Do you ever wish you had more options when you go on vacations? Are you maybe getting a little tired of staying at a hotel for every trip? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, there’s an idea you may want to consider: vacation ownership. Vacation ownership gives you tons of freedom to travel however you want while enjoying top-notch amenities and spacious accommodations. So if you’re hoping for vacations filled with style, comfort, and luxury, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll be going over everything you need to know about vacation ownership.
- What Exactly is Vacation Ownership?
- Benefits of Vacation Ownership
- Difference Between Timeshare and Vacation Ownership?
- Vacation Exchange Networks
- How to Save Money on Vacation Ownership
- Best Vacation Ownership Companies
- Timeshare Financing Options
- Buy Timeshare Ownership With Fidelity
- What if I Don't Want My Vacation Ownership Anymore?
What Exactly is Vacation Ownership?
Simply stated, vacation ownership is another way to say timeshare. It is the concept of owning a portion of a resort with the right to use the unit or points you own. A dream for many is the opportunity to travel the world and honestly, who wouldn’t want that? The great thing about timeshares is that they offer opportunities to travel from coast to coast, but many brands also offer options abroad. Vacation ownership can allow you to travel to somewhere new each year, meaning that the dream of traveling the world may just become a reality!
Learn more: A Quick Look at Types of Timeshare!
Benefits of Vacation Ownership
You might be curious what the benefits of vacation ownership are. Ultimately, the appeal of timeshare ownership comes down to three things: freedom, luxury, and space. We’ll be covering all three down below!
Freedom With a Timeshare
Nowadays, most timeshares or vacation ownership programs use a point system in the style of a vacation club. This means that timeshare owners can typically visit different resorts within their brand just by using their points. Vacation ownership can be a great fit for all types of travelers! Whether you love visiting the same destination every year or you crave new experiences, timeshares offer the flexibility to change your mind. Most point-based timeshare systems work by giving timeshare owners an allotment of points each year based on their home resort. Owners can then use these points to book at whatever resort they want.
A great example of this flexibility within timeshare ownership is Disney Vacation Club. Can’t decide between staying at Saratoga Springs or Animal Kingdom? With DVC, ownership gives you access to more than just one incredible resort. Meaning that you can stay at a different resort each year without buying into a new vacation ownership contract. Of course, you can choose to stay at your home resort each year but the option for new experiences is what’s great about modern timeshare vacation ownership. Additionally, many programs will let timeshare owners bank their points to use next year or borrow them from a future year to use right now! So you can take a vacation as big or small as you want, depending on your needs.
You can start by choosing your favorite brand, whether that’s Wyndham Destinations, Marriott Vacation Club, Disney Vacation Club, Hilton Grand Vacations Club, etc. Once you become a member, a world of vacation possibilities is open to you that isn’t quite like anything else.
Timeshare Ownership vs Hotels
The best way to talk about the luxury and space that comes with vacation property ownership is by comparing how it stacks up to hotels. Your average timeshare resort has triple the space of a hotel room. That means you’ll be able to stretch your legs much more as a timeshare owner. Not to mention, you’ll be able to travel with a bigger group without having to worry about booking several different rooms for everyone. Just pick a spacious suite or villa, and you’re all set! As for luxury, timeshare resorts boast amenities that a hotel just can’t match. Things like on-site dining, multiple pool areas, and even movie theaters are available at these properties. A hotel is a place to stay, but a timeshare resort is a true home away from home.
Difference Between Timeshare and Vacation Ownership?
As we mentioned before, timeshare and vacation ownership are interchangeable words. Vacation ownership accurately describes what you get with a timeshare—you really do OWN your vacations. No more wondering when your next trip will be, if you’ll be able to book a room, or if you’ll have a room big enough for everyone!
Vacation ownership allows you to take control of your vacations. Since you will have an actual deed for your property, your vacations really do belong to you. Owning your timeshare also means you have the right to sell it. Should that ever become something you’re interested in, Fidelity can support you with selling your timeshare too.
Vacation Exchange Networks
Interested in vacation ownership so far? What if we told you there’s one last benefit to it that we forgot to mention? As a timeshare owner, you’ll have access to vacation exchange networks. With one of these networks, you’ll be able to exchange your stay at your timeshare property for one of thousands of others around the world. All you’ll need in order to join is to pay the entry and member fees and own a timeshare with the network it corresponds to, and you’ll be all set! The two biggest vacation exchange networks are RCI and Interval International.
RCI, formerly known as Resort Condominiums International, offers 35,000 exchange options in 108 countries. They have amassed 3.8 million members in their extensive travel network. Many well-known developers are affiliated with RCI or Interval International (II).
Interval International vacation exchange has thousands of resorts in over 80 countries within their expansive network. Disney Vacation Club is now affiliated with Interval International, so if you are a current DVC member then you can begin exchanging your points for a new and exciting vacation.
Want to learn more about the pros and cons of the two biggest vacation exchange networks? Then check out our video, “RCI vs Interval International: Vacation Exchange Showdown.”
How to Save Money on Vacation Ownership
There’s a lot to love about vacation ownership, but if you’re a little put off by the sticker price, don’t worry! There is a way to save money on a timeshare contract: buying a timeshare resale. By purchasing a timeshare on the resale market, you’ll be able to save up to thousands of dollars compared to buying one directly from a resort developer. So why are timeshare resales cheaper than buying direct? It’s because timeshares, like any luxury product, depreciate in value once they’re used. Fortunately, unlike a car, these timeshares are just as good as they were when they were first used, thanks to timeshare maintenance fees. These fees are typically paid each year and go towards ensuring all timeshares are maintained for maximum quality. The lower price combined with keeping the same great amenities and accommodations are why timeshare buyers love the resale market!
Best Vacation Ownership Companies
If you’re ready to buy a timeshare, one of the first major choices to make is which brand you’d like to vacation with. Many of the top timeshare brands offer luxury accommodations and amazing amenities and even participate in exchange programs. Disney Vacation Club, Club Wyndham, Hilton Grand Vacations, and Marriott all allow for their members to make the most of their vacation ownership.
Wyndham Vacation Ownership
Wyndham operates through a points-based system. What’s more, Wyndham boasts a large variety of luxury brands all over the world. They are well known for their customer service and gorgeous accommodations. Wyndham offers an extensive Wyndham Rewards program, that allows members opportunities for deals on flights and activities in addition to their Wyndham vacation ownership. Wyndham offers an array of adaptable locations, so no matter if you’re traveling family-style or solo, there is probably a perfect place for you! Not to mention, Wyndham is an eligible brand for vacation exchange through RCI.
We have tons of listings for Wyndham properties on our timeshare marketplace! Click the link below to start browsing for the timeshare of your dreams!
You might also like: Getting to Know Wyndham
Marriott Vacation Ownership
Another giant in the vacation ownership world, Marriott International has a great selection of ownership options for families looking for their perfect getaway. Becoming a member of Marriott vacation ownership means you will be treated like family when you visit their vacation spots. The Marriott Bonvoy program is a points-based system that allows owners to travel using their points. Some of the perks of becoming a Marriott owner include late checkout, amazing amenities, and priority reservations when choosing your stay. Some of the amazing destinations that you could visit as a Marriott Vacation Club owner include Maui, Breckenridge, Orlando, and St. Thomas.
With its flexible, points-based system, its no surprise that Marriott is one of the most timeshare companies. Act fast to snag one of these fantastic Marriott timeshares!
Hilton Vacation Ownership
Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare ownership is a great choice for those who enjoy luxury and pampering. Through Hilton Honors, members have even more options and flexibility before, meaning you can truly get what you want when it comes to vacationing! Like other timeshares, Hilton offers more than standard hotel-style accommodations. Lock-off units, large bedrooms, and living spaces await you and your family members. And, you can choose from a variety of resort-style or urban locations for your next getaway as many Hilton units are eligible for enrollment in the RCI vacation network.
Thought we wouldn’t have Hilton? Think again! We have plenty of stellar listings for Hilton Grand Vacations properties across the U.S. Browse our marketplace today for these fantastic properties!
You might also like: Hilton Grand Vacations Orlando: 4 Must-See Resorts!
Disney Vacation Club Timeshare
Disney Vacation Club has 13 stunning resorts for its owners to travel to! Some resorts are nearby world-class theme parks and others sit on beautiful beaches, so Disney Vacation Club is awesome for families and single travelers alike. As a points-based system, members are eligible to stay at any of the resorts in the brand’s network. Disney is king at entertainment and family fun, so if you’re seeking magical vacations, Disney may be what you’re looking for! Disney has incredible dining experiences at all of its resorts and parks. Not to mention, Disney is growing all the time, so every year there will be even more magic waiting for your family.
Disney Vacation Club is one of the most beloved timeshare companies in the industry. It’s also one of the most expensive. If you want to lower some of those travel costs, a resale price is just what you need! Click the link below to save big on DVC!
You might also like: Is Disney Vacation Club Worth It? The Pros and Cons!
Timeshare Financing Options
Have you ever considered owning your vacations, but that option didn’t seem to be in the budget? Consider looking into financing options with Vacation Club Loans. They have solutions to help you achieve your vacation ownership dreams. Their specialty is helping people finance vacation ownership and timeshare. While timeshare is not an investment, it’s a great way to ensure unforgettable vacation memories for years to come. Whether you travel to one resort or many all over the world!
Buy Timeshare Ownership With Fidelity
Are you ready to take the next step toward vacation ownership? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Fidelity Real Estate is a licensed real estate brokerage with over 20 years of experience in the timeshare industry. As a member of the American Resort Development Association, ARDA, we follow a strict code of ethics that helps to keep everyone involved in the industry safe. This means that when you work with Fidelity, you’ll be working with licensed agents who are experienced, credible, and reliable. In other words, you can rest assured you’ll be in good hands. Want to learn more? Contact us today at 1-800-410-8326 or email us at [email protected].
What if I Don’t Want My Vacation Ownership Anymore?
Not all good things last forever. If owning a timeshare just isn’t in the cards anymore, we understand! People decide it’s no longer for them for a number of reasons, even if they’ve enjoyed it for years. That’s why we can help you sell your timeshare. If you no longer want your vacation ownership, fill out the form below, and one of our licensed agents will contact you.
