Vacation Often, Trade Wisely!

By Lynda Bettcher

My first timeshare scoop is to buy where I want to travel. While trading a week is always an option, a good rule is to buy where YOU want to go in the event that trading doesn't work the way you intended. Of course, for the best chance at a good trade, request your trade 12-18 months in advance of when you wish to travel, if you can plan that far ahead.

Remember that many owners will deposit their weeks one year (and in some cases two years) before the date of travel, depending on the resort's rules; therefore, those who request early will have the best shot. Those requesting a trade several months out will likely find that all the deposited weeks are gone! So, you must be prepared to use the week you buy if that is the only option left open for you.

My second timeshare scoop is to buy resale. As a customer who has purchased four timeshares from Holiday, I know I have saved thousands of dollars. Two of our favorite places are St. Maarten, where I purchased a La Vista property from Holiday, and Aruba, where I purchased two weeks at Caribbean Palm Village from Holiday. Both are floating weeks, which I prefer, and both are every-other-year weeks which give great flexibility.

Therefore, each year we go to one of our favorite destinations, and, by planning in advance, we select the week that best fits our needs and book it. We have had fixed weeks and floating, but prefer the floating schedule with its many options. For example, we have two weeks at Caribbean Palm Village in Aruba. So, we can stay there for two consecutive weeks, or book two units for the same week and bring family or friends with us for seven days of fun!

Either way, assess your vacation needs and plan accordingly. When you own a timeshare, it is practically a guarantee that you will find a reason to travel and create the memories of a lifetime instead of letting the years slip by!

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