Timeshare History

Ever wonder just where the idea for timeshares came from? Well, times shares originally come to us from the European travel industry of the 1960s. At that moment in time, Europe had recovered from World War II and thanks to the increasing affordability of air travel, Europe was again a travel destination for tourists worldwide. It was at a resort in Baar, Switzerland in the Alps that the idea of tourists owning the resort instead of just renting it for a few days was born. The initial experiment was a success in Switzerland, spreading to resorts in Italy, France, and Spain, but would it work in the United States? A property on the island of Kaui in Hawaii was the first to offer this sort of timeshare program in 1969. The success of the program there made it possible for the idea to spread to the continental United States in the early 1970s, beginning with Florida. Florida was already a top vacation destination in the country, so this was a real nobrainer. Noticing the success that Florida companies were having, California next followed suit. By the 1980s, timeshares were sprouting up in popular tourist destinations throughout the country. Timeshares were also expanding worldwide during this time. The success of the program throughout the globe was seen as a benefit to all tourists. The more wealthy traveler could spend their vacation in an exotic locale that was formerly off-limits but now featured resort properties while the average tourist could now save money vacationing in their favorite destination. In the 1990s, major hotel chains saw the success of timeshare companies and wanted a piece of the thriving business. Marriott was the first and many others soon followed them in the timeshare industry. This growth led to the multi-million dollar business we see today with over 5400 resorts throughout the world. The options available to vacationers has never been greater, all thanks to the owners of a ski resort almost half a century ago!

Timeshares for Seniors

Timeshares and other shared ownership properties were originally marketed towards families but now there is an ever increasing interest from the senior demographic. More and more people are realizing that timeshare resorts are a great way to enjoy their retirement. There are so many places around the globe where shared ownership properties are located that the choices are practically endless! And the flexible vacation schedule of a retiree makes timeshare ownership a no-brainer. Also, timeshares offer comfort and amenities that are unmatched by even the best hotels. The full kitchens and large living areas of many shared ownership properties allow seniors to experience all the comforts of home while on vacation. Many resorts also offer recreational activities that may appeal to seniors, like tennis courts, golf courses, and swimming pools. An increasing number of properties are even offering activity groups aimed at retirees to ensure their constant enjoyment of their vacation. This is especially beneficial for single seniors since being involved in a group can be great for their spirits! Another often overlooked benefit for seniors getting into shared ownership property is that it is something they can enjoy with their loved ones and then pass on to them. With all these great benefits, it's about time seniors take a look at timeshares and other vacation properties!

Timeshares for Pets

If you're a pet owner, then you know one of the toughest parts of planning a vacation is figuring out what to do with your dog or cat while you're away. Do you find a friend or relative to come and pet-sit? Do you pay for boarding? It would be so much easier if you could just bring them with you! Increasingly, timeshares and other vacation properties are keeping this in mind and more and more are allowing pets on premises. Be sure to check with the resort on what the limits are on size and number of animals allowed. Some properties just have kennel facilties onsite, but others have more to offer. For instance, do you have an active dog that would like to be out and about as much as you on your vacation? Great news! Many resorts offer pet-friendly areas such as dog parks where your furriest family member can enjoy himself. There may also be other areas on or near the property that allow pets, such as trails and beaches. There's no reason why your pet shouldn't get as much enjoyment out of your vacation as you do.

Timeshares also allow more space indoors for your pet than an average hotel room. The large living areas at many vacation properties give your dog or cat room to roam while you're out sightseeing with your two-legged fmaily members. Just remember that your pet is a part of the family too, so there's no reason to not bring him along and have the vacation you all deserve.

Timeshares for Families

More and more families these days are taking advantage of the benefits of vacation property ownership to get the most out of their vacation. The majority of us only get a week or two of vacation time each year. Isn't it important to maximize this time and make sure the whole family, parents and kids alike, are enjoying themselves as much as possible? With a traditional hotel, everyone is stuck in a small room together when not out and about. Sure, we don't go on vacation to sit in a room all day, but we will be spending at least a third of our time there. Sometimes Mom and Dad can't keep up with the kids and need a nap. The problem of course is that the kids are in the next bed with no intention of resting! In a time share or other vacation property, they could be in the living area watching tv or dvds while you squeeze in a nap. Everybody gets their space keeping the stress levels low.

Speaking of space, the full kitchen at many resorts allows you to enjoy a home cooked meal from your room. This spares the expense of constantly eating out and allows some family bonding time, which is one of the things a vacation should be about. When you're not in the room, many resorts offer plenty of fun for the whole family without having to leave the property. Onsite water parks let the kids enjoy exciting waterslides while the parents relax and float down a "lazy river." Then there's the athletic facilities! Whether it's tennis, basketball, golf, skiing, or even equestrian sports that you or your children enjoy, there is a resort just for you. And when Mom and Dad need their alone time, many resorts offer a kids' club to keep your children busy throughout the day. After an experience like this, why would you ever want to spend your hard earned vacation in just an average hotel?

Timeshares in Today's Economy

The current economic climate makes timeshares quite appealing these days. In fact, KABC in Los Angeles recently ran a story about just this! Even ConsumerReports is in agreement that these days you can save a lot on your vacation by looking into timeshares. These resort facilities offer amenities that just can't be matched by hotels in a comparable price range. More and more people are now recognizing how much they can save with a timeshare property versus booking a week at a standard hotel. These days, when each and every dollar counts, why would you choose to stay at a hotel that is basicallys just a place to rest your head when you can have a timeshare resort vacation that includes amenities The story also gives some good advice on finding the resort that is just right for you. There are numerouse timeshare owner groups with an internet presence where timeshare enthusiasts share their experiences at reosrt destinations worldwide. These grouups often have ratings of various resorts that can be searched by location, price, amenities, etc. This year when planning your vacation, why not consider a timeshare property?

Just what is a timeshare anyway?

Timeshares allow you the chance to own resort or vacation properties without paying for year-round ownership. Ownership of a timeshare may be deeded, leased, or licensed. The idea behind it is that you have the exclusive right to the property for a specific week each year as long as you are an owner. The value of timeshare weeks is determined by numerous factors such as location, size of unit, the brand of resort, amenities included in the property, and the time of year. A purchase at the current rate guarantees that you will get a lifetime premier vacations at today's price. This means incredible savings for you for your vacations! Let Vacations Direct USA help you out!

Vacations Direct USA is ready to sell your timeshare!