In a recent press release, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) asked this question: “Tired of Eating Pizza on a Hotel Bed?” with this answer: “Rent a Timeshare for a Better Vacation.” Timeshare rental vacations can be a dream come true for budget-minded families, retirees, and even honeymooners just starting out.
Instead of a cramped hotel room, with one or two beds scrunched together, where you perch to eat your almost cold pizza, you could be spending your vacation in spacious accommodations that include separate bedrooms, a living room, a dining area WITH a dining room table and chairs, and a fully-equipped kitchen. And all of this for often up to 50% less than the hotel room would be. On top of all of that, your timeshare rental will be attached to a resort where the resort’s amenities – which often include swimming pools, hot tubs, waterpark features, tennis, arcade game rooms, and numerous other activities – are included in your one low rental price.
The ARDA press release stated that according to PriceWaterhouseCoopers research on the state of the timeshare industry in 2009, nearly half of timeshare purchasers rented first. And, among the six million-plus timeshare owners, they still enjoy an 85 percent satisfaction rate. “Timeshare owners place value on having the space to truly rejuvenate – a benefit that comes with a timeshare vacation,” said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president. “And, because of the pre-paid nature of the product, timeshare owners continue to travel despite historic lows in traditional hotel occupancy. For 2009, the timeshare industry reported an occupancy rating of nearly 80 percent.”
If you’ve been considering the purchase of a timeshare, renting first is the way to experience what every timeshare owner experiences, without the financial commitment. You can rent a timeshare in a specific resort that you’re interested in, at a specific destination, or even to try out different types of timeshare villas. You’ll know then if timeshare ownership is for you, or perhaps you’ll discover that the freedom of budget timeshare rental is the way for you to go.
Brian Rogers, president of the forum site, Timeshare Users Group, stated, “We frequently encourage travelers to explore this vacation experience because renting provides the perfect “try before you buy” solution.”
ARDA points out that there are many ways for vacationers to ensure the right timeshare rental to meet their travel needs. Rentals can be found at aggregated sites, and in the press release ARDA recommended RedWeek.com as one such site. RedWeek is the largest on-line marketplace where timeshare owners list their timeshares for rent, and where consumers looking for bargain vacation accommodations can find great deals.