Simplifying Timeshare: Vacation Ownership-The Complete How To

This book comes from personal experience, both as a long time timeshare owner and two years of selling vacation ownership. What prompted this book?  Well, for too many years I have listened to too many people whom, for whatever reasons have a negative impression about the timeshare or vacation ownership industry.  As an owner I inevitably found myself asking them why. The reasons varied from “they do not work” to “we cannot afford it.”  For those folks this book will open your eyes, especially chapter 4. The second reason was for all those owners who honestly do not have a clue as to what they own.

Why did I choose to title this book “Simplifying Timeshare.”  For those of you who do not own timeshare, this book is designed to give you the straight goods on the industry. You see the first thing you must do is to better familiarize yourself with the truth about the industry rather than the negatives. Have you noticed that you always hear the bad things about someone, some place or somewhere, but you hardly ever hear the truth or anything positive.  Since most people hear only what they want to hear, let us focus on hearing the truth for a change. Remember, knowledge is power.

For those of you who do own, this book will tell you more than you most likely wanted to know about timesharing. It will tell you when and where it started, what is in store for the future, who the players are and much more. The book also focuses on how to make the most of what you own. 

Now, just kick back, relax, put on your favorite music and let me take you through the somewhat confusing world of timeshare or vacation ownership. Throughout the book you will find questionnaires and little quizzes to help you understand your own vacationing habits. In addition, I also recant some personal travel experiences that you may find entertaining.  After you have completed the last chapter, I hope you will realize what benefits are available so you can make either an informed choice or better enjoy what you already have.

Should you be traveling to any one of the over ninety countries where timeshare is located throughout the world, here is a suggestion: If you are on an airplane tell the flight attendants not to bother you. Well, maybe except for another drink or the meal.  Find a great music channel, put your seat in the full back lounge position and have a read and a chuckle.  If you traveling by train or bus, put on some headphones, adjust your seat, relax and try your best to read undisturbed.

The first story I wish to relate is how I personally got involved with timesharing. For those of you who have been through this experience, you are welcome to have a laugh at my expense.

My timeshare journey started back in 1981, when I received a letter informing me I had won a “FREE” weekend stay.  All I had to do was call the number shown to claim my prize.  Well, at the time I was in the middle of a somewhat strained divorce and working in a rather intense job as an air traffic controller, so I called the number.  I was informed that my “FREE” weekend was in Fairmont Hot Springs, Canada.  The only condition of the trip was I would have to attend a short, ninety-minute, presentation at some point during the weekend. I agreed on two conditions. First, they would pay for two rounds of golf for a guest and me for each of the three days, and second, that I stayed in a suite facing the golf course.  Arrangements were made, and a couple of weeks later, my friend and I drove to spend the weekend in a place I would never have otherwise chosen to visit.