Though I'm not able to do this quite yet, I want to start to think about Snowbirding options for the future.
I'm currently 50 so I have a ways before I'm able to retire. My employer does allow us to work away from the home office for up to 6 weeks at a time though. I can't be away that long from my elderly father right now, but I want to start to investigate my options for the future.
I currently own a Grandview 2 bedroom deeded week. I've had it since 2005 so I'm fairly familiar with RCI, maintenance fees, etc. A few of my favorite timeshare locations I've gone to include several timeshares in Florida, NE Mexico, California, and Arizona. I also enjoy going to Europe, but haven't used a timeshare trade for any of these trips.
What I'm wondering is if I should build on what I already have with Grandview and look for Grandview resale weeks or if I should just continue to only use TPU I have and then use Extra or Last Call vacations for additional weeks. Another thought is should I just look into monthly vacation home rentals instead? For those that do this, what do you find is more cost effective?
Finally, I'm also a Disney fan and was sad when the Disney resorts moved away from RCI to II. I enjoyed my stay at Disney's Saratoga Springs last year. I've stayed at several non-Disney Orlando resorts and the I liked the convenience (and perks) of staying at a Disney resort.
I'm not at all familiar with the II system though and how it compares to RCI. Would it make sense to look for a low maintenance fee II resort (maybe like The Village at Izatys here in MN?) to gain access to Disney's II resort inventory (along with other options that RCI may not have)?
Thank you for your input!
I'm currently 50 so I have a ways before I'm able to retire. My employer does allow us to work away from the home office for up to 6 weeks at a time though. I can't be away that long from my elderly father right now, but I want to start to investigate my options for the future.
I currently own a Grandview 2 bedroom deeded week. I've had it since 2005 so I'm fairly familiar with RCI, maintenance fees, etc. A few of my favorite timeshare locations I've gone to include several timeshares in Florida, NE Mexico, California, and Arizona. I also enjoy going to Europe, but haven't used a timeshare trade for any of these trips.
What I'm wondering is if I should build on what I already have with Grandview and look for Grandview resale weeks or if I should just continue to only use TPU I have and then use Extra or Last Call vacations for additional weeks. Another thought is should I just look into monthly vacation home rentals instead? For those that do this, what do you find is more cost effective?
Finally, I'm also a Disney fan and was sad when the Disney resorts moved away from RCI to II. I enjoyed my stay at Disney's Saratoga Springs last year. I've stayed at several non-Disney Orlando resorts and the I liked the convenience (and perks) of staying at a Disney resort.
I'm not at all familiar with the II system though and how it compares to RCI. Would it make sense to look for a low maintenance fee II resort (maybe like The Village at Izatys here in MN?) to gain access to Disney's II resort inventory (along with other options that RCI may not have)?
Thank you for your input!