Timeshare holidays

Need to book a timeshare holidays? You’re probably wondering what timeshare is?
It is a firmly established concept which allows you to buy the use of a holiday home for the same week or weeks every year, at a fraction of the price of owning it all year round and without the exorbitant cost and worry of year-round maintenance. In effect timeshare holidays basically means pre-buying holiday time, which you can use yourself, rent out, give away, sell or bequeath as you wish. Timeshare has many different variations with the same basic concept. Timeshare holidays is also called vacation ownership, holiday ownership and club time It is one of the fastest growing sectors of the holiday industry

January is a popular time for timeshare holidays bookings. Christmas is over yet there’s still months of warm weather in store and so having some sunshine to look forward to makes the weather all the more bearable this means that you can extend your holiday at your timeshare holidays.

But, before you splash out on that much-needed week away to sunnier climes, if high standards of accommodation are an important factor in your decision making, you may want to take a serious look to see how timeshare holidays stack up against run-of-the-mill style package holidays.

For those who aren’t familiar with the concept of timeshare holidays, the general basis is that you own the right to occupy a holiday apartment or villa for a period of time each year. You can then either visit the resort at which you own or “exchange” it to visit another timeshare resort from one of thousands all around the world. Either way, by joining an exchange club (you’ll need to own a timeshare first), you can then rent additional holidays at other resorts. So, by owning just the one “Week” you can still get 3 or 4 holidays a year. The result should be better value timeshare holidays in a higher standard of accommodation given that the resorts members have an active interest in keeping up standards.

Whilst the concept is sound and relatively straight-forward enough, timeshare holidays has a less than immaculate image which, by-and-large, originates from the way in which it has been sold to people.  A mix of high-pressure sales presentations and the odd rogue trader have left some owners with a product that is ill-suited to their needs or one that they barely understand.

However, things are changing and nowadays many timeshare owners have found that the resale market can provide lower entry costs, a greater range of products and a more informed choice.

Timeshare holidays advantages

Quality

Owning your timeshare holidays guarantees that you’ll enjoy the same high standards of quality year after year. The typical holiday ownership development has a comprehensive array of high-class features, including sports and leisure facilities. The accommodation will be furnished to the same high level you would expect of a luxury holiday home, with everything you need to make your holiday truly relaxing.

Choice

Timeshare ownership offers a world of choice, with a style of accommodation to suit everyone. From delightful beach locations in sunny climates to peaceful countryside settings all over the world.

As well as a range of locations you’ll also find various sizes of accommodation to suit your needs – from comfortable studios and hotels rooms through to more spacious apartments and villas with several bedrooms to accommodate larger families – and all with the timeshare hallmark of quality furnishings and facilities.

And finally, you can choose to own your vacations during the time of year which suits you best – high season if you wish to travel during the school holidays, mid-season if you can be a little more flexible and lower season if getting away from it all for a bit more peace and quiet is what you want.

Flexibility

As well as all the traditional advantages and security of ownership, timeshare also brings with it the benefit of true flexibility.

You can use your week yourself or you can swap it for a comparable week through an exchange company. There are over 4,000 timeshare developments in over 100 countries around the world.

You can also let family and friends use your holiday time by purchasing a guest certificate ensuring that your family has enjoyable and superb holidays. You are also able to will your timeshare ownership to your children and grandchildren ensuring they enjoy the same quality holidays generation after generation.

Timeshare should be viewed as an investment in future holidays rather than an investment for financial return.

Timeshare holidays points: what they are

So just what are timeshare holidays points?  In short, you purchase a set number of points for use throughout the year.  These points allow you the flexibility of choosing from a portfolio of resorts.  If you want to, you can visit a different resort every year!  You can also be sure that your accommodation will be of a high standard, as your points company will usually manage the entire portfolio.

Timeshare holidays points also offer more flexibility than timeshare weeks with regards to their usage.  Often, you can use them for long weekend breaks, towards discounts on travel extras, or even the entire amount on a big trip of a lifetime.  For those who wish to travel for less than or more than a week at a time, these points can be optimal.

Timeshare holidays points: the benefits

If the flexibility of use were not already enough of a benefit, the saving and borrowing flexibility will definitely convince you!  Most companies that offer timeshare holidays points provide owners with the ability to save points.  For example, if there is a year when you cannot travel, you can save your points to the next year.  You might even want to do this in order to take a longer holiday, or perhaps travel further.

Similarly, you can often borrow points from the following year.  Suppose you have a family or friends commitment that arises such as a wedding or reunion.  You don’t necessarily have to miss out on your yearly holiday in order to meet this commitment.  Instead, you can borrow a portion of your points (or the whole amount if necessary) to use in the current year and be able to do both!

Things you should be careful of when it comes to timeshare holidays

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) is investigating the timeshare holiday accommodation industry, which consumers say has tricked them into signing expensive contracts.

Many consumers were lured to presentations about “holiday club points” schemes with the promise of a gift, only to be put under pressure to sign up.

The schemes typically require members to pay a monthly fee for the service, which promises them exotic holidays using a points system.

However, many consumers who signed up did not receive what was promised to them.

Complaints which the NCC is investigating include:

• Lifetime contracts, where high penalties are demanded to cancel.
• Unreasonable property levies, which puts a burden on members.
• Unavailability of accommodation, which means members cannot go on holidays.
• High administrative fees, which increase significantly each year.

The NCC said it has received thousands of complaints regarding the timeshare holiday industry in recent years, which prompted the investigation.: https://mybroadband.co.za/news/business/218862-beware-of-holiday-club-schemes-which-promise-free-gifts.html