this is just my experience, ymmv.
my family and i have a timeshare in orlando that we love. we have 1 week down there every year (in an ok season) but we like taking longer, more relaxing vacations but we don't particularly want to own more vacation property. here was our solution (it might work for you):
plan two consecutive 1 week vacations. 1 at your vacation property (timeshare, summer home, apartment, whatever) and one on the way/nearby.
we are lucky enough to have family in georgia so some years we stay with them for the week leading up to or following our week in orlando. some years we take a much longer road trip (instead of flying) and stay at motels and hotels, hitting roadside attractions. one year we wanted to be in orlando for two weeks so we made reservations at a bed and breakfast.
our timeshare is a neat part of our vacation, but mixing it up keeps the monotony away.
anyway, i hope this wasn't totally obvious to everyone because the first year we did it changed our yearly vacation experience.
Many of us rent our extra weeks, or days if you are a points owner like me. Planning can get you your best deals. One way to save $ is reserve 12 nights at one place with only one weekend involved.
We do this a lot, saves money and 12 nights is a long vacation.
