Timeshare advice for a newbie

[PamHB Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close PamHB]

My husband and I are thinking of buying a timeshare -- we had our first pitch on Maui at a Westin resort, and I've been lurking about various sites to gather basic information.

Our main purpose in purchasing a timeshare is for vacationing with our adult children. We are not planners; we rarely plan a vacation more than 2 to 3 months in advance. We like flexibility -- my husband and I enjoy great beach locations, our one child likes to ski, snorkel, hike, and travel to a variety of countries; our other child likes big city vacations in more conventional locations. Sometimes we will be with our children; sometimes we would simply like to give the vacation to one of our children.

I suspect that what would suit us best is a points-based 2 bedroom lockout timeshare, that allows us to choose either hotels or resorts, depending upon the type of vacation we have in mind. I also understand that we can only do this by purchasing a developer such as Marriott or Starwood.

I also assume that we are best to look for a timeshare that is a good price with the optimal amount of points.

Any advice?

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

Buy a week that trades with II where you can get a bonus week or A/C for depositing. II's bonus weeks are not worthless like the RCI ones and can get you some nice weeks within 2 months of occupancy. Points are nice for short stays but tend to be more expensive to buy initially. Another thing to look for is good trade power, reasonable fees and good resort management.