I'm sure many of you have gotten a familiar phone call during the dinner hour offering the once in a life-time opportunity to help plan your next trip, and at the same time discover the value of “vacation ownership”. These people are a little evasive...not really telling you exactly what you may be in for. Most of the time, it seems too good to be true.
Well it is time to for you to use the "generosity" these companies are offering to your advantage. Yes, you may have already guessed it, I'm speaking of the dreaded time share concept. While these telemarketing calls are annoying, if planned carefully - these “vacation ownership” opportunities can help save money and provide a fun experience on your next family trip. Probably the most famous destination for travel that allows this opportunity is Las Vegas. (also know as lost wages)
This past summer my wife and I had the opportunity to travel to Las Vegas for a family birthday, and a romantic get-a-way. I'd like to share my experience in making this “vacation ownership” opportunity a realistic option for your next vacation, allowing you many years of savings ahead. The first obstacle is in meeting the pre-qualifications to attend the presentation. You and your spouse, or (significant other - must be able to both attend the presentation at the same time) - easy enough, and your household income must be over a minimum amount - (never verified). Also, be sure not to book your timeshare vacation with the same resort within a one year time frame, and if they ask - you don't own an RV. One other important fact, the timeshares, don't include airfare! - I recommend using a quality travel search engine (ie - Travelocity, orbitz, etc. ) - We booked thru Allegiant Airlines.
Once these minor pre-qualifications have been met, you are on your way to the true “vacation ownership” experience! With many resorts to choose from, let me recommend two that made our summer vacation pleasurable. The first few nights of our vacation involved the famous “Tahiti Village” timeshare. No, you don't get to meet Alan Thicke, but the perks received are worth enduring their presentation. They offer a few different options for lodging - At all costs, avoid the Casino Royale! I've read bad travel reviews on Yahoo (small, dirty rooms, and you never win any money on the free slot-play - merely a gimmick to get you in the door. I recommend staying at the Sahara Casino, at the far end of the strip - but easily within reach of all other strip resorts, with an in-expensive daily pass on the Deuce Bus. (another blog topic in itself!) Also, be sure to use the $20 bill trick when checking in at the hotel front desk -(conveniently placed in between your driver's license and credit card - for a possible room upgrade! Thanks to my lovely wife, we stayed in a deluxe room and didn't have to pay the daily sales tax fees upon the check-out! The lodging is free with this timeshare package, and we also received comedy passes to the Riviera, buffet tickets, and a wedding renewal voucher at Cupid's wedding chapel.
The last few nights of our vacation involved a stay at the Cancun Resort - a few miles off the strip, but easily within reach - via the resorts free shuttle bus. Note: although not free lodging, the condo-type suite included a Jacuzzi tub, complete kitchen - for those who enjoy cooking a few meals on their own, and a wonderful outdoor pool with waterslides. - ideal for those traveling with kids. All for a discounted rate of approximately $90 per night. We opted for the “romance” package which I strongly recommend for all young couples in love. This included a canal ride outdoors at the Venetian Resort. (My wife still thinks I took her to Italy this summer, no passport required). We then enjoyed a romantic lunch at the Italian restaurant inside, also free. And later enjoyed a free tour of Madamme Touseau's wax museum. Your chance to meet all the in-famous Hollywood celebrities without having to endure the Paparazzi.
Unfortunately, you do have to actually attend the presentations - usually 1-2 hours, in order to enjoy the free perks. Whether a time share rookie, or a seasoned vacation veteran, this minor in-convenience can easily be endured. (a few beers ahead of time will make the sales pitch more glamorous). Once you get past the exciting video presentation, and the balloon filled room, you must sit down with the dreaded salesman for the rest of the presentation. Contrary to popular belief, they will take “no” for an answer. We usually mention that we attended a vacation club experience several years ago, but this is our first time-share tour. Also, try not to cry when they show you a picture of the big family they must support, a favorite tactic of the salesman. Once you have taken the tour of the resort, including the impressive penthouse suite on the top floor, they finally reveal the expensive price involved for purchase. Just say no politely, and mention that you only thought it would cost a few thousand dollars to buy, and you can't afford it today, but possibly in the future. They will grumble at first, but eventually let you leave - with the above fore-mentioned perks in-hand.
Then, its time to get back to the vacation - gambling, drinking, etc. Although airfare isn't included in the timeshare experience, giving up a couple hours time on the first day of your vacation truly is worth the perks received, and costs saved. Next summer, I think we'll try the Hilton Resort timeshare on for size. With many years of vacationing left, and free travel perks to be enjoyed, I still have yet to be convinced of the true value involved in “vacation ownership”.
