Planning for a budget travel experience can be difficult. Especially when airlines increasingly tack on fees and hotel prices are soaring. But there is another option that is often overlooked because of its luxury appearance – timeshares.
Did you know that you can rent timeshares much as you would book a hotel? Because some owners don’t vacation every year, they will often place their timeshares for rent. When they do, you’ll often find prices that compare with that of a hotel room. But instead of just a room, you may be getting a 1 or 2 bedroom suite for the same price. And because it’s located in a resort, you’ll get to use all the amenities that the owner would be entitled to. These could include tennis courts, preferred tee times, and onsite water complexes to name a few.
What’s more, because they are located all over the world, you can still stay in some of the hottest destinations you could desire.
If you think you want to buy timeshares, renting is a good way to discover what amenities you can’t do without vs. others you’d never notice were gone. You may think that you need to have a pool, for instance, but find that you are usually out all day and never frequent the pool, or you prefer the local beaches. Then perhaps you’d rather give up that amenity for a location with a spa.
Finding Timeshares for Rent
Finding timeshare rentals is not difficult, most reputable resellers have listings online for you to choose from. Once you find one that interests you, see if you can speak directly with the owner to find out if you understand what the rental involves. Many resellers will post pictures of the resort right on the website. Look for one depicting the rooms in the suite as well as the great views outside. Another tip is to search for the resort online and look for timeshare forums for any feedback or reviews on the resort you are interested in. As with hotels, service and accommodations at resorts vary widely.
If you can travel last minute – meaning within a month of making plans, then you may save even more. Look for resort listings that have a fixed week – meaning a specific date of availability. If the owner hasn’t rented the suite as his date approaches, he may be more flexible in negotiations. It’s a gamble because he may just decide to bank the week for the next year. If you’d rather plan farther ahead, you’ll still be able to find a good deal on luxurious accommodations at a vacation property.
As with any travel planning, the more you look, the more options you’ll find. Not every destination has a resort in town but look for nearby destinations that are only a short train or bus ride away. One last thing to keep in mind – timeshares usually rent for at least a week at a time so they are best for longer stays rather than overnight jaunts.
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