Are Timeshares Worth it? Vacation Ownership Considerations
min Read
Imagine planning your next getaway — maybe a beachfront retreat in Aruba, a tropical escape in Thailand, or a cozy mountain refuge in Colorado. With modern timeshare ownership, you can explore a variety of destinations while enjoying the same level of comfort and amenities you’ve come to appreciate.
The timeshare industry reported $10.6 billion in sales in 2023, demonstrating that more owners than ever are recognizing the flexibility and reliability of ownership. In fact, 51% of timeshare owners now consider their ownership an exceptional value — up from 44% from February to March of 2025.
To understand how timeshare ownership has changed, and why it’s growing in popularity, let’s first examine timeshares and how ownership works in the modern travel landscape.
The Evolution of Vacation Ownership
Traditional vacation ownership began with “fixed” and “floating” weeks. Fixed weeks guaranteed the same accommodation at the same time each year, while floating weeks allowed booking within a designated season. Today, most major brands favor points-based systems that offer you a greater variety of options.
Today’s Points-Based Vacation Ownership
With points-based ownership, you purchase the number of points that align with your vacation goals — more points mean more options for peak seasons, premium locations, or larger accommodations.
- Customized stays: Use points for short getaways or extended trips.
- Flexible timing: Travel anytime, not just on fixed dates.
- Diverse accommodations: Choose accommodations from studios to multi-bedroom villas.
- Global destination options: Access resorts and experiences worldwide.
- Vacation variety: Use points for exclusive owner events, guided tours, safaris, cruises, hotels, and vacation homes.
You can also bank or borrow points across years for added flexibility. Though the real estate is deeded like traditional models, the points system replaces rigid weekly stays with customizable travel, offering dependability with the freedom to vacation on your terms.
Typical Timeshare Cost
According to the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), vacation ownership is an increasingly attractive choice for travel enthusiasts interested in securing future vacations with lasting benefits. As a potential owner, it’s easier for you to make an informed decision when you understand the cost of timeshare ownership.
- Average purchase price: $27,808 per ownership
- Financing trends: 56.1% of timeshare sales are financed
- Average interest rate: 14.5% (including servicing fees)
Beyond the initial purchase, owners also pay annual maintenance fees that cover property upkeep, staffing, and amenities such as pools, golf courses, and spas — ensuring your vacation destinations remain in excellent condition year after year.
Some prospective buyers are initially surprised by the upfront cost, which has led some to question the overall value of timeshare ownership. However, these concerns are addressed in this article on common timeshare misconceptions.
5 Top Benefits of a Timeshare
Timeshare ownership offers a range of benefits for travelers who value consistent, high-quality getaways. Exploring these advantages can help guide you in deciding whether a points-based program fits your personal travel goals and preferences.
Benefit #1: Quality and Consistency
The number one reason travelers are drawn to timeshare ownership is the consistent quality of accommodations. Unlike booking through third-party sites where property standards can vary widely, timeshare resorts strive to maintain a dependable level of quality across their portfolio. This explains why 91% of owners rate their ownership experience as highly positive — they know exactly what to expect from their accommodations. Premium resorts typically offer well-maintained properties with professional management, ensuring everything runs smoothly during your stays.
Benefit #2: Extensive Exchange Opportunities
You can use your ownership to expand your travel horizons through exchange partners. As an owner, you can access hundreds of high-quality vacation resorts across dozens of countries worldwide, often at preferred exchange rates. Many exchange programs extend beyond traditional resort stays, offering options for city properties, cruise vacations, curated culinary experiences, and guided adventure tours. These partnerships effectively transform your simple ownership into a passport to diverse global experiences.
Benefit #3: Spacious “Home Away From Home” Accommodations
Unlike standard hotel rooms, timeshare properties typically offer substantially more space – featuring separate bedrooms, kitchens, living areas, washer/dryers, and multiple bathrooms. This extra room makes multigenerational travel comfortable and economical, allowing families to stay together without sacrificing privacy. In addition, the ability to prepare meals in your own kitchen provides convenient cost savings compared to dining out for every meal during your vacation.
Benefit #4: Premium Resort Amenities Without Added Fees
Timeshare properties often include extensive on-site amenities that enhance your stay at no extra cost — like themed swimming pools, fitness centers, kids’ clubs, and organized family activities. These features add value and convenience, enhancing your vacation experience without the added expense you’d typically incur if booked separately.
Benefit #5: Long-Term Vacation Planning Security
In today’s unpredictable travel market, timeshare ownership provides a hedge against inflation and rising accommodation costs. By securing your vacation accommodations at today’s prices, you’re protected from future rate increases that can dramatically impact vacation budgets. This financial predictability allows for more confident long-term vacation planning, knowing that your primary accommodation expense is already secured regardless of market fluctuations.
Who Should Consider a Timeshare or Vacation Ownership?
Vacation ownership requires a thoughtfulcommitment that works best for certain types of travelers with specific characteristics and preferences.
Financial readiness is essential, with timeshare companies typically looking for buyers with strong credit profiles (average FICO score of 729). Prospective owners should be comfortable with the initial down payment — averaging 17.1% of the contract price — and understand that timeshares are lifestyle purchases rather than appreciating assets.
Ideal candidates prioritize premium accommodations and long-term vacation security, even if it means a higher upfront cost. They value the peace of mind that comes with locking in high-quality stays for future travel, especially as costs continue to rise for others.
Modern points-based systems offer flexibility, but still require advance planning to secure prime locations during desirable seasons. Those with predictable schedules who can plan months ahead benefit the most. Ultimately, successful owners see their purchase as a commitment to regular, fulfilling vacations — and approach it with a clear understanding of the ownership model.
|
Who Should Consider a Timeshare |
Who Should NOT Consider a Timeshare |
|---|---|
|
Frequent travelers who vacation annually |
Infrequent travelers |
|
Those who enjoy spacious accommodations with homelike amenities. |
Those who don’t typically want homelike amenities or resort-style accommodations. |
|
Quality seekers who prefer high-end resorts with consistent quality. |
Budget-conscious travelers who prefer cheaper hotels or rentals. |
|
Planners who can secure their vacation early. |
Spontaneous travelers who prefer making last-minute reservations |
|
Those who value exchange programs to visit different destinations. |
Travelers who prefer unstructured vacation planning without restrictions. |
|
People comfortable with a long-term commitment to vacations, who don’t want the stresses of maintaining a vacation home. |
Those who dislike long-term financial obligations or annual maintenance fees. |
|
Those planning to enjoy their timeshare long-term and are interested in the option of passing it on to future generations. |
People expecting an investment return or easy resale options. |
|
People who like resorts featuring unique programs, dining, and amenities made for vacations. |
People who prefer hotels without added focus on vacation-specific fun. |
Why Timeshare Isn’t for Every Vacationer
While vacation ownership can offer valuable benefits, it isn’t right for everyone. Consider these key challenges before committing:
Upfront Cost
With average prices nearing $28,000, purchasing a timeshare requires a level of capital that could fund multiple traditional vacations. Travelers who vacation infrequently or prefer budget accommodations may not see sufficient value to justify the expense.
Annual Maintenance Fees
Owners pay annual maintenance fees — averaging $1,480 in 2024 — regardless of usage. These fees typically increase over time and can become a burden for infrequent users.
Advance Planning Required
Despite increased flexibility with modern systems, securing preferred destinations during peak seasons requires booking 6 to 12 months ahead. This may be inconvenient for spontaneous travelers or those with unpredictable schedules.
Long-Term Commitment
Ownership involves an ongoing financial and personal commitment that may not align with upcoming major life changes — such as career shifts or evolving family needs — that affect travel ability or vacation preferences.
Resale Challenges
Unlike traditional real estate, timeshares typically don’t appreciate in value and can be challenging to resell. Ownership should be viewed as a lifestyle purchase — and perhaps a legacy to pass on to heirs — as opposed to a financial investment expected to appreciate.
Tips for Deciding if Timeshares Are Worth It for You
The fact is that timeshare ownership isn’t for everyone. But for the right traveler, it can be a wonderful way to experience and enjoy your hard-earned vacation time. To help you decide whether or not to pursue ownership, carefully consider these key factors to determine if this model aligns with your travel style, preferences, and long-term vacation goals.
9 Key Considerations for Potential Timeshare Owners
- Vacation Commitment: Do you consistently make time for vacations? Timeshare owners prioritize vacation time —71% have already made reservations for their next getaway, compared to just 41% of other travelers. One overlooked benefit of ownership is that it essentially compels you to take those rejuvenating breaks you need but sometimes neglect when life gets busy.
- Financial Readiness: Can your budget comfortably handle both the upfront investment and ongoing maintenance fees? Among recent timeshare buyers, the median income is $130,000, reflecting the financial commitment involved. Be honest about whether this purchase fits your overall financial picture without creating stress.
- Travel Style Compatibility: Does the timeshare company offer destinations that match your preferred vacation experiences? Research the specific locations available through the core ownership program (not just exchange options). The best value comes when your ownership directly aligns with your favorite types of vacations — whether that’s coastal getaways, mountain adventures, or vibrant city escapes.
- Accommodation Preferences: Do you value roomier accommodations when traveling? Many timeshare units offer more space than standard hotel rooms, with 60% being 2-bedroom units, 22% offering 1-bedroom units, and another 10% offering three or more bedrooms. This extra space transforms the vacation experience, especially for families or groups who appreciate individual privacy and like-home amenities.
- Planning Personality: Are you comfortable booking vacations months in advance? Securing prime locations during popular seasons typically requires planning up to 12 months ahead. While this level of foresight appeals to some, it may prove challenging for those who prefer more spur-of-the-moment travel.
- Long-Term Vision: Can you see yourself enjoying similar vacation experiences for years to come? Timeshare ownership is about playing the long game—60% of owners strongly agree that “nothing is going to stop them from taking a vacation,” which is 54% higher than travelers overall. This commitment to prioritizing vacations year after year is essential for maximizing ownership value.
- Exchange Program Interest: Would you enjoy exploring different destinations through exchange programs? While you may have a few favorite resorts that typically serve as your primary destinations, exchange networks can substantially expand your options — but only if you’re willing to understand how these systems work and plan accordingly.
- Alternative Vacation Options: Take time to compare timeshare ownership with other strategies like hotel loyalty programs or vacation rentals. Look beyond price and consider space, amenities, consistency, and long-term value. Hotels may offer loyalty perks and rental platforms provide variety, but they often lack the reliable quality and cost protection of timeshare ownership. A side-by-side comparison can help you determine if vacation ownership truly fits your needs.
- Resale Reality Check: Are you viewing this as a lifestyle purchase rather than a financial investment? It’s important to understand that timeshares deliver lasting vacation experiences rather than serving as financial assets with appreciation potential. The true value is derived from years of quality vacation experiences rather than eventual resale profit.
Are Timeshares Worth It?
The right decision comes down to honest self-assessment. If your travel habits, financial situation, and personal priorities align with the timeshare model, then The Marriott Vacation Clubs™ vacation ownership can provide years of memorable experiences and significant value compared to other vacation options. Learn more about the benefits and details of vacation ownership to discover if this premium travel solution is the right fit for your family’s future vacations.
