The Truth About Time-Shares and Vacation Clubs

Use these tips to decide whether a timeshare or a membership in a vacation club is right for you.

Year-Round Getaways

This article originally appeared on LearnVest.com.

Sandy beaches, warm waves and a cool sea breeze are (relatively) easy to come by during the summer, but they’re the stuff of wind-blistered midwinter fantasies.

If you’d like to own a little bit of paradise to escape to during the worst of winter, you’re a perfect target for timeshare agents.

Timeshares and vacation clubs tout the opportunity to become a part-owner of a resort (often including access to benefits like scuba diving, horseback riding, wine tastings, etc). The ability to return yearly comes with a certain sense of security; your next vacation is always just around the corner.

Despite the security of a guaranteed vacation, timeshares can be expensive propositions with unforeseen restrictions. So, we ask: Does a timeshare or a vacation club membership ever make sense?