And I'll add this: (NOT specific to HGVC)
Welcome
Here's the important facts and my viewpoint:
- Everybody wishes they got something cheaper than they actually did: Buying a car, sale on groceries, housing market, apple stock....you name it.
- What got you to this point is something good: Wanting to spend quality time with family and/or friends in a great place and a high quality room (but much more than a room!)
- Everything you thought was good/great....is still there. Yeah, you paid a little more, but now it's TWICE as important that you learn how to maximize your use and enjoyment. There are people out there that own timeshares AND NEVER USE THEM! That's a crime. Don't be a 'vacation criminal.'
- HGVC is a very high quality organization. Great program, great facilities, lots of opportunities. When people talk about 'lousy rip-off timeshares...' they are seldom talking about Hilton.
As other have posted....Learn to maximize what you own. Learn how to extend and enhance your vacations. Yes, there are many tricks, nuances and 'expert ideas...' but the HGVC-savvy TUGGER's will help you at every step of the way. It's a great place for advice and education.
Start by reading the 'newbie' stuff. Especially anything related to HGVC. You may think you know what you bought.....but that is often not the case. Start from the basics and work your way up. Also, learn about opportunities to exchange your timeshare....both internally and externally. Most critically......start planning ahead. The key to maximizing your vacation dollars is to plan ahead, know your windows of opportunity (for making reservations etc...) and your deadlines to use or manipulate your points.
Owning a timeshare sort of 'forces' you to take the vacations you work for and deserve. It's too easy to bypass a quality vacation otherwise...ask me how I know. Once you've stayed in a fully-stocked, 3-5* timeshare with the amenities and extra space....quality staff and the great satisfaction of knowing what to expect from Hilton..... you'll understand why you bought.
The timeshare cost a pretty penny....we know
But the memories and quality time you'll spend with family/friends--year after year--well, that's priceless.
Cheers.