when my family was in mexico, we were introduced to the idea of a vacation timeshare. to anyone that owns one, does it actually work? how easy is it to exchange your weeks or to rent them? My family goes on vacation for at least 5 weeks or more each year and we like staying in nicer hotels. Should we buy a RCI timeshare? Where should we buy a vacation timeshare? THANKS a bunch :]]

Timeshare is definitely for people with NO FINANCIAL problems and when doing it for the RIGHT reasons and under the RIGHT CIRCUMSTANCES it can be a GOOD THING.

BIG "NO,NOS" IN TIMESHARE:

*If you normally spend less than $100 USD a night for accommodations then timeshare is NOT FOR YOU
*It is not a financial investment
*Don´t buy if you plan to rent it
*Don´t buy if you plan on reselling
*Don´t buy if you plan on exchanging often
*Make sure you can afford to travel at least one week a year
*NEVER BUY FROM THE DEVELOPER

THE RIGHT CIRCUMSTANCES:

*This system makes vacation home ownership possible for many people who cannot afford a second home or who otherwise would not be able to enjoy such resort facilities. Timeshare is an investment in lifestyle, in future holidays, in family time together, and when viewed that way it can be a good investment indeed.
*Get it in an area the you LOVE and that you would visit every year without a problem
*Get it in a very nice Resort (where normally people would pay at least $200 a night)
*Get it in the resale market (it would cost you less than $1000 USD) so all what you have to spend is the maintenance fee.

HERE ARE THE NUMBERS:

$200 USD a night (in a decent resort) x 6 nights = $1200 USD

Maintenance fee in a NICE RESORT x 6 nights = $700
*Maintenance in a "decent resort" x 6 nights = $400