Christina Madawa

Timeshare Alternative: No Hidden Fees, Slippery-Tounged Salespeople or Lifetime Commitment

Over the last several decades, the popularity of timeshares has grown by many folds. So much so that over two million Americans have timeshare properties, both in and out of the country. But the rise of timeshare industry also saw the rise in scams and frauds. More recently the timeshare industry has been plagued by unscrupulous activities of frauds and scammers. Notwithstanding these serious problems with timeshares a new breed of alternatives are emerging. One of the main reasons why people were attracted towards timeshares was that it will be an expensive affair for a big family to vacation every year at a hotel or a resort. Timeshares proved to be an economical solution to all that.

Most times, a timeshare property provides a good value for its cost. However, there are large upfront purchase costs, which must be paid. Purchase prices can range from $5,000-$50,000. Furthermore, the owner ofthe property is responsible for property taxes and make as well as maintenance and management fees that support the upkeep of the property. These fees can range from $200 to more than $1000 per year. Occasionally these fees outweigh the long-term benefits of timeshare ownership.

Exchange programs allow a timeshare owner to trade the use of their property for the use of a property at a different location. However not all timeshare properties offer this option. Even when they do they're usually fees associated with the exchange. Selling a timeshare can also be very difficult. It is not common to see timeshares selling at 40% reduction from their original price.

When you've realized you've made a mistake and want out of your timeshare there's crooks waiting for you on that side of the transaction, too. Now, less than honest salespeople are the exception rather than the rule, but ten thousand complaints from just one state is something to consider. What these high commissioned salespeople won't tell you is many of those same condos are available to you for as little as $100 for a week.

And while most timeshares have a reasonable price, right now there is an even better choice to fill your vacationing needs. Namely, travel clubs. Travel clubs are agencies that form a lasting relationship with resorts, condominums and hotels, to offer the customer (you), the best accommodations, while paying less than you would normally do using other channels. Membership to such travel clubs allows you to enjoy the same quality of service, while paying a fraction of the asked price you might see in some luxury or pricey locales.

I'm about to reveal to you a secret of the industry few know about. Something your timeshare salesperson hopes you never find out. There's 52-weeks in a year. Not all of those weeks are sold. So the owners of those condos put them up for grabs through special agents. Depending on time of booking, you can get a luxury condo for as little as $100 for the week. The same condo you'd pay $15,000 for through traditional timeshare channels.

What's the catch? There is none, really. Your price ranges from $100-$400 depending on when you book. Last minute is cheaper. You're limited to what's available but you have over two million bookings to choose from each year.

There's searchable databases on the Internet. No slippery-tounged salespeople to deal with. No

maintenance fees. Or long-term commitments. Just book it, go and enjoy.

Hmm, $15,000 or $100. Easy choice isn't it? Now you know.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR