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| Timeshares - Timeshares -Timeshares |
| 04.07.08 (5:14 am) [edit] |
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Author: Trisha Coppley
Timeshares are a great way for people to vacation and still have a piece of ownership in their favorite getaway. Timeshares were invented back in the 1960's in the French Alps when a resort owner/developer decided it would be attractive to people to stop renting a room" and "purchase a piece of the hotel". It caught on and soon became common place all around the world.
There are a few different types of time share ownership, so first let's define what those are:
Fixed: a fixed timeshare is exactly as it sounds, a fixed time - usually a week or more. Typically the resort will use a normal annual calendar and sell the use of a particular unit by week number. If, for example, you owned week #1 and 2, that typically means you have your unit for the first two weeks of the year, each year, meaning the first 2 weeks in January.
Floating: A floating timeshare is still a fixed amount of time, but the specific dates are what is actually 'floating'. With floating timeshares, the owner owns a number of days or weeks, let's say for this example 7 days, or one week. That week will typically have some indication of when it may be used, for example 'one summer week', defined by the constraints of the calendar season 'summer'. The owner then must reserve which week he or she wants during the summer. There is usually great competition for the holiday weeks, so often a floating timeshare will be exclusive of the holiday weeks, as those will typically be sold as 'fixed' timeshare weeks, often at a much greater price.
Rotating: a rotating timeshare is designed to combine the advantages of the floating timeshare and the fixed. The owner knows which week is his or hers in advance, but it will vary to give each owner equal chance at having the holiday week. The rotation can go either forward or back on the calendar and season, rotating through all owners.
Now within those three types of timeshares there are two types of ownership: deeded and right to use. You can probably guess the difference just by the name. The deeded timeshare means you actually own a fraction of real property, to be bought and/or sold under the community by-laws as an owner pleases. The 'right to use' contract is just that, you have bought the right to use the property for a specified amount of time, over a period of time, most often measured in number of years. At the end of that number of years the timeshare 'owner' no longer has rights of that unit, its facilities and time slot.
Now timeshares have grown so in popularity they have spread into other industries. When it originated it was primarily just resorts, and typically those with a more apartment-style accommodations. Now you can buy a timeshare on a cruise ship, a timeshare of a campground, even a timeshare of a yacht or high end private jet. But the business model says the same. You are purchasing a slice of time/ownership of that entity for your own use and pleasure. And, depending on the type of ownership you have, can share that with friends and family, and in some cases even sell it to someone else to use.
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| How Popular Are Timeshares Today |
| 03.22.08 (3:18 am) [edit] |
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Author: John Apple
Today timeshares are a very popular vacation option all over the world.
Though the concept originated in France, the popularity of timeshares has spread slowly but surely the world over. Back home, Florida was the first to jump on to the timeshare bandwagon in the 1970’s before others joined in. The 1980’s saw a growth in the economy empowering people to spend on leisure and consequently timeshares became a popular choice for vacations. As people realized the benefits of timeshare, the concept spread across Europe. The 1990s saw Asian countries also warming up to the idea of timeshares, thus spreading the timeshare concept globally. In 2005, there were nearly 5,400 resorts in more than 100 countries. The popularity of timeshares today can be estimated from the fact that timeshare owners come from over 270 countries. In the US alone the industry has grown by 23.7% between 2002 and 2005 resulting in 4.1 million households owning one or more U.S. timeshares as on January 1, 2006.
The increasing popularity can also be attributed to the fact that today, there is extensive national and international legislation to protect the rights of timeshare buyers. The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) and the Organisation for Timeshare in Europe (OTE) ensure that timeshare is today a well-organized and highly regulated industry in their respective territories.
The RCI was established in 1974 thus bringing in the most coveted advantage of timeshares - flexibility. This along with timeshare properties coming up in all parts of the world, meant that timeshare owners could vacation all over the world. This flexibility offered by timeshares has made them popular, as timeshare owners can customize their vacations to meet their schedules and lifestyles. It is also commonly known that timeshares offer excellent value for money, given the fine quality of accommodation, high comfort levels, choice of amenities etc. The benefits are also spread over the long term, as timeshare owners book their vacations for the next several years at today’s price!
The timeshare industry has become increasingly professional and customer-focused leading to a high satisfaction rate among users. In fact, a study conducted in 2005 indicates that as many as 80.3% of all timeshare owners were satisfied with their timeshare purchase while 75.7% said that owning a timeshare has made them look forward to vacations.
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| All Inclusive Timeshare Resorts |
| 03.22.08 (3:17 am) [edit] |
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Author: Dana Sanders
How would you like to go on a timeshare vacation and leave your wallet behind? This is surely a recipe for disaster—unless you vacation at an all inclusive resort. These ever-popular timeshare resorts charge you one fee for everything from your room to your meals. You can vacation like the elite without ever having to worry about paying a check because there are none! Different packages include beverages and activities, so you can sip frosty drinks by the pool or play golf without ever seeing a bill.
There are several all inclusive timeshares waiting for you to enjoy in exotic places such as Mexico and the Dominican Republic. The beautiful Royal Sunset in exquisite Cancun, Mexico is an excellent choice for anyone interested in some wallet-free fun and sun. The Dominican Republic’s Talanquera Vacation Club in Juan Dolio is nearby the historic Santa Domingo and features crystal blue water and soft sand beaches. Both of these timeshare resorts are completely all-inclusive and have several packages with different levels of inclusion. If you would rather head to the hills instead of the beach, Austria’s LTH Resort at Alpine & Golfhotel Interstar. Set among the breathtaking Salzburg mountains, this all inclusive resort is perfect for the outdoor enthusiasts. Whether your passion is skiing, tennis, golf, mountain-biking, hiking, or climbing, this resort is an excellent destination. All inclusive timeshare resorts have different packages depending on the options in which you are most interested. Additionally, prices of the timeshare may vary depending on the season. When you decide to invest in an all inclusive timeshare, be sure to ask exactly what is covered. One timeshare resort may offer only one inclusion package and others may have different options for inclusions from which to choose .
There are all inclusive timeshare resorts located in many parts of the world, from Egypt to Brazil. Just as with traditional timeshares, knowing all the details before you purchase will save you a great deal of money and grief. If possible, you may wish to visit a property to become familiar with the area and the resort’s features. As is the case with all timeshares, you would still have the option to exchange your all inclusive timeshare which would allow you to vacation at new properties each time.
Although purchasing an all-inclusive timeshare may be more expensive upfront than a traditional resort timeshare, you may save money in the end. By taking an all inclusive vacation, you know exactly how much you are spending, whereas traditional vacations can quickly add up when meals, drinks, and activities are added to the bill. If you have ever returned home after a fabulous stay at a traditional timeshare only to be shocked by the pricey bill you racked up, then an all inclusive timeshare resort may be just the right option for you.
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