Are All-Inclusive Timeshares Worth It? The Experts Say No!

Are all-inclusive timeshares worth it? This question is becoming more common as resorts ramp up their sales tactics. They entice couples with promises of luxurious vacations at a fraction of the cost. However, as someone who has seen clients fall prey to these sneaky techniques, it’s important to understand the real cost behind the allure.

Many travelers end up regretting their decision, finding that the hidden fees and restrictive contracts far outweigh the initial benefits. In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of all-inclusive timeshares. Plus, it’s crucial to gather all the information before making such a commitment.

Are All-Inclusive Time Shares Worth It?

My answer will always be, NO! Ok, so you’re lounging on the beach, sipping your favorite drink, and wishing you could live at this all-inclusive resort forever. We totally get it. An all-inclusive resort in a foreign country can feel like heaven, but should you buy into the vacation club or timeshare they’re offering? A growing annoyance for our clients has been the relentless attempts to get them to attend timeshare presentations. Many of these cautions apply to the onsite re-booking programs as well.

But the problem is that these resorts rarely, if ever, tell you the whole story. Oh and by the way, don’t fall for their clever word choices! They NEVER use the term timeshare. When you say, “I’m not interested in a timeshare,” they respond with, “Oh, this isn’t a timeshare.”It’s always a Vacation Club, Discount Program, or Fractional Ownership. Regardless, they are one in the same.

What Exactly Is a Timeshare?

A timeshare, sometimes called a vacation club, is a legal arrangement where owners have the right to use the property as a vacation home. While there are many factors to weigh, we recommend saying “No” to this option.

For starters, you’ll be signing a contract in a foreign country without a lawyer to look it over for you. They may not even write it in English. While the salespeople will be happy to “explain” it to you, they aren’t obligated to be honest or forthcoming with their explanations, unlike in the United States. And about those salespeople … They’ll offer you a VIP breakfast or extra resort perks like a free massage in exchange for a “one-hour” meeting. Once in the meeting, get ready for a high-pressure sales pitch that can last for hours. As we said, just say no!

Are All-Inclusive Timeshares a Deal or a Scam?

Just like at a casino, the house always wins in the timeshare game. Expect closing costs, and that’s just the start. Monthly fees, cleaning fees, maintenance fees—the list goes on. You might start thinking you’re naming a French poodle with all the fees: Come here, Fifi! According to the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), the average cost to purchase one week per year at a resort is $24,140.

Getting out of a timeshare can be very difficult. They will charge you cancellation fees and other charges at best. Otherwise, you may need to hire a lawyer and go to court to get out of your contract. According to a study published by the University of Central Florida, 85% of people who purchase a timeshare regret it.

Resort Travel Clubs: Timeshares in Sheep’s Clothing

I’d love to wrap you in a bubble and protect you from these tactics. Any travel agent will say the same. But here are a few things to keep in mind before you attend one.

1. Attendance Is Not Required They offer all sorts of incentives—perks or free excursions—to lure you in. Decide if spending 3-5 hours of your vacation time is worth it. Keep in mind that the “perks” change if you don’t sign up.
2. Don’t Succumb to Pressure If you do attend, don’t be pressured into signing on the dotted line to get a special offer. Once you return from the euphoric vacation bubble, you can almost always negotiate a better deal on the resale market if you decide it’s something you want.
3. Hidden Costs They rarely mention that you’ll be required to pay $120-200 per person, per night when you check in to cover the all-inclusive amenities. This is on top of what you are already paying for the reserved resort time and the upfront cost.
4. Flexibility Over Long-Term Commitment When we create vacation itineraries for our clients, we spend a lot of time choosing just the right destination and resort for this trip. But who knows what your needs will be over the next ten years? Do you really want to be locked into one experience at the same place to justify the investment?
5. Misleading Comparisons The prices they show you to use for comparison (and make you think you paid too much) are called rack rates and are rarely used. These resorts regularly offer 40-60% off with no strings attached.
6. No One to Help Once you work with a resort directly, there is no one to help advocate for you. If you want to make changes, there is no one to turn to.
7. Undermining Tactics Resorts often undermine travel agents to sell you a timeshare, frequently using alcohol as part of the process. Their tactics are strong and persistent. The information they provide is often incorrect and, quite frankly, untrue.
8. Lack of Legal Protection The U.S. Federal Trade Commission states that if you sign a contract outside of the United States for a timeshare or vacation plan in another country, U.S. contract laws do not protect you.

Being aware of these tactics can save you from making a decision you might regret later. Stay informed and keep your options open for a truly enjoyable vacation experience.

Top Offenders: Resorts and Countries with Aggressive Timeshare Tactics

Certain resorts and destinations are notorious for aggressive timeshare sales tactics. Knowing which places to be cautious of can help you avoid high-pressure situations and make more informed decisions about your vacation plans.

Mexico

Popular destinations in Mexico like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Cabo San Lucas are notorious for aggressive timeshare sales. Resorts in these areas often use enticing incentives like free excursions or spa treatments to lure you into lengthy sales presentations.

Dominican Republic

Resorts in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, persistently pitch timeshares. Salespeople may approach you multiple times during your stay, offering various perks to attend their presentations.

Florida, USA

Florida, especially Orlando, is a hotspot for timeshare presentations. With numerous resorts near popular attractions like Disney World and Universal Studios, sales teams often target tourists with promises of discounted tickets or VIP experiences. Hello Disney Vacation Club People, I’m talking to you!

Bahamas, Aruba, and the Canary Islands (Spain)

The Bahamas, Aruba, and the Canary Islands, with their stunning beaches and luxury resorts, can also be breeding grounds for timeshare sales. Resorts may offer complimentary dinners or activities in exchange for attending a presentation, but these meetings can quickly turn into high-pressure situations.

Las Vegas, USA

Las Vegas is another major player in the timeshare game. With a constant influx of tourists, resorts in Vegas frequently employ aggressive sales tactics, often using free show tickets or dining vouchers as bait. Value your vacation time and spend it enjoying the city instead of sitting through a sales pitch.

What Should You Do Instead?

Just say no. Tell them, “I am not interested in any way or fashion.” If they persist, respond with, “I paid for my vacation and took time to come here, not to hear a sales pitch.” Then, if they continue, assert, “I did not pay for my vacation and take time to come here to hear a sales pitch.” If that doesn’t work, glare at them and say ‘go away.’ And, if that doesn’t work, glare extra hard and tell them you are going to put a curse on their family. 

I’m kidding. What should you do instead? Call your local travel advisor. Instead of just one chain of resorts, we can open the world and create a unique vacation itinerary just for you, each and every time. Schedule a complimentary consultation!