Exploring Timeshares as a Solo Traveler

If you are a person of a certain age, you are likely familiar with the term "timeshare". It often brings to mind an outdated hotel conference room with chairs and a presentation on the benefits of owning a timeshare. As a frequent solo traveler, I frequently receive enticing emails from Hilton Grand Vacations offering $149 for 4 nights in Orlando or $199 for a few nights in Las Vegas. It sounds appealing, doesn't it? However, there's a catch - you must attend a timeshare presentation first. If you enjoy visiting the same place repeatedly, it could be an interesting proposition. It doesn't have to be Las Vegas or Orlando either. What if you could have your own place to visit over and over again? What if you didn't have to worry about renting a hotel room or an apartment or house? What if you could have your own place in the mountains or by the beach? Solo travelers come in all varieties, and not everyone wants to be an explorer! Some simply prefer to travel to one place once or twice a year to recharge, relax, and unwind. For those individuals, a timeshare might be just the thing - or is it?

Timeshares Defined

Investopedia defines timeshares as "a collective model of vacation real estate in which multiple buyers own or lease allotments of usage for the same property. The timeshare model is used for many different properties, with units offered in vacation resorts, condominiums, apartments, and campgrounds." Essentially, you're buying a piece of real estate in collaboration with other individuals for use at certain points every year. Think of this as co-owning a vacation home with several other people. There is an upfront cost similar to purchasing a home, along with annual dues. You can utilize a direct purchase or a resale purchase depending on your budget and needs. As for use of the timeshare, you can purchase points to use your timeshare or you can have a fixed or flexible arrangement. There are other aspects to consider, so I highly recommend doing plenty of research to see if timeshare ownership is right for you. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.

You Got Me Thinking

The appeal of a timeshare for solo travelers can be strong, especially if you are able to acquire one at a discounted price through a resale. Accommodation is undoubtedly the most important aspect of any trip. After all, you need a place to rest and sleep, and timeshares take care of this for you. Timeshares can come in the form of resorts, beachfront communities, city apartments, or mountain retreats. Many of them are "vacation clubs", and a lot of them are owned or managed by hotel and hospitality brands like Marriott, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Disney, and others. These can be the most flexible as they allow you to purchase points to use at any of their locations around the world, giving you the opportunity to still explore. If you simply want a place to escape to, timeshares also offer this option. I have previously discussed using my hotel as a "hub" to explore a region surrounding a city, but let's take it a step further. Maybe there's so much to discover in one area that you want the option of returning again and again, and if you're interested in discovering different cultural neighborhoods and districts within a city, a timeshare could be a suitable option for you. As much as it requires commitment, it can also be quite adaptable for solo travelers.

Try Before You Buy....Or Not

During my research for this article, I stumbled upon a fascinating story about a solo traveler who took advantage of a sales pitch and ended up enjoying a vacation club visit. In this particular case, William Gallante from Thrillist was offered 4 free nights at an IHG vacation club resort for $279 in exchange for attending a two-hour timeshare presentation. As someone who frequently receives similar offers, I was eager to learn about another solo traveler's experience. He decided to go for it and had a whole year to select from 15 different locations, including beaches, mountains, and historic sites. Ultimately, he chose Galveston, TX. While the article also delves into his experiences barhopping in Galveston, TX, what intrigued me the most was his experience at the presentation on Day Two:

Once you’re there, they dazzle you with enticing financials, and create a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for vacation freedom. It’s actually sort of brilliant; one sale at these presentations is a massive return on investment.

Myself and about a dozen other parties checked in with a front desk attendant, who ran through a series of “pre-qualifying” questions. In order to be eligible for this offer, you must have an income over a certain amount, have no record of bankruptcy, be over 25 years old, etc. You must also attend with your spouse (if applicable), and can absolutely not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Every other party was a couple in their 40s or older, with most being retirees. I think that’s why they paired me with the only 20-something on staff. We spoke for about an hour about my travel habits and spending while the rep put numbers into his iPad....

He proceeds to share his encounter with the presentation. It has clearly transitioned into the modern era with a fully immersive multimedia experience. No longer are the days of dull hotel conference rooms with outdated wallpaper and rows of chairs observing a Powerpoint presentation. I wouldn't be surprised if it was customized with individual sales professionals explaining the benefits on an iPad, similar to what I experienced when hiring a contractor to install a sliding glass door in my condo a few years back. HOO BOY, that was a nightmare.

The most captivating part of the article, and what caught my attention the most, was when he stood firm in his position:

Finally, we reached the end of the tour and the rep showed me his iPad. For something in the realm of $8,000 down, and then a monthly payment of $400 or so for the next decade, I could have unlimited access to travel for the rest of my life. Not only could I have my own unit at a premiere destination, but I could travel to any partnering resorts around the world. It worked out to be around $40,000 all in for this opportunity. I politely tried to turn this down, but the staff persisted. A manager came over and wrote out the economics of different offers. After three or four counteroffers, they finally took no for an answer, and sent me to the rewards center. I ended up opting to receive $179 in cash and 20,000 rewards points that I could put toward a future stay at any of the hotel group’s locations. Freedom.

I have a deep appreciation for the art of negotiation, which is why this particular situation caught my attention. Perhaps this is why I have chosen to pursue a career in the insurance industry for an extended period of time! Whether you are considering purchasing a timeshare, a car, or an item on Ebay, it is crucial to remember that you hold the power to walk away. Each party involved has their limits, and sometimes the deal simply may not align with your needs. Reflecting on this, I find that attending the presentation and turning it into a workation or a short vacation could be a positive experience.

eBay for....Timeshare Rentals?

eBay is not only a platform for selling used Blu-rays and PlayStations, but also for renting out your timeshare or finding a rental for yourself. If you're interested in experiencing a timeshare without enduring the same experience as Mr. Gallante, an article in RAD Family Travel suggests that you can do so:

You can get a good deal on a timeshare stay without ever owning one or sitting through a presentation.  We've taken fantastic vacations (and saved loads of money!) staying at gorgeous properties simply by booking timeshare stays directly from timeshare owners.  

Quite often, we can get an amazing 2 bedroom condo cheaper than booking one nice hotel room.

The article provides a number of valuable suggestions for renting timeshares, with the highlight being the unexpected discovery of them on eBay. The authors also detail their search process and offer some helpful advice:

Get straight to the point.  For example, when I want to book a cabin at Big Cedar Wilderness Club, I enter the following into the search bar:  "big cedar 2 br cabin november 14-21 2016."  You can also search by city or destination, followed by the type of lodging you are looking for, and the dates.  Use the filter choices on the left sidebar to help you dwindle down the choices that show up.

I attempted to look for myself on eBay, and I came across multiple timeshare properties and various home properties available for rent. My main concern is the level of protection provided for renters. What kind of insurance coverage is in place? One of the reasons I prefer staying in hotels is because they are fully insured in case of any issues. While home, apartment, and timeshare rentals may have adequate insurance, others may not. It's important to use your discretion when considering this option. Otherwise, why not simply make a reservation with Vrbo or AirBnb? Or even a hotel?

Closing Thoughts

There are numerous choices available for solo travelers in terms of accommodation, and this article aims to shed light on the possibility of timeshares. Timeshares require a commitment and involve a certain level of risk, but they can be advantageous for solo travelers who simply need a place to stay or prefer to limit their options to specific locations. You have the option to attend a presentation without making a purchase, although it necessitates the willpower to walk away and decline. Additionally, renting timeshares on eBay carries significant risks. Renting through Vrbo and Airbnb may be much safer alternatives, primarily due to the protections they offer. When it comes to accommodation, your discernment is crucial, and if something doesn't feel right, it's best to avoid it. However, if you are prepared to take a chance and immerse yourself in a destination like a local, this could be an excellent choice.