• The TUGBBS forums are completely free and open to the public and exist as the absolute best place for owners to get help and advice about their timeshares for more than 30 years!

    Join Tens of Thousands of other Owners just like you here to get any and all Timeshare questions answered 24 hours a day!
  • TUG started 31 years ago in October 1993 as a group of regular Timeshare owners just like you!

    Read about our 31st anniversary: Happy 31st Birthday TUG!
  • TUG has a YouTube Channel to produce weekly short informative videos on popular Timeshare topics!

    Free memberships for every 50 subscribers!

    Visit TUG on Youtube!
  • TUG has now saved timeshare owners more than $23,000,000 dollars just by finding us in time to rescind a new Timeshare purchase! A truly incredible milestone!

    Read more here: TUG saves owners more than $23 Million dollars
  • Wish you could meet up with other TUG members? Well look no further as this annual event has been going on for years in Orlando! How to Attend the TUG January Get-Together!
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    All T-shirt options here!
  • A few of the most common links here on the forums for newbies and guests!

marriott vacation club

  1. 2

    Wanted: Florida, SC, Caribbean - Check in: April 21, 22, 23 or 24! Studio or 1 BR

    Hi - my boyfriend and I are looking for a last-minute trip in April. We can check in on April 21st through the 24th. We only need a studio or 1 bedroom unit for a week. Looking for something warm/tropical. We prefer Marriott Vacation Clubs but are open to other brands as well. Flexible on...
  2. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 130... Extending A Trip with Timeshares

    Have you ever been on a vacation and wanted to extend it? And actually make it work with the rest of your life? I am one of those lucky people who could make it work.... But then, How do you actually extend the trip? In this Video, I will show you how to do it.... My first step was booking...
  3. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 129... Weighing the Benefits and Risks of Timeshares

    I wanted to create a video to help people start out their journey to owning timeshares in the most positive way. I've owned timeshares for over a decade and am an elite member with Hilton, Marriott, and Worldmark. I've and experienced a lot and want to share my approach to successfully owning...
  4. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 124... Timeshare Ownership Creates Adventurer?

    I am a lucky person. I have been on many adventures as a result of my timeshare ownership... In fact, the more I learn the more I can adventure. I could have chosen an RV and be an adventurer. And for some of you who watch the video, that would be a good choice. But for me and what I like...
  5. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 121... Timeshares 2022 in Review

    After finally getting back to business after the Covid crisis began to subside, there were significant upgrades and changes in the timeshare industry that happened in 2022 that will grow and evolve in 2023. In this Video, I wanted to discuss those changes and the impacts going forward. The...
  6. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 120... Timeshare Challenge to AirBnb?

    Timeshare companies are just beginning to respond to AirBnb / VRBO type companies. They are still behind, but they are making efforts. My favorite comparison is to compare Netflix to Amazon / Apple Movies. Netflix is only movies, where Apple and Amazon have Movies and Much more. Timeshares...
  7. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 119... Timeshare Winners and Losers in 2023

    Which timeshare company made the best investment in past years to gain the most in 2023. I will be reviewing three timeshare companies... Hilton, Marriott, and Wyndham / Worldmark to provide you with insight based on my year of timeshare travel and my experienced gains. The impacts of the...
  8. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 118... How I Earned 132 Free Nights in 2022

    This video is my annual look back at last year and how many free hotel nights I earned by attending presentations, using my credit cards for every day purchases, and paying maintenance fees with credit cards, etc... This year (2022) was made special because I was living full time in timeshares...
  9. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 117... Timeshare Comparison in Myrtle Beach

    There are three Hilton Grand Vacation options in Myrtle Beach... Anderson Ocean Club, Ocean 22, and Ocean Enclave. There are two Abound locations.... Marriott Ocean Watch and Sheraton Broadway Plantation. And there are 4 or more Club Wyndham resorts but I only review Club Wyndham Sea Watch...
  10. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 115... Why This Vistana Owner Opted-in to ABOUND

    From now until the end of December 2022, Vistana owners have the opportunity to Opt-in to ABOUND so that they can use the ABOUND system for 2023. I am one of the Vistana Owners that did Opt-in to ABOUND. The purpose of this video is to discuss why I did it. Not that my choice is the best for...
  11. Clifbell

    Two Bedroom Oceanfront Marriott OceanWatch in Myrtle Beach SC Review

    Located in Myrtle Beach South Carolina, Ocean watch sits right on the beach. The reviewed two bedroom unit is an oceanfront view. Both the master bedroom and the living room face the ocean. There is a deck which has a great view of the ocean and a lot of the property since it is on the 16th...
  12. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 113... Marriott Abound Dec 22 Owner Update

    With all the travel I am doing staying in timeshares full time, I get a lot of opportunities for Owner Updates. This is especially important with regards to Marriott ABOUND as the only real way to get information is to attend a sales presentation. In this update, there were a lot of...
  13. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 110... 9 months into my 1 year in Timeshares

    I wanted to create a video that provided a lessons learned from my travels. I have gotten a lot of joy from my travels and I wanted to share them with you. I hope that my experience would be an inspiration for many of you. I've tried to encapsulate my experiences so that you can learn from...
  14. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 109... Compare 3 Locations on Cost

    Ongoing costs are very important to understand because they form the basis of how much it costs to use your timeshare. Maintenance costs are similar to gas, oil changes, etc... that you have for your car... You are not done paying once you buy the car. You have to maintain the car and...
  15. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 108...Leveraging Timeshare Marketing Events

    Marketing events are excellent opportunities to meet other timeshare owners or prospective owners. In my mind, these events are a form of education. I want to get better at managing my timeshare experience, and often these events help me think through what experiences I love. I believe that...
  16. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 107... The Beauty of Last Minute Deals

    I love last minute deals. Unlike airline tickets, rental cars, and often Hotel reservations, last minute Timeshare deals are less expensive. I periodically check to see if there are last minute deals that work for me. I usually can find at least one that will work for me. I like to think of...
  17. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 104... Tips to Maximize the Marriott Merger

    As 2023 approaches and the Merger of Vistana and Marriott gets closer to being fully functional, I felt it would be a great idea to provide an update on how to maximize your points in 2023. Since I am an owner with both Marriott and Vistana, I wanted to cover plans for 2023. For those of you...
  18. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 93... Half Way Point of My One Year Adventure

    I have published a video in the past on how to travel for a year in timeshares. This video is an update to my travel after six months in timeshares. It really has given me the chance to think about what is important in my life and also help me transition to becoming a real estate agent. But...
  19. Clifbell

    One Bedroom Marriott Maui Ocean Club in Lahaina Maui Hawaii

    About 30 miles from the Main Airport in Maui sits the Marriott Maui Ocean Club. What an amazing resort. There are Multiple Pools and Multiple Jacuzzi's.... Best to get there early to put a towel down and reserve your seat for the day. It can get crowded. This resort is very luxurious. The...
  20. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 92... Owner Update at Marriott

    I completed my owner update Yesterday and wanted to publish the results quickly. Good news is that there were no changes in the description of Abound. Today was a more traditional sales presentation where they offered an upgrade and their reasoning. So much information is now on the websites...
  21. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 90... Book Marriott cheaper by using WorldMark and Interval International

    Have you ever wanted to Book a Marriott vacation and you are a WorldMark Owner? Or maybe, Like me, you own WorldMark and Marriott and you find the Maintenance fees for Marriott too high, but you like the Marriott Resorts. Well, there is a solution for you and that is to use your WorldMark...
  22. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 86... A monthly Hawaii Budget for 4 persons

    Many People have dreamed of spending an extended vacation in Hawaii... Well, I have put together a monthly budget (actually four weeks) that shows what it takes to stay in Hawaii for a month. I have done this several times and it really works. In my last post, I discussed a four week trip for...
  23. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 85... A Monthly Hawaii Budget for 2 persons

    Many People have dreamed of spending an extended vacation in Hawaii... Well, I have put together a monthly budget (actually four weeks) that shows what it takes to stay in Hawaii for a month. I have done this several times and it really works. For those of you who think you can't afford this...
  24. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 83... Multiple Timeshares or More Points with one Timeshare?

    If you are new to Timeshares, then the question is always how many points do I need and should I keep all my points with one Timeshare or should I own multiple timeshares for more locations. In this Video, I attempt to provide my perspective on the process you can use to decide for yourself...
  25. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 70... How Doing 2 Marriott Owner Updates = 6 Days in Hawaii

    Who doesn't want to go to Hawaii for a week? Well, hopefully this video will provide you with a way to make your dream happen. I know that it did for me. Honestly, I was surprised that I could do this. But if it worked for me, it seemed like a great idea to share my success so other could...
  26. Clifbell

    Review Two Bedroom at Marriott's Shadow Ridge II - The Enclaves In Palm Desert Ca

    The Marriott Shadow Ridge is a very high end timeshare located about two hours east of Los Angeles. It is a few miles to the west of Palm Springs. There are two resorts in one (Shadow Ridge I and Shadow Ridge II) which means there are lots of pools to choose from. For those looking to save...
  27. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 68… A Timeshare Trip across America

    Everybody loves an adventure. So, off I go on a seven week trip in Timeshares to enjoy a family Reunion as well as a high school reunion. I will be traveling from California to Ohio and then back. But to make this trip more interesting, I will travel through Southern California, Arizona, New...
  28. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 67… Earn 5 FREE nights at Marriott Vacation Club

    There is nothing like a free Vacation... In this video I show you how to earn points and then how to use them to get a free Vacation in Palm Springs and elsewhere. You just have to use the Bonvoy Credit card to pay your maintenance, buy an Encore Package, and attend a few Marriott Vacation...
  29. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 66... How to Spot a Good Timeshare Salesperson

    Meeting with a good timeshare salesperson will change your whole experience with timeshares. If all the salesperson cares about is getting you to buy, you will feel nothing but pressure and often not the most truthful. But a good timeshare salesperson will want you to get the most out of your...
  30. Clifbell

    Timeshare Traveler Episode 63… Are Ocean View Prices worth it?

    Everyone loves an ocean view room... Right? But if you are staying in a timeshare are you aware of how much the Ocean view rooms cost compared to the standard rooms of the same size? I will explore Hilton Grand vacations and Marriott Vacation Club and their costs for upgrades. I focused on...
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