Timeshares v. Hotels: Debunking Five Common Myths About Timeshares
Do you regret buying a timeshare?
For the longest time, timeshares have been viewed with scepticism and mistrust. Despite the industry having evolved significantly in the past 10-15 years, it still struggles to escape the shadows of its reputation.
At the same time, as per recent reports, the global timeshare industry is projected to touch USD 28.9 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 7.6% in that time.
Such compelling figures challenge outdated notions about timeshares and paint a truer picture of their relevance and appeal in the fast-changing leisure travel landscape.
Through this article, we intend to dispel some common myths about timeshare and vacation ownership that have persisted over the years.
We will also draw a detailed comparison between hotels and timeshares to help you decide what best suits your travel needs and lifestyle preferences.
Lastly, this article will shed light on why Club Wyndham Asia’s travel membership and lifestyle offering is a standout choice in today’s “timeshare” market, and why it could be the best way to help you achieve your travel dreams.
Let’s get started!
Debunking Common Timeshare Myths
In the past, timeshares had a bad rap due to concerns about hidden fees, long duration, restricted locations, and tricky exits. New, modern timeshares promise flexibility in choosing timings and locations. Moreover, they offer shorter end dates and enhanced returns on investment.
Let’s see what’s new.
Myth #1. Timeshares are All the Same
Depending on your requirements and preferences there are four main types of timeshares to choose from:
- Fixed-Week Timeshare: You get the same week at one specific resort every year.
- Floating Timeshare: These timeshares allow buyers the flexibility to choose a vacation week without a set date but within a certain season each year. They are ideal for people who would like to keep their travel plans fluid.
- Rotational Timeshare: Rotational timeshares combine aspects of fixed and floating timeshares by allowing owners to rotate their vacation weeks each year, giving them a variety of periods for their stays.
- Vacation Clubs: You buy a membership that gives you points, which you use to book stays at various resorts, vacation rentals, or hotels.
Myth #2. Timeshares Restrict Owners to One Destination
Most people think that buying a timeshare means restricting yourself to vacationing in the same location every year.
While that might have been the case when the concept was originally created, the situation today is quite different.
The introduction of the points system offers respite. Contrary to the traditional fixed-week timeshare, the points system allows timeshare owners to buy a fixed number of points annually.
These points serve as a currency, which can then be exchanged for an accommodation of your choice, at a time of your choosing, at one of the hotels and resorts within your timeshare club, depending on availability.
Furthermore, if owners don’t end up using all their allotted points for a given year or want to save up for a more extravagant vacation later, they can bank their points.
Conversely, the following years’ points can be borrowed if more points are needed for their travel plans.
Myth #3. Timeshares are Laden with Hidden Fees
The price you pay for a timeshare or the extra fees that you incur are governed by the policies of the company you choose to buy your timeshare from.
Reputable timeshare companies today adhere to strict consumer protections and transparently communicate all the terms and conditions to potential buyers before they commit.
Myth #4. Timeshare Maintenance Fees Increase Dramatically
Most people think that buying a timeshare means restricting yourself to vacationing in the same location every year.
While that might have been the case when the concept was originally created, the situation today is quite different.
The introduction of the points system offers respite. Contrary to the traditional fixed-week timeshare, the points system allows timeshare owners to buy a fixed number of points annually.
These points serve as a currency, which can then be exchanged for an accommodation of your choice, at a time of your choosing, at one of the hotels and resorts within your timeshare club, depending on availability.
Furthermore, if owners don’t end up using all their allotted points for a given year or want to save up for a more extravagant vacation later, they can bank their points.
Conversely, the following years’ points can be borrowed if more points are needed for their travel plans.
Myth #5. Timeshares are Impossible to Exit
Selling or exiting a timeshare might seem tricky due to the limited pool of buyers, but it’s not impossible. Traditionally, timeshare clubs allow you to bequeath, give away or sell your timeshare when you no longer want it, whether due to changing lifestyle preferences or financial reasons. But some inheritors view timeshares as more of a burden than a benefit.
To solve this, modern timeshare models typically offer ownership for a finite duration (up to 20 years), which sidesteps the issue of inheritance altogether.
Ultimately, the best way to ensure a hassle-free exit from a timeshare is to be well-informed from the beginning. Buying your timeshare from established companies and carefully reviewing the terms of the contract before making the purchase go a long way in ensuring that you understand the terms and will make the most of your investment.
Club Wyndham Asia – The Value-Added Timeshare You Need
Travel reshapes our worldviews and strengthens bonds. Family trips bridge generational divides, creating lasting memories. Club Wyndham Asia elevates these moments and offers cost-effective adventures at exciting destinations.
Understanding regional differences and aligning with local tastes, Club Wyndham Asia embodies the essence of a ‘value-added timeshare.’
Sriprat, a proud Club Wyndham Asia member, echoes this sentiment: “Member Services Thailand consistently impresses with their outstanding service during my bookings with Club Wyndham Asia. The team at Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort and Villas always goes above and beyond.”
In Asia, travel preferences diverge. Japanese tourists tend to opt for brief getaways closer to home, whereas Chinese favour group outings with extended family, seeking destinations that appeal to all ages.
Club Wyndham Asia tailors its offerings to these regional nuances, ensuring a fulfilling experience for every traveller.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Discover more reasons why Club Wyndham Asia stands apart from other clubs.
#1. The Globe is Yours to Explore
Not only can you find a Club Wyndham Resort at major Asian vacation destinations– Japan, Bali, and Phuket, to name a few, but you get access to all the properties within the Club as well as the resorts and rentals at WorldMark by Wyndham, Club Wyndham South Pacific, and other associate resorts. Whether you crave the bustle of Jakarta or wish to unwind on the sandy beaches of Fiji, with Club Wyndham Asia, you can have it all! Furthermore, Club Wyndham Asia’s agreement with RCI, the world’s largest timeshare exchange provider, allows members to exchange their points for a stay at one of RCI’s more than 4,100 affiliated properties across the globe.
#2. Financial Flexibility + Freedom
A Club Wyndham Asia membership offers financial flexibility and options to accommodate different budgets and preferences.
Affordable monthly instalment plans are also available for those who prefer to pay for their membership over a longer period.
To allow owners the freedom to customise their vacation plans, Club Wyndham Asia lets members conveniently bank and borrow their vacation points. This means they can carry points from the previous year or borrow points from the following year if their vacation demands more points in a particular year.
Inflation Proofing is another way that Club Wyndham Asia offers financial flexibility to its members. Every year, members’ accounts are refreshed with the original number of points they initially purchased when joining the Club. In essence, this arrangement ensures that, despite inflation, the number of points needed for their accommodation remains unchanged over time.
Lastly, the ‘Flexi-Levy’ option can be used to waive annual fees if a member does not plan a stay at a club resort in any given year. This means that members are charged for maintenance only when they use the resorts.
#3. Shorter Term + Opportunities to Profit
The fear of not being able to sell or exit a timeshare is one of the primary concerns that prevents people from investing in one.
Club Wyndham Asia addresses this concern by offering short-term timeshares that expire in 2040. Upon the sale of Club properties in 2040, all owners are eligible to receive a share of the proceeds.
This approach appeals to people who don’t want to feel obligated to travel because they’ve invested in a timeshare.
#4. Unparalleled Customer Experience
Club Wyndham Asia was created by the innovators at Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific, who have consistently listened to feedback from customers over the years, evolving its timeshare model to deliver even greater value to its members.
As of today, most of the timeshare products developed by Wyndham Destinations are points-based and allow for convenient exchange and cancellation options.
In Asian culture, celebrating life events like anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, etc., often involves the idea of vacationing and creating lasting memories.
Club Wyndham Asia offers a range of destinations that provide the perfect backdrop for these celebrations.
Recently recognized as Asia’s most romantic hotel by Haute Grandeur, Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay, a property managed by Club Wyndham Asia, serves as a testament to this.
Be it a perfect honeymoon, a memorable family getaway, or any other special occasion, Wyndham has it all covered!
#5. An Ever-Expanding Travel Wallet
Members can earn Travel Cash by reviewing their experiences at Wyndham, sharing the same on social media, and referring the Club to others.
Club Wyndham Asia members also get the exclusive opportunity to exchange their Wyndham Rewards points for fully paid or discounted vacations at over 50,000 resorts and rentals outside of their club or to pay annual levies.
The rewards can be redeemed for gift certificates, gift cards, merchandise, lifestyle and beauty products, and store value cards from providers directly affiliated with the Wyndham Rewards Program.
Club Wyndham Asia is also forging partnerships with brands outside of hospitality, including luxury, lifestyle, and more, to offer its customers a one-of-a-kind experience and add value to the time shared.
Their recent partnership with SOGO Department Store, bringing together the best of retail and hospitality, serves as a good example.
It’s the Season of Sharing at Wyndham
Having fun is fantastic, but it becomes even more thrilling when you can share memorable moments with others.
And here’s some exciting news– by simply sharing your Instagram-worthy vacation snapshots with your friends, you could win a complimentary three-night stay at Club Wyndham Asia’s splendid resorts in Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, or Australia, all thanks to its “Seasons of Sharing” initiative!
So why wait?
Take that first step by exploring Club Wyndham Asia, and who knows, your next vacation could be just around the corner.
Don’t miss out! Fill out the form below and start your travel adventure today!
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