Timeshare contract
The first thing to realize is that a timeshare contract is for the right to use the property for a one-week vacation stay on an annual or biennial basis in perpetuity, until you sell it or donate it to another. The contract consists of a mortgage portion and a yearly assessment or maintenance fee.Reputation
You will have to do some research beforehand to discover whether the timeshare company you are considering is reputable and has been in business for some time — check with the local Better Business Bureau for a start.Timeshare Owners Association
Is there a timeshare owners association for owners to join and share experiences? Is there a yearly meeting similar to a yearly homeowners association meeting? These are excellent indications that the timeshare property and management are reliable and well-established.Sales Presentation
When you attend the sales meeting, how are the complimentary lodgings and meal, the sales presentation, the tour of the property? Is the sales staff courteous, thoughtful, honest? Are they considerate, and respectful of your time? Does the presentation end after a timely interval? Are the complimentary lodgings clean?

Scenic locations
Timeshares are often found in resort areas in scenic locations that appeal to vacationers and tourists. Is the timeshare in a location that you would enjoy visiting not just one-time but on an annual or bi-annual basis?

Travel
How easy is travel to that location — is it distant enough that you need to fly or is it near enough that you can drive the distance? Remember that the total cost of a timeshare vacation also includes the cost of travel to that destination.

Luxury Resort Timeshares
Your timeshare is likely to be a luxury resort, and you should expect the premises to be beautifully designed and kept spotlessly clean. You might find an attached restaurant and cafe, lounge, fitness room, pool and jacuzzi, golf course or tennis courts. If not, perhaps they will offer complimentary day passes to a fitness center or spa.

Variety of Attractions
Frequently, there are dining and entertainment venues located nearby. Is there a sufficient variety of attractions that will satisfy the whole family? Is there a variety of dining options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and a diversity of cuisine choices?

Management and Staff
Once you are at the timeshare, how are the management and the service? The staff is trained to please resort guests, so expect your interactions to be pleasant and honest, the service timely, and the service staff to be considerate, thoughtful and respectful, all qualities that contribute to making your stay enjoyable. As a good guest and owner, you should also reflect those qualities to other guests so that everyone will enjoy their stay, and your resort continue to flourish.

Recurring Maintenance Fees
Once you have paid up the mortgage for your timeshare, you will still continue to pay an annual fee. Maintenance fees are part of the costs that are recurring. Fees for special one-time reasons are sometimes charged to your annual assessment in addition to those recurring. Fees will always be explained in the billing statement.

Your Week
Your week is either the same week every year or floats according to what is available. Normally a week starts on a Saturday and ends on the following Saturday. The benefit of a timeshare is the reduced cost of a week’s lodging with resort amenities and possibly dining.

Renting Out the Unit
If you do not take your owner’s week, you should be able to release the time to the timeshare management for renting out, and receive some rental profit. If you do not take your owner’s week or release it for rental, you cannot recoup the cost of the annual dues, and you will have lost that money that you paid for the year.

Timeshare Exchanges
Another alternative is to join an established timeshare trading company such as RCI (Resort Condominiums International) or II (Interval International) that enables you to swap your week at your own resort for a week at another timeshare located around the world. For a yearly membership fee, there are thousands of destinations around the country and around the world to consider. Your timeshare property should be a recognized partner of RCI or II or other reputable vacation exchange company.

Summary
Timeshare ownership can be a rewarding vacation experience at a prime destination. For some owners, it can be an opportunity to enjoy a premium vacation experience not normally part of their lifestyle. Whether you want to be in the thick of tourist crowds or to get away and enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings, your timeshare should contribute enjoyment and appreciation appropriate for your desires and purpose of using the timeshare. It can take some adjusting of your expectations, schedules, and finances, but it can also be a welcome reminder every year to take necessary recreational care of you and your family.

Q: If I want to swap my timeshare week for another timeshare destination, how many choices would I have?

A: The two main timeshare exchange networks have thousands of locations. RCI the largest has 5255 destinations in over 100 countries of the world, II offers nearly 2800 in 80 countries. Q: Are there facilities for children care? 
A: Some very large ones might have such facilities, but most will not. You should generally count on activities for the entire family. Q: How can I find out about local festivals around my timeshare week? 
A: Your timeshare management should be able to give you an information brochure about local year-round attractions and special times of the year. Or, you can simply check online for readily available information.

A Variety of Timeshare Options
If traveling is one of the things that you enjoy most out of life, there’s no better way to experience different corners of the world than by opting to stay at timeshare resorts. There are many different timeshares located around the world from the shores of the Caribbean to the Great Smoky Mountains. With a variety of different resorts to choose from, those looking to travel should first narrow down their choices by selecting the type of location that they are most interested in. But which is more popular among travelers, shore or mountain timeshares? There is no real answer to this question, as it is completely based on the resort itself and the type of amenities and attractions that guests are looking for. Those who are more interested in skiing, winter sports, and scenic drives may prefer a cozy vacation in the mountains, while those who want to spend their days on the beach with a mixed drink in their hand may find shore resorts to be a better option. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a one-time getaway or the possibility of enjoying a timeshare vacation on an annual basis, you’ll first want to choose the destination that is the most popular option for yourself and your family.Benefits of Mountain Timeshare Resorts
Guests may choose to visit mountain timeshare resorts during any time of the year, as there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy during all seasons. During the winter months, mountain timeshares are the perfect place to cozy up with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate, or take on the excitement of the slopes that may even be located right on-site. During the summer months, mountain timeshares turn into a truly beautiful and natural wonderland, with hiking trails, horseback riding, off-roading and much more available for guests to enjoy. Respectful, honest and considerate staff members, along with clean and comfortable accommodations are what will really make all the difference during your mountain timeshare getaway. If you find yourself falling in love with this location, you may even opt to sign a contract and purchase your own little piece of vacation property at a cost that you can afford.

Benefits of Shore Timeshare Resorts
If you’re the type of person that enjoys relaxing in the warm sun with your feet in the sand, there’s no better place to stay than at a shore timeshare resort. These beachy villas allow you to escape into your own private paradise complete with beach access, water sport rentals, water-front dining and much more. Thoughtful staff members can even help you to make the most out of your vacation by providing you with recommendations on nearby attractions, local upcoming events, and things that are going on at the resort during your stay. Because shore resorts are a popular vacation option among couples and families alike, you’ll find a wide range of timeshare resorts to choose from at tropical destinations all around the world. Be sure to book your vacation at a shore resort in a timely manner, as timeshares can book up quite quickly at beach resorts during the peak summer season.

Buying a Timeshare: Shore or Mountain?
Those who are still unable to decide whether they prefer a shore or mountain vacation can actually enjoy the best of both worlds when they choose to buy a timeshare. As a timeshare owner, you can bank your weeks from your home resort or use your points to stay at other resorts around the globe. Visit a popular mountain destination during the summer and a shore destination during the winter to get away from the cold weather back home. The possibilities are endless. A one-time fee can make you the proud owner of a piece of vacation property. In addition to paying for your timeshare all at once, you can also pay recurring. fees. These are similar to that of a mortgage where you will pay a select amount per month until your piece of vacation property is paid for.

In addition to taking the cost of the timeshare into consideration as well as the location, there are some other factors that should play a part in making a purchase. The most popular timeshares to purchase are those with considerate, respectful, thoughtful and honest staff members. Clean accommodations and property also say a lot about the condition of the resort and how well it is taken care of. Before signing a contract, maintenance fees should also be discussed. While popular timeshares may have more expensive maintenance fees, this goes towards the overall upkeep of the resort so that you are able to enjoy a beautiful vacation year after year. If renting or using points to book a stay, be sure to do so in a timely fashion to ensure availability at sought-after resorts during the most popular seasons.

Q. Do timeshares have recurring. fees?

A. When you purchase a timeshare, no matter the destination, there are annual fees that are required for the up-keep of the resort, called maintenance fees.Q. Can I stay at other resorts after buying a timeshare?
A. Yes, timeshare owners are able to stay at other resorts that are part of their timeshare membership company. This allows you to enjoy vacations at different locations at your convenience.

Q. Do shore or mountain timeshares have more on-site amenities?
A. This depends on the resort itself. Some resorts, whether they are in the mountains or at the beach, may have more on-site activities and amenities than others. Simply look into the features of each resort before booking a stay.

Summary
Timeshares are an excellent and affordable way to enjoy a vacation at the destination of your choice. Both mountain timeshare resorts, as well as shore-front timeshare resorts, each offer their own benefits for travelers. Learn about the benefits of each type of resort and how to go about purchasing your own piece of paradise.