Timeshare Fraud - How To Recognize And Avoid It
by: Dana Sanders

Does the ideal of purchasing a timeshare vacation package sound exciting? It should be, at the least, an exciting endeavor. Imagine your first inexpensive trip to the beach, a romantic week away or a much-deserved escape from the hustle and stress of the real world!

Ever think ‘timeshare’ only to have fraud be the next thing on your mind? You are not alone. Yet the simple truth of the matter is timeshares are generally a brilliant, safe and accommodating way to experience many popular vacation hot spots or secluded geographical treasures in the United States or abroad.

While purchasing timeshare options are usually safe, there are some common pitfalls – including less-than-honest dealings by some companies offering timeshares. But there are foolproof ways to avoid being caught unaware while searching for and purchasing the timeshare plan best suited for you and your family.

The first rule is an easy one - go with the larger, well-established companies. Common sense tells us that if they have been around for years it is less likely they would ruin their impeccable reputation with any type of fraudulent behavior. This especially holds true during the initial purchase or resale of a timeshare package.

Another important tool used to avoid timeshare fraud is to be certain you fully understand the contents of your contract. For example, a less than reputable company may make it contractually difficult to sell your timeshare in the event you wanted to do so. Contract literature is at best an art form. And since art comes in various disguises and at times carries a subtle dagger, you should be sure of the contents of your timeshare contract. Again, this is simple common sense as you would carefully consider the contents of any contract before signing on the “dotted line.”

Be particularly wary of European and other overseas destinations if you aren’t familiar with the company offering the timeshare. Be wary also of any timeshare company asking for upfront fees before they will engage in the sell of property. Blacklists are available to inform of companies that have engaged in timeshare fraud. Both ordinary citizens who have banned together and wish to inform others of their fraudulent timeshare experiences and timeshare companies have created these blacklists.

As you consider the potential for timeshare fraud, remember that there will always be reputable timeshare companies out there that will be straight up with the facts. This, of, course includes many overseas companies. In that regard, do your own research. Timesharing is a popular and unique way to vacation. Perhaps if you were to ask around there are co-workers or relatives who have purchased timeshare packages and were pleased with all aspects of a certain timesharing company.

Becoming the victim of timeshare fraud is a frustrating and often expensive mistake. Research and planning – including having an attorney with your best interests at heart – will help you avoid the fraudulent companies. To get started in your research about timeshare fraud, just log on to the Internet and visit locations such as www.tug2.net or www.atimesharesz.com/timesharefraud to do a thorough search.

No matter if you are on the red list or the green, regardless if you are expecting first class accommodations or comfortable down home charm, there will be countless timeshare packages that hold true to another cliché, what you see (in the brochures and the videos) is exactly what you will get. But remember, when it comes to timeshares or any other purchase you are considering, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

© Copyright 2005 by Dana Sanders. All rights reserved.

About The Author
Dana Sanders

Visit www.atimesharesz.com/getaways.htm for featured low-priced vacation getaways at popular destinations across the U.S. Looking for information about timeshares? Looking for information about timeshares? Go to www.atimesharesz.com. A Timeshares Z is a timeshares and vacation, resort and condo rentals and resales directory.

Timeshare article #1

Boat Timeshares - A Unique Vacationing Experience
by: Dana Sanders

If you’ve dreamed of sailing the seven seas, but don’t necessarily have the bank account to buy a luxury vessel, don’t despair. There are ways to make that dream happen without breaking your bank.

Boat timeshares offer a unique vacationing experience for almost any budget. By getting involved in a timeshare, you have the right to use that luxury vessel to make your dreams come true, but you alone are not solely responsible for all the expenses. Timeshares provide an excellent way for someone not willing or able to take on the expense of purchasing a great vacationing boat themselves to still experience the adventure of life on the water.

A variety of companies offer would-be Captain Ahab’s the ability to take to the sea without shelling out a lot of cash. Boat timeshare companies and programs are readily available and accessible across the Internet. Boating timeshare companies are active all over the world with even some finding their homes on America’s Great Lakes.

Basically, a boat timeshare offers a sailor a chance to buy into a piece of a boat for a season. Similar to a yacht club, but without all the expenses of owning your own yacht, these programs lets sailors sail minus the headaches. Some programs allow members to purchase blocks of time over the course of a sailing season to use a boat. Many programs work by giving several “skippers” the same boat during the sailing season. These skippers book multiple sail times, show up, sail, have a blast and return the boat for the next skipper to take over.

While boat timeshares provide everything needed to sail, members still are responsible for making sure the boat is in good condition when it’s returned. Swabbing the deck isn’t out of the question. However, many timeshare programs will even go as far as to include maintenance, fuel and so on in the initial price. This leaves the member responsible for simply safely piloting the vessel, keeping it clean and enjoying their high seas adventure with their family and friends for a fraction of the price of owning a yacht themselves. The insurance, boat licensing and other worries are generally handled by the timeshare company itself.

For those who lack the skills to man their own vessels, many boat timeshares will provide a crew including a captain, instructor, and/or cook at a small additional cost. One company in particular, Trade Winds Cruise Club, offers all-inclusive cabin rentals and is RCI’s (Resorts Condominiums International) only Caribbean yachting affiliate. As an RCI Member, you have the option of exchanging your timeshare week for a cabin space onboard crewed catamaran charters.

So, what is pricing like for these nautical adventures? Not bad considering a luxury boat can cost thousands and thousands of dollars. And even better when you consider buying your own boat doesn’t include fuel, maintenance, licensing and insurance costs and so on! A timeshare that covers an entire boating season can cost upwards of $7,000, a reasonable expense considering the headaches removed by taking part in such a venture.

To learn more about boat timeshares and the unique vacation opportunities they provide, just log on to the Internet and visit locations such as http://www.atimesharesz.com/boattimeshare to do a thorough search. A variety of companies with different programs and options are operating in a bevy of locations around the world.

© Copyright 2004 by Dana Sanders. All rights reserved.

About The Author

Dana Sanders
Looking for information about timeshares? Go to www.atimesharesz.com. A Timeshares Z is a timeshares and vacation, resort and condo rentals and resales directory.

webmaster@atimesharesz.com

Timeshare article #2

Timeshare Presentations: Scams or Opportunities
by: Dana Sanders

Timeshare presentations are tricky animals. They can either be an excellent method of obtaining expensive vacations for nothing more than a couple of hours of your time or they can turn into pricey burdens on your budget. Depending on your approach, timeshare presentations can either work for you or against you - the trick is making it worth your time.

Many travelers find themselves in a budget situation where they have more time than money. Before you plan your next vacation, seek out timeshare presentations in the area. Often, these companies offer hefty incentives for attending their presentations. These incentives can range from free nights at luxury resorts to expensive electronics or gift certificates. Many families choose to attend these presentations to offset the cost of expensive attractions, such as Walt Disney World theme parks or Universal Studios. Quite often, timeshare companies entice attendants into their presentation with free or deeply discounted attraction tickets. Others choose to take long weekends at luxury resorts, often within driving distance of their homes. When choosing timeshare incentives that deal with free or discounted hotels or resorts, think carefully about your proximity to the property. If the gift is four nights at a Caribbean resort in exchange for sitting through a timeshare presentation and you live in New England, the freebie may not be worth your while. However, evaluate your need or want based on your desired vacation spots. If you are planning a vacation to Hawaii, then the presentation that offers a free weekend in a beach-front hotel may prove quite interesting.

Before you embark on your vacation, search out interesting timeshare presentations that offer incentives appropriate to that area and your interests. Many timeshare companies require reservations or only offer presentations certain on certain days of the week. For this reason, you should contact the company and let them know of your interest in their property and the dates you will be in town to attend the presentation. This is an excellent opportunity to find out exactly what the presentation entails, an estimated time of the presentation, and the details of the incentives. The best way for you to escape unscathed with a positive experience of your timeshare presentation is to know what you’re getting before you attend. Be leery of incentives that revolve around sweepstakes or contest entries. The best timeshare presentations to look for are ones that will provide you with something more than a chance to win a price.

Other people choose to use timeshare presentations as a way to view properties they may be interested in purchasing. Usually, the presentation gives you an in-depth tour of the grounds, amenities, and properties available. Many individuals interested in purchasing a timeshare may wish to attend these presentations as an introduction to different types of properties in the area of interest, and the incentives are perks of the deal. The salesmen will be proficient in their job and may weave a convincing tale. Be warned before you sign any paperwork - these timeshare companies often grossly overcharge for their properties. If you are genuinely interested in purchasing a timeshare, take the time to review the secondary market. Often, timeshares can be purchased from a current owner for thousands of dollars less than buying the same timeshare at the presentation.

The most important way to make sure timeshare presentations are an opportunity instead of a scam is to discuss your options before attending a presentation. If your main reason for sitting through the sales pitch is the incentive at the end of the talk, then keep that in mind. The salesmen are often talented individuals who can convince all who sit through their pitches that the best way to vacation is a timeshare. Far too many people feel pressured into a purchasing a timeshare when they have no need nor budget for a timeshare. If you are interested in purchasing a timeshare, remember the consequences of purchasing from a high-pressure salesman. To find more information about timeshare presentations, just log on to the Internet and visit locations such as www.atimesharesz.com/timesharepresentations to do a thorough search. If you conduct the proper research and remember your expectations and budget, you can easily turn a timeshare presentation into an excellent opportunity for budget-friendly vacationing.

Copyright 2005 by Dana Sanders. All rights reserved.

About The Author

Dana Sanders

Visit : www.atimesharesz.com/getaways.htm for featured low-priced vacation getaways at popular destinations across the U.S. Looking for information about timeshares? Go to www.atimesharesz.com. A Timeshares Z is a timeshares and vacation, resort and condo rentals and resales directory.