Unlock the Secret to Great Vacations

If you're a frequent traveler, there may be a secret way to save on your accommodations that you haven't yet discovered - buy a timeshare.

You may balk at the idea of paying thousands of dollars up front for a suite you only use once a year - but think of the flip side. If you do travel every year and expect to do so for the next 10 years you know hotel rates will continue to rise, as will the taxes and surcharges that go along with your bill.

If you purchase a timeshare, however, and use it every year, you will save money. Experts estimate that you will start seeing the savings after several years of use. What's more, when you do use your timeshare, you won't be presented with a bill at checkout because you've already paid for it.

Is a Timeshare for Me?

As with any substantial purchase, you should have a clear idea of what you are getting into. You'll need to know whether you want annual or biennial usage, whether you want to buy a suite or points to exchange for a suite or whether you want a fractional ownership. There are many timeshare ownership forums on the web that can help you determine what you want and need. Conversely, if you vacation infrequently, once every four or five years, then maybe timeshare rentals are a better option for you.

Save Money on Your Purchase

First you decide where you'd like to buy and what kind of suite you'd like to have (anywhere from a studio to a four-bedroom lockout). Next, decide if you'd like the flexibility that comes with purchasing a membership in an exchange company like RCI or Interval International. With membership comes the opportunity to exchange your suite for another anywhere in the world. After you've made these decisions, you're ready to buy. But you don't have to run right out into a high-pressure sales presentation. In fact, many hotel-related companies are more interested in the consumer-friendly soft sell. If you really want to save money however, go to a reputable timeshare reseller. Resellers put owners selling timeshare in touch with buyers. You'll pay the depreciated costs, which can be thousands less, instead of the full price - which often includes advertising and marketing costs.

You'll find that having your accommodations set year after year will give you greater freedom to explore the world and a little more money in your pocket to make those exotic trips you're longing to take.