timeshare point system pros and cons
Pros: Why Many Owners Prefer Points
1. Flexibility and Variety
With a pointsbased plan, you are not bound to one property, season, or unit type. Use more points for highdemand locations or luxury size, save points with offpeak stays or smaller units. This flexibility is a massive shift from the old “same week, same place” model—a win for those who tire easily or want to see new places.
2. Shorter or Longer Stays
Take two weekend trips instead of one week, or bank points to upgrade for a multibedroom suite for family gatherings. Savvy owners can optimize use—travel on offpeak dates means more total nights per year.
3. Exchange Networks
Most timeshare point systems give access to vast partner networks (like RCI or Interval International), enabling bookings globally. Exchanges are easier; owners can leverage points to travel well beyond their “home” system.
4. Customization Over Time
Store (bank) points for larger trips or borrow from future years. Flip between locations, unit sizes, and trip lengths as your family or priorities change.
5. Incentives and Perks
Early booking discounts, memberonly inventory, and the option to use points for cruises, car rentals, or experiences (though at a lesser value than accommodations).
Cons: The Discipline Required (and the Pitfalls)
1. Inventory Isn’t Infinite
The flexible pitch assumes you’ll book early or with flexibility. Peak weeks at popular resorts are snapped up quickly—booking windows reward those who plan 9–12 months ahead. If you delay, even a mountain of points can’t open a full resort.
2. Point Inflation
Over time, managers increase the “cost” in points for prime units or weeks. What once bought seven nights may soon buy just four. Owners may need to buy additional points to maintain past usage—classic inflation, but with the lock of annual fees.
3. Fees, Fees, Fees
Annual maintenance dues rise relentlessly, regardless of how many nights you actually use. Exchange company memberships often carry extra costs—$100–200/year is common. Cleaning, booking, or upgrade fees eat into point value.
The burden of these costs is one of the clearest timeshare point system pros and cons—budgeting discipline is nonnegotiable.
4. Complexity
Mastering the system is not intuitive. Owners must track expiration, banking, borrowing, and point windows. Many complaints stem from confusion and lack of proactive management. Unused points are wasted money.
5. Poor Resale and Exit Options
Timeshares—especially pointbased—depreciate fast and have very little resale market. Exiting a contract is complex or costly, making longterm discipline essential.
6. Lack of Transparency
Points for nonaccommodation perks (tours, cruises) often deliver much lower dollar value per point. Booking restrictions, blackout dates, and tiered access are sometimes hidden in the fine print.
Who Wins With Points Systems?
Planners: Those willing to book far in advance maximize value; they read calendars, track market demand, and bank/borrow efficiently. Flexible travelers: Owners open to new destinations or offseason travel stretch their points. Families or retirees with time: The system is best for those willing to fit vacation around availability, not the other way around.
Who Is Likely to Lose?
Lastminute travelers: Popular resorts and times are rarely available on short notice. Casual users: If you skip years or forget to use points, fees keep piling up. Those who can’t stomach annual costs: Fees and inflation are unavoidable; buyin is just the start.
Comparison With Traditional Timeshare
Traditional: Fixed week, property, and unit. Points: Access, flexibility, customization—at the risk of more work and less certain value.
Tips for Mastering Timeshare Points
Start with realistic expectations—points are tools, not magic bullets. Know the point calendar and booking windows by heart. Always calculate cost per night (including fees)—compare with equivalent hotel or shortterm rental rates. Use points for accommodation first; nonaccommodation uses usually provide poor value. Bank or borrow only for specific, highvalue plans.
Alternatives
Peertopeer timeshare rentals for flexibility without ownership. Vacation clubs or travel memberships—fewer commitments, less hassle. Regular hotel or vacation rental schedules for maximum control.
Final Thoughts
A timeshare point system isn’t the enemy—it’s a set of rules to use or be used by. For planners with disciplined routines, it’s possible to get more and better vacations with less stress. But the timeshare point system pros and cons demand honesty: you must monitor, strategize, and accept rising costs. Skip discipline, and the system works for someone else, not you. Rigor, not romance, makes the difference. Use points with intention, and your vacations pay you back—miss the details, and they just cost.