Timeshare. What is a timeshare?

A timeshare is a form of vacation property ownership where the owner has the right to a certain allotment of time at a given resort. The amount of time for sale is ultimately up to the resort, but is usually one week per year. Multiple weeks can be purchased to use throughout the year, or consecutively. Also, owners can purchase a week to use biennially (once every two years). All the property owners share the cost of maintaining and running the resort. These costs are called maintenance fees.

Timeshares for sale can be purchased directly from the resort or from existing owners. Timeshares for sale or rent by owner are called timeshare resales. Resales are the exact same properties, but average a 60% savings over resort-sold timeshares. Rentals are also less expensive then purchasing from a resort and there are no maintenance fees or contractual obligations when renting. A timeshare for rent is a good way to find out if the timeshare lifestyle is good for you.

History

Selling timeshares appeared in the 1960s in France and Switzerland. Paul Dourmier was a resort developer in the French Alps. He coined the slogan, "stop renting a room and buy the hotel." The notion that buying a piece of the resort is cheaper than renting a room was innovative and catchy.

Hapimag is a Swiss shared vacation program that was conceptualized around the same time. They started selling "right-to-use" resort property around 1963. Since the establishment of these two businesses, the vacation property ownership industry has evolved immensely.

Timeshare Industry

In the United States alone there are over 1,600 timeshare resorts. About half of all the resorts in the U.S. currently sell timeshares. 4.4 million households own one or more timeshares in America. According to Interval International, one of the two leading worldwide exchange companies, in 2006 there were 5,400 resorts featuring timeshares in nearly 100 countries.

Popular Timeshare Destinations

Florida has more buy timeshares than any other state in the U.S. with over 380. Furthermore, it is the most visited place on the planet. Because it has such major holiday destinations such as Orlando, Miami, Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, St. Augustine, and Key West, it offers a plethora of unique activities and attractions. Both outdoor activities and metropolitan sites freckle the entire state of Florida.

Las Vegas is also a world-renowned destination. Las Vegas draws travelers seeking fun and excitement in an extravagant setting. Obviously, the luxurious amenities and accommodations are of large appeal. Live entertainment and fabulous casinos are very much a part of the cities claim to fame. What a lot of potential visitors overlook is that outside the city are beautiful natural areas like Lake Mead and the Spring Mountains.

Aruba is widely known as one of the friendliest places in the world. The crystal clear waters afford unparalleled water sports, and the sky seems like it is always blue. The reason it is such a popular place for vacationing is that the friendly atmosphere dictates total relaxation and tranquility.

Hawaii consists of eight "main islands" that are simply put, some of the most beautiful places you can find. Hawaii's geographic location makes it an instant favorite for those who want the aura of a remote island or tropical paradise. The unique location has preserved Hawaii's distinct culture and history. The traditional customs and dining are truly exclusive.

Colorado is home to a pristine portion of the Rockies. As a result it is a mecca for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts during the winter. During the warmer months climbing and hiking as well as mountain biking and rafting are common pastimes. The state also boasts beautiful cities like Denver and Aspen where there is great shopping and live entertainment, especially at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, just outside of Denver.

Mexico has an endless array of attractions for travelers with all sorts of agendas. The traditional cuisine is different in each region, as is the history and culture. Mexico is a land where the history is still prevalent throughout the country. Away from the leftover ruins and historic sites there are stunning coastal locales with cerulean seas and sprawling white beaches. Points like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco and Cabo San Lucas contain some of the most plush and aesthetically pleasing resorts worldwide.

British Columbia is the Southwestern-most province in Canada. Well-known for great ski resorts, British Columbia features amazing mountains, perhaps the most famous being Whistler-Blackcomb. Don't be mistaken, however, British Columbia is a good vacation destination all year 'round. When the snow is gone golf, mountain biking and hiking are common activities. At the end of the day you can enjoy quality spas.

Thailand has become very popular, especially its economic center, Bangkok. This city has all the fun and excitement a traveler could want. When seeking a little serenity away from the city, the southern beaches are a breathtaking mix of lush coves and sandy beaches. Boating out to the islands is an experience that shouldn't be missed.

Australia and New Zealand have incredibly diverse landscapes. The island of New Zealand alone is very different from top to bottom. A mix of dry mountainous areas and tropical jungles, New Zealand's natural surroundings are truly uncompromised. The East coast of Australia is an especially popular place. The territories of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria have matchless activities like skydiving over the plains, surfing in the Pacific and sand tobogganing.

For low-cost and stress-free accommodations located in all these areas, and others around the world, check out websites like Sell My Timeshare Now. This site provides safe and reliable information as well as expansive listings of properties across the globe.