Timeshare Article

Timeshare 101: Vacation Ownership Basics

5/14/2003

Said simply... Timesharing is buying only that period of time (your share) of a beautiful resort that you can sensibly use during the year. Timesharing is a logical way to GUARANTEE your exclusive use of accommodations for a particular period of time each year. Owning timeshare is the means for you to save money on first-class vacation accommodations at exclusive, luxury resorts worldwide. No more mixed-up reservations. No more cramped or outrageously expensive hotel rooms. Most resorts have excellent accommodations, great recreational facilities, superb golf courses, and tennis courts and are designed to favor your convenience, relaxation and entertainment. VACATION! That delightful time of the year that we all look forward to--yours will be secure and awaiting your arrival.

With your one-time, outright ownership purchase at today’s prices, there will never be a need to worry about future inflation interfering with your cherished vacations. Plus, if your “home resort” is located close to your city of residence, typically you can also take advantage of your resort’s amenities year round (i.e. boat launch, marina, tennis courts, golf course, swimming pool, picnics, athletic facilities, etc.) Vacation ownership makes sense!

AMENITIES: Vacation Timeshare Ownership enables you to upgrade from an ordinary hotel atmosphere to a fully equipped condominium resort experience. Most resorts include amenities such as kitchens, saunas, fireplaces, playgrounds, washers, dryers, recreational facilities, etc. and are completely furnished from sheets on the beds to cookware in the kitchen! Options include one, two and three bedroom facilities.

PERIOD OF TIME: Timeshares are usually purchased in increments of one week. They can be “fixed” weeks (i.e. your vacation time would be the same date or calendar week each year) or “floating” weeks (i.e., Your time period is defined by season, and you reserve your week within that season.) You can also purchase “Quarter Shares” which is multiple week ownership of 12 or 13 weeks to be used during the calendar year. Points Systems are also available at some resorts.

SEASONAL CATEGORY: Timeshares are categorized by their availability during a particular season of the year-- High, Medium & Low (i.e., High Season at Hilton Head, SC would be in the summer; low season in the winter, etc.)

EXCHANGE FEATURE Another plus to vacation ownership is the exchange feature which allows you to exchange your week's usage with any of hundreds of appealing resorts around the world. You can spend one vacation at the beach and the next one, through your exchange privilege, at a comparable resort on the ski slopes, at a theme park, etc. Exchange company memberships for RCI (Resort Condominiums International) or II (Interval International) are available with most purchases.

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