Why are timeshare rentals the best kept secret in travel?

Ask the Timeshare Crusader / September, 2011

I am new to the world of timeshare rentals - in fact, I didn't even know I could rent a timeshare until a friend told me about it. Boy, wish I'd known about this when my kids were little! Anyway, why is it that renting a timeshare is the best kept secret in the travel industry?

You raise a great question. I too wish that the idea of renting a timeshare was more well known by the traveling public. Not only is the concept a win-win for the traveler, but it is also a win-win for the owners who are able to make money off of their unused weeks.

A short while ago I conducted an informal survey of 25 friends and coworkers and asked if they had ever considered renting a timeshare for vacation instead of booking a hotel room. I received the same two responses from most everyone: (1) "I didn't know you could rent timeshares", and (2) "No, I don't want to deal with the sales pitch."

This seems to clearly indicate some basic issues that timeshare is having. But, the good news is that both of those answers are easily overcome; it just takes getting the word out.

If you've rented a timeshare on vacation, tell people about it! Sure, everyone knows that you can book a hotel room, but obviously people don't know you can rent a timeshare, save money, and get more in terms of amenities, space, and luxury.

If you have a timeshare for rent, talk about it: to the grocery clerk, to the mailman, to the parents at your kids' soccer practice, anyone with an interest in traveling. Everyone likes to talk about vacation plans, so if you have a timeshare in a place where someone is going on vacation, don't be shy! Also make use of the online resources available to you, like RedWeek.com.

As for the dreaded high-pressure sales presentation, I certainly hope all timeshare owners know that they do NOT have to attend a sales presentation: the same thing goes for anyone renting a timeshare. Timeshare sales presentations are NOT mandatory, unless your stay is part of a promotion you've signed up for.

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