Are you one of the estimated 12 million Americans that owns vacation timeshares and rentals? If so, then there's a good chance that you won't always be able to use it, and that fact probably bothers you.
How does this happen? Well, life can be unpredictable and things come up. Or you might simply be running low on cash for a vacation. Even when you have the accommodations paid for, all the extra expenses it takes to go on vacation such as airfare and food can add up quickly.
When you're unable to use your timeshare when you had wanted to, what can you do with your timeshare week? You could of course do nothing; but this means you'll just lose out and waste your investment. However, since you paid for that timeshare, there's no reason you shouldn't get what you can for it. Here are a few tips to help your turn your vacation timeshares and rentals into a virtual ATM rather than an ongoing expense.
A popular option is to rent your timeshare to someone else. You can cover your expenses or maybe even make a little bit of extra money as well - but how do you go a bout doing this? If you own vacation timeshares and rentals, you probably don't spend a lot of time in the area; once a year at most. You don't know the area all that well and don't know where to start. Don't worry too much. It's actually simpler than you might think to rent your timeshare.
For starters, the first thing you must figure out is how much to rent your timeshare for. You don't want to undervalue your week, but you don't want to price yourself out of the market either. One of the easiest ways to figure out what your week is worth is to call the resort. Make them believe that you're someone who wants to rent one of their available timeshares and see what price they give you.
In addition, your timeshare resort or timeshare company might have a timeshare rental program for your convenience. They want people in the hotel as often as possible because they can generate more revenue from food, drinks, activities, and other things. Therefore, they probably have some type of system in place for this. Just make sure they treat you fair if you decide to join their program. You don't want them to rent your room out for a lot less than you could get it.
Here's a word to the wise...if you do decide to do it yourself, you may find that you'll have to take a little less than the resort would be able to rent your timeshare for. The resort has resources you do not - a large advertising budget and access to potential renters all over the globe. Your budget is a little smaller, so you might have to take what you can get.
Once you get someone that wants to rent your timeshare, you have to make sure everything is straight on the paperwork end. You need to get a good renter's agreement that spells out everything in writing. You want every possible scenario in writing. Sometimes it's the only recourse you have against a bad renter.
When it comes to the question of payment, PayPal, the online payment system owned by eBay, is a very good choice. This provides a measure of security for both buyer and seller because PayPal takes care of receipts, proof of purchase documents and so on, which streamlines the process.
One last piece of advice: you should always get your money in advance. Sounds obvious, but it's an essential step to protect yourself. This shouldn't be a problem with most renters, but if a potential renter has an issue with this, you should probably look for a different renter. By following these tips, you'll find it much easier to turn your vacation timeshares and rentals into a nice stream of income!
Westgate Vacation Villas, a Global Resorts Network Member's Property Review
My reservation was from Sunday to Sunday and was booked online directly through the product vendor for Global Resorts Network. It took about 2 minutes to finish securing and paying for the trip. Although a member can book a hot week often as far out as 45 days, this was a last minute vacation idea for my family. What a fun way to finish up the summer before my daughter started back to school. I discovered the availability on a Tuesday afternoon for check in the following Sunday. (I love being flexible so I can grab these deals!)
We arrived late Sunday afternoon. After clearing security at the front gate, we were pointed to the reservation and guest amenity center. We were greeted at the door by staff who showed us where to the check in. It took about 10 minutes to secure our room, get our keys and get to our condo. I was stunned to see how large this vacation complex was. It's a small city!
Following check in, we headed to the local grocery store to stock up for the week.
Our 2 bedroom/3 bath condo was bright and clean with large white tile floors throughout except for the bedrooms and a nice throw rug in the living room (makes good sense in light of the rainy Florida weather and several pools on site). The condo featured a full kitchen and a breakfast bar stocked with dishes, cookware, large and small appliances, just everything you'd need to prepare meals. We enjoyed a washer and dryer and lots of storage closets.
The two bedrooms were separated from each other for maximum privacy and each had their own full baths and double sinks. One room featured two double beds and the other featured a queen with access to the patio. Both had plenty of closet, cabinet and drawer space, night stands, plenty of lighting and TVs. A third guest bath was located off the main living area and featured a tile shower.
The living area was very nice and comfortable, lacking nothing. A beautiful tan leather couch and matching oversized chair were nice to relax on. Just like home, we had end tables, a matching coffee table, large entertainment center and sliding doors to the back patio, beautifully tiled in a Florida burnt orange color. A table and chairs as well as a lounge chair called for outdoor living and being fully screened in overlooking the lake, it was hard to resist. If the weather was too hot, inside we had a beautiful dining area that seated 6 comfortably for meals.
The resort amenities include:
14 swimming pools, children's pools and Jacuzzis
Game Room with high tech video games and air hockey
100 Seat Theater for movies at 3, 5 and 7 pm (changing every day)
Multiple:
Shuffleboard courts
Sand Volleyball counts
Tennis courts
Basketball courts
Horseshoe pits
Also available is an Activity Center
Kids Club
Bike rental
Paddle Boating
Miniature Golf Course
Also on site:
Joe's Marketplace and Deli located at the club house and is open daily. Offers a wide variety of groceries, sandwiches, sundried and one of a kind souvenirs.
Pizza Hut Express for delivery to your condo or poolside.
Joe's Pool Bar for a variety of specialty drinks for enjoyment at the pool.
Photo shop for 1 hour developing
Resort Train to transport guests around the property
The resort offers daily and weekly rates for internet access. We did run into issues with being able to use the internet services. We had to run next door to the Ramada and use their lobby for checking emails as the internet service was not operational during our stay. It was very annoying, but overall, our stay was relaxing and enjoyable. If having access to internet is important, double check with the staff at the resort before you confirm your reservation.
On a final note, the Westgate Vacation Villas would not be a place you would come if you are seeking a quiet romantic private get-away. You won't find that here. There's a lot of action and a lot of families enjoying the amenities and their vacation at Westgate. I loved the family atmosphere and seeing everyone have fun. We were never bothered during our stay and the staff was always friendly and helpful.
The location of the Westgate Vacation Villas are perfect in relation to any of the Orlando/ Kissimmee theme parks, including any Walt Disney Park, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, and the list goes on. The main gate to Disney World is just one mile away. Also within a few minutes' drive are all the conveniences of home such as major chain grocery stores, the library, 3 Wal-Marts, places like that.
The Global Resorts Network travel club membership allows members to reserve 7 night, 8 day vacations in over 5,000 locations worldwide for as low as $298 and never more than $799, most cap out at $698. Reservations are made right online with a full customer service department to assist if need be. Convenient, easy, fast and over the top customer service make this travel club membership something to write home about. A member will quickly discover that after using the membership just once or twice, they have recouped their investment and now can use it for a lifetime.
We arrived late Sunday afternoon. After clearing security at the front gate, we were pointed to the reservation and guest amenity center. We were greeted at the door by staff who showed us where to the check in. It took about 10 minutes to secure our room, get our keys and get to our condo. I was stunned to see how large this vacation complex was. It's a small city!
Following check in, we headed to the local grocery store to stock up for the week.
Our 2 bedroom/3 bath condo was bright and clean with large white tile floors throughout except for the bedrooms and a nice throw rug in the living room (makes good sense in light of the rainy Florida weather and several pools on site). The condo featured a full kitchen and a breakfast bar stocked with dishes, cookware, large and small appliances, just everything you'd need to prepare meals. We enjoyed a washer and dryer and lots of storage closets.
The two bedrooms were separated from each other for maximum privacy and each had their own full baths and double sinks. One room featured two double beds and the other featured a queen with access to the patio. Both had plenty of closet, cabinet and drawer space, night stands, plenty of lighting and TVs. A third guest bath was located off the main living area and featured a tile shower.
The living area was very nice and comfortable, lacking nothing. A beautiful tan leather couch and matching oversized chair were nice to relax on. Just like home, we had end tables, a matching coffee table, large entertainment center and sliding doors to the back patio, beautifully tiled in a Florida burnt orange color. A table and chairs as well as a lounge chair called for outdoor living and being fully screened in overlooking the lake, it was hard to resist. If the weather was too hot, inside we had a beautiful dining area that seated 6 comfortably for meals.
The resort amenities include:
14 swimming pools, children's pools and Jacuzzis
Game Room with high tech video games and air hockey
100 Seat Theater for movies at 3, 5 and 7 pm (changing every day)
Multiple:
Shuffleboard courts
Sand Volleyball counts
Tennis courts
Basketball courts
Horseshoe pits
Also available is an Activity Center
Kids Club
Bike rental
Paddle Boating
Miniature Golf Course
Also on site:
Joe's Marketplace and Deli located at the club house and is open daily. Offers a wide variety of groceries, sandwiches, sundried and one of a kind souvenirs.
Pizza Hut Express for delivery to your condo or poolside.
Joe's Pool Bar for a variety of specialty drinks for enjoyment at the pool.
Photo shop for 1 hour developing
Resort Train to transport guests around the property
The resort offers daily and weekly rates for internet access. We did run into issues with being able to use the internet services. We had to run next door to the Ramada and use their lobby for checking emails as the internet service was not operational during our stay. It was very annoying, but overall, our stay was relaxing and enjoyable. If having access to internet is important, double check with the staff at the resort before you confirm your reservation.
On a final note, the Westgate Vacation Villas would not be a place you would come if you are seeking a quiet romantic private get-away. You won't find that here. There's a lot of action and a lot of families enjoying the amenities and their vacation at Westgate. I loved the family atmosphere and seeing everyone have fun. We were never bothered during our stay and the staff was always friendly and helpful.
The location of the Westgate Vacation Villas are perfect in relation to any of the Orlando/ Kissimmee theme parks, including any Walt Disney Park, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, and the list goes on. The main gate to Disney World is just one mile away. Also within a few minutes' drive are all the conveniences of home such as major chain grocery stores, the library, 3 Wal-Marts, places like that.
The Global Resorts Network travel club membership allows members to reserve 7 night, 8 day vacations in over 5,000 locations worldwide for as low as $298 and never more than $799, most cap out at $698. Reservations are made right online with a full customer service department to assist if need be. Convenient, easy, fast and over the top customer service make this travel club membership something to write home about. A member will quickly discover that after using the membership just once or twice, they have recouped their investment and now can use it for a lifetime.
Turks and Caicos Vacation Rentals - Secrets to Help You Plan a Villa Vacation of a Lifetime
When traveling to the Turks and Caicos Islands, you will fly into Providenciales International Airport (PLS). If you are going to an out island then you can take a short flight from Provo or a ferry. You will be required to bring a valid passport for entry into Providenciales. You will pass through immigrations and customs as you enter the country. On your return, you will go through customs at the point of entry into your home country.
After you clear customs, you can proceed to the rental car counter at the airport. A rental car is recommended on Provo but not a necessity. There are private drivers as well as taxis. Driving is on the left side of the road and the steering wheels are also on the left. When you are crossing the street make sure that you look to the right, as that is where the traffic is coming from.
Provo is 38 square miles so there is plenty of area to explore. The population is now over 6000. The native language is English and it is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Provo is known for its gorgeous fine, white sand beaches as well as the crystal clear blue water. The beach here has been voted "best beach in all of the tropical islands of the world" by Conde Nast. The Turks and Caicos Islands are also known as a great scuba diving destination. Other recreational activities include 18-hole golf course, casino, 3 marinas, the only conch farm in the world and many excellent restaurants. Also, soon Provo will host the Indy Car Racing Series.
There are resorts and villas in Provo to fit every budget. With a villa rental the rates depend on the number of travelers so even if there are just two guests the rate can be comparable to a hotel. Plus you have the benefit of privacy that you don't have at a large resort. Most of the villas have a private pool, full kitchen, and are oceanfront with breathtaking views.
Consult a reputable agent that will provide personalized service and one that works directly with the owners of the villas. A good agent will match you with the right home or resort at no extra charge to you.
After you clear customs, you can proceed to the rental car counter at the airport. A rental car is recommended on Provo but not a necessity. There are private drivers as well as taxis. Driving is on the left side of the road and the steering wheels are also on the left. When you are crossing the street make sure that you look to the right, as that is where the traffic is coming from.
Provo is 38 square miles so there is plenty of area to explore. The population is now over 6000. The native language is English and it is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Provo is known for its gorgeous fine, white sand beaches as well as the crystal clear blue water. The beach here has been voted "best beach in all of the tropical islands of the world" by Conde Nast. The Turks and Caicos Islands are also known as a great scuba diving destination. Other recreational activities include 18-hole golf course, casino, 3 marinas, the only conch farm in the world and many excellent restaurants. Also, soon Provo will host the Indy Car Racing Series.
There are resorts and villas in Provo to fit every budget. With a villa rental the rates depend on the number of travelers so even if there are just two guests the rate can be comparable to a hotel. Plus you have the benefit of privacy that you don't have at a large resort. Most of the villas have a private pool, full kitchen, and are oceanfront with breathtaking views.
Consult a reputable agent that will provide personalized service and one that works directly with the owners of the villas. A good agent will match you with the right home or resort at no extra charge to you.
Soak Up the Sun With a Hawaiian Vacation Package
A tropical vacation. There's nothing I love more than to get away for a while from all of the stress and hassle of my daily life and just lay on the beach on a tropical island. The sun, the sound of the waves; it just makes all of your worries melt away. There's no better feeling, but it can be very expensive to take a vacation such as this. No matter what your destination, it can get really pricey if you don't bargain shop for the best deal. Me, I always bargain shop, even for a vacation. I always check for the best deals on Hawaiian vacation packages online.
You can enjoy a vacation in Hawaii in many different ways. You could stay at one place the whole time, laying on the beach and enjoying all of the perks and amenities which the resort can offer you, or you could instead take a cruise of the islands, seeing a lot of the sights while only unpacking your suitcase once during the whole trip. The cruise ships have great dining and entertainment too; so you'll be well taken care of between ports. The point here is that you have a lot of options when it comes to Hawaiian vacation packages which can provide you with a vacation you'll never forget.
There are a lot of travel agencies online, many of which are able to give you a great deal on Hawaiian vacation packages. One of these package deals can make these dream getaways quite affordable. Airfare to Hawaii is usually the most expensive part of the deal, but when it's packaged with lodging, car rentals and so on as part of a total Hawaiian vacation package; it all starts to look a lot better.
Personally, I think it's better to decide how you want to spend your time on the Hawaiian islands before you go shopping for a Hawaiian vacation package. This way, you'll have a better idea of what to look for as you shop. Do you want to lie on the beach? Go island hopping? Partake in cultural events? All off this and more are available at a deep discount when you go for a complete Hawaiian vacation package from a travel agency.
You can get a great deal on a great vacation with a Hawaiian vacation package. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy that getaway to a tropical paradise you've been dreaming of. Since there are so many online travel agencies offering competitive deals for this popular destination, you'll have no trouble at all finding the ideal Hawaiian vacation.
You can enjoy a vacation in Hawaii in many different ways. You could stay at one place the whole time, laying on the beach and enjoying all of the perks and amenities which the resort can offer you, or you could instead take a cruise of the islands, seeing a lot of the sights while only unpacking your suitcase once during the whole trip. The cruise ships have great dining and entertainment too; so you'll be well taken care of between ports. The point here is that you have a lot of options when it comes to Hawaiian vacation packages which can provide you with a vacation you'll never forget.
There are a lot of travel agencies online, many of which are able to give you a great deal on Hawaiian vacation packages. One of these package deals can make these dream getaways quite affordable. Airfare to Hawaii is usually the most expensive part of the deal, but when it's packaged with lodging, car rentals and so on as part of a total Hawaiian vacation package; it all starts to look a lot better.
Personally, I think it's better to decide how you want to spend your time on the Hawaiian islands before you go shopping for a Hawaiian vacation package. This way, you'll have a better idea of what to look for as you shop. Do you want to lie on the beach? Go island hopping? Partake in cultural events? All off this and more are available at a deep discount when you go for a complete Hawaiian vacation package from a travel agency.
You can get a great deal on a great vacation with a Hawaiian vacation package. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy that getaway to a tropical paradise you've been dreaming of. Since there are so many online travel agencies offering competitive deals for this popular destination, you'll have no trouble at all finding the ideal Hawaiian vacation.
Vacation Rental Homes - Stay and Play in Style on Your Next Theme Park Vacation
Vacation rental homes have become an incredibly popular alternative to the traditional hotel room when it comes to theme park vacations. Lodging is usually one of the biggest chunks of a vacation budget and most savvy travelers want to make certain that every dollar is spent wisely. Not only are vacation homes clean and conveniently located next to many major attractions, but they are also very affordable.
Most vacation rental homes offer considerably more living space than you will find in the typical hotel room and are a great value for the budget-conscious. These homes are perfect for large families that need a little more room to spread out or perhaps two families who are traveling together and want to stay under one roof. Most rental homes offer several bedrooms and can sleep up to 12 people, which often makes the cost per person far less than that of a hotel.
Renting a vacation home is not like making a hotel reservation and typically requires signing an agreement and making a security deposit with the vacation property owner. The deposit is usually returned a few days after check-out, assuming that nothing in the home was damaged or taken. This agreement is legally binding and provides more detail than the standard form you might find at a hotel. Make certain that you read and understand the terms of your agreement and are fully aware of all fees and deposits that due before signing the rental agreement so you can avoid any surprises later on.
Vacation rental homes are my number one choice in accommodations when taking a theme park vacation. We buy groceries and save additional money by eating meals at our rental home and by preparing and taking snacks to the park. We all have our own bedrooms and can go to bed at our regular and often different bedtimes. I enjoy that "home away from home" freedom that comes with my rental fee and because I shop around, that rental fee is always less than that of a typical hotel stay. And, yes, I can say "always" because I do a lot of research before I ever spend a dime on a rental deposit.
Although there are several online rental home agencies available, my first step in rental home research always begins with EBAY. There are hundreds of rental properties listed on EBAY and I am never disappointed in the amount of results I find. Keep in mind that this option is best suited for theme park vacations to the larger parks, like Walt Disney World, Disneyland and Busch Gardens Europe, since a lot investors purchase rental properties near major tourist attractions.
Of course, your budget is the first thing to consider when narrowing down your search results. Planning ahead and booking your vacation rental home several weeks or even months ahead of time can save you money as well as give you peace of mind. But if you're making last-minute travel plans, don't worry that you may have missed out on early bird savings because you can often take advantage of great deals on last-minute cancellations.
Vacation rental home booking agencies always have customers that, for whatever reason, have to forfeit their deposit and cancel their reservation at the eleventh hour. They obviously don't want to have an empty rental home for a week so they often offer it up for a discounted price so that it will be rented quickly. They win and you definitely win and come away with a great deal on a rental home that fits your style and budget.
Regardless of your budget, make sure that the home you choose is clean before you arrive, is adequately furnished and features everything that you would use at your own home. Remember that reputable rental companies go above and beyond to provide you not only with great details about themselves but also with pictures and details about the homes that they offer. Here are just the very basics of what the home should supply:
1. A fully equipped kitchen with dishes, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator and cooking appliances.
2. A washer and dryer.
3. Central heat and air conditioning and all other utilities.
4. Local phone service with emergency numbers by each phone.
5. Cable TV, DVD/VCR player - some even offer free high-speed internet.
6. An ample supply and assortment of towels and bed linens.
7. Safety and security features like locks on all doors, pool alarm, fire extinguishers, etc.
8. Off-street parking.
9. Directions and phone numbers of area groceries and supercenters, entertainment venues and medical facilities.
Cleaning fees are usually included in your rental fee if your stay is at least 5 days. This makes the departure easier because you don't have to clean around the clutter or fear you're putting things back in the wrong spot. Rental companies can also supply cribs, high chairs and play pens upon request and some are even pet-friendly. Additional deposits may be required for some of these items so be sure and ask first.
Vacation rental homes can provide a welcome and home-like retreat for those of us who spend most of our days enjoying the hustle and bustle of our favorite theme park. From modest to extravagant, selecting a vacation rental that fits your personal style, accommodation needs and budget can be the beginning of a lasting vacation memory.
Most vacation rental homes offer considerably more living space than you will find in the typical hotel room and are a great value for the budget-conscious. These homes are perfect for large families that need a little more room to spread out or perhaps two families who are traveling together and want to stay under one roof. Most rental homes offer several bedrooms and can sleep up to 12 people, which often makes the cost per person far less than that of a hotel.
Renting a vacation home is not like making a hotel reservation and typically requires signing an agreement and making a security deposit with the vacation property owner. The deposit is usually returned a few days after check-out, assuming that nothing in the home was damaged or taken. This agreement is legally binding and provides more detail than the standard form you might find at a hotel. Make certain that you read and understand the terms of your agreement and are fully aware of all fees and deposits that due before signing the rental agreement so you can avoid any surprises later on.
Vacation rental homes are my number one choice in accommodations when taking a theme park vacation. We buy groceries and save additional money by eating meals at our rental home and by preparing and taking snacks to the park. We all have our own bedrooms and can go to bed at our regular and often different bedtimes. I enjoy that "home away from home" freedom that comes with my rental fee and because I shop around, that rental fee is always less than that of a typical hotel stay. And, yes, I can say "always" because I do a lot of research before I ever spend a dime on a rental deposit.
Although there are several online rental home agencies available, my first step in rental home research always begins with EBAY. There are hundreds of rental properties listed on EBAY and I am never disappointed in the amount of results I find. Keep in mind that this option is best suited for theme park vacations to the larger parks, like Walt Disney World, Disneyland and Busch Gardens Europe, since a lot investors purchase rental properties near major tourist attractions.
Of course, your budget is the first thing to consider when narrowing down your search results. Planning ahead and booking your vacation rental home several weeks or even months ahead of time can save you money as well as give you peace of mind. But if you're making last-minute travel plans, don't worry that you may have missed out on early bird savings because you can often take advantage of great deals on last-minute cancellations.
Vacation rental home booking agencies always have customers that, for whatever reason, have to forfeit their deposit and cancel their reservation at the eleventh hour. They obviously don't want to have an empty rental home for a week so they often offer it up for a discounted price so that it will be rented quickly. They win and you definitely win and come away with a great deal on a rental home that fits your style and budget.
Regardless of your budget, make sure that the home you choose is clean before you arrive, is adequately furnished and features everything that you would use at your own home. Remember that reputable rental companies go above and beyond to provide you not only with great details about themselves but also with pictures and details about the homes that they offer. Here are just the very basics of what the home should supply:
1. A fully equipped kitchen with dishes, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator and cooking appliances.
2. A washer and dryer.
3. Central heat and air conditioning and all other utilities.
4. Local phone service with emergency numbers by each phone.
5. Cable TV, DVD/VCR player - some even offer free high-speed internet.
6. An ample supply and assortment of towels and bed linens.
7. Safety and security features like locks on all doors, pool alarm, fire extinguishers, etc.
8. Off-street parking.
9. Directions and phone numbers of area groceries and supercenters, entertainment venues and medical facilities.
Cleaning fees are usually included in your rental fee if your stay is at least 5 days. This makes the departure easier because you don't have to clean around the clutter or fear you're putting things back in the wrong spot. Rental companies can also supply cribs, high chairs and play pens upon request and some are even pet-friendly. Additional deposits may be required for some of these items so be sure and ask first.
Vacation rental homes can provide a welcome and home-like retreat for those of us who spend most of our days enjoying the hustle and bustle of our favorite theme park. From modest to extravagant, selecting a vacation rental that fits your personal style, accommodation needs and budget can be the beginning of a lasting vacation memory.
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