All discerning buyers gather all information regarding any purchase before actually buying. So why would prospective timeshare owners be any different?

The gamut of timeshare FAQs cover the basic question regarding what a timeshare means to the more complicated ones about fees, exchange facilities, resale and legalities involved. Timeshare FAQs on the Internet provide a one-stop information point for information on timeshares. Other sources for facts on timeshares are the timeshare resort brochures, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) and brokers among others.

Typical timeshare FAQs and brief information on these questions are given below:

What is Timeshares?
Timeshares are contracts for ownership of vacation properties. A company that has purchased the property lets many people like you own the property for different periods of time, thus jointly paying for its use and maintenance.

What’s the difference between timeshare and vacation ownership?
Fact is, there is no real difference between the two. Timeshare has many variants based on the same fundamental concept. Vacation ownership is just another name for timeshares, others being holiday ownership and club time. But what’s in a name really??

Can I sell my timeshare if I don’t want it anymore?
Selling timeshares can be tricky as the supply is much more than the demand. It is not impossible though as long as you are not looking to make profit while you are at it. You must price your timeshares competitively, advertise well and in the meanwhile try to make the most of your timeshares.

How much should I pay for timeshare?
Once you have decided on the type of resort and season you would like to buy, survey the available deals on the Internet, through brokers or resorts. Check for similar units and seasons to compare prices from different sources. If the quoted prices are near about what prospective sellers are willing to settle for, you may consider it the true value of the timeshare.

Where should I buy timeshares?
You can buy timeshares directly from the resorts, ARDA members, private sellers or resellers for varying durations in different modes of contract. Buy into a good resort and buy weeks that are typically in demand. But try to visit the property to verify all that the salesperson or the brochures claim is true.

What is the difference between a fixed week, a floating week, and a points-based system?
A fixed week gives you ownership of a particular week at a resort every year. While this takes away the worry about resort availability, it also ties you down to that particular week every year. Also fixed weeks are typically more difficult to exchange.

In a floating week system, you buy a given number of weeks for a period or season, from which you choose your preferred weeks in advance. This gives you more flexibility for use and also for trade.

In both the above cases, make sure you buy weeks for an average or high demand season and at a good resort. This will make your timeshares that much more viable on the exchange table.

In a points system you buy a certain number of points or credits for a unit size and a particular period of the year, which can then be used like cash to purchase time, unit size, and the resort of your choice. Moreover, these points can also be used to purchase cruises, airline tickets and can be used in hotels etc.

Can I and/or should I buy resale?
The answer is yes to both. There are many private resellers as well as resale companies selling timeshare resales so buying resale should not be a problem as the resale market is very popular. Timeshare resales are typically cheaper than the original market price. However, make sure that the timeshares on resale meet your expectations and the claims of the reseller.

Do I have to go to the same timeshare resort every year?
With timeshare exchange programs, you no more have to go to the same resort every year. If your timeshare weeks have sufficient trade power by way of season, location etc. you can exchange your week at the home resort for any of the thousands of resorts across the world!!

How do I transfer timeshare ownership?
A timeshare transfer is a real estate contract and should be detailed. Therefore, it is advisable to hire an attorney or an escrow company. You will have to provide the necessary documents depending on the type of your ownership. Also a certain transfer fee may have to be paid to the resort for changing the ownership.

How popular are timeshares today?
Timeshares are becoming increasingly popular as people around the world have lesser and lesser time to plan vacations every year and as the need for variety is increasing. Timeshares are a cost-effective, flexi-vacation program and which by the looks of it is poised to grow at a rapid rate.

What are the benefits of timeshares?
Timeshares enable you to vacation at swanky resorts at fancy locations at a fraction of what it would cost if you were to buy it outright while you enjoy the tax benefits of owning a second home! Not only can you use the time you buy, you can also allow others to use it, either by renting it out or gifting it.

With the most vital questions regarding timeshares answered, you are now ready to plunge into the timeshare market and come out tops!!

wowfly.com/what-are-timeshares.htm What are Timeshares? – Better Understanding of What a Timeshare Offers

wowfly.com/timeshare-rentals-only.htm Timeshare Rentals Only – Looking for That Perfect Timeshare Rental

wowfly.com/sell-my-timeshare.htm Looking Into Selling, Buying or Renting Timeshares Only?

For years I’ve been wanting to take my family on a luxury vacation to the Caribbean. There has been one thing standing in my way – the cost. Finally I’ve found the solution to the problem, and I’m so excited I want to pass it along.

I recently attended a travel show just for fun to pick up information and see if I could find that special deal. Luxury vacations to the Caribbean are easy to find, that’s for sure, but usually they are not cheap. I obtained information from Beaches and Sandals resorts, and found that it wasn’t really going to work for me.

While I was walking around, I overheard a couple talking about all the money they were saving on their vacations. It turns out they were members of a travel club that allows them to book accommodations at prices that are 75% and more below industry rates. And the bookings can be made in advance, not just at the last minute. I introduced myself and we talked for awhile. It turns out that they had been in a very similar position as I was before they bought their membership. Naturally, I wanted all the details.

They told me that the travel club membership provided a way to obtain preferential treatment in booking luxury timeshare resort condos. These resorts are available through normal travel booking sites like Expedia, etc, but booking that way means paying retail price. With the travel club, it’s possible to book the very same resorts for a fraction of the cost because the club has pre-purchased vacation weeks for resale to club members and because the club has been able to negotiate special rates with the resorts.

Since having that conversation, I gathered additional information and eventually purchased a lifetime Platinum travel club membership. I’ve been busy planning my next vacation, and yes it will be a luxury vacation. I think I’ll finally make it to the Caribbean. After all, I can get a week-long stay for 75% off industry rates and the resort condos are big enough for my entire family.

My advice is to check it out for yourself. The current price for the membership is low considering all the benefits and the fact that it is a one-time fee. There are no annual fees, or upgrade fees, or any of that nonsense.

Phil McCollum

562 225-5234

LuxuryTravelToday.com LuxuryTravelToday.com

For many people in the UK, summer means one thing above all else – festivals! And with a variety of music, dance and performance art festivals taking place throughout Britain from June to September, people with an interest in a variety of pursuits will always find a festival that suits them. However, if it’s your fifth consecutive year at the Cambridge Folk Festival or there’s nothing in the Edinburgh Fringe programme that you really fancy this summer, why not venture outside the UK for a festival experience with a difference? Dublin, for instance, is replete with festivals that residents and visitors alike will love.

Travel to Dublin in June and you’ll be able to experience the world famous Dublin Writers Festival. Usually taking place over a period of five days, the Dublin Writers Festival has in the past played host to the likes of journalist Rageh Omaar, renowned Irish writer Roddy Doyle and Lionel Shriver, the award-winning author of “We Need to Talk About Kevin”. Alternatively, the Darklight Festival, also held in June, is Ireland’s foremost festival for filmmakers, animators and other artists who thrive on the merging of art, film and technology.

If you’re planning a trip to Dublin in July, make sure you check out the Rose Festival. Held over the course of a weekend, the Rose Festival is held in St Anne’s Park and Rose Gardens, where you’ll be able to take your pick of a range of horticultural exhibitions, trade and craft stands. And if you’re travelling with children, you’ll also be able to let them take part in the Annual “Choose Your Rose” competition.

August sees the BEO Celtic Music Festival hit Dublin, held over a week at the National Concert Hall on Grafton Street. Here, you’ll be able to hear the best traditional music from Ireland and overseas, through a series of lunchtime concerts and musical workshops offerings spectacular music. National Heritage Week, occurring in late August, also sees a week of outdoor and indoor events, throughout which culture vultures will be able to celebrate Ireland’s rich heritage in a variety of locations.

And if you’re willing to let your summer break extend to September, don’t miss the Dublin Fringe Festival. One of Ireland’s largest performing arts festivals, the Dublin Fringe Festival offers a range of music, dance, street theatre, puppetry, comedy and visual arts events. It takes place at numerous venues across the capital, but you’ll be able to find more information on all the shows at the Dublin Fringe from the festival’s office on East Sussex Street, Temple Bar.

Dublin’s close proximity to the UK means that you won’t lose as much holiday time to travel as you would if travelling further overseas. Moreover, if you’re keen to minimise your carbon footprint, take a stenaline.co.uk/stena_line/stena_line_uk/gb/holyhead-dublin_.html” target=”_blank ferry to Dublin from Holyhead. Not only will you eliminate the environmental cost of flying, you’ll also be able to avoid long check-in queues and even take your car with you so, if the entertainment of Dublin begins to wear thin, you’ll be able to escape to the Irish countryside at the rev of an engine.

Andrew Regan is a freelance online journalist

Can you imagine a universe in which you are the center of attention? You laze about for the entire day without a care in the world. In fact, the only thing that you have to think about is whether or not you want to get a facial or a massage. Hmmm. Decisions, decisions.

The popularity of spa vacations has led to the emergence of luxury spas in almost every imagined spot on the planet.

As touched upon earlier, the popularity of spa vacations has to do primarily with their versatility. Granted, everyone in this stressful hectic world in which we live needs a little bit of rest and relaxation. But we also belong to a society that likes to have things on their own terms. Spa vacations meet this end perfectly by offering a variety of locations, pampering services and time commitments. With a spa vacation it’s quite possible to take only one day off for a little rest and relaxation or jet around the world and get lost for weeks.

So, what kind of things does a spa vacation package include? Here are just a few of the perks:

* Massage – There are many different massage techniques offered at spas. Some of the most popular include Swedish, Thai, and Ayurvedic treatments.

* Body treatments – Many spas offer body wraps and scrubs that are unique to the area. For example: A spa located near the sea might offer their own unique salt-scrub treatment formulated from the surrounding waters.

* Facials – Facials are just one of the many beautifying services offered at spas. There are also exfoliating services and an esthetician on site.

* Visual stimulation – Picturesque always, spas captivate the mind and remove it far from the rigors of everyday life.

In addition to attracting the weary and downtrodden, spas offer a unique opportunity to pamper loved ones. For this reason, gift certificates and gift vacations to the world’s most famous spas are extremely popular.

Spa vacations can also be therapeutic. In fact, many people with physical conditions and limitations benefit from a stay at a spa. There are also spa vacations geared toward helping people get a jump start on losing weight.

Is it any wonder that spa vacations are so popular? With all of these options and pampering activities to choose from, the only thing to wonder about is when and where.

Credit: Ian W Anderson of The Spa Resort, the spa information site. For more spa information and articles like this one visit: