022 Report, 90% of its owners were generally satisfied with their timeshare. ARDA (a trade association for the timeshare industry) stated, “The data in this report was collected via online methodology from March 13, 2022 to March 31, 2022. A total of 1,600 timeshare owners were identified and surveyed.”

If you believe a timeshare is in your future, weigh the benefits and risks and research available options. It may be suitable for your travel style. Check into buying a resale unit through a reputable source to save substantially on your initial expenses. Verify that the current owner has paid the dues and fees in full. You don’t want to be stuck paying any outstanding dues.

As always, we are here for you at Consumer Rescue . We’ll gladly throw you a lifeline if you find yourself in a quandary.  But remember, if you sign a legally binding contract, you might just be out of luck. So be careful! (Stephanie Patterson, Consumer Rescue)

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Timeshares vs. Vacation Clubs vs. Travel Clubs - Is There A Difference?

William Huston, AIF®, AIFA®

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Table of Contents

Timeshares vs. vacation clubs vs. travel clubs - is there a difference.

If you're a part of the travel or vacation industry or you just enjoy traveling, you've probably heard the terms timeshares , vacation clubs and travel clubs being used interchangeably.

You may wonder, are they all the same thing or does each concept have a different offering?

Here's all that you need to know about timeshares, vacation clubs and travel clubs.

• A timeshare is a shared vacation property ownership model where multiple individuals or families jointly own and use a property for a certain period each year
• Vacation clubs are membership-based organization that provides members with access to a variety of vacation destinations and experiences
• Travel clubs are organizations that offer discounts, perks, and other benefits to members for travel-related services and experiences.
• Some pros of timeshares, vacation clubs and travel clubs include; you are guaranteed quality vacations and as a member, you are not obligated to take care of the property
• Some cons include restricted destinations and limited travel dates

The contents of this article are for educational purposes only. They are not intended to be a source of professional financial advice. You will find experts on financial planning, financial management, and real estate here . More on disclaimers here .

A timeshare is a shared vacation property ownership model where multiple individuals or families jointly own and use a property for a certain period each year. In a timeshare agreement, the property is divided into "intervals" that are usually one week long, and each interval is sold to a different owner.

Typically, timeshare properties are condominiums, apartments or resort units in popular vacation destinations. Owners have the right to use their interval each year or may choose to rent or exchange it with other timeshare owners.

There are different types of timeshare ownership, including fixed-week ownership, floating-week ownership, and points-based ownership. Fixed-week ownership allows the owner to use the same week every year, while floating-week ownership allows the owner to choose a week within a certain period. Points-based ownership provides the owner with a certain number of points each year that can be used to book accommodations at different timeshare properties.

With more unconventional vacation properties coming into the real estate market, the traditional timeshare industry is slowly expanding and adapting to these changes.

Timeshares can be an attractive option for those who want a predictable vacation experience and are willing to invest upfront.

Vacation Clubs

To attain vacation club membership, one is usually required to pay an initial membership fee after which, you continue paying monthly or yearly maintenance fees.

Vacation club ownership basically allows club members to get access to any vacation property that is under the vacation club's inventory.

Vacation club programs may also offer additional perks and services such as travel planning assistance, concierge services, and exclusive experiences. Some vacation clubs may have restrictions on booking during peak travel periods or require members to book a certain amount of travel each year.

Travel Clubs

Travel clubs are organizations that offer discounts, perks and other benefits to members for travel-related services and experiences. These clubs can be either free or paid memberships, and they usually offer a range of services, such as discounted airfare, hotel bookings, rental cars and travel packages.

Many travel clubs operate on a membership-based model, where members pay a fee to access the club's discounts and benefits. Some travel clubs are affiliated with specific travel providers, such as airlines or hotels, while others offer discounts and perks from a variety of providers.

In addition to discounts on travel-related services, some travel clubs offer exclusive access to travel experiences such as tours, events and activities. Some travel clubs may also provide travel planning assistance such as itinerary suggestions and travel advice.

It's important to carefully evaluate the costs and benefits of a travel club membership before joining, as some travel club memberships may not offer significant savings or benefits compared to other travel booking options.

**Are Timeshares, Vacation Clubs & Travel Clubs Worth It? **

For people who enjoy traveling, timeshare ownership, vacation clubs and travel clubs might be a more convenient way to travel.

So, should you sign up for a membership or not? Here are a few pros and cons to consider if you're on the fence about timeshares travel and vacation clubs.

1. You are guaranteed quality vacations

As a timeshare and vacation club member, you are guaranteed a holiday each year. This of course depends on the nature of your contract or vacation periods as agreed with your respective entity(ies).

Whether you purchase a fixed-week, point based, floating week or fractional timeshare, vacation ownership guarantees you an excellent vacation experience. The specifics of your vacation are guided by the nature of your agreement with a specific timeshare company.

That means that you no longer have to worry about affording yearly vacations as the annual fees that you pay will cater for that.

2. You are not obligated to take care of the property

If you're among the timeshare owners of a property or are a member of a vacation club, you are not directly responsible for handling maintenance or making improvements to any property that you have access to.

You will of course contribute financially to the general maintenance of the property through the annual fees paid, but the major maintenance of the property will be handled by the respective owner(s).

3. The concepts can be more affordable than purchasing your own vacation home

Buying a home can be very expensive. Most of us are already aware of that.

According to the American Resort Development Association, or ARDA, the average cost of a timeshare in 2023 is roughly $22,180. For travel clubs, they can cost you anywhere between $2,500–20,000 annually.

Compared to the price of buying a vacation condo or home resort and maintaining it, it might just be more cost effective to buy a timeshare or join a vacation club.

4. You have the ability to buy a secondhand timeshare for less

Timeshare owners at times want to opt out of this arrangement because they can no longer afford it or maybe just because they don't use it.

It is possible for you to buy a secondhand timeshare in the timeshare resale market, which typically goes for 0% to 10% of the retail price, according to Timeshare Users Group. Purchasing it this way means that you may not have to pay the upfront fees of the timeshare.

A thing to note however is that, in case the current timeshare owner is behind on annual maintenance fees, this cost also transfers to you as the new owner.

5. Greater affordability as compared to one-off annual vacations

Planning a one-off vacation can be quite costly especially if you're making bookings during peak seasons or if you're traveling with your entire family.

With vacation ownership, you don't have to worry about this. You are assured of going to the holiday of your dreams as scheduled as long as you're up to date with the payment of your maintenance fees.

1. Restricted destinations

Timeshares can restrict you as you only get to visit the same place every single year.

With travel clubs and vacation clubs, you might only have access to resorts and properties that are club-owned. If the vacation club doesn't own the property, you won't be able to spend your holiday at that destination unless you make your own separate arrangements. Of which, what's the point when you're part of a travel or vacation club?

2. Limited travel dates

With a timeshare, the different owners can only use the property on specific dates as allocated. That means that you won't have access to the property whenever you want.

On the other hand, you might think that since vacation clubs have access to several resorts, you have more holiday spots to choose from, right? Wrong.

Club members still face restrictions as a result of blackout dates. These are basically dates where the resorts won't allow club members to vacation because they contain holidays. The way out of it is to basically pay more money, which beats the whole purpose of the arrangement.

3. The fees may become unaffordable

Based on historical data, annual dues paid to vacation clubs are set to rise each year. A great example is the Disney Vacation Club (DVC). In 2010, annual dues per vacation cost roughly $4 to $7. In 2023, the annual dues per vacation cost roughly $8.

The same case also applies to timeshares. Timeshare owners of a vacation home might be required to pay a special assessment when the property needs to be upgraded, since these costs can't be covered by the reserve funds.

Such factors might lead to these memberships becoming unaffordable.

4. Restricted family access

With a timeshare, you can travel with whoever you want to the vacation home. Just as long as it's within your allocated time slot.

For vacation clubs, this isn't the case because club membership is usually given to only the person who pays for it.

This means that you might not be able to bring your whole family on your next vacation, depending on the type of membership that you bought.

5. Price for initial purchase

On the contrary, an American vacation cost an average of $2,037. Much cheaper than most deals that vacation clubs would offer you.

Can you find better vacation deals without having to break a bank?

Yes you can!

With a group of luxury vacation rentals like Resthaven Properties , anyone can rent the available properties or even become a member by paying the traditional way or using NFTs.

Resthaven Properties is a collection of Black-owned luxury vacation properties. Resthaven Properties focuses on acquiring vacation property across the world's best travel destinations for predictable income and appreciation.

So far, the luxury properties under the Resthaven Properties portfolio include: Resthaven Los Angeles, Resthaven Tahoe, Resthaven Zihuatanejo and Resthaven Portugal. Resthaven Properties operate under membership options that disrupt traditional lodging and timeshare accommodations by implementing a pay once and use for a lifetime strategy.

For more information on the properties, contact us today.

The Bottom Line

Before you opt into any sort of club membership or buy timeshares, do an analysis and see how a vacation ownership program can be of benefit to you and or your family.

We all deserve some vacation time to desirable destinations every so often. Just make sure that holiday is within your budget and that you're getting your money's worth.

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Bay Street Capital Holdings is an independent investment advisory, wealth management, and financial planning firm headquartered in Palo Alto, CA.

The firm manages portfolios with the goal of maintaining and increasing total assets and income with a high priority on managing total risk and volatility. Although many advisors may focus on maximizing returns, they place a higher priority on managing total risk and volatility.

Founded by William Huston after 13 years of supporting the United States' largest retirement plan ($650B) Thrift Savings Plan, Bay Street was founded to advocate for diverse and emerging fund managers and entrepreneurs.

In 2021, Bay Street was selected as a finalist out of over 900 firms across the US in the category of Asset Manager for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

https://www.sellmytimesharenow.com/resources/what-is-a-vacation-club-membership/

https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/timeshare-travel-clubs

https://bpprivilegeclub.com/blog/a-vacation-club/

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/timeshare.asp#:~:text=A%20timeshare%20is%20a%20shared,condominiums%2C%20apartments%2C%20and%20campgrounds .

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Difference Between a Timeshare & a Vacation Club

Travel tips.

(Photo: beach vacation image by Lily Forman from Fotolia.com )

Related Articles

• How Does Starwood Vacation Ownership Work?
• Is a Disney Vacation Club Worth It?
• Timeshare Pros and Cons
• What Are the Advantages of Timeshares?

Flexibility is the key difference between a timeshare and a vacation club. For vacationers who have fallen in love with a certain popular destination and are happy to return year after year, a timeshare can be a cost-effective solution to the annual booking rush. For those who enjoy experiencing new places when they spend time away from home, a vacation club is probably the better option.

Purchasing a timeshare means buying a period of time at a unit or apartment in a resort. As well as paying the cost of the timeshare, often through a finance plan, timeshare owners pay annual maintenance fees, which usually increase every year. What's more, the owners may be responsible for major repairs or wear and tear costs as the unit and resort age.

Depending on the type of timeshare plan, the vacation period could be fixed or variable, but the resort remains the same. A fixed timeshare plan gives the owner the right to use the unit the same week or weeks every year for as long as the plan lasts. Some fixed plans stipulate a set number of years; others last a lifetime. Variable timeshare plans include floating plans, fractional ownership and biennial ownership.

• Floating plans: Owners book ahead to use the unit within a fixed period, often a season of the year.
• Fractional ownership: Owners are entitled to use the unit for a fraction of the unit's total vacation time, like eight, 12 or 24 weeks.
• Biennial ownership: Owners have the right to vacation at the unit every other year.

The cost of a timeshare can be a significant investment, but most are not investment opportunities, per se. Timeshares rarely sell for more than the purchase price, assuming the owners can sell them. Some timeshare contracts state that owners must first offer the property to the timeshare organization, which may pay a nominal price.

Vacation Clubs

Vacation club members purchase points that they use later to buy vacation time at resorts included within the club's scheme. High-season vacations and in-demand resorts cost more points than off-season, less popular places, and they're booked up earlier. However, vacation clubs provide more choice than a traditional timeshare. As well as offering a range of destinations, a vacation club might suit a growing family for which the number of bedrooms required is going to increase over the years, or a couple with older children who are about the fly the nest.

Vacation club criteria may allow members to bank the points they don't use one year for future use, or to borrow points from the following year. Like timeshares, vacation clubs may also charge annual dues or management fees, and these usually increase.

Timeshare Exchange

Timeshare exchange companies provide a compromise between the benefits of timeshares and vacation clubs. Timeshare owners deposit the week they own, and the exchange company compares its value with other deposited timeshares. The value of timeshares is calculated according to the resorts and vacation periods. The company then offers equivalent timeshares for a straight swap. Timeshare exchange companies charge a fee for membership, though the resort developer often pays new owners' membership for the first year.

• Federal Trade Commission: Timeshares and Vacation Plans
• Consumer Reports: The Timeshare Comes of Age
• Forbes: Buying A Timeshare: The Pros And Cons
• Inside the Gate: A Glossary of Timeshare Terms and Acronyms
• Marriott Vacation Club: How Vacation Club Points Work.
• Canadian Resort Development Association

A graduate of Leeds University, Jenny Green completed Master of Arts in English literature in 1998 and has been writing about travel, gardening, science and pets since 2007. Green's work appears in Diva, Whole Life Times, Listverse, Earthtimes, Lamplight, Stupefying Stories and other websites and magazines.

More Articles

• Canceling a Timeshare Contract
• How to Rent a Disney Vacation Club Condo From an Owner
• Basic Information on the Disney Vacation Club
• How to Use Disney Vacation Points for a Disney Cruise
• FAQ on Timeshares

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Timeshare Or Vacation Club — Which One Is Right For You?

• Activities and Interests
• Hotels and Resorts

Sometimes you can have the best of both worlds. There’s something to be said for being at a vacation property that offers a resort experience as well as a personalized vacation rental experience. 

It’s a winning combination I enjoyed on Maui at Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club – Molokai, Maui & Lanai Towers and The Westin Ka‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas . You can book a stay at a vacation club property like you do traditional hotels. What better way to introduce you to the concept of vacation ownership?

Vacation ownership is done in a couple of ways. Timesharing is a method of use and/or shared ownership of vacation real estate in which purchasers acquire a period of time in a vacation accommodation. A vacation club usually involves use or access to more than one resort location and other vacation and travel services. Vacation ownership isn’t just for older folks. According to the American Resort Development Association , as of 2022, Gen Z and Millennials account for more than half of all timeshare owners (57 percent) and more than half of new-sale purchasers (53 percent). This influence is driving a shift to new destinations and experiential travel.

What You Need To Know About Vacation Ownership

But is vacation ownership for you? Your first order of business is deciding whether you want to go the vacation club or timeshare route.

You’re likely wondering how a timeshare differs from a vacation club. How do they work? Every company operates a bit differently, but traditionally with timeshares, you generally purchase a specific week or weeks at a resort property. You’ll have partial ownership of that property, use the property for a designated time each year, can sometimes exchange weeks with other resorts, as well as have an upfront purchase price and annual maintenance fees.

Typically, with a vacation club, you have an initial purchase price, there is a membership or points-based system, you have access to a network of resorts, you use points to book stays at various locations, you have the flexibility to choose when and where to vacation, you have the potential to exchange points for stays at affiliated resorts, and there are annual dues or maintenance fees.

What’s The Upside Of Joining A Vacation Club? 

You can keep visiting a property you absolutely love, or you have the flexibility of tapping the many properties and experiences in the company’s portfolio. For example, for owners with The Marriott Vacation Clubs , the Abound by Marriott Vacations Owner program provides access to over 90 vacation club resorts across Marriott Vacation Club, Sheraton Vacation Club, and Westin Vacation Club. These owners have access to more than 8,000 Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2,000 vacation homes, and 2,000 unique experiences like cruises, guided and culinary tours, premier events, outdoor adventures, and more. Owners will also have the ability to exchange ownership to stay at properties outside of the branded portfolio through Interval International, the company’s premier exchange partner. Locations are not limited to the U.S. and include bucket-list destinations like Bali and Thailand.

Furthermore, the properties are often luxurious and top-tier with benefits like concierge services, fitness and spa facilities, onsite dining, and active programming. Expect perks like master suites, private balconies or patios, washers/dryers, full kitchens, and separate living and sleeping spaces.

What Can I Gain By Getting A Timeshare? 

You’ll get more space and privacy than a typical hotel room. You can rent out your unit when you’re not using it. You can finance a timeshare purchase. You can trade your weeks or points on a vacation exchange network. According to the American Resort Development Association , the purchase of a timeshare can insulate owners from the economic pressures that affect daily rental rates, including inflation. By 2021, the annual maintenance fee paid by timeshare owners only rose 15 percent compared to a 24 percent increase in the cost of a 7-night hotel stay before fees and taxes. From January 22–March 22, 2022, a 7-night hotel stay at the same property rose from $1,571 to $1,864. 

What Do I Need To Keep In Mind When Considering A Timeshare Or A Vacation Club?

Make sure you know how to cancel if you don’t want to be enrolled anymore. According to the Federal Trade Commission , most timeshares have an annual maintenance fee. Those fees can rise at rates that equal or exceed inflation. Find out if your plan has a fee cap. You’ll have to pay fees and taxes even if you don’t use the unit. It can be tough to sell a timeshare. Inquire about whether there is an exit program and how it works.

Be clear about all costs involved. Assess whether the financial benefits, like discounts on travel, are significant enough to justify your costs over the long run.

Understand the fine print in club rules and timeshare documents. How long is the commitment? Are there cancellation penalties? What are the guest policies? You also want to be clear on how you earn points, redeem them, and their expiration policy. Are there restrictions on when you can use your points?

Research the various benefits and features of different clubs and timeshare opportunities so you can determine what best suits you. There are some big-name players in the industry. Check out offerings from companies like Wyndham Destinations , Hilton Grand Vacations , Westgate Resorts , Disney Vacation Club , and Resort Condominiums International .

Is A Timeshare Or Vacation Club A Good Investment?

For those who travel frequently and want access to discounted rates on vacation packages, a vacation club could be a great investment. However, for those who don’t travel often, it may not be worth the money. Realize that timeshares are generally not considered good financial investments as they often don’t appreciate and can be challenging to sell. Vacation clubs can provide value in terms of flexibility, access to multiple destinations, and additional perks, but their financial returns are typically limited. 

When investing in either, it’s not a conventional investment per se. Don’t think of it as an asset like your home. This is more about the investment in your quality of life, the time you will spend with family and friends, which indeed may be priceless.

Is A Vacation Club For Me? 

For sure there are perks, but if you can’t handle the initial and ongoing costs, a vacation club may not be for you. There are non-financial considerations too. Understand that many of the properties will be in popular tourist destinations and if you’re someone who prefers the road less traveled, this could be a sticking point for you. If you don’t travel frequently, you may not reap all the rewards of membership to offset costs. If you prefer going to the same place again and again, a timeshare may be a better option. This isn’t a black-and-white issue. Much depends on you, how much you travel, what kind of accommodations you prefer, and what’s on your bucket list.

Sheryl Nance-Nash is a freelance writer specializing in travel. Her work has appeared on CNTraveler.com, TheDailyBeast, Fodors, Afar, Global Traveler Magazine, ShermansTravel, and Newsweek.com among others.

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Timeshares vs. Vacation Clubs: Which is Right for Your Next Getaway?

In the quest for the perfect vacation experience, travelers often find themselves at a crossroads between two popular options: timeshares and membership clubs, also known as vacation clubs. While both avenues promise the allure of idyllic getaways, understanding their nuances is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with your vacation goals and financial considerations.

Timeshares: A Slice of Paradise with Strings Attached

Timeshares offer an enticing proposition for vacationers by marrying the idea of property ownership with the reality of more manageable costs. By purchasing a fractional share of a vacation property, you gain access to a dedicated spot for relaxation and recreation, typically nestled within sought-after destinations. This model is particularly attractive to those who find solace in the consistency of returning to the same locale, creating traditions and memories in a place they can momentarily call their own. The lower maintenance responsibilities, when compared to full ownership, and the option to swap weeks with others, introduce a level of flexibility and communal sharing that can enrich the vacation experience.

Yet, as inviting as timeshare ownership may seem, it comes with a series of caveats that potential buyers must carefully consider. The allure of a vacation haven is often shadowed by the financial implications of such an investment. The upfront cost of purchasing a timeshare stake can be substantial, acting as a barrier to entry for many. This initial investment is just the beginning, as owners are also responsible for annual maintenance fees, which can escalate over time, along with other less obvious expenses that can accumulate, making the overall cost of ownership higher than initially anticipated.

The structure of timeshare agreements often locks owners into specific weeks for their vacations, which can severely limit flexibility and spontaneity in travel planning. This rigidity can be a significant drawback for those whose schedules are unpredictable or who prefer the freedom to explore new destinations on a whim. Furthermore, the timeshare resale market is notoriously difficult to navigate, with many owners finding it challenging to sell their shares for a reasonable return. This difficulty is compounded by the depreciating value of timeshare investments, which, contrary to traditional real estate, tend to lose value over time.

The notion that timeshares offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional vacation booking is a contested point. When tallying the cumulative costs of timeshare ownership, including the upfront purchase, ongoing fees, and travel expenses to and from the property, the financial benefits become less clear. In many cases, these costs can surpass those of simply booking vacations as they come, without the long-term commitment and financial burden of a timeshare.

Kendall Meade of SoFi highlights an essential perspective on timeshare ownership, suggesting that it should be considered more a lifestyle choice than a financial investment. This viewpoint is crucial for potential buyers to understand, as it frames the decision to purchase a timeshare in terms of personal and recreational value rather than as an opportunity for financial gain. Timeshares offer a unique way to vacation, with benefits that can greatly appeal to some; however, they demand a level of financial and scheduling commitment that may not suit everyone’s needs or expectations. As with any significant purchase, understanding the full scope of pros and cons is vital to making an informed decision that aligns with one’s vacationing preferences and financial reality.

Membership Clubs: Flexibility at a Premium

Membership or vacation clubs represent a significant shift from the traditional timeshare model, offering a dynamic and customizable approach to vacation planning. By subscribing to these clubs, members gain access to an extensive array of properties spanning various brands and locations worldwide. This breadth of choice enables travelers to explore new destinations each time they vacation, breaking free from the repetition of visiting the same place annually. The flexibility to choose when and where to travel, without the obligations tied to a specific property, appeals to those with a wanderlust spirit and a desire for diverse experiences.

These clubs often operate on a points-based system, where members earn points through their membership fees or additional purchases that can then be redeemed for accommodations at different times of the year, in various locations. This system introduces an element of gamification into vacation planning, where members can strategize their points use to maximize their travel benefits. Special promotions, exclusive access to events, and additional travel services, such as car rentals and activity bookings, add further value, making these memberships particularly enticing for the avid traveler.

However, as Michael Brown of Travel + Leisure Co. points out, the privilege of accessing such a wide range of vacation options isn’t without its costs. Initial membership fees can be steep, and annual dues, along with additional charges for bookings, can add up, potentially offsetting the savings garnered from discounted rates. This financial commitment necessitates a careful evaluation of the benefits versus the overall expenditure to ensure that the membership aligns with one’s travel frequency and budget.

Moreover, while the concept of unlimited choice sounds appealing, in practice, the availability of specific properties or accommodations can be limited, especially during peak travel seasons or at highly sought-after destinations. This scarcity can force members to compromise on their preferred vacation spots or travel dates, diminishing the perceived value of the membership. The level of membership also plays a critical role in determining access to certain properties, with higher-tier members often enjoying broader options and better perks. This tiered system may leave some members feeling restricted by their membership level, confronting the reality that full access to the club’s offerings comes at a higher price.

The allure of membership clubs lies in their promise of flexibility, diversity, and the convenience of planning vacations across a spectrum of destinations with a single membership. Yet, this model requires members to navigate the complexities of points systems, membership tiers, and fluctuating availability, all of which can impact the vacation experience. The decision to invest in a vacation club membership should, therefore, be informed by a thorough understanding of these dynamics, a realistic assessment of one’s travel habits, and a careful consideration of the financial implications. For those who value variety in their vacations and are willing to navigate the intricacies of membership clubs, the rewards can be substantial, offering a world of travel possibilities at their fingertips.

Weighing Your Vacation Rental Options

Timeshares present a unique proposition for those who prefer the stability and familiarity of returning to the same vacation spot annually. The potential to rent out your timeshare can be an attractive feature, offering a way to recoup some of the costs associated with ownership. However, the reality of timeshare ownership includes not just the upfront purchase price but also ongoing maintenance fees, special assessments, and the inherent inflexibility of fixed vacation dates. The secondary market for timeshares can also be challenging, with resale values often significantly lower than the original purchase price, complicating exit strategies for owners looking to sell.

Membership clubs, or vacation clubs, offer a more flexible model, allowing travelers to explore a variety of destinations without the commitment to a single property. These clubs often operate on a points system, where members accumulate points to spend on accommodations worldwide. While this model promotes flexibility and variety, it comes with its own financial considerations, including initial membership fees, annual dues, and potentially higher costs for premium destinations or peak travel times. The allure of discounted rates and exclusive perks must be balanced against these expenditures to assess the true value offered by membership clubs.

For those prioritizing flexibility and diversity in their travel experiences without the long-term financial commitment of timeshare ownership, saving for vacations and booking independently could be a more appealing route. This approach allows for complete control over destination choice, timing, and budgeting, free from the constraints of predetermined locations, dates, or the risk of escalating maintenance fees. Independent travel planning affords the opportunity to capitalize on deals, last-minute offers, and the freedom to explore new destinations on your terms.

The choice between timeshares, membership clubs, and independent travel planning hinges on several factors: your financial willingness to commit to ongoing costs, the importance of flexibility in your travel plans, and the value you place on the convenience of pre-arranged accommodations versus the freedom to craft personalized travel experiences. Each option has its merits and potential downsides, and the optimal choice varies widely among travelers based on their unique priorities, travel habits, and financial situations.

In navigating the seas of vacation planning, the choice between timeshares and membership clubs boils down to personal preferences, financial considerations, and travel aspirations. While timeshares offer the comfort of a second home with potential exchange perks, their financial implications and inflexibility may pose challenges. Conversely, membership clubs promise unparalleled flexibility and variety, albeit at the cost of recurring fees and possible limitations in choice.

As you ponder your next vacation, weigh the pros and cons of each model carefully, considering your long-term vacationing style and financial goals. Remember, the best vacation plan is one that brings you joy, fits your budget, and aligns with your dreams of adventure and relaxation.

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Navigating through the complexities of timeshare contracts, finding legitimate exit options, and avoiding potential scams can be daunting. But with our industry knowledge and experience, we can help simplify this journey for you. Our aim at  leavetimeshare.com  is not only to provide you a lifeline out of your timeshare obligations, but also to educate you throughout the process. We believe in empowering you with knowledge, so you’re equipped to make informed decisions.

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Timeshares vs Vacation Ownership

What Is a Timeshare?

What is fractional ownership, what is a vacation club, what is a travel club, the difference between timeshares, vacation clubs, and travel clubs, what is a timeshare exchange company, the first purchase, closing costs, financing options, membership fees, what are maintenance fees, vacation fees, cost breakdown of timeshare, vacation club, and travel clubs, how do i cancel my timeshare, timeshares vs vacation ownership and travel clubs.

What are the critical differences between timeshare and vacation ownership? Vacation ownership is a broad term for selling more consumers on timeshare properties. It sounds more credible and perceives timeshares as a financial investment, even though investment opportunities are typically the last thing they provide. So, since vacation ownership is often another term for timeshares, sales teams also use it in their pitches. The word "ownership" seems to make clients feel more confident about the deal they're on the fence about making.

Timeshares, aka vacation ownership, can offer access to unique destinations worldwide. Still, many vacationers have mixed emotions regarding this aspect due to not wanting to spend much time at a tourist-packed destination. That is especially true during certain seasons. While another plus is that you don't have to perform maintenance work for timeshares, they include yearly maintenance fees at a continuously increasing price. Eventually, ownership over these fractional vacation properties can become a hefty financial obligation that is challenging to plan for as a property owner.

One of the reasons some sales teams refer to timeshare properties as vacation ownership is that it easily confuses them with vacation clubs. Doing so makes avid travelers and prospective owners feel like they're making a sound investment instead of throwing their money down the drain.

A timeshare is a vacation ownership in which multiple parties hold undivided interests in a property. 

A timeshare purchase, also called vacation ownership, entails a lifetime commitment to paying for yearly visits to the same resort or group of resorts. You finance or prepay a lump sum upfront and annual maintenance costs. If you want to stay somewhere other than where you originally paid, upgrade or exchange fees may be involved. The average trip lasts one week.

Fractional ownership is a method in which several unrelated parties can share and mitigate the risk of ownership of a high-value tangible asset, usually a jet, yacht, or piece of resort real estate like traditional timeshares. You're essentially sharing the time spent at your unit with other people who also get to use the same space at different times. Hence the name timeshare.

Fractional properties entail the following aspects:

• A right to use policy under timeshare law
• Reserved week(s) at your vacation home/resort property
• Increased yearly maintenance fees due to more time spent at your unit and generally higher-end features and amenities
• The possibility for exchange either internally or externally through a third-party exchange company

Two ways to own equity within fractional ownership are shared deeded or leased ownership.

Shared deeded ownership or "fee-simple," agreements give the buyer a share of ownership. Around 90 percent of timeshares are fee-simple or shared deeded ownership. Shared leased ownership – or right-to-use contracts –  allows the buyer to use the property for a predefined period . That is different from shared deeded ownership in that you don't own any portion of the property. Ownership reverts to the original owner at the end of your term.

Shared Deeded Ownership

A shared deeded timeshare gives each buyer partial equity in the physical property. For example, a timeshare unit sold in one-week increments can technically have 52 owners per unit. That's to say: buying one week in this particular resort condominium unit would result in a one-fifty-second (1/52) ownership interest. These types of ownership are often held in perpetuity and willed to one's estate upon passing.

Shared Leased Ownership

Shared leased ownership interest allows the owners the right to a specific vacation property for a fixed-week timeshare or floating-week timeshare each year. With shared leased ownership, the timeshare company still holds the deeded title to the property. A lease agreement will expire, and owners will retain ownership perpetually.

A vacation club is a membership-based vacation ownership program that allows members to vacation at various locations. Members buy points they then use later to purchase vacations at certain resorts worldwide that are a part of the club's affiliation. However, there's a catch. It can be hard to find availability if you want to spend a vacation at a popular time of the year. Vacation clubs can provide more options than traditional timeshares. The long list of destinations and the chance to book as many rooms as possible is a big plus for vacation club members with growing families.

Certain vacation clubs and their terms may allow members to save the points they don't use for one year and roll them over to the next. However, this isn't always the case; sometimes, it may come as a fee. Like timeshare properties, vacation clubs can come with a long list of expenses like annual dues, management fees, and other facility fees. These fees are also not set in stone and are prone to increase yearly. That is why some members feel that vacation clubs slowly take more and more money from them. While vacation club membership looks appealing initially, the feeling fades away quickly.

A travel club is a membership-based program that provides members access to various travel-related services and discounts. 

Timeshares and vacation clubs are often confused, but some key differences exist. Timeshares typically involve the purchase of a specific unit of property. In contrast, vacation clubs usually involve the purchase of points that can be used to book vacations at a variety of locations. Timeshares and vacation clubs can be expensive, and there are often maintenance fees associated with ownership. Travel clubs may or may not involve the purchase of points, but they always provide members with access to discounts and other travel-related services.

Though similar in many ways, a travel club usually provides members with more of an all-around experience. For example, in most travel clubs, it is customary for members to receive accommodations such as discounted airfare, car rental, and access to a particular hotel operator.

On the other hand, vacation club membership usually involves an exclusive focus on resort experiences. The management company does not cover your travel or way of getting there. Much like travel clubs, membership in vacation clubs differs depending on the parent company. However, if you're more into someone doing the entirety of planning for your vacation, a membership to a travel club is probably one of the  better ownership options .

Timeshare Exchange Companies are the reason timeshares are the most accommodating type of vacation ownership in the world. Timeshare owners can exchange their time at their "home resort" for a time at one of the numerous affiliated resorts included in a given exchange network by using timeshare exchange companies.

It begins when the owners deposit their fixed week and/or floating week of the year they own for a different week or location of equal value. A point system calculates the value of the timeshare weeks and their worth in terms of other resorts and vacation periods. As a result, it creates a catastrophe of owners seeking more points solely because the timeshare industry told them they had to get the best next vacation.

After the exchange companies find an equivalent match, owners can make the swap. The catch is that this all comes at a steep price. Exchange companies usually charge a hefty fee for travelers to sign up for their program. Though specific properties may make it seem like they have the best deals available, you're only losing more money in the long run. However, some owners are fortunate enough that the resort developer will cover these costs for their first year.

The Costs of Each Option

These limitations add a high emotional cost to your trip. Before you even consider the dollar amount, that is.

Clubs play up their "discounts" and then slap members with fees and upgrades totaling thousands of dollars. Knowing these upfront and buried costs will help you understand why travel and vacation clubs are poor investments.

Memberships in some budget travel clubs cost about $5,000. This sounds good, but the average American vacation only costs approximately $2,037.1, which is significantly less.

On top of that, most clubs charge more. A membership typically costs between $20,000 and $30,000. You could expect to pay between $100,000 and $1 million for a luxury membership.

Compared to vacation clubs, travel clubs typically have lower upfront costs ($2,500–$30,000). However, that still does not imply that they are inexpensive. Second, while you might receive lower prices, your private vacation is forfeited.

To receive discounts, keep in mind that you are traveling with other club members.

Closing costs will be involved if you purchase any of these financial catastrophes, just like when buying a home. Closing costs for both clubs and timeshares typically range from $300 to $500, occasionally even more.

Companies that sell timeshares and clubs provide financing for customers who cannot fully make the initial payment. Additionally, the interest rates on these loans are astronomical.

Take the case of a $30,000 vacation club membership. Since you don't have the total amount, you put 10% down and finance the remaining 90% for ten years at $260 per month. That doesn't sound too bad until you consider the 12% interest you're paying!

Your final cost for that $30,000 membership will be $31,000. $11,000 more! And none of the other fees have been paid.

Membership dues are typically not one of the many fees associated with timeshares, however. Vacation and travel clubs are worse in this regard!

You still have to pay an annual membership fee even if you already purchased a "lifetime" club membership (30-year, five-year, or whatever). This might cost between $1,000 and $15,000.

The resort management company will send you an invoice for additional expenses, known as yearly maintenance fees. The property developer or management group will collect these annual fees to cover various resources for maintenance, such as upkeep, service, and preservation around the property. The worst part? These fees tend to increase year after year.

Rising costs are the exact problem that many timeshare owners are currently facing. Having signed up for a timeshare thinking the maintenance fee was a flat rate every year until year two or three came along, the cost has increased exponentially for inadequate maintenance services. Experts in the travel industry say it's cheaper just to rent a hotel room for two weeks every year rather than own a timeshare and pay these yearly maintenance fees.

With a timeshare, you've already paid for your accommodations for your trip, but that's it. You'll still have to pay for transportation, lodging, and entertainment when you get there. There are undoubtedly less expensive ways to travel than a timeshare once you take those costs and the annual maintenance fees into account.

Clubs are a step down from that. The vacation has a price tag; it's discounted, not free. You pay the club dues, a portion of the resort's price, and additional costs like travel, lodging, meals, and souvenir T-shirts.

Travel clubs occasionally promise their members "free" trips. Even if the "free" trip includes lodging, some meals, and some entertainment, it won't cover all of your costs.

Which Option Offers the Best Value for Money?

While they do exist, moral vacation ownership and timeshare companies are hard to spot. It's stressed that any owner interested in fractional ownership properties must do extensive research. Many timeshare vacation ownership programs hurt owners rather than help them. For instance, many owners are given a list of so-called benefits during a high-pressure sales pitch before they sign up. It isn't until a few months later, or when owners use the unit, that they realize these benefits are nowhere to be found and/or offered.

Owners everywhere begin to look for ways out of their timeshare agreements once they realize how much money they're throwing away. Units can cost owners thousands of dollars; the worst part is that most rarely take advantage of their vacation properties. So  how can they exit their timeshares  and never have to think of them again?

Some owners attempt to put up their timeshare for sale. The problem with this is the timeshare resale market is a tough niche to break into. When most consumers go through a timeshare purchase, it's usually not with a previous buyer. Most of the time, it's with a timeshare resort or club that has found a way to get them in for a sales presentation on their timeshare programs. Not many vacationers buy from previous owners, so putting your timeshare up for sale is challenging in the vacation industry.

One of the worst ways an owner can attempt to exit their timeshare is to stop paying for it. Most owners don't realize that timeshare clubs and resorts are treated like real estate. If you stop making payments, the management company will make collection efforts on you, potentially ending in foreclosure. That only hurts you more in the long run.

The most effective solution to getting rid of your timeshare is to find a legitimate timeshare cancellation team to help terminate your timeshare agreement. This way, you can seek third-party assistance rather than just trying to take on the cancellation yourself. The staff you sign up with will be able to help communicate with resorts and their properties to allow you to exit whichever program you were left stranded in. Looking for a cancellation team that offers industry experience and a 100% money-back guarantee is essential. In this course of action, you receive all your money back if they do not cancel your timeshare within an agreed-upon period.

Timeshare ownership can be very misleading. Staff members of timeshare resorts love to connect emotionally with their potential clients, but it's not always an honest relationship. Amid their sales pitch, the difference between owning a timeshare and vacation ownership often gets blurred.

If you're trying to enter the timeshare resale market, you must remember just how hard of a time you might have due to limited buyers. Putting your unit up for sale can take years to finalize, and its initial quality standards will only suffer. Your best option for terminating your agreement with a resort is to find a cancellation team with excellent customer service. Paying money for a cancellation service isn't fun, but continuously paying for vacation time you never get to use is much worse.

Recommended Reading

About the Author

Chuck mcdowell.

Chuck McDowell is the founder and CEO of Wesley Financial Group, LLC, an Inc. 500 company, which specializes in complete timeshare termination and timeshare debt elimination for individuals and families that have experienced fraud, misrepresentation, and/or lies during their timeshare sales presentations.

Although Chuck is one of the pioneers of the timeshare cancellation industry, Chuck McDowell was a timeshare salesman before realizing the timeshare industry is not what he thought it was. After discovering the many deceitful tactics the timeshare industry uses on unsuspecting people, Chuck left the industry to work on the other side, fighting for consumer rights. He served as the CEO for a timeshare advocacy group before deciding to take timeshare cancellation into his own hands. Wanting to help good people get out of bad situations, Chuck founded Wesley Financial Group, LLC in 2011. Wesley Financial Group, LLC is dedicated to providing legitimate aid to those who feel helpless and Chuck’s unique background acts as a special motivator to be honest and fair to those that so often feel cheated.

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Vacation club vs. timeshare vs. second home: What to know in 2023

Published Date: April 15, 2024

What is a vacation club?

Vacation club costs

What is a timeshare.

Timeshare costs

The third option: a second home.

• Visit multiple times a year. When you own a second home, you have more control over enjoying the space when it’s convenient for you and your family.
• Potentially benefit from real estate ownership. Full and fractional ownership of a second home can result in an increase in equity and property appreciation.
• Enjoy a streamlined resale process. When it’s time to sell your second home, you can list your home to interested buyers on reputable house-buying websites.
• Relax in a real home. If hotels and resorts aren’t for you, enjoy the cozy comforts of staying in a one-of-a-kind second home.

Vacation club vs. timeshare FAQ

What is a timeshare vacation.

A timeshare is a shared vacation model that allows purchasers to enjoy a vacation property for a set period every year. A timeshare vacation offers consistency for those who want to enjoy the same destination once a year.

What is a better option than timeshare travel?

Owning a second home is a potentially better option than timeshare travel since you can visit your vacation home multiple times a year. Turnkey fractional ownership models are good for those who want deeded ownership.

Which offers the best value for money?

In general, a timeshare may be the cheaper option compared to a vacation club. Both vacation styles have luxury options that can make them more expensive. In terms of recurring costs. Timeshare maintenance fees and vacation club membership fees can increase yearly. Second homes, however, are real estate assets that have the potential to appreciate in value. 

Are timeshares or vacation clubs worth it?

Although vacation clubs offer discounts to nearby attractions, their high membership fees and point systems may not make the savings worth it. Timeshares are notoriously difficult to sell, making them not worth it to some vacationers.

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• The pros and cons of timeshares vs. vacation rentals

Should you invest in a vacation rental or a timeshare?

• Owner Resources

Not much can beat vacationing in a place that’s yours. The big question, though—if you want to own vacation property, should you invest in a vacation rental or a timeshare?

While both options have unique perks, both financial and real estate experts overwhelmingly agree you’re better off investing your money in a vacation rental. Two massive benefits vacation rentals offer investors that timeshares can’t:

• Value appreciation
• Rental income

Here, we’ll look at the differences, risks, and rewards associated with both options so you can make the best decision that meets your financial and travel goals.

What is the difference between a timeshare and vacation rental?

While timeshares and vacation rentals are both ways to “own” vacation property, their similarities end there. Let’s first define each.

A timeshare is a type of vacation property you can buy within a shared ownership model. Points-based timeshares are the most common option today. These owners will purchase a timeshare in the form of points, which can be used to book stays at the owner’s primary resort or exchanged for stays at other resorts within the timeshare company’s global portfolio. In addition to paying money upfront, you’ll also be required to pay annual dues in exchange for guaranteed time to vacation each year.

Vacation rentals (also known as short-term rentals) are residences that homeowners purchase either to use for their own travels, to rent out to other travelers, or both. Vacation homes can range from mountain cabins to beach houses , villas to condos. Many travelers prefer to book vacation rentals for the amenities (like a kitchen, washer and dryer, swimming pool, or hot tub) and for the space and privacy they offer.

Is a vacation rental a good investment?

More and more, vacation rentals are considered attractive investments . As with any investment, vacation homes have pluses and minuses. Let’s dissect them here.

Pros of owning a vacation rental

You can earn more revenue.

The indisputable upside of owning a vacation home? The extra income. Homeowners renting on Airbnb make an average of $924 per month. 1 And that’s just one platform. If you list your home on other sites, such as Vrbo and Booking.com, you’ll have even more opportunities to fill your calendar and make more revenue.

Vacation rentals can appreciate in value

Real estate tends to increase in value over time. Vacation homes are no different and can be a smart way to lock in a healthy financial future. And, if you time it well, you can sell your property for a profit. Want to boost your appreciation? Invest in upgrades and amenities that draw in even more guests and rental income, such as a hot tub (which can help you earn 15–20% more ).

You can stay in your vacation rental whenever you’d like

Romantic weekends, family getaways, a reunion with your college buddies—a vacation home is your destination to make new memories. You decide when you want to stay and when you want to rent it out to paying guests. (Vacasa makes it easy for you to book your own stays.) The best way to balance making memories versus making money? Book your personal stays mid-week and off-season

You can enjoy tax benefits

Renting out your vacation home is a business, so you may be able to write off business-related expenses that you’ll incur maintaining and repairing the property. These include HOA fees, cleaning costs, and vacation rental management fees .

Cons of owning a vacation rental

You’ll likely have to pay taxes.

All those tax write-offs we mentioned? They have a flipside. If you rent out your vacation rental for 14 or more days, you’ll have to pay taxes to the IRS based on the rental income.

You’ll have to pay a down payment upfront

Most vacation rental financing options require a down payment. Underwriters will look at your debt-to-income (or DTI) ratio. If you already have a mortgage, you’ll need to show enough of a financial cushion to borrow for a secondary residence.

You’ll need to maintain the property

Whether it’s mowing the lawn, cleaning the pool, or making sure appliances are in tip-top shape, vacation home ownership comes with a long list of chores . Of course, you can outsource these tasks by hiring professionals, including a full-service vacation rental property management company like Vacasa.

Your home is a success waiting to happen. We'll show you how.

Is a timeshare a good investment?

Technically, timeshares are not considered investments since historically they neither appreciate in value nor offer owners a way to make money. But, they do have perks for the right type of traveler.

Pros of owning a timeshare

You don’t have to worry about maintenance.

While you’re responsible for paying annual dues, which go toward maintaining timeshare properties, you don’t have to worry about personally tending to maintenance or repairs, or investing in improvements.

Timeshares are good for group travel

Timeshares are typically spacious, residential condos with multiple bedrooms, kitchens, and a washer and dryer. Plus, you’ll find most timeshare condos located within larger resort communities that come with hotel-like amenities like a pool, a gym, and dining options.

Timeshares nudge you to take a vacation

You prepay (or finance) a lump sum upfront when buying a timeshare (not including the annual maintenance fees). So you may be persuaded to take those PTO days, instead of wasting the money you’ve already paid.

You can buy a timeshare for less

The average purchase price to buy an annual one-week stay at a timeshare was $22,942, 2 though that figure doesn’t include annual dues or financing fees. Nor does it reflect the cheap resale market, where current owners are willing to offload their timeshare for next to nothing. If you purchase a secondhand timeshare, you have to take over their annual dues and any increases from then on.

Cons of owning a timeshare

Timeshares can be difficult to sell.

Buyer's remorse is rampant in the timeshare industry. Many timeshare owners are heavily pressured to purchase by assertive salespeople, then are locked into a long-term commitment that’s difficult to get out of. If you do try to walk away and resell, you’ll often find there are too many other timeshares for sale and too few buyers. Furthermore, if you sell at a loss, you can’t claim a capital loss on your taxes as you could with other real estate investments.

You can’t stay whenever you’d like

Unlike a vacation rental, you have to request to use your timeshare points or property. And, since there are so many other timeshare owners to contend with, you may have to book many months or even a year in advance.

Maintenance fees can be expensive

The average annual maintenance fee for a timeshare is $1,000, 3 with fees increasing every year at a rate faster than inflation. If the property undergoes any major improvement or renovation, your fees can go up as well. Even if you don’t use your timeshare, paying those fees is still your responsibility and failing to do so can impact your credit.

You’ve got to watch out for upselling

Some timeshare companies will tack on extra costs to stay at certain properties, during certain times of the year. While you may be promised “free vacations for life,” don’t be surprised if you’re asked to pay hundreds or thousands in fees just to book the dates and property you want.

After assessing timeshares and vacation rentals for their investment benefits, vacation homes are the clear winner. They offer several financial upsides that timeshares do not. Vacation homes have historically appreciated in value, allow you to make money, and can give you some tax benefits. In other words, vacation homes can make you money, while timeshares cost money.

Timeshare investment FAQ

Do you pay taxes on timeshares.

Yes, timeshare owners collectively pay for taxes, insurance, management, and maintenance. Some timeshare managers include property taxes in the owner fees, while others will pass the tax bill directly to the owners so they can pay their portion.

Can I rent out my timeshare on Airbnb?

You may be allowed to rent your timeshare and your allotted time on Airbnb. However, read your property agreement and contract. Timeshare resorts have varying regulations around subletting your vacation time. So, make sure to have a clear understanding of any rules and requirements.

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California licenses Vacasa Seasonals Inc. California DRE #02160171

Vacation Palm Springs Real Estate, Inc. California DRE #01523013

Vacasa offers property management and other real estate services directly through Vacasa LLC and through Vacasa LLC's licensed subsidiaries. Click here for more information about Vacasa's licensed real estate brokerage/property manager in your state. Vacasa’s licensed real estate brokerages/property managers include: Vacasa Alabama LLC; Vacasa Arizona LLC; Vacasa of Arkansas LLC; Vacasa Colorado LLC (Micah Victory); Vacasa Delaware LLC, 302-541-8999; Vacasa Florida LLC; Vacasa Illinois LLC 481.014072, Micah Victory Managing Broker Lic# 471.021837; Vacasa Louisiana LLC, Dana MacCord, Principal Broker, ph 504.252.0155 (Licensed in LA); Vacasa Michigan LLC, 602-330-9934; Vacasa Missouri LLC, Vicki Lyn Brown, Designated Broker; Vacasa Nevada LLC; Vacasa New Hampshire LLC,45 NH-25, Meredith, NH 03253, Susan Scanlon, Broker of Record; Vacasa Minnesota, Broker: Micah Victory, license #40877637; Vacasa New Mexico LLC, 503-345-9399; Vacasa New York LLC, 888-433-0068, Susan Scanlon, Real Estate Broker; Vacasa North Carolina LLC; Vacasa Oregon LLC; Vacasa Pennsylvania LLC; Vacation Palm Springs Real Estate, Inc., California DRE #01523013, Mark Graham, California DRE #00700720; Vacasa Real Estate LLC (licensed in Texas, Debra Brock, Designated Broker); Vacasa Real Estate LLC (licensed in Washington, Robert Brush, Designated Broker); Vacasa Seasonals Inc., California DRE #02160171, Lisa Renee Stevens, California DRE #01485234; Vacasa South Carolina LLC; Vacasa South Dakota LLC; Vacasa Tennessee LLC; Vacasa Vacation Rentals of Hawaii LLC, 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr. Ste. #2F17, Waikoloa, HI 96738; Vacasa Vacation Rentals of Montana LLC, Terah M. Young, Licensed Property Manager; Vacasa Virginia LLC; Vacasa Wisconsin LLC; Vacasa Wyoming LLC. In Canada, this advertisement is provided by Vacasa Canada ULC, CPBC lic. number 75826, 172 Asher Rd. V1X 3H6 Kelowna, BC.

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The Pros and Cons of Vacation Clubs

A nationally recognized reporter, writer, and consumer advocate, Ed Perkins focuses on how travelers can find the best deals and avoid scams.

He is the author of "Online Travel" (2000) and "Business Travel: When It's Your Money" (2004), the first step-by-step guide specifically written for small business and self-employed professional travelers. He was also the co-author of the annual "Best Travel Deals" series from Consumers Union.

Perkins' advice for business travelers is featured on MyBusinessTravel.com , a website devoted to helping small business and self-employed professional travelers find the best value for their travel dollars.

Perkins was founding editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, one of the country's most influential travel publications, from which he retired in 1998. He has also written for Business Traveller magazine (London).

Perkins' travel expertise has led to frequent television appearances, including ABC's "Good Morning America" and "This Week with David Brinkley," "The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather," CNN, and numerous local TV and radio stations.

Before editing Consumer Reports Travel Letter, Perkins spent 25 years in travel research and consulting with assignments ranging from national tourism development strategies to the design of computer-based tourism models.

Born in Evanston, Illinois, Perkins lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife.

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Over the years, we get questions about vacation clubs&#8212some from people who just wonder what they are, others from people looking for the “best” club. The most recent was simple:

“Are there any civilian vacation clubs like Armed Forces Vacation Club (AFVC)?”

The short answer is, “Yes; there are lots of vacation clubs, although none quite like AFVC.” We last covered vacation clubs three years ago, so a review and update are in order.

The Basic Vacation Club Idea

Vacation clubs are essentially a variation on the timeshare theme: programs that offer vacation stays in participating accommodations. As with timeshares, you buy into the program for an initial price anywhere from around $5000 to as much as $1 million; once enrolled, you select the resorts where you want to stay and pay for each occupancy. You may also pay extra annual “maintenance” or “membership” fees.

I can see two general distinctions between a vacation club and a conventional timeshare program:

• With conventional timeshare programs, you generally “own” a base week interval (or multiple one-week intervals) for specific dates at specific resorts. Most timeshares, however, participate in exchange programs, and in those you can usually exchange your base intervals for intervals at other equivalent locations and times within the exchange program.
• With a vacation club, you may have no base interval location or time. Also, what, where, and how long you vacation depends on how much occupancy you buy. Stay options are not limited to one-week intervals&#8212you can sometimes visit just a night or two.

Some vacation clubs allow you to sell or transfer your membership; as with timeshares, you can sometimes buy one of these club memberships as a resale. With others, however, your interest is not transferrable. Check here here for more information about resale.

Only a few of the very high-end vacation clubs promise to buy back your initial membership “investment,” at full value or at a set partial value. With most midprice and inexpensive programs, you’re either locked in or on your own to recover what you can in a resale market.

Three General Groups

Vacation clubs fall into three general categories, based on sponsorship and management:

• Major hotel/resort chain: Many of the biggest names in worldwide hotels/resorts operate vacation clubs, including Disney , Four Seasons , Hilton , Hyatt , Marriott , Ritz-Carlton , Starwood , Westin , and Wyndham . With these vacation clubs, your vacation choices are usually limited to locations that belong to the chain.

Players include Bluegree , Diamond/Sunterra , Royal Aloha , Shell Vacations , Vacation Internationale , World Vacations Club , and WorldMark . The AFVC, cited by our reader, focuses on military families (and apparently charges no entry fee or dues). Of course, the two giant timeshare exchange programs, Interval International and RCI , are de facto vacation clubs.

Among the high-end players: Distinctive Holiday Homes Distinctive Holiday Homes , Equity Estates , Everlands , Hideaways Club (Europe), M Private Residences (Canada), Markers Destination Club (focus on golf), Oyster Circle (Europe), Quintess , Solstice , and Ultimate Escapes . Destination Club Forums , Halogen Guides , and Sherpa Report maintain excellent databases and bulletin boards for detailed information about these high-end programs.

Pros and Cons

The advantages and disadvantages of vacation clubs pretty much follow those for timeshares, generally:

Pros: Accommodations are usually larger than individual hotel/resort accommodations, with kitchen facilities; many are in excellent locations; annual occupancy costs can be less than for comparable hotel/resort accommodations.

Cons: Except at the very high end, you generally can’t recover the initial buy-in price; you may be locked into certain types of location; accommodations when and where you want them may be hard to find; operators can increase fees without recourse; vacation clubs have been prone to some of the same high-pressure sales tactics as timeshares. Check Complaints Board , My 3 Cents , The Owners’ Advocate , Ripoff Report , and Squeaky Wheel for representative complaints about vacation clubs.

As with timeshares, generally, lots of vacation club participants&#8212probably a majority&#8212are happy with their programs and pleased with the results. Unfortunately, even some of the biggest names seem to be guilty of high-pressure sales techniques and questionable promises. Don’t let this deter you if you like the idea, but even more than in other parts of the travel marketplace, buyer beware!

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Best Vacation Clubs You Should Join in 2024

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Are you a frequent traveler looking to revolutionize the way you vacation? If so, then you might have started exploring the possibilities of timeshares, vacation clubs, and travel clubs. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they each offer unique benefits. In short, a timeshare is a specific interval of time you own at a single resort. The best vacation clubs, on the other hand, give you access to multiple timeshare resorts and multiple timeshare vacations throughout the year. Finally, a travel club is a supplementary service offered by some timeshare companies which confers perks like discounts, experiences, and travel services. As we’ll see, the lines between travel and vacation clubs can get a bit blurry because either may offer similar services to the other. But Fidelity Real Estate is here to clear the air and tell you the best luxury vacation clubs and travel clubs to join in 2024.

Travel Club Vs. Vacation Club

Top disney vacation club resorts, top marriott vacation club resorts, top club wyndham resorts, top hilton grand vacations club resorts, top bluegreen vacations resorts, top hyatt residence club resorts, top holiday inn club resorts, top westgate travel club resorts, what is a vacation club.

Vacation clubs are a more modern form of timeshares. They are typically points-based and allow members to spend points at various resorts in the brand’s portfolio. Traditional timeshares are often a fixed week at one resort. Owners return to their resort at the same time every year and even stay in the same unit! Vacation clubs, however, offer more freedom and flexibility. Members can travel worldwide with their membership and stay at different resorts each year.

Vacation Club Vs. Timeshare

Did you know that many of the best vacation clubs are actually timeshares? Marriott Vacation Club, DVC, Hilton, and more offer flexible points-based timeshares that appeal to any type of traveler. Vacation clubs often have multiple resort properties and exchange options compared to a traditional deeded timeshare. However, they are one and the same these days!

Travel clubs are a great way to save money as well as access a variety of travel services and experiences. Whether it’s a free or paid membership, clubs offer a range of discounts and exclusive perks to members. Airline discounts, hotel bookings, car rentals, and travel packages are some of these discounts. Vacation Clubs have shifted to letting owners use points towards experiences outside of only booking resorts, similar to how travel clubs aren’t just booking hotels. For example, they may let you use your points for theme park tickets, concerts, flights, and more. In short, with a travel club, you get discounts, and with a vacation club, you get annual points that are used as currency to put towards different resorts and experiences.

Still fuzzy on what a timeshare is and how it works? Fidelity can clear things up!

What is the Best Vacation Club to Join?

This question relies entirely upon you and your travel preferences. If you’re looking for some vacation magic with the little ones, then Disney Vacation Club has you covered. Is a vacation club with the ultimate luxury timeshare vacation packages what you’re after? Marriott Vacation Club offers exceptional accommodations and resorts. Trying to go worldwide? Then a Wyndham vacation club might be up your alley. In this blog, we’ll go through our top best vacation clubs that you should join in the upcoming year.

Is Disney Vacation Club worth it? Well, with 15 locations across the U.S. and some of the most family-friendly resorts, Disney Vacation Club certainly isn’t a bad choice. As DVC’s recommended resale broker since 2005, we can’t deny this club’s impact on the timeshare industry.

With a points-based timeshare membership, DVC owners love the flexibility of their timeshare vacations. Aulani Resort & Spa in Oahu is a favorite among families for tropical beach vacations. On the other hand, if you’re looking to stay as close to the magic as possible, head to one of the 11 resorts right in Orlando. The newest resort near Disney World, Riviera Resort , for example, offers guests an escape to the French Riviera through its theming and dining options.

Get a look at all of DVC’s Home Resorts so you can decide exactly which one to purchase. Keep in mind, however, that the latest resale restrictions from DVC make it a little more difficult for resale owners to use their points at other DVC resorts. Disney Vacation Club is also part of the Interval International network, making it possible to exchange your DVC points for stays at other luxury resorts! Look through Disney Vacation Club timeshares for sale now.

Pros of DVC

• Points-based
• Resorts near popular theme parks
• Transportation to parks
• Flexible banking and borrowing
• Exchange on Interval International

Cons of DVC

• Popular dates sell out quickly—you must plan ahead!
• Strict resale restrictions
• Expensive to join
• Fewer resort options for world travelers

• Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas
• Disney’s Boardwalk Villas
• Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
• Disney’s Villas At The Grand Californian

One of the largest and most popular ownership brands in the industry is Marriott Vacation Club . Following its acquisition of ILG in 2018, Marriott now has over 3,200 resorts in over 80 countries. Its system is more unified and comprehensive than ever before.

Several brands fall under Marriott Vacations Worldwide, such as Hyatt Vacation Club, Vistana Signature Experiences, and even the growing exchange network, Interval International.

Ultimate luxury awaits Marriott Vacation Club owners in resorts across the U.S., as well as the Caribbean, Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Marriott’s world-class timeshare resorts offer top-notch accommodations with modern furnishings and spacious units, as well as amazing amenities.

Marriott Vacation Club is the first large hospitality brand to enter the timeshare industry and is now noted as one of the best vacation clubs for travelers. With locations in the most desirable destinations as well as a points-based timeshare membership system that offers flexibility, it’s no secret how great MVC is. Find the best Marriott timeshares for sale in our resale marketplace!

Pros of MVC

• Dozens of resorts in top destinations
• Join the loyalty rewards program for discounts and savings

Cons of MVC

• Popular dates sell out quickly, making it difficult to book
• Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club
• Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club
• Marriott’s Grande Vista
• Marriott’s Summit Watch
• Marriott’s Timber Lodge
• Marriott’s Canyon Villas At Desert Ridge

Club Wyndham

Belonging to the world’s largest vacation ownership company, Wyndham Destinations, Club Wyndham offers its members access to over 4,000 resorts in 110 countries. Club Wyndham is one of the best and most luxurious vacation clubs out there because of its travel opportunities. Plus, you can think of them as your all-in-one travel agency.

In short, Wyndham will put together a full vacation package just for you. They can help you plan your timeshare vacations, book your flights and car rental, as well as create an itinerary packed with excursions tailored to your preferences. There are several Club Wyndham ownership types: Club Wyndham Select, Club Wyndham Access, and Presidential Reserve. Each type offers different deed options as well as tiers of benefits.

Club Wyndham VIP

Club Wyndham also offers several levels of VIP status, where owners can receive even more benefits. Get the latest specials, last-minute deals, or even discounts on activities. VIP status is awarded past a certain points threshold, with the lowest tier bestowed on owners who buy 300,000 points and the highest on owners who buy at least 1.4 million. However, like most vacation clubs, Club Wyndham places certain restrictions on resale points. In order to earn VIP status, you must buy 300,000 or more points directly from Wyndham. Any points bought on the resale market will not count towards VIP status.

Read More: Club Wyndham Resale Restrictions for Timeshare Owners

Under the Wyndham Destinations company, there is also Shell Vacations Club, Margaritaville Vacation Club, Worldmark by Wyndham, and more, making it easy to find the best Wyndham Destinations resorts for you, and making Club Wyndham just about the best timeshare points program for flexibility. Search here to see Wyndham timeshares for sale right now in our inventory.

Pros of Wyndham

• Over a hundred resorts in top destinations
• Exchange on RCI
• Works with a variety of budgets

Cons of Wyndham

• Somewhat complicated product (many clubs and brands under Wyndham’s umbrella)
• No rewards/loyalty program

• Wyndham’s Bonnet Creek Resort  
• Wyndham Kauai Beach Villas
• Club Wyndham Ocean Boulevard
• Wyndham Vacation Club Smugglers Notch
• Club Wyndham Midtown 45
• Club Wyndham Fairfield Harbour

Hilton Grand Vacations Club

Hilton Grand Vacations Club offers flexibility as well as one-of-a-kind luxury experiences for owners. Their points system is easy to use. In short, owners receive deeded ownership interests at their home resort. The resort you own with, the unit size, season, and week number determine how many ClubPoints you receive each year.

Owners can use their ClubPoints at their home resort time and time again or take their timeshare vacations across the globe. Another benefit for Hilton owners is the Hilton Honors program! When you purchase an HGVC timeshare, you are automatically enrolled in the loyalty program. HGVC members and timeshare owners receive special perks like triple or double points when they stay at qualifying resorts and hotels.

HGVC owners can use their ClubPoints and get their HHonors benefits at more than 5,800 resorts within Hilton’s portfolio of brands, located in over 114 countries worldwide. Hhonors can also grant discounts on travel packages, car rentals, air miles, Experience Rewards, and even on Amazon.

Before you buy, make sure you know what to expect with Hilton’s annual fees & dues . Browse Hilton timeshare resales here.

Pros of HGVC

• Loyalty rewards program for discounts and exclusive deals

Cons of HGVC

• Pricier to join
• Fewer resorts than Wyndham or Marriott
• Ocean 22 By Hilton Grand Vacations
• Maui Bay Villas by Hilton Grand Vacations
• Elara, A Hilton Grand Vacations Hotel – Center Strip
• Sunrise Lodge, Hilton Grand Vacations
• The Residences by Hilton Club
• Hilton Grand Vacations at Tuscany Village

Bluegreen Vacations

Bluegreen Vacations has you covered for an outdoor adventure in the Smoky Mountains, an excursion to the best theme parks in Orlando, and more. Owners of Bluegreen get a glimpse of all sorts of vacations with their Lighthouse Collection, Cityscape Collection, Amusement Collection, Heritage Collection, and of course, the Great Outdoors Collection.

Bluegreen is a points-based vacation club offering owners flexibility when vacation planning. Not to mention, their one-of-a-kind resorts make it possible to get the best of all worlds—quiet cabins, outdoor yurts, or beach resorts with luxury amenities. Their partnership with Bass Pro Shops really identifies this as the best vacation club for the adventurous set. Visit your local Bass Pro Shop to find out how you can enjoy a free Bluegreen vacation with the Bass Pro timeshare promotion. Or, check here for Bluegreen timeshares for sale .

Did you know Bluegreen Vacations was recently acquired by Hilton? Get the full scoop here!

Pros of Bluegreen

Cons of Bluegreen

• No loyalty rewards program
• Some resale restrictions
• Oasis Lakes At The Fountains
• Bluegreen At Tradewinds
• Bluegreen Wilderness Club At Long Creek
• Odyssey Dells, A Bluegreen Resort
• Club Lodges At Trillium

Falling under the ILG family of luxury vacation clubs, Hyatt Vacation Club provides total luxury. Their Maui destination, the Ka’anapali Beach Resort , for example, will make your vacation feel like a dream. If island time fits your lifestyle best but you want to stay closer to the mainland, the three Hyatt resorts in Key West make up for that.

Hyatt owners can enjoy any of the 16 resorts within the portfolio with their points-based system. As Hyatt is within the ILG network, you can also trade your points on Interval International’s vacation exchange network.

You may also be interested in the World of Hyatt rewards program , where owners can earn points from qualifying resorts or hotels in Hyatt’s portfolio. With four different tiers and elevated benefits for each level, members can work their way up to earn a free night at a qualifying resort or receive suite upgrades. Look through our Hyatt timeshares for sale now!

Pros of Hyatt

• Luxury resorts in popular locations

Cons of Hyatt

• Fewer resort options
• Properties have fewer family-friendly amenities

• Hyatt Beach House Resort
• Hyatt Coconut Plantation Resort
• Hyatt Pinon Pointe
• Hyatt Wild Oak Ranch
• Hyatt Ka’anapali Beach
• Hyatt Highlands Inn

For a family-friendly getaway on a budget, Holiday Inn Club Vacations has been the best timeshare points program since 2008. With over 25 resorts across the US to choose from, families can use Holiday Inn timeshare points to stay at their favorite resorts in the brand’s impressive portfolio. Accommodations at every Holiday Inn Club resort location vary in size and include washers/dryers, living room areas to stretch out in, fully-equipped kitchens, and all the comforts of home.

The flagship location, Orange Lake Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, is famous for its sprawling lazy river and on-site waterpark. There are four villages at Orange Lake, each with unique accommodations and amenities.

There are multiple levels of Holiday Inn Club, with varying tiers of benefits. Depending on your membership level within this luxury vacation club, you can, for example, receive 10% advanced booking window discounts, room upgrades, complimentary nights, and more.

Pros of Holiday Inn Club

• Family-friendly and budget-friendly
• Exchange on Interval International & RCI

Cons of Holiday Inn Club

• Fewer resort options (but growing!)
• Popular dates can sell out quickly
• Orange Lake Resort
• Holiday Inn Club Vacations South Beach Resort
• Hill Country Resort
• Galveston Seaside Resort
• Smoky Mountain Resort
• Holiday Inn Club Vacations Villages Resort at Lake Palestine

Westgate Travel Club

Westgate Resorts started out as a modest 16-unit resort. Today, however, Westgate Resorts offers over 14,000 villas spread out across 27 resorts, and they continue to add more properties to their portfolio! With fractional ownership, Westgate owners can enjoy vacationing in different destinations across the country every year through Westgate Travel Club . This means that in addition to visiting your home resort annually, you can explore other exciting places, too.

Among Westgate’s diverse portfolio are resorts in some of the most coveted vacation destinations. Stay in teepees, covered wagons, and other themed luxury villas while glamping in Central Florida. Take a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and stay in a mountainside cabin. Is Las Vegas more your style? Westgate Las Vegas Resort is close to the Convention Center and the Strip.

The Westgate Travel Club is divided into three distinct categories known as dimensions. Dimension One is made up of Westgate Club Weeks, while Dimension Two consists of exchange through Interval International. Finally, Dimension Three is comprised of Westgate Cruise & Travel Collection. Each dimension of the Westgate Travel Club offers its own unique set of deals and opportunities.

While Westgate Travel Club is not points based, like a vacation club, if offers internal and external exchange opportunities in addition to its travel club perks. This makes it the best travel club membership for those looking for a more streamlined, simplified form of vacation ownership that doesn’t limit where and when they can stay.

Pros of Westgate Travel Club

• Family-friendly resort amenities
• Exchange for cruises

Cons of Westgate Travel Club

• Not points-based

• Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort
• Westgate Flamingo Bay Club
• Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort
• Westgate Lakes Resort And Spa
• Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
• Park City Resort And Spa Westgate

How Much is a Vacation Club Membership?

Depending on the vacation club you want to join, the cost of a vacation club membership can vary. However, the American Resort Development Association ( ARDA ) has stated that the average cost of a timeshare is $23,940. Remember that while the cost of joining a luxury vacation club is high, you are really paying for a lifetime of vacations, and that in the long run, it will be cheaper than a lifetime of cramped hotel rooms. Moreover, buying a vacation club membership on the timeshare resale market can save you thousands of dollars. Of course, there are maintenance fees as well to keep in mind. These are normally due on an annual basis.

Learn more: 10 Best Timeshare Resorts for Families Across the U.S.

Join One of the Best Vacation Clubs for Less

When you buy a timeshare or the resale market, you can save a substantial amount of money while still getting to stay at luxurious resorts. To learn more about the difference between buying resale versus direct, watch our video to the right.

Did anything from our list of vacation clubs and travel clubs speak to you? Our timeshare resale experts can help you get the best deal on luxury vacation clubs like Wyndham, Disney, Hilton, and more. So what are you waiting for? Start by browsing vacation clubs on our expansive resale marketplace. Or give us a call today at 1 (800) 410-8326 .

Find the best vacation club for you on the resale market!

Already a member of a vacation club? Fidelity Real Estate can help you sell your membership on the resale market!

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Lauren McGee

Lauren McGee is a University of South Florida graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Advertising. She is a social media strategist and digital marketing specialist with a diverse background in brand recognition, quality control, and content production. Lauren has lived in Central Florida for over ten years and loves to travel, cook her favorite recipes, and spend time with her family.

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How does Marriott Vacation Club work?

Marriott vacation club cost, marriott vacation club properties, marriott vacation club locations, marriott bonvoy points. vs. marriott vacation club points, other ways to use marriott vacation club points, different marriott timeshare programs, should i join marriott vacation club.

Marriott Bonvoy is well known for its 30 hotel brands around the world, plus a popular Homes and Villas by Marriott International collection of vacation rentals. But it also has a few vacation timeshare programs, one of which is the Marriott Vacation Club .

Marriott Vacation Club includes more than 60 resorts and 13,000 villas. In addition, the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse operates urban hotels designed for those looking for a big-city experience.

But is the Marriott Vacation Club worth it? Depending on your travel needs and patterns, being a part of the Marriott Vacation Club might be a worthwhile option.

Timeshare programs may vary, but they typically provide members (referred to as owners) the opportunity to spend time at a vacation property each year. Timeshares can sell chunks of time (typically a week) or a number of points to be redeemed toward a stay. The Marriott Vacation Club works the same way.

Marriott Vacation Club sells owners a one-time allotment of annual Vacation Club points that can be redeemed at various properties within the network. You aren't limited to a specific time of year or location with this system since you redeem points for whatever suits your particular need each year.

If you want to be an owner in Marriott’s timeshare program, you’ll have to pay several different fees.

First, you’ll need to purchase an ownership package, which starts at roughly $25,000. The price varies depending on how many Vacation Club Points you’d like to buy. A stay at an ultra-luxurious property with every amenity will likely cost more points than a more basic one.

You’ll also need to pay annual maintenance fees and club dues. Maintenance fees include any anticipated operating expenses, including repairs, insurance premiums and real estate taxes.

If you don’t use your points in a given year, you can roll them over to the following year. You can also borrow points from next year if you don’t have enough points in the current year.

Marriott Vacation Clubs include hotels and resorts. Rooms range from studios to three bedroom villas providing up to 2,100 square feet of space.

Timeshare resorts often feature more spacious accommodations than traditional hotel rooms, commonly including separate living areas or kitchens. When staying at these resort locations, you can often expect some of the same amenities offered at large resorts such as golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, gyms, kids clubs and more.

In addition to resorts and hotels, owners can also participate in the Explorer Collection and Exchange Partner Resorts. The Explorer Collection is a selection of travel packages provided by tour operators in Marriott’s network. You can find cruises, guided tours, adventure travel and more.

Exchange Partner Resorts give members access to unique accomodations. Some example properties include a 13th-century stone abbey in Ireland or a beachfront palace in Rio de Janeiro.

If you’re worried about booking the same timeshare over and over again, it's nice to know that there’s a wide variety to choose from within the Marriott Vacation Club portfolio.

Marriott Vacation Club offers many locations throughout the world. You can find Marriott Vacation Clubs in the U.S., Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Australia and Asia.

Marriott Vacation Club Pulse

Marriott Vacation Club Pulse is a collection of six properties in big cities including Boston, Miami, New York City, San Francisco, San Diego and Washington, D.C.

Sometimes the hotels themselves are landmarks. For example, the location in Washington, D.C., is at the historic Mayflower Hotel, which opened in 1925.

Marriott Bonvoy points , which can be earned and redeemed at Marriott hotels , are different from Marriott Vacation Club points. The latter are purchased as part of an annual contract. When you become a Marriott Vacation Club owner, you buy Vacation Club points that you can redeem at different vacation properties.

The Vacation Club points system allows owners to have flexibility with when and where they want to travel. Even if you buy a set number of points, you can purchase or bank more if you need it for longer trips or for more expensive locations.

Plus, if you would rather stay at a traditional Marriott Bonvoy hotel or resort , you can convert Vacation Club points to Marriott Bonvoy points to redeem for a hotel stay.

» Learn more: Are timeshare sales presentations worth the time?

Joining the Marriott Vacation Club comes with supplementary benefits worth considering.

One surprising perk is access to Interval International, which is a vacation exchange network that covers a variety of resorts including those from other brands. These include places like the Harborside Resort at Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas and the Four Seasons Country Club in the Quinta do Lago Resort in Portugal.

Also, depending on the number of points you have, vacation options can include cruises, tours, traditional hotels and sporting events. Known as The Explorer Collection, it includes things such as U.S. national park guided tours, European cruises and a Kenyan safari.

A sliding scale on the Vacation Club website helps to understand how many points each vacation experience costs.

» Learn more: Who owns what? Hotel chains and their brands

In addition to the Marriott Vacation Club, there are other timeshare programs offered by Marriott Vacations Worldwide. Other programs include:

Sheraton Vacation Club.

Westin Vacation Club.

Grand Residences by Marriott.

Ritz-Carlton Destination Club.

St. Regis Residence Club.

Hyatt Residence Club.

Each of these vacation clubs provide different accommodations ranging from family-oriented experiences (Sheraton Vacation Club) to super luxurious stays (St. Regis Residence Club).

Although Hyatt and Marriott are competitors in the hotel space, interestingly, the Hyatt Residence Club is part of Marriott Vacations Worldwide.

Timeshares have evolved so that buyers have more flexibility and options, but they are not for everyone . If you are looking to buy vacation real estate, this is an easier pathway since you don’t have to worry about the logistics of upkeep and maintenance (although you pay annual fees to cover the cost of it). Plus, you aren't locked into one specific unit or property, though many people do return to the same place year after year.

For those seeking variety, you have a network of hotels, villas and experiences around the world where you can use your Vacation Club points.

If you like to experience different places around the world and don’t mind staying connected to one network of properties, then the Marriott Vacation Club is probably worth it. But if you prefer to decide on new places or different types of vacation experiences at the last minute, then maybe it’s not the best program for you.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

2x-17x Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card. 2X points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

150,000 Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card!

1x-14x Earn up to 14X total points for every $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® and 2X points on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains). 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

30,000 Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card.

States Cancellation Dates

The differences between timeshares and travel club ownership.

There are so many ways to vacation these days. Sea lovers can go on a luxurious cruise with their family. Or trendy vacationers can book an Airbnb in their favorite city. Other options include timeshares or becoming a member of a travel club. This guide will overview the differences between timeshares and travel club ownership.

What is a Timeshare?

Thousands of people purchase timeshares every year. A timeshare is when a group of people collectively own a vacation property. These properties usually reside on specific resorts, as the resort companies are the ones who sell the packages. Timeshares can operate on either a fixed or a floating schedule. A fixed schedule means you can’t change your vacation days at any point throughout your contract. If you signed up to use your timeshare March 1st-8th, that’d be your fixed schedule throughout the entirety of your agreement. A floating schedule, on the other hand, is more flexible. Here, the timeframe you can use your timeshare changes every year. On the surface, timeshares seem like a fantastic way to vacation. Yet, the reality is more like a nightmare. Timeshare owners must pay insane interest rates and incredibly high maintenance fees. These fees, coupled with the frustrating schedule options, make timeshares a headache for everyone involved. If you’re currently under contract, please call  Preferred Cancellation Services  to cancel your timeshare immediately. You’ll feel so relieved once you pick up the phone.

What is a Travel Club Ownership?

A travel club membership is another way people can vacation. Travel club memberships are like timeshares in that you only stay at the property for a short length of time. You can’t just cash in your travel club membership and stay however long you like. Much like timeshares, certain rules apply to these memberships. Yet, there are striking differences between these two options, as well. Timeshare owners typically sign a deed to the vacation property they’ll be staying at—they own part of the land. Travel club members don’t own anything. Instead, these people buy a certain amount of “points” through a resort. Then, these members can cash in their points whenever they see fit and go on vacation. However, it’s vital to keep in mind that more luxurious packages cost more points. Popularity plays a factor, as well. Members will have to cash in a ton of points if they want to stay at a Disney World resort during peak season. One benefit of this option is that members have a plethora of different vacationing options. Members aren’t stuck with staying at one property. Instead, they can choose to cash in their points at different locations that are compliant with their current package. Since travel club memberships present a variety of different options, they’re definitely a better choice than timeshares. Also, travel club memberships are much easier to get out of. You don’t have to jump through multiple loops and legalities to get out of the agreement. All these reasons are why you should cancel your timeshare and purchase a travel club membership instead.

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What’s a Vacation Club? And Are They Worth the Huge Expense?

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• Hotels & Lodging

Or is it just another concierge service for the 0.1%?

As the world gets more crowded, vacation options seem to get more limited. Hotels are always booked during peak travel season and come with exorbitant costs, flights are packed (also costly), rental cars are scarce, restaurants are reserved, and attractions are swamped.

The stress of booking a vacation, especially for larger families, is at an all-time high, and the pressure to make the most of your scant time off from work becomes that much more critical.

For all these reasons, people have started turning to vacation clubs. But the question usually is: What are vacation clubs? And in actuality, there are many questions: What do they cost? How hard are they to get in? What are the perks?

First things first, vacation clubs are kind of like country clubs and also kind of not. At the highest end, they can have initiation fees that are only affordable to the 0.1%, while the less expensive options are still out of reach for the average consumer. But what a vacation club does do is eliminate the clutter. They have access to thousands of luxury homes, high-end hotel rooms, elite travel adventures, and a level of service that is unrivaled.

Most importantly, they’re not a timeshare. You don’t have to sit through a two-hour presentation to get a free helicopter ride to then sign away your net-worth on a home in the Caribbean that you’ll never go to. The clubs give you flexibility for a price–but is that price worth it?

Top Picks for You

Recommended Fodor’s Video

Exclusive resorts.

One of the most exclusive and most expensive of the vacation clubs is undoubtedly Exclusive Resorts .

“We describe ourselves as a members-only vacation club,” says Exclusive Resorts CEO James Henderson. “We have 4,000 members and we provide access to 400 homes and experiences in 75 destinations around the world. All the homes that we have run from two bedrooms up to five bedrooms and are well-positioned to offer amazing experiences for families. The other part of what we do is we have a series of what we call once-in-a-lifetime experiences. We do anywhere from 25 to 40 of those a year which are everything from bucket list trips from safaris to cruises to trips to Japan. And then we do a lot of member community type of events ranging from the Kentucky Derby, The U.S. Open, Formula One in Austin. And then we do a series of community events, which are intimate events for members to connect. And these are events where we bring members together and they create a level of community.”

The price tag for Exclusive Resorts comes in different packages. A 10-year membership starts at $150,000. A 30-year Membership starts at $250,000. Plus, annual dues are $1,395 per night and members travel 15-30 nights per year. But there’s a bevy of upgrades and you can share your days with family and friends or even gift your days to charities.

The pros of this club are the access to an unbeatable inventory of homes that all come with five-star hotel services, a dedicated concierge, personalized trip planning, and no hassle. The cons of the club are (obviously) the gigantic price and that you have to spend a minimum amount every year (though the fees are the same regardless of season), and it’s harder to become a member.

Created by the former founders of Exclusive Resorts, Inspirato is a less-expensive, more accessible vacation club that aims to bring a luxury vacation experience without the ultra-luxury cost.

“We bring a level of certainty and service to travel that is unlike anybody else,” explains Inspirato president David Kallery. “We have a portfolio of nearly 400 homes in addition to high-end hotels that are part of our service. And when you travel with us, you never have to worry about whether or not the home is going to be perfect. When you book a home through a typical marketplace site it’s a little bit of a crapshoot–you could show up and it might be incredible, but it might also be a small nightmare. Next is our service. It’s not just that you’re going to a home that you know will be near perfect, but we wrap your experience with [the] highest level of service that you can imagine. Our members work with a team of people that get to know them very intimately. They get to know everything about your family and what your personal travel preferences are and time of year you’d like to travel and the destinations you’d like to go to. And they really take all of the planning and guesswork of making the experience incredible by doing all the work. Members don’t have to call restaurants to make reservations or golf courses to make tee times, we have teams of people that take care of all those pre-planning activities. And then once you’re on the ground, our homes are staffed with teams of people that take care of any sort of last-minute requests, or changes that you want to make to your itinerary or spontaneous things that you might want.”

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Inspirato (@inspirato)

What makes Inspirato different than Exclusive is that they don’t own their own properties, but lease them or have partnerships with hotels to provide inventory. This allows them flexibility in case a property isn’t rating well among members.

There are two tiers of costs for Inspirato. The Inspirato Club, which comes with a $600/month fee and $1,200 at signing and is open to anyone and everyone. This fee gets you access to the portfolio of homes and hotels, but you still have to pay for the place itself on a nightly basis. Then there’s Inspirato Pass, which is $2,500/month, which gives you access to every property that you can book any time for free. For the Pass, you’re only allowed to make one booking at a time, so jumping from one to the next into infinity is a little harder unless you pay for multiple passes. The key to remember for Inspirato is that the nightly fees you’re paying are going to be less than what you’d find on the open market for much better properties.

My Travel Rewards Club

My Travel Rewards Club is another members club that also offers more than just places to stay. Part of their infrastructure includes partners that offer airfare, rental cars, and other services. They have access to more than 700,000 properties around the world and claim to offer rates that can save you up to 70% on hotels.

Additionally, My Travel Rewards has deals and offers that include 250 different airlines, over 250 cruises, 8,000 tour packages, and even 5,000 sporting event packages. Like the other clubs, there are full-time concierge services that come with membership.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by My Travel Rewards Club (@mytravelrewardsclub)

There are three membership tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Silver comes with 10% discounts on bookings, the ability to add two authorized users, and $129/year for membership dues. Gold comes with 20% discounts on bookings, the ability to earn 4% cashback on bookings, and the ability to add additional users. Platinum has 30% discounts, 8% cashback on bookings, and the ability to add 10 users.

With each booking, members earn rewards points that they can redeem on future bookings. And those rewards never expire.

Solstice Collection

A bit different than the other clubs, Solstice only has eight properties in their portfolio, along with a few additional homes that are owned by members and offered to other members on occasion. The destinations include Florence, Paris, London, Aspen, St. Barth, New York, Napa Valley, and Cabo San Lucas. The additional properties are in Lucens, Marrakesh, Pataua, Weatherford, and Koh Samui.

The club keeps its membership small with a 6:1 ratio of home to member to help ensure space is available throughout the year. Like the other clubs, concierge services handle all your needs. The highest tier of the club allows for 56 total vacation days throughout the year, as long as there’s up to eight months of notice.

To become a member of Solstice, initial fees run around $15,000 while annual dues can be well above $40,000. Also of note: all the homes are in the $6 million range.

There are dozens of other clubs to choose from including Quintess , Equity Estates , 21-5 , Destination M , and many others. Each club offers its own unique properties and value propositions. Most of the clubs are for high net-worth earners, but a few are more accessible from a cost perspective. The key is, do your homework, figure out how much you like to travel, who you want to travel with, and what parts of the world you want to travel to. A travel club might make sense if you hit all the sweet spots for your future adventures.

A Timeshare Owner’s Honest Guide to an RCI Membership + 21 Answers to FAQs

If you’re looking for more information on RCI, you’ve come to the right place. As a happy timeshare owner of 16 years,  this article is the real talk on what RCI is, how it works, and how to make the most of it to score epic vacations across the globe.  This article will candidly answer the most commonly asked questions that I’ve seen asked over the years in my timeshare owners’ groups. 

Is wrapping your brain around it complicated? Yes! Is it worth it? Absolutely, 100% yes! I believe that an RCI membership is one of the key ingredients to making the most out of your timeshare ownership. 

Do You Feel Like You’re Doing RCI  Wrong?

Have you already searched for an RCI exchange vacation and are slightly panicking because you don’t see what you are looking for vs. what you saw in the RCI Resort Directory? For example, say you want to go to Yellowstone in August for a family vacation. You go to the RCI homepage and type in Yellowstone, and you can’t even check for a  month because it says no inventory.

You feel your blood starting to boil, think you’ve made a wrong decision and threw money down the toilet. Breathe, and then keep on reading! I’ll share what I’ve learned about the RCI over the years and how the savvy timeshare owners are “hacking” their timeshare ownership with RCI. 

Wait, This is a Timeshare Thing?

Yes! To have an RCI Membership, you must own a timeshare. If you’ve found yourself in this article and don’t own a timeshare, start with my article What Is a Timeshare? A Happy Owner Explains All You Want to Know. 

1. What is RCI Exactly?

RCI (Resorts Condominiums International) is the largest timeshare exchange company in the world. It is owned by Wyndham Destinations, part of the Travel & Leisure conglomerate of vacation brands and companies. (Yes, the magazine brand!) 

Their full name is a nod to the fact that timeshares bring the best of condos and resorts together in a type of vacation accommodation that I personally feel can’t be beaten. It’s like an Airbnb apartment rental inside a resort.  Many happy timeshare owners out there think that we are traveling the world in upscale condo resorts for Motel 6 prices.

If you’re brand new to the concept of timeshare exchange companies, they essentially facilitate resort trades for timeshare owners but at a large scale. RCI, for example, makes these trades happen for their 3 million+ members.  This middleman, if you will, allows me to take a week at my Catskills NY timeshare and swap it for a week’s vacation at 4,200 resorts in their network across the United States and 110 countries. 

Pretty cool, right?

2. Who Can Get An RCI Membership?

So many people ask if you can get an RCI membership without owning a timeshare. And the answer is no. As part of the sign-up process, you’ll be asked to provide the name of the resort you own a timeshare with or the vacation club you’re a member of. Before your account is set up, your home resort will confirm your ownership. 

Also, not all timeshare ownerships qualify for an RCI membership. There is a bit of church and state in the timeshare industry, and a basic understanding of it is critical if you have certain exchanges in mind. 

So if you’re hoping to use RCI to trade into the beloved Marriot Maui Ocean Club, that’s not possible. You see, Marriott International owns the second largest timeshare exchange company in the world Interval International . So Marriott Timeshares will never be found in RCI, as those owners aren’t eligible for an RCI membership.

While some timeshare resorts have dual affiliations, many timeshare resorts only let you deposit your timeshare into one or the other. Our Vail Resorts timeshare is only affiliated with RCI, for example. Unfortunately, that means I don’t have a timeshare exchange company choice and must use RCI. 

Am I slightly bothered that I’ll never exchange into Marriott’s or Westin’s? Somedays, I am. But then I look at my very long bucket list of RCI-affiliated resorts and remember all the fantastic vacations I can have at Divi Aruba, Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki, Massanutten Resort, and an almost endless list of amazing Orlando Resorts. 

3. What Membership Types Are there?

When talking to your home resort about your timeshare exchange company affiliation, ask them if you’d be an RCI Weeks Member or an RCI Points member. While these two RCI Memberships are similar, some differences exist, and some owners are only eligible for one type of membership. For example, we are RCI Weeks members and didn’t have a choice in the matter. 

4. How are RCI Points and RCI Weeks Programs Different?

RCI was a straight-up week or week exchange back in the day. Meaning I would give up a week and get a week at another resort. But people who had a week at premium resorts or during peak travel didn’t feel that it was a fair system. Conversely, people who had a “cheaper to own” week were able to score weeks at upscale resorts. They were able to “trade up,” so to say. If this type of system interests you, Interval International still operates this way. 

RCI’s exchange approach changed when they assigned number values to everyone’s weeks based on how in-demand your resort week is, how big your unit is, and how far in advance you deposit your week into the system. So, for example, it makes sense that a summer week at Cape Cod would be worth more trading currency than, say, a December week at Cape Cod due to travel demand. 

These “points” are the currency within the RCI system that you can use to secure reservations at resorts.  And what that currency looks very different based on if you’re in the RCI Weeks or RCI Points program. 

RCI Weeks Trading Currency

When you deposit a week into the RCI Weeks program, your get Trading Power Units, which you’ll see people call TPUs. It will be a number under 60. 

• For example, our 2 bedroom ski-in/ski-out condo receives 23 TPUs when I deposit it at least 9 months out from the check-in date. 
• Some smaller units or non-peak travel time weeks will get fewer TPUs.
•  If you want to stay in a super premium resort, you’ll need to combine weeks, like we did when we stayed at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort in Orlando over Spring Break (for 45 TPUs). 
• However, RCI has “sales” where they decrease the amount of TPUs needed, and you can score weeks in Orlando at resorts with thousands of rooms (Like Vacation Village Parkway 1 Bedroom for 3 TPUs.) 
• So it’s entirely possible to take your one week deposited into the RCI system and turn it into 2,3,4,5, or more weeks of vacation! Check out my article 4 Ways to Hack Your Timeshare to learn more.

RCI Points Trading Currency

The same concepts apply, but if you’re an RCI points member, the trading currency you will receive is called points, and the number is much more significant, like 12,000 or 45,000 points or more. You can easily see how this is confusing as the numbers are so different from each other, but alas, this is the way it is. 

Two Other Differences Between  The Weeks and Points Programs

• Resort Choices –  There are “reports” in the owner’s groups that a small handful of resorts only seem to be available for points owners to trade into. As weeks owners, I don’t feel deprived and haven’t been bummed out by the resorts available to me in my RCI Membership. 
• Length of Stay –  While there is a handful of 3, 4, or 5-night stays in the RCI Weeks program, there are significantly more short stays available for exchange in the RCI Points program. If you are the type of traveler who mostly makes long weekend trips, then this is the RCI membership program ideal for you. 

5. How Much is an RCI Membership?

A one-year RCI Membership is $109, and multi-year membership discounts range from 10 to 30% depending on how many years you purchase upfront. Many people start with a one-year membership, but I recommend buying a two-year one if your budget allows. 

You see, timeshare traveling favors those who plan in advance. And especially if you can only travel during peak times such as Spring Break, Summer Break, and December break, you’ll need to plan those trips one year or more in advance. So when giving an RCI Membership your first turn, spend a little more money so that you can secure the type of vacation exchanges you want and get the whole experience of trading vacations with RCI. 

6. What Are The Benefits?

So there are a lot of benefits that RCI lists on their website outside of vacation exchange. However, RCI is a business, and they are trying to upsell their 3.8 million members on other travel products by offering discounts on travel-related services like rental cars, cruises, etc. 

But here’s my take. Those offers 99% of the time aren’t the best price. So like all purchases in life, make sure you price compare. You’ll see members regularly ask questions about all-inclusive fees, car rental, and cruise reservations, and it is almost unanimous that Costco’s car rental prices can’t be beaten; a travel agent or the cruise’s website directly is the best place to book, and hotel prices should be researched thoroughly on an aggregator site like Kayak.com. 

Have there been some reports of unbeatable deals? Yes, but they are definitely the exception and not the rule.

7. Is Platinum Worth It?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions in timeshare groups. And the answer given by veteran timeshare owners and travelers is that it depends. It depends on how much you use RCI and what type of traveler you are. 

But if you want to have VIP access to the best resorts in the RCI system, then it’s well worth the extra cost. Remember you’re competing with the other 3 million members of RCI for exchanges. Personally, getting a vacation that’s worth 5K is well worth the extra $89, don’t you think?!?

I think it is well worth the cost if you can swing the extra $89 a year. For example, if you use it to restore the full deposit power of a late deposit only once, you’ve practically covered the cost by using one benefit by “buying” yourself more points for a whole other week’s vacation. 

RCI Platinum Benefits:

• 10% Discount on Extra Vacations and Last Call Bookings
• 10% savings on Combined Deposit Fee
• 25% off Guest Certificates
• Unlimited Free Ongoing Searches
• 24-hour Exchange Holds To Secure a Room and think about it
• Access to Exchanges and Extra Vacations before “base” members
• Customer Service Line just for Platinum Members
• Unit upgrades when available
• Deposit your week 181 and 270 days and receive the full value as if you deposited it at the 9-month mark. 

8. What Resorts Are There?

Well, it’s pretty hard to summarize RCI’s network of 4300 resorts across the world, but I’ll give it a try! You’ll find a wide range of resorts in the RCI system. From Gold Crown resorts ( their highest distinction) to large global chains like Hilton, Wyndham, regional brands like Worldmark and Divi, to independently owned and beloved hotels.

And since I’m here to give you the honest truth, a very small percentage of the resorts in the RCI system are older, run-down, and not well maintained. That’s why it is crucial to research the resort on TripAdvisor before you book. No system is perfect, and you must take 5 minutes to do your own due diligence. 

Timeshare Resorts Around The World: Cities Vs. Non-Cities

The other dynamic at play is that timeshares historically are built outside of cities. Historically people lived in cities and wanted to “escape” them on vacation, so resorts were built outside cities.  On a global basis, there are actually very few timeshares in cities. While that is starting to change in the industry, the total number of timeshares in European cities is low vs. outside of cities, for example. 

And since there aren’t that many of them, they are very much in demand. Those timeshare owners probably use it themselves or rent it out for top dollar. There are starting to be more timeshares in cities (Nashville, Charleston, New Orleans, New York City, etc.) in the U.S., but most of them are in the mountains or on beaches. 

That being said, there are some fantastic gems in the RCI network of affiliated hotels. For example, we exchanged into the Bougainvillas Barbados resort in 2021 for my birthday with our RCI Membership. Even the locals love this family-owned and operated resort located next to Sandals. And for Christmas break 2021, we exchanged into the amazing Belair Beach Hotel in St. Maarten where all the spacious 2 bedroom units are oceanfront. 

9. What is the General Concept of How It Works?

So, say you’re looking to exchange a week at your resort for a timeshare family vacation in Hawaii. For one to be in RCI’s system, another owner would have to decide not to use their Hawaii timeshare week, not let family/friends use it, not rent it out, and put their week specifically into RCI ( vs. another timeshare exchange company).  

You can see how supply and demand definitely play into the RCI Exchange dynamics. So don’t fret about getting the RCI Resorts you want; it just takes some planning! 

That being said, the supply and demand dynamics can also aid in your planning! For example, towns with tons of timeshare resorts like Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Orlando, the Smoky Mountains National Park, and Branson are regularly available in the system. 

10. Can I Use It to Book Vacations for Friends and Family?

Yes, you can! If you will not be traveling along with them and want to send them on a timeshare vacation, you can book a reservation with your RCI membership and then add their name to it once you purchase a Guest Certificate for $109. 

If you want to treat a family member or perhaps send someone on a memorable getaway like a birthday trip or even a honeymoon, that is possible with an RCI membership. 

11. Can I Sell Exchanges to People?

No, you can not sell your exchanges to people. You can rent your owned week out, but not your RCI exchanges. It is against the Terms and Conditions that you agreed to when signing up for your RCI membership. If RCI catches you selling trades, they will cancel the reservation and potentially cancel your RCI membership. So if you’re thinking of selling, don’t do it. Image if your renter shows up at the resort and the reservation was canceled. That’s a huge nightmare that is not worth it. 

However, if you book a vacation for friends and family and they thank you with you an Amazon or Grocery Store gift card, well, isn’t that super nice of them!

12. What’s an Ongoing Search, and Should I Get One?

Yes. The answer is yes! I know I haven’t explained it yet, but the answer is yes. If you had a choice between getting the best resorts in RCI or the leftovers, which would you choose?

RCI explains an Ongoing Search as: “When you start an Ongoing Search, you get prioritized access to member deposited inventory, giving you a better chance of finding the vacation you want.”  

Why Is Having an Ongoing Search So Important?

So imagine only 10 Hawaii July Weeks are deposited in RCI  a year. But 50 people are looking for weeks at these RCI Resorts. The people who get these timeshare vacations are ALWAYS the first ten people in the line. If you are in the back of the line or haven’t put yourself in the line at all, you’re not going to get this RCI exchange. You will get the Hawaii resorts that everyone else passed on. 

This is how I secured two of the best resorts in Hawaii during prime August vacation season. By putting my name on the request list 18 months in advance.

You may start to get a sense why, when you search for certain RCI resorts in the inventory, it’s not there. Some of the most in-demand RCI properties are taken by members’ ongoing searches and therefore aren’t ever put in search inventory for others to see and reserve that way.  

Let me repeat that again  – The resort or week you may be looking for may NEVER get put into the search inventory as they are all being taken by savvy members who put in an Ongoing Search. 

Think of it as going to a nightclub. There are always two lines. One for people who wait forever, may or may not get in and get stuck with whatever they tell you once you reach the front of the line. Then there is the VIP line, of course, where you want to be. The Ongoing Search is the “VIP” line.

Just to be clear – You don’t need to be an RCI Platinum Member to make an ongoing search request; you just have to pay your exchange fee upfront. If you don’t get your request, the fee will be returned.    To read more about the ins and of Ongoing Searches, like how to get a match for the resort you want successfully, read my full article on the topic Scoring the RCI Properties You Wa nt

13. How Does Exchanging to All-Inclusive Resorts Work?

When exchanging into an All-inclusive resort with your RCI Membership, you’ll have to use some trading currency, pay the exchange fee, and pay the per person all-inclusive fees directly to the resort. Those extra costs can be found in the Fees tab when looking at all-inclusive resorts in the RCI system. 

While there have been some owners’ reports of snagging deals, once you add up all these costs, it’s most likely going to be more cost-effective to book an all-inclusive resort directly from the hotel, at Costco Travel, or with a travel agent. 

Make sure to do the cost comparisons before booking, not after!

14. What’s the difference between RCI Extra Vacation Getaways and RCI Last Call?

These are two programs included with an RCI membership that doesn’t require you to use any of your trading power points. These are cash-only options for booking resorts. What differentiates them from each other is the price and included resorts. 

The RCI Last Program offers week-long stays at RCI properties 45 days out. Based on the size of the unit, the prices range from $269 to $399. This is a great place to score epic vacation deals, but don’t expect to get the most in-demand destinations (Key West) or 3-bedroom units.

You will find rooms at huge resorts, like Vacation Village Parkway in Orlando or Massanutten Resort neighboring Shenandoah National Park, which has thousands of rooms. Or you’ll discover shoulder-season or off-season locations like the mountains in the summer. If you’re open to the type of vacation you’re willing to take, it is a great way to secure extra weeks of vacation for very little money. 

The RCI Extra Vacation Getaways are similar, but you can book them much further out and will include some resorts that you won’t find in the last-minute deals.  However, you’ll have to pay more to book something further in advance. Again, they can be pricey, so make sure you price compare paying the cash RCI price vs. a timeshare rental on Go-Koala.com, Redweek.com or TUG, or other travel booking sites. 

15. What’s the Best Timeshare to Buy for the Sole Purpose of RCI Exchanges?

I say a lot, “ Buying a timeshare is not the type of real estate decision to make on a whim, three margaritas deep, while on vacation.” Can your budget –and your emergency fund —comfortably cover all the costs every year? Even during job loss, retirement, or a pandemic?

These are really important, self-reflective questions to ask yourself before buying a timeshare. Of course, there is no reason to rush buying a timeshare, as it is a buyer’s market.  But if you’ve already done this necessary work and are looking to make the savviest purchase out there, I’ve got you. 

You can save 75 to 99% of the purchase price by buying in the resale market. Timeshare Users Group (TUG) hits it right on the head when they say, “Why would anyone buy from a resort if they could get the exact same “used condo” week, at the exact same resort property, for pennies on the dollar from an existing owner?”

While there are perks offered by the resorts for direct-purchased contracts, if you’re not interested in those specific perks, than the large difference in price wouldn’t be worth it for you.

There are folklores out there on the best timeshare purchase for value, but I’ve never seen a comparative analysis done just for RCI. One legend is that Grandview, a Vacation Village Resort in Las Vegas, is THE timeshare that gives you the most value for the money. So I did an analysis myself and answered once and for all, Is the Grandview Resort the Granddaddy of Timeshare Value?

Read my article here to find the answer and my system on how to analyze timeshare purchases for value and trading power with an RCI membership. 

16. How Does a Membership Help Timeshare Owners with Last-Minute Change of Plans

Pandemic traveling showed us that having flexibility and backup plans are critical when planning vacations. Well, what’s the equivalent of that for timeshare owners? I believe that an exchange company membership is a form of travel insurance for timeshare owners to protect the money they’d pre-paid for their yearly vacations. Why?

Because RCI allows you to deposit your week as late as the day before your check-in date and still receive a portion of your trading power currency. Deposits 15 days or more before check-in qualify for their Deposit Restore program. For a $69 fee, you get 100% of the trading power for your week as if you deposited it nine+ months ago.

It is an excellent option for owners with high-value weeks, as restoring your full trading power can translate into a trip during peak travel or multiple weeks of vacation in the future.

17. What is the RCI Charter Program?

This was a question I recently got from a reader and it stumped me! So I went right to source and asked an RCI rep on their chat feature– my favorite way to interact RCI!

It turns out this is the name of the new Cruise Booking program with RCI.

RCI explained it as “That is a new cruise option for members to use Trading Power or points towards. Members may now use 7 Trading Power or 20,000 Points towards an Exchange for a Cruise on select cruise lines (Norwegian Cruise Lines and Princess Cruises) and get up to $1200 in additional RCI savings when booking a cruise!

So that leads to another very common question about RCI and Cruises!

18. Should I use my Timeshare to Book a Cruise with RCI?

The answer is no! Why? Because you’ll use your trading power and you’ll pay the same or even more money than booking the cruise the “usual” way. That’s right, if you price compare the RCI prices with the cruise lines direct, Costco, a travel agent or other booking sites you’ll find that you’re not saving any money by using your RCI membership points to book a cruise this way.

The cruise booking company is actually a separate entity from RCI and there has been reports of people being caught up in extreme red tape.

To be blunt, you’ll be wasting your trading power or RCI points and most likely spending more money!

Just like the all-inclusive resorts 99% of the time, it is not a good use of RCI. The best use of an RCI membership and your trading current points is to book “regular” resorts. That is where the real value is in timesharing and timeshare exchanging.

19. What are the Levels of RCI Resorts?

Another recent question in my email was does owning at a certain resort mean you have wider access to the best resorts in RCI? So this question in part is because this is how Interval International works , but RCI does not work like this at all.

With an RCI Membership, you see all the same resorts whether you own the most expensive timeshare or the least expensive one. If you have the TPUs or points, you can book that exchange no matter what you own.

With Interval, if you own a lower-tiered timeshare, you won’t see the most high-end exchanges, like Disney Vacation Club resorts for example. And if you own a top tier timeshare, you won’t see the value exchanges either. If you want to book things outside of this standard “mold” you have to call into the II hotline.

But getting back to RCI, there are three, and only three, tiers of resorts. If a salesperson is telling you that there is a list of RCI Platinum resorts, they are wrong.

According to RCI’s website , there are:

• RCI Gold Crown Resorts – The highest of the three RCI Award Designations, these resorts regularly met or exceeded standards in unit housekeeping and maintenance, hospitality, and an evaluation of resort facilities, amenities and services.
• RCI Silver Crown Resort – Resorts that have achieved excellence in these areas
• RCI Hospitality Level:  Resorts consistently high ratings in the check-in/check-out and hospitality categories

What seems to be not spoken about much anymore is a collection of resorts that RCI branded at one time or another The Registry Collection. According to an RCI chat representative this program “is a credits based exchange program for luxury fractional residences. Participation in this program requires ownership at a Registry Collection affiliated residence.” This includes the Four Seasons timeshare vacation ownership and the penthouse units at The Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki.

A list of those resorts can be found at this program’s website, The Registry Collection .

What I did not know that I learned from this online chat with the RCI rep, was that you can actually do an RCI exchange search just for these resorts by:

• Click on the “Exchange Search” tab
• Click on the circle in front of the “Search The Registry Collection” option
• Using the filters on the left of the screen:
• Select the “Region” of interest
• Select the Check-in Date Range
• Click on the “Available Units” options to view unit sizes and the points required for the exchange

I tried to do this type of search, but because I don’t own this particular type of timeshare, I could not search the inventory this way. But from browsing around the site, it has the top tier rooms like the Signature Collection units at River Island within Holiday Inn Club Vacations Orange Lake Resort or Wyndham Bonnet Creek which is a rare find in the RCI inventory without putting in an Ongoing Search.

20. Can I use RCI Points to Buy a Plane Ticket?

This question recently popped up in one of the RCI Members Facebook groups I am in. Based on the responses, it seems  like this is a common question especially among long-time members.  See, this is something that you used to be able to do with your deposited weeks.

But, this is not something that you can do anymore! But don’t feel too bad, because the conversion and value you got for your points were really poor anyway.

21. Do They Still Make the Physical Book of The Resorts?

Another question from a reader! The answer surprised me, because it turns out that RCI does still make physical resort directories. If you’d like one, you need to request it. My preferred method of communication with RCI is the chat feature as the wait times are short, and you can always save a copy of your conversation on your computer afterwards.

I tested this out, and yes you can request a book be mailed to you by chatting with an RCI representative.

Getting Started with RCI? Check out My Free Tutorial Series Walking You Through the Tips and Tricks

Have you decided to get an RCI Membership and are ready to get started? Here’s my Free article series on how to get started with RCI and how to use the system to get what you want!

• RCI.com 101 : Free Tutorial by an Owner for Other Owners Getting Started with RCI
• RCI 201: Using the Resort Directory and Historical Tools  to Find and Plan Vacations You Want on RCI.com!
• RCI 301: Scoring the RCI Resort Exchanges You Want
• RCI  Master Class: See 70% of U.S. National Parks with RCI Exchanges: My Exclusive List
• Timeshare Deals with RCI Last Call

PS – If there is an RCI Membership topic I haven’t addressed here, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected] , and I’ll do my best to answer your question and also add it to this article. I get a lot of timeshare owner emails with questions, and I promise I Don’t bite. 

Happy Timeshare Traveling ya’ll!

Monica Fish helps her fellow adventurers live a financially savvy life so they can travel and explore our beautiful world no matter their budget. She writes about smart timeshare ownership, vacation tips and tricks, NYC Metro Area trips and activities, and frugal, yet rich, living at PlannerAtHeart.com.

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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Vacation Clubs to Join

The vacation ownership lifestyle guarantees millions of families everlasting memories and incredible experiences. The best vacation clubs, including Club Wyndham, Hilton Grand Vacations Club, Marriott Vacation Club, and more, can take your vacations to the next level. Not to mention, many of these developers’ resorts offer spacious accommodations, luxurious amenities, and superb destinations. Take a look at some of the best vacation clubs to join. We’ll even tell you a secret about how to join them for less.

Best Club Wyndham Resorts

Best hilton grand vacations resorts, the best marriott resorts, the best westgate resorts, best hyatt residence club resorts, best holiday inn club resorts, the best bluegreen resorts, the best dvc resorts, what is vacation ownership.

Vacation ownership is essentially like owning a timeshare . It’s not like going to the same resort every year at the same time—it’s much more flexible these days. The best vacation clubs offer points-based programs, as well as innovative ways to exchange your vacation ownership for other experiences worldwide. Travel to Orlando , Myrtle Beach , Aruba , as well as anywhere else you want to go with some of the top timeshare companies.

What Are the Best Vacation Clubs to Join?

With so many different hospitality brands with vacation club offerings, it’s hard to say which is the best to join. Many of the most popular clubs have been providing exceptional vacations to families for decades. The best place to start is by finding your favorite resort or brand you prefer to travel with. You may also want to look at your travel preferences and goals—are you looking for something budget-friendly, family-oriented, luxurious, or a club that offers worldwide experiences? Some may check off every item on your vacation wishlist.

Timeshare owners also have the ability to join third-party vacation exchange clubs, like RCI or Interval International . If you already own a timeshare that’s not necessarily a “club,” it is more than likely the resort is an affiliate or either RCI or II. Both of these platforms provide thousands of other resorts and hotels that members can trade their timeshares for.

Club Wyndham

Club Wyndham, part of Wyndham Destinations, offers the utmost flexibility and options for every owner. As one of the best vacation clubs to join, owners love being able to use their points for hundreds of resorts in the U.S. as well as international destinations. Club Wyndham works by giving owners an annual allotment of points, which are used like vacation currency. Club Wyndham Access is a pure-points membership, meaning members can use their points at any of the Club Wyndham Access resorts. Members can also book reservations at other Club Wyndham resorts as well, but only up to 10 months in advance.

Club Wyndham Select, however, has its own benefits that many owners enjoy. With Club Wyndham Select, owners receive an annual allotment of points based on their Home resort. This ownership type is deeded, and you will “own” a portion of the resort. Timeshare maintenance fees are based on your Home resort, unit size, season, etc.

Wyndham resorts don’t fall short on luxury. Owners can also visit Margaritaville Vacation Club resorts with Club Wyndham. Not to mention, Wyndham owns RCI , the world’s first vacation exchange program. With RCI, you can trade your timeshare for thousands of other options, including cruises or discounts. Take a look at some of the most popular Club Wyndham resorts:

• Wyndham Grand Desert
• Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa
• Wyndham Kingsgate
• Wyndham Destin at Majestic Sun
• Bluebeard’s Beach Club and Villas
• Bonnett Creek Resort

Hilton Grand Vacations Club

With over 300,000 owners worldwide, it’s no secret that Hilton Grand Vacations Club offers some of the best resorts and vacations. Hilton owners can go back to their favorite resort year after year, or convert to points to travel elsewhere within the Hilton portfolio. You’ll find Hilton Grand Vacations resorts around the world, including Japan, Italy, and Mexico.

Hilton Las Vegas resorts are scattered across the Strip, with the Elara or The Flamingo . When the family is in-tow for theme park fun, Orlando Hilton resorts offer sunshine, excitement, and luxury. Owners are automatically enrolled in the Hilton Honors program, so owners can access even more benefits and perks for discounts on dining, spas, and even hotel stays.

The cost of Hilton Grand Vacations Club is nothing compared to the amazing experiences offered by Hilton resorts. You’ll fall in love with all of the amenities, including spas, on-site dining, and oceanfront views.

• Parc Soleil by Hilton Grand Vacations
• Hilton Grand Vacations at SeaWorld
• Las Palmeras by Hilton Grand Vacations
• Hilton Grand Vacations at Kings’ Land
• Hilton Grand Vacations at The Grand Waikikian
• Ocean 22 by Hilton Grand Vacations
• Hilton Grand Vacations at Anderson Ocean Club

You’ll never run out of options when you join Marriott Vacation Club . Owned by Marriott Vacations Worldwide, the benefits of Marriott Vacation Club are insurmountable. Owners have access to not only the best Marriott resorts , but also St. Regis , the Sheraton , Westin , and more. Not to mention, Interval International is also owned by Marriott, so you can exchange your Club Points for thousands of other destinations worldwide.

Marriott is one of the best vacation clubs to join for many reasons, including the Marriott Bonvoy program. This is Marriott’s loyalty program, which also offers discounts and rewards on dining, spa experiences, or even hotel stays. Travel to Marriott resorts in Aruba , Orlando , California , as well as other sought-after destinations.

The options are practically endless with Marriott Vacation Club. When you buy Marriott points, you can use them to your advantage with Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott Pulse resorts, and more.

• Marriott’s Grande Vista
• Sheraton Vistana Resort
• Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club
• Marriott’s Aruba Ocean Club
• Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
• Marriott’s Grand Chateau
• Marriott’s OceanWatch Villas

Westgate Resorts

Westgate Resorts began as a small 16-unit resort before growing into one of the best timeshare companies in the world. Now they offer more than 14,000 villas across 27 resorts and add more to their portfolio every year! Westgate owners can enjoy destinations all across the country every year with fractional ownership, so it’s easy to vacation at your home resort each year. If you’re looking for flexibility in your timeshare ownership, Westgate also offers an exchange program. Owners can trade their owned timeshare for a week at a different property within Westgate’s portfolio.

Westgate’s diverse portfolio includes resorts in some of the most sought-after vacation destinations. As a result, Westgate can bring you closer to adventure. Escape to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and enjoy mountainside cabin living. Go glamping in Central Florida and stay in one of many themed luxury villas, including teepees and covered wagons. If a Las Vegas trip is more your speed, Westgate has a resort conveniently located next to the Las Vegas Convention Center and nearby the strip. You can even explore a new city with Westgate, such as Branson, Missouri, one of the country’s top vacation spots.

As one of the leaders of the timeshare industry, Westgate has resorts in Nevada, Tennessee, Florida, Missouri, and more! In other words, Westgate resorts put you right in the middle of the action. With Westgate, you can stay right near the Las Vegas Strip, be close to the Great Smoky Mountains, go glamping in Central Florida, or explore a new city. 

• Las Vegas Resort & Casino
• Smoky Mountain Resort
• River Ranch Resort
• Branson Woods

Breckenridge Grand Vacations

Breckenridge Grand Vacations is one of the best and most adventurous vacation clubs to join. Nestled high in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge is world-famous for being a skiers wonderland, with almost 3000 acres of slopes. Breckenridge is known for its winter activities, however, the spring and summer months have so much to offer! You can hike through the stunning Rocky Mountains, bike the winding trails or play golf with stunning views. There is so much to do in Breckenridge, you’ll have to come back to experience it all. 

That’s where Breckenridge Grand Vacations comes in. Their four resorts offer guests unique mountain lodging all year round. BGV prides itself on being an environmentally friendly resort, without sacrificing amenities or comfort. Breckenridge Grand Vacations also offers flexibility in timeshare ownership. BGV owners can convert their vacation ownership interest into points that can be used at various resorts around the world. So whether you want to visit Breckenridge every year or explore somewhere new, Breckenridge Grand Vacations has got you covered.

Breckenridge Grand Vacations Resorts

There are four incredible BGV resorts to choose from located high in the Rocky Mountains. From skiing and snowboarding to hiking and biking, Breckenridge is the perfect place to vacation all year round.

• Grand Timber Lodge
• Gold Point Resort   
• Grand Lodge on Peak 7
• Grand Colorado on Peak 8

Owners feel like family with Hyatt Residence Club . 16 Hyatt resorts take away analysis paralysis when planning vacations. Travel to Key West Hyatt resorts , or the world-renown Ka’anapali Beach Resort . Accommodations are spacious and most importantly, comfortable. Guests feel at home each and every visit and are able to truly unwind with superb customer care from staff.

Hyatt Residence Club is also affiliated with Interval International. Did you know you can exchange your timeshare for cruises with II ? This is just one of many perks that come with vacation ownership. Join World of Hyatt for additional benefits with your Hyatt points .

Not only does Hyatt dominate Key West and Hawaii , but their resorts across the U.S. are well-known for providing the utmost in luxury and dedicated customer service.

• Ka’anapali Beach Resort
• Sunset Harbor
• Beach House
• Main Street Station
• Coconut Plantation
• Piñon Pointe
• Mountain Lodge

With their flagship resort in Orlando, Holiday Inn Club Vacations is well-known for the Orange Lake Resort property. However, Holiday Inn Club has some of the best resorts around the country. As one of the best vacation clubs to join, experience the great outdoors and quality family time each and every trip.

Holiday Inn Club also offers the Signature Collection of luxury villas that can accommodate entire families. Signature Collection villas are in entirely separate buildings on each property with personalized concierge services and even custom-made bathrobes. Not every resort includes Signature Collection options, however, they are an amazing perk that takes your vacation one step further.

• Orange Lake Resort
• Cape Canaveral Beach Resort
• Desert Club Resort
• Galveston Beach Resort
• Ozark Mountain Resort
• Sunset Cove Resort
• Scottsdale Resort

Looking for some more unique vacation opportunities? Bluegreen Vacations is one-of-a-kind. Each Bluegreen Vacations resort is made with sustainability in mind and connects visitors back with the great outdoors. You’ll find Bluegreen in the Great Smoky Mountains , Myrtle Beach , Orlando , Missouri, Montana, and even Las Vegas !

You’ll get the best of both worlds with Bluegreen. Travel to the Windy City at the Hotel Blake , or unwind at the Seaglass Tower resort on the Grand Strand. Over 200,000 Bluegreen owners love the points-based program that allows them to choose their vacations freely.

There’s something for everyone when you buy Bluegreen Vacations timeshare. Stay in a yurt in the mountains, enjoy a cozy cabin, or head to urban destinations for nightlife and entertainment.

• The Fountains
• Bluegreen Club 36
• The Club at Big Bear Village
• The Marquee
• Hotel Blake
• Seaglass Tower
• MountainLoft
• Shenandoah Crossing

If you are a Disney fanatic, then you have probably heard about Disney Vacation Club . There is nothing more Disney-related than Disney Vacation Club , the perfect timeshare for families, couples, and even solo travelers. As part of DVC’s portfolio, owners have access to fifteen resorts in destinations such as Orlando, Vero Beach, Hawaii, Hilton Head Island, and California. You can book at your Home resort to get priority reservations or visit all of the resorts. No matter which resort you visit, you are in good hands at any Disney timeshare resort. So if you’re looking for a magical vacation experience, look no further than Disney Vacation Club.

Any size group will find luxurious and comfortable accommodations at Disney timeshare resorts. Whether you are looking for a retreat for a couple or an extended family gathering, there is sure to be an accommodation that piques your interest.

Among the 15 resorts, 11 have direct access to Walt Disney World theme parks, and one is near Disneyland in California. If you love Disney or travel to the parks on a yearly basis, Disney Vacation Club is the best vacation club for you to join.

• Disney’s Old Key West
• Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Boulder Ridge Villas At Wilderness Lodge
• DVC’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Disney’s Bay Lake Tower At The Contemporary

How to Join the Best Vacation Clubs

Many people may buy points from the best vacation clubs directly from the developer. However, we’ll tell you a secret. You can buy points from the timeshare resale market. Our resort marketplace has timeshare points and weeks for sale at a fraction of the cost. Browse the best vacation clubs, like Diamond Resorts , Vistana , Marriott , Hilton , and many more. If you find the perfect timeshare for sale , simply make an offer online or call us at 1-800-213-7733 .

If you’re not ready to spend all of your money at once, timeshare financing is a great way to pay as you go. Our friends at Vacation Club Loans offer fast approval, low-interest rates, and flexible terms. You can even pre-qualify on a posting that you’re interested in.

Matti Pennington

Matti Pennington is a Baylor University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in Corporate Communication. She has expertise in feature writing, social media management, data analytics, graphic design and photography. Matti moved to Florida in May 2022 after living in Texas her whole life and enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and being with her friends.

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Comparing The 5 Best Timeshare Companies: Which One Is Right For You?

Choosing the right timeshare company is a critical decision for any potential owner. With numerous options in the market, it can be challenging to decide which one is the best fit for your vacation needs and lifestyle. This article will compare the top five timeshare companies – Marriott Vacation Club, Hilton Grand Vacacions, Vistana Signature Experiences, Disney Vacation Club, and Hyatt Residence Club – to help you make an informed decision.

If you like to skip our selection process, and our quick comparison chart, you can click or tap of the timeshare company below that interests you most to jump directly to it.

Table of Contents

Our Selection Process

As a timeshare broker, our team of licensed agents bring a wealth of knowledge to the table when it comes to understanding the merits of each timeshare product. The selection process for these top five timeshare companies was meticulous, taking into account several critical factors.

Ease Of Use

Primarily, we considered the ease of use of their programs. This includes factors such as the simplicity of their points systems, the flexibility they offer in terms of vacation planning, and the overall user experience.

Resort Quality & Locations

The quality and locations of the resorts were another significant consideration. All five companies boast high-quality accommodations and a diverse range of desirable locations. Whether you’re looking for a city break, a beachfront getaway, or a magical family holiday, these companies have something to offer.

Resale Value & Marketability

However, perhaps the most crucial factor we took into account was the objective resale value of each timeshare. While there are many timeshares on the market that can be purchased for less than those offered by these name-brand developers, they often come with a considerable liability if you ever need to sell.

All of the timeshare companies we selected – Marriott Vacation Club, Hilton Grand Vacations, Vistana Signature Experiences, Disney Vacation Club, and Hyatt Residence Club – have demonstrated decades of marketability and strong resale values. This means that not only do they provide fantastic vacation experiences, but they also represent very limited liability to owners by preserving their value better than other, less popular, timeshare brands.

Quick Comparison Chart

Marriott vacation club.

Renowned for its luxurious resorts and excellent customer service, the Marriott Vacation Club is a popular choice among timeshare owners. With over 80 properties worldwide, they offer a diverse range of destinations from beachfront resorts to urban retreats.

400k+ Owners

As a globally recognized hospitality enterprise, Marriott consistently delivers exceptional lodging experiences to over 400,000 members annually, showcasing its impressive track record.

80+ Resorts

Marriott boasts an array of highly desirable resorts scattered across the United States and globally, reaching as far as the Caribbean, Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia.

II Exchange

Experience the versatility of Interval International, a vacation exchange network that opens the door to booking stays at thousands of resorts worldwide.

Resort Locations

Marriott Vacation Club boasts properties across North America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. In the United States Marriott has a particularly strong presence in states that are popular vacation destinations.

Florida is home to the largest number of Marriott Vacation Club resorts, given its appeal with its sunny beaches and attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.

Other states with a significant number of Marriott Vacation Club resorts include California, known for its scenic beauty and diverse activities, and Hawaii, famous for its tropical allure.

Arizona and Nevada also house several Marriott Vacation Club resorts, offering unique desert landscapes and attractions like the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas.

If you’d like to learn more about any particular location, you can browse all of the Marriott Vacation Club resorts in our resort directory.

Points Or Weeks

Another interesting benefit of Marriott Vacation Club, is buyers can choose to own a points-based ownership or a deeded floating week at a particular resort.

Owning a deeded Marriott week can be one of the best values on the resale market, as maintenance fees are relatively low, and the initial purchase price can be quite low as well. All while enjoying the same luxurious Marriott resort experience.

On the other hand, the flexibility offered with a points-based Marriott ownership allows owners to choose when, where, and how long they want to stay, making it a versatile option for varying vacation needs.

Hilton Grand Vacations

Hilton Grand Vacations is known for its high-quality accommodations and versatile locations. From bustling city centers to serene beach locales, their properties cater to a wide array of vacation styles. Their points system is easy to understand and provides owners with the flexibility to book vacations at different times of the year.

310k+ Owners

Hilton, a globally recognized hospitality giant, consistently delivers top-notch lodging experiences to over 310,000 members annually, underscoring its impressive reputation.

60+ Resorts

Use your HGV ClubPoints to travel to over 60 resort locations across the globe in the most sought-after vacation destinations, ranging from beachside paradises to urban city centers.

RCI Exchange

Experience the adaptability of the RCI timeshare exchange program, which empowers Hilton timeshare owners to swap their timeshares for thousands of destinations across the globe.

Hilton Grand Vacations offers options worldwide, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

Hilton Grand Vacations has a robust presence across the United States, with a concentration in popular vacation destinations. Florida is a primary location for Hilton Grand Vacations resorts due to its popular beaches and attractions. Hawaii also hosts several Hilton Grand Vacation resorts, providing visitors with a tropical paradise experience.

Nevada, particularly the Las Vegas area, is another major hub for Hilton Grand Vacations due to its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. Moreover, Hilton Grand Vacations has properties in Colorado, ideal for those who enjoy mountainous landscapes and winter sports.

If you’d like to learn more about any particular location, you can browse all of the Hilton Grand Vacations resorts in our resort directory.

Vistana Signature Experiences

Vistana Signature Experiences, a subsidiary of Marriott Vacations Worldwide, offers a unique blend of high-quality resorts and flexibility. Owners have access to a portfolio of 22 resorts which includes Westin Vacation Club resorts and Shertaon Vacation Club resorts. Vistana owners can also use their ownership to travel worldwide through exchange networks. With a focus on providing memorable vacation experiences, Vistana is a great fit for those seeking variety and adventure in their travels.

Explore the 22 Vistana resorts, each offering unique experiences, from tranquil beachfront retreats to vibrant city escapes for an unforgettable getaway.

Flexible StarOptions

StarOptions offer a points-based booking system with flexibility and choice, enabling members to customize their vacation experiences at stunning resorts worldwide.

Vistana Signature Experiences primarily has resorts in the U.S., the Caribbean, and Mexico.

Vistana resorts in the United States are primarily located in popular vacation destinations across the United States. These include Florida, with locations such as Orlando and Port St. Lucie, and Arizona, specifically Scottsdale. There are also resorts in Hawaii, specifically Maui, and in California.

If you’d like to learn more about any particular location, you can browse all of the Vistana Signature Network resorts in our resort directory.

Disney Vacation Club

For families and Disney enthusiasts, the Disney Vacation Club offers a magical vacation experience. As a member, you have access to all Disney Vacation Club Resorts, including those in Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Plus, the points-based system allows for flexible planning, and members can also use their points for Disney cruises or adventures by Disney travel experiences.

16+ Resorts

Embark on a journey to California, Hawaii, Hilton Head Island, and Florida for an unforgettable vacation with DVC. You have 16 exceptional resorts at your disposal, including 11 conveniently located in Orlando.

Family-Oriented

Disney Vacation Club is synonymous with family-centered getaways, but it’s not just for kids! Adults can also relish the fun, whether it’s exploring theme parks or relaxing on some of the country’s finest beaches.

Disney Vacation Club focuses on resort locations in near Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, but also offers resorts in Anaheim, Hawaii, Vero Beach and Hilton Head Island.

Immerse yourself in the enchantment at Disney Vacation Club resorts near Walt Disney World. These remarkable resorts offer luxurious accommodations with all the comforts of home, designed to make every vacation a fairy-tale experience. From the themed pools perfect for family fun to the diverse dining options catering to every palate, there’s something for everyone.

Plus, the resorts’ proximity to Walt Disney World means you’re just moments away from the thrilling theme parks, offering endless entertainment and magical memories.

If you’d like to learn more about any particular location, you can browse all of the Disney Vacation Club resorts in our resort directory.

Hyatt Residence Club

Hyatt Residence Club offers a boutique collection of 16 high-end timeshare resorts across the United States. Known for its spacious accommodations and superior service, Hyatt Residence Club provides a luxury vacation experience. Members enjoy the flexibility of a points-based system and can also exchange points through the Interval International network to visit other desirable destinations worldwide.

Hyatt Residence Club resorts are strategically located on the sunny shores of Florida, or in the Lone Star State of Texas, the mountainous terrain of Colorado, the tropical paradise of Puerto Rico, the exotic islands of Hawaii, and many more!

Residential Retreats

Hyatt properties offer top-tier in-suite amenities that you’d anticipate from a premium hospitality brand. From plush bedding, fully-equipped kitchens to in-suite laundry, every detail is designed for comfort and convenience.

Hyatt Residence Club operates within the U.S., with a focus on popular vacation destinations such as Florida, Colorado, and California.

If you’d like to learn more about any particular location, you can browse all of the Hyatt Residence Club resorts in our resort directory.

In conclusion, each of these timeshare companies offers unique benefits, and the best one for you depends on your vacation preferences and lifestyle. Whether you prefer the luxury of Marriott, the flexibility of Hilton, the variety of Vistana, the magic of Disney, or the exclusivity of Hyatt, there’s a timeshare company that’s just right for you!

Myrtle Beach timeshare owners talk about closed resort’s future

M YRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - Timeshare owners at the Beach House Golf and Racquet Club could finally get some answers nearly a year after the resort’s sudden closure.

Two new board members were voted, following a Friday meeting discussing the resort’s future.

New board member Faye Robbins told WMBF News she plans to provide more clarity, given she’s an owner herself.

“It’s a no-brainer. Repair, renovate, move forward,” Robbins said.

However, owners have to decide what’s next for their home away from home.

The resort’s management company, Capital Vacations, sent owners a letter giving them three options.

Owners who are up to date on their maintenance fees can vote to repair the building, repair it with upgrades, or choose to demolish it.

Each of those options comes with price tags in the millions.

Timeshare owner Megan Brown is running for a seat on the board and said after months of being left in the dark, those choices simply aren’t good enough.

“If I have to move there and run it myself, I’ll do it,” she said. “We have options, and I don’t think Capital was ready for the fight we’re about to put on, but we’re putting one on.”

Nino Rosa also owns a timeshare, and calculated demolishing the resort would cost him around $15,000.

He said he cannot pull that cash out of thin air.

“I don’t have that kind of money,” Rosa said. “I’m not going to take a loan out to give them money to tear down the building. They’re going to turn around and resell it and give us nothing in return. All we want is just what’s fair.”

Another document from the management company shows only a quarter of timeshare owners are up to date on their maintenance fees.

Those who are not will not be allowed to vote.

Some owners decided to cut ties earlier this year and accepted a $250 buyout due to the resort’s uncertain future.

WMBF News was told a meeting will be held later this month. An exact date has not been determined.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.