A month in Europe - realistic?

[jhw4847bw]

I am new to all of this and perhaps have some unrealistic goals so give me a reality check. We love Portugal and want to spend at least a month there every year. We are not interested in buying there yet. We bought 7,200 HGV points from developer because it looked like that many points could be traded for a month in either Portugal or Italy.

Now after doing some research it looks to me like one could never find four contiguous weeks at any HGV / RCI property in Portugal or Italy. So, the dream of spending a month there in exchange for 7,200 HGV points is a theory but not ever likely to happen.

So, if I want to spend a month in Portugal (maybe even three months) looks like AirBnB or specialist in rental is the way to go.

HELP!! Obrigado!!

 

[DannyTS]

even if you were able to book a 4 week contiguous vacation, you would still not have enough points and neither properties has studios. Here is the points chart for Vilamoura

 

[1Kflyerguy]

Unfortunately, I believe your assessment is correct. You will need far more than 7200 points to book a month in Europe, or probably anywhere. You may be able stretch the points a bit further with a studio if one exists, or with RCI. But i would not buy into HGVC just to try and book studios or RCI. AirBnB or similar is more flexible and probably better from a cash flow perspective.

 

[Passepartout]

You might be able to start- or finish your time in Portugal with your points, but then use AirBnB or a rental apartment to stretch out your stay. Lots & Lots of Brits use Portugal (and Southern Spain) to escape the dreary English Winters. There is an active rental 'industry' catering to snowbirds.

Jim

 

[alwysonvac]

Just another reason why you should rescind.

The sales folks will tell you what you want to hear.
Give yourself time to learn the PROs and CONs (FACT vs FICTION) to determine what’s best for you and your family

 

[Ianneyan]

If you had enough points, which unfortunately you do not at this time, you might be able to “walk” the reservation. I currently have 12 nights booked in Italy for next June... have been walking the reservation daily since my initial 3 day res.

 

[Passepartout]

I am new to all of this and perhaps have some unrealistic goals so give me a reality check.

If you are new enough, you might consider rescinding this purchase and putting your funds into something you REALLY want to use.

Good Luck!

Jim

 

[hurnik]

even if you were able to book a 4 week contiguous vacation, you would still not have enough points and neither properties has studios. Here is the points chart for Vilamoura
View attachment 8271

Theoretically it's doable, IMO.
Silver week, 1 BR is 3400 points. With points saving, and points borrowing, you could theoretically have 7,200 x 3 = 21,600 points, which should be more than enough, even in platinum season.

However, the points aren't the issue, IMO. It's the 4 contiguous weeks.

 

[vacationhopeful]

I travelled for 3 weeks in France years ago. Wonderful food, clean accomodations, car service free and friendly hosts.

The CATCH .... I had hosted their teenager daughters in my NJ home for 3 weeks each a few summer months earlier.

This was NOT a prearranged swap arrangement ... not a tic-for-tac. I could NOT travel (and still can't easily today either) during the summer work time. And the girls got to hang out with me at work.

I had rules:
1) You can not speak or understand English when other people are around at work sites.
2) We leave the house around 6:30AM M-F for the next 9 hours.
3) You will visit Home Depot and the plumbing supply house every few hours.
4) Your lunch will be American Fast Food .. which you eat with your fingers. And is not really good.
5) Real American courts are NOT like TV courts .. NO CHEERING as you will be talking to the Judge (yes, that happened!).

 

[DannyTS]

Theoretically it's doable, IMO.
Silver week, 1 BR is 3400 points. With points saving, and points borrowing, you could theoretically have 7,200 x 3 = 21,600 points, which should be more than enough, even in platinum season.

However, the points aren't the issue, IMO. It's the 4 contiguous weeks.

i re-read the OP, he said 4 weeks every year

 

[jehb2]

We did 35 days in Europe 3 years ago. 10 days in HGVC in Italy, a week RCI exchange in Scotland. An airbnb in Rome. And the rest in hotels mostly with points and anniversary nights. We only paid for 3 hotel nights in Amsterdam. (well also the airbnb but that gorgeous 2 bdrm apartment was a great deal.

 

[hurnik]

i re-read the OP, he said 4 weeks every year

Oh, in that case, I'd think it's doable, providing you get up at the buttcrack of midnight and try to get something at 9 months out.

 

[silentg]

There is always a way to stay a month. Have you recinded your purchase?
If so take a look at timeshares in places you want to stay.Are you looking to stay in one place for the whole month or different places around Europe?
Good luck and let us know when you decide.
Silentg

 

[pedro47]

The best way to travel in Europe is by train. Their rail system is mush better than our rail system.

Plus, it is cheaper, faster and their train system connect to most cities through out Europe.