When you buy a timeshare, many operators offer a choice of blocked weeks or the option to join a points system. Most reputable timeshare companies now offer points as they provide greater flexibility and suit the growing needs of the contemporary timeshare buyer.
What is a blocked week?
Blocked week timeshares are the traditional model for fractional ownership. It simply means that the property has been divided into weeks throughout the year and you buy access to your property for a certain number of weeks. These weeks can be fixed, floating or rotating.
Fixed week timeshares are when you buy a specific week, say week 24 and you have guaranteed access to that week. The benefit of fixed weeks is that you don’t have to fight over school vacations or Christmas week if you have bought a timeshare during those times. Floating weeks don’t have specific dates but you can reserve anytime during a general period of time, like a season. Rotating weeks simply jump one week forward or back every year. Rotation is generally more popular for longer periods of fractional ownership, such as when you buy by the month or season.
What is the Points System?
Most timeshare companies are moving to this method as it better serves the growing needs of the modern traveler. Simply put, rather than buying a specific week you buy points that are equivalent to a certain property during a particular period of time (summer vacations, Christmas, off-peak). You then exchange your points according to your requirements. Perhaps one year you stay in a three bedroom timeshare for one week while the next year you use the same number of points to stay for 2 weeks in a one bedroom apartment.
The other advantage of the points system is that you can also change the destination of your timeshare very easily, especially if you buy with a timeshare chain that has resorts in other locations. You can easily tailor your timeshare to suit you and your family.
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