In our last post, we discussed some of the advantages and disadvantages of traveling to timeshares vs. traveling with RV’s. We discussed amenities, locations, and the differences in accommodations. It really kind of comes down to what style of vacation you prefer, but the biggest issue is the one we’re going to discuss in this post: the issue of cost.
The first thing you need to look at is the purchase price. You can buy a pop-up camper for $4000.00 or a large, top-of-the-line motor home for over a million dollars. It is also possible to purchase a used RV for a reduced price. When we look at timeshares, you can purchase from the developer at a cost of $15,000.00 to $50,000.00 for a week in prime season in a 2 bedroom. Just like in the RV world, you can buy timeshares from the resale market at a fraction of the original cost. We have purchased several timeshares for a week in a one bedroom for a few hundred dollars.
Most timeshares are deeded property that you have forever, while the RV does wear out and must be retired or replaced. Of course, if you purchase an RV you could use it 365 days a year, while your timeshare just gives you a week for each one you own.
Another area to think about is your yearly cost. In the timeshare world, you must pay a yearly maintenance fee which runs from $400.00 to over $1200.00 per week that you own. An RV needs yearly insurance, registration, storage fees, and vehicle maintenance. You must also look at your costs for each trip you take. When you go on a timeshare vacation, you need to get to your destination, and take care of food, either by eating out or cooking in your timeshare. The RV people have the same decisions about food and they must pay nightly campground fees and fuel for their vehicles.
If you search the internet there are numerous cost comparisons between the RV trip and hotel, car, or flying trip. I think you need to work out the kind of vacations you will take every year and do the math. We timeshare 15 to 18 weeks every year and clearly make out better cost-wise than if we went the RV
route, but that could vary for everyone, depending on your lifestyle.
The last area is about lifestyle and vacations. Some folks love the idea of having their RV with all their stuff in it when they travel. They enjoy going to parks and meeting people around campfires and the freedom to come and go when and where they want. Others don’t like the idea of camping, even in a motor home, and enjoy the luxury of their timeshares with plenty of room and all the comforts of home.
What’s important is that you take vacations and enjoy yourself. The issue of RV vs. timeshare needs to be looked at keeping each person’s likes and dislikes in mind. We think you should do the math based on your lifestyle. List the advantages and disadvantages as you see them and then go for it and ENJOY!!!
If you found this helpful, click the Facebook Like button below or Tweet it.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Would love a post on how you do 15 to 18 weeks a year!
Beth-Thanks for the comment. Look for a post on your question in the very near future. I would suggest in the meantime look at our post http://timesharetidbits.com/wyndham-system-using-rci/ that might give you a few ideas.