In this day and age, it feels like any second you can spare on vacation is a luxury. You shouldn’t have to waste that precious time scrambling to book a cramped hotel room for your family! You should be enjoying that well-earned time off relaxing as much as possible.
Many families have turned towards owning a timeshare or a vacation club membership as less stressful alternatives. Yet, with so many options available, it can be tough to know where to begin.
So, vacation club vs timeshare, what’s the difference. We’ll help you get started! It may seem complicated at first, but you’ll be vacation savvy in no time!
Vacation Club vs Timeshare: Key Differences
To find the best vacation set-up for you and your family, it is super important to understand the key differences between these two options.
The breakdown is pretty simple. A timeshare is a property you can buy and then visit year after year during preset times. With a vacation club membership, you pay an initial membership fee and regular dues to later spend time at resorts within a particular club.
People share timeshare properties for different periods of time. They are usually condominium units. Because you co-own the property, you are also responsible for paying annual maintenance fees which may also change from year to year. Timeshares can also come with multiple types of plans that determine when and for how long you can visit your property.
Vacation clubs give you points-based access to many locations within one resort company. This means you have access to a greater variety of locations and you have more freedom in determining when and for how long you take your vacations. A vacation club membership is often more flexible than a timeshare contract, but there might be extra restrictions and fees.
What’s the Best Option for Me?
The best option for you and your family depends on your specific wants and needs. Some key things to think about might be your budget, desired level of flexibility, and accessibility.
If you love visiting your favorite destination on a yearly basis, a timeshare might be a cheap solution for low-stress vacation plans.
If you enjoy a bit more variety when it comes to your vacations, a vacation club might be the better option. A vacation club might also suit a growing family or a couple with older children who might need a different number of bedrooms for each vacation.
But be careful though! You definitely don’t want to sign onto a property or membership only to learn you can’t get out of it.
Your Way to Vacation-Savvy
It’s important to remember that every timeshare company and vacation club is different. There are exceptions to every rule so do your own research and see what works for you!
The ultimate goal, regardless of the decision you make, is to spend less time worrying about logistics and more time with your feet up.
Continue reading our blog for more vacation club vs timeshare tips and other insights.
