Timeshare Vacations?

Question

I am getting married in October, and my fiance and I were thinking to save quite a bit of money we would look into finding a cheap timeshare vacation package. Yes, we are aware that we would have to sit through a presentation, but we think it would be worth it to be able to save a good bit of money. Could anyone point me in the right direction of finding a good company to go with? I'm looking for one who offers a variety of packages to choose from because we haven't decided on a honeymoon destination.

Answer 1

I have my Psychology degree with emphasis in interpersonal influence. You NEED to listen to me on this one!!!  I've been through at least 5 presentations in the past 8 years.  I own one.  Everything from the 'prize' they give you (to guilt you) to the questions they ask are designed to put things in their corner.  Many people say "No" and you can too.  Just do me a favor and take time to THINK about it before you buy.  My wife and I were almost in the same boat (engaged) when we bought.  I kinda wish we put a little more thought into it.  It's not something we regret, and is quite nice, but in retrospect... something we should've just contemplated a little more.  Both of us being Psy majors, it's funny how we got sucked in!!!

Here's some hints for the process...

#1) Politely say "NO" but seem interested, until the "CLOSER" comes (once the initial person cannot get a sale) or sometimes when you need to "check out" (especially when you get something for coming).  Once the "closer's" there be very personable with her/him as she/he can offer you A LOT more!!!  They will offer you AS MUCH AS doubling the best last deal on the table if you are nice or they think that this would 'seal the deal'.  Trust me... this (a better deal than what is offered) has happened EVERY SINGLE time.  Count on it (but don't be obvious about it).

- Possible interested but "No" excuses:  "I'm not sure if its in our overall budget, but it's something we'd like if it fits",  "I'd like to maybe have a few days to think about it", "Maybe once our finances settle down, it would be a better time to consider this",  "I wanted to hear about other types of timeshares and what they have to offer"...

#2) Ask a lot of questions, so that you can get your facts straight, and they can offer other options.  Tell them that this is the 1st time, so to explain everything.  For instance (wait until nearly the end, but before the 'closer' to ask), you can do an Every Other Year package, where you only pay about 1/2 of a full year (for traditional type... see below)  Get all the facts.

-- Especially ask about the yearly maintenance fees (like HOA fees).  Sometimes these are more than you'd typically spend for a vacation in a year.

#3) All will tell you that the deal HAS to be done today (the end of the week special..., end of the month allows me to make this deal for you..., end of the quarter and I have to meet my quotas..., etc).  This is NOT true!!!

I would REALLY REALLY REALLY recommend going to one before you plan on actually buying (REALLY SAY NO... No exceptions!) and then going to another one for consideration.  This way you are away from the pressure and can make a level-headed decision.  Heck, if you want, after a few days, I'm sure you could go back and say, here is the offer that we were offered when we were here... we'd like to purchase if we can get it.  I would fall off of my chair if they let you walk with your money and not give you the same deal (or better!).

They will offer you either a more TRADITIONAL time share where you will have 1 week in one "home" location that is transferrable to other locations (or cruises) for a small fee.

The NEWEST timeshares offer you POINTS which you can "spend" (more or less depending on the season... ex. hurricane season in the Bahamas are low points... Aspen in the winter are high points) at a variety of properties.  I own a traditional one, and I'm convinced that this typically has a lot more options.

Realistically, you might want to check online for people selling their timeshares.  I've not really looked into it, but theoretically, they are property, and I've skimmed over a couple in the past.  Just make sure (triple check) that everything is transferred before you send the last check.  Heck, you could even buy ours (every other odd number year... Sedona, AZ is home) [e-mail] if you're really interested (but honestly, you can probably find a better deal).  Just so you know, we paid $8,200 for every other year with about $260 (I think) a year (however this is every year) in service fees.  We have 4 additional weeks which we can buy (pay extra for... depends... about $450/week) if we want.

Look for "prizes" for I know Rosanne Barr has a timeshare commercial for Tahiti Village  in Las Vegas.  They're offering 3 days/2 nights and tix to her show.  Heck, take a pre-wedding getaway vacation or something... just do NOT feel obligated... you are doing them a favor by giving them the opportunity... you can decide another time!!!

http://www.roseanneworld.com/blog/2008/0...

We went to the Hilton timeshare presentation about a month ago... (we needed a FREE weekend away).  Our prize was 2 nights for $40 total, but they gave us $75 in coupon money.  Anyway, their POINT system seemed very reasonable... but their yearly (HOA) fees were a little too high.  Oh, and by the way, the closer 'doubled' the initial points and waived the 1st year's HOA fee.  Nice property and a cheap get-away for the weekend!  If we didn't have the other, we might have...

I hear ads all the time on the radio/TV/etc.  Whenever they offer a FREE anything dealing with a 'getaway' it's usually a timeshare.  Call to see.  Or check online.

If you don't normally stay at 4-5 star resorts and you normally do the Best Western or Motel 6 thing... this may NOT be for you.  My wife really likes to get the 'vacation feel' when on vacation... so she likes the resort idea..., but to me, when I go on vacation, I usually want to stay anywhere BUT around the hotel.  Figure out which ones you are or where you'll be vacationing.  Consider what you pay a year for the fees too!  

And finally... if you're REALLY looking for a 'cheaper' honeymoon you can purchase one of OUR weeks (and transfer fees).  I'll give you the link to the website using one of our 4 'additional' weeks.  Seriously, we're not going to use all of them, and the prices are listed on the company's website.

Whew!  I think it's the about to be married thing that got me connected with you.  I'd better get the best answer for this one!!!  I've never written this much ever!!!!  I hope it wasn't too depressing... it really can be a good purchase... just think before you buy.  Good luck!

Answer 2

I can help you find a great place - I work for a company that deals with locations nationwide - so I'm sure we must have something in your area.  Email me if you'd like more info

Answer 3

The sales pitch is tough to sit through. We bought one because it made some fiscal sense to us since we love to travel. We were smart and waited for the closer who offered up the bonuses and we were glad we did. I would go with Hilton. We sat through another one and did not buy it, but wanted to get the prize and here's the million dollar tip. Talk to your spouse and agree to sit through the whole 90 minute presentation and 5 minutes before you leave wrap things up y saying we have an appointment with someone in town. Blah blah blah and you should walk out unscathed.