What should I buy?

[Samip]

In addition to the questions below I'd like to add that I'm currently in the process of rescinding HGVC. I am now looking at a few options including HGVC Scotland (purely for points), Wyndham and WorldMark. The two latter ones look promising due to the sheer amount of locations available domestic and a few abroad. I've heard Hilton is looking to expand a lot into international locations and Caribbean. Anyone have details on this? Also, if going with Wyndham or WorldMark is it wise to buy a Hawaii location or can I buy anywhere? Is there a noticeable advantage to doing it that way?

1) Is there a vacation destination you wish to visit mostof the time or on a regular basis? if so where?

Hawaii, Caribbean

2) Do you want to visit your home resort at least half the time, or do you want to trade more than half the time?

Live in IL so not much around me.

3) What are your 5 top trade destinations?

Hawaii, Caribbean, California, International locations (Bali, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand)

4) How many people do you usually travel with?

2-3

5) Can you travel any time, or are you locked into the school schedule?

Any time

6) Can you make firm plans 12 or more mos. in advance?

For the most part

7) Can you vacation for a full week at a time?

Yes

8) What level of accommodations do you prefer on a scale of 1 to 5 stars?

3+

9) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing?

Not an issue

10) How much can you afford to spend every year for a maintenance fee that will come due right after Christmas, and increase each year?

$1200 max

11) Are you a detail oriented planner?

Yes

12) Do you understand that once you buy a timeshare, it may be very difficult to sell or give away, and you are responsible for all fees, until you do?

Yes

 

[Samip]

bump

 

[GT75]

I'm currently in the process of rescinding HGVC.

You probably already have a basic understanding of HGVC system. HGVC does treat their resale owners very well with all of the same benefits except for a very few.

I've heard Hilton is looking to expand a lot into international locations and Caribbean. Anyone have details on this?

.

HGVC is expanding but at a systematic rate to make money. There is "talk" about expanding into the Caribbean but that is all I view it at the moment anyway (IMO). I am glad that they are continuing to expand the number of resorts and also to branch out into new locations such as Hilton Head Island and now Japan. They have also been adding to their urban locations such as Washington, DC and now Savannah but this is part of the Hilton Club.

Your answer to question #6 concerning making plans at 12 months was not definitive either way. This may effect how TUG members respond.

As you probably already know, HGVC has resorts (including affiliates) in all locations which you are interested in except Caribbean. Comparing HGVC, we are probably the weakest on number of locations. But I would say that our strengths are, 1) MFs reasonable, 2) reasonability able to book other resorts within HGVC using club bookings, 3)good quality, 4)resale owners treated well.

 

[Samip]

Your answer to question #6 concerning making plans at 12 months was not definitive either way. This may effect how TUG members respond.

So i can definitely do a one week vacation 12 months in advance. I also do smaller weekend trips that would be a few months in advance only.

Do you have any comments on HGVC vs WorldMark/Wyndham

 

[GT75]

Thanks for clarifying your answer to question #6.

Do you have any comments on HGVC vs WorldMark/Wyndham

I am not the most qualified to answer this question because I am not an owner in the WorldMark/Wyndham (again, hopefully others will add comments.) I can just tell you what I think that I have learned here on TUG.

We worked on a comparison of the various TS (http://tug2.net/timeshare_advice/timeshare-system-comparison-chart.html). I think this is a good place for you to start. HGVC quality level is higher (around 4) compared to Wyndham (around 3). HGVC also has higher MF (maintenance fees) than Wyndham. But Wyndham/Worldmark have way more resort locations than HGVC. I also have read, but don't understand the issues that Wyndham revamped their owner's booking web site about 1 year ago. I think that there are still issues with the web site today. You should also be able to get a Wyndham resale TS for free (or low) but would expect to have a modest purchase price for HGVC.