The topic of this blog post is all about the pros and cons of whether to upgrade your timeshare membership as opposed to selling or cancelling it through dubious “timeshare solution” providers. Before we even go on, I want to categorically state that you cannot “cancel a timeshare” therefore, by default, this article will also be focusing on how to avoid timeshare cancellation scams.
Timeshare as an investment in leisure
Timeshares are long-term investments in leisure and vacation experiences; this makes them great value, but it does also mean that there will be times when they seem less effective in fulfilling the needs and desires of the customer. For example, they may seem to be ill-fitting at outset if people are less than realistic about what they need and what they can get for their money.
Why do people fall into timeshare cancellation scams?
The danger for timeshare owners is usually within your first year as a timeshare member when you are still not sure how trustworthy the timeshare provider is and you have yet to get the hang of the reservation process. It is during this time that you might fall into the trap of a timeshare cancellation scam. The reason for this is that you probably haven’t even considered that you might need to upgrade your timeshare to suit your vacation expectations. You most probably bought the cheapest option which limits your choices and puts you in competition with the majority of the other timeshare members. It then seems to you that you have bought a scam because it is difficult to book the dates and resorts that you really want. You then see an advert by a timeshare cancellation scam and fall prey to a scam.
What happens when you buy the lowest level of membership?
When you buy the lowest level of membership you are usually restricted to booking the most popular unit types; this can mean that you have to book up to two years in advance (which, as you can imagine, is frustrating and can even lead you to think they have been scammed when you first purchase.
What happens when you buy in the middle of the year?
People who buy in the middle of the year are at a disadvantage at first; all the best dates and units will likely have been booked for that year. This can lead to upset and stress when people think that they have been mislead, but those who have higher level memberships are more likely to be able to book last minute. This is where it is handy to upgrade your timeshare.
What happens when you outgrow your membership?
Even the happiest of timeshare owners may find that their membership stops giving them everything they need if their family grows or their desires and expectations change. If you have outgrown the parameters of your membership, you should always consider to upgrade your timeshare membership or accelerating from the back end of the membership.
Upgrade your timeshare – the Benefits
In the three situations mentioned above, you should really upgrade your timeshare. Upgrading can be a real boon to stressed timeshare owners. Upgrading will give greater freedom and flexibility in terms of the units available, the availability of dates, and even the locations in which you can stay. If the provider uses a points based system upgrading may also allow for multiple short breaks, extra perks, or the addition of luxury “bolt-ons”.
Other ways to Maximize your Membership
If you’re unsure about upgrading, or even if you already have taken time to upgrade your timeshare, you could also consider taking vacations on alternating years to maximize your points by banking or borrowing. Joining an exchange network like RCI or Interval International to open up new destinations is another option.
Upgrade your timeshare for successful membership
In many ways you will find that you get more satisfaction and enjoyment from your timeshare when you consider it as a long term investment in your vacations; you’re investing in tomorrow’s vacations at today’s prices! Therefore, when your finances grow you should think about upgrading to make sure that your investment is always going to offer you the very best experiences.
Beware timeshare cancellation scam companies
Anyone offering to cancel your timeshare is a scam. The reason I can be so sure about this is that you cannot cancel a timeshare. If you remain with the recission period, you have a grace period on your contract and you do not need a cancellation company to help you. If you’re not within this cooling-off period there is nothing they can do to help you; do not trust these companies or individuals as they are con-artists.
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