Any retirees planning or taking winter months South

[Millisara]

Hi
I am relatively new to TS's and with the prices so low on ebay was considering accumulating enough points or TS units to spend at least 4 to 6 weeks South ie Florida during the harsh winter months. So far I have about 560,00 or so Wyndham points in 2 deeds both at Old Town Alexandria. Should I purchase a low MF property somewhere to add to my points that I may not use very much? Or should I just plan on renting? Was considering marriott but am a little afraid of all the changes. And if I get a low MF property it may be hard to unload later. The current prices certaining make bidding attractive esp to a novice like myself.
What say ye? Anyone planning something similar? Thanks

 

[vacationhopeful]

You need to spend a month to 6 weeks at the different Wyndhams in Pompano Beach and stay at some non-Wyndham's in Ft Lauderdale.

There is a sizable group of owners who hiberate down there. Friendly lot, mixed bag, and very experienced TS owners. There is NO one resort fits all mentality; most of us/them move around for different reasons.

I brought points at Royal Vista because it is on the beach; figured out I don't like it there that much. Other people love it and it is the only place they will stay. I love the sunlight in the units and staff at Santa Barbara. I love the Tiki bar, alot of the staff, and activities at Sea Gardens (the ocean front units at Sea Gardens are to die for). Yet, I seem to spend alot of weeks at the independant Ft Lauderdale Beach Resort - and most of the regulars I know, own a couple of weeks there, too during the winter - the neighborhood is the walk to, sit out at the cafe for dinner and/or a drink place.

But, ARP is a necessary evil in South Florida unless you like Palm Aire. Never have stayed there, but you need a car; I don't rent a car when I come down for a week ot two.

Rent until you have a plan and know the resorts. Besides, you can't reserve 2012 now with your Wyndham points; it is booked solid. You will have to work on booking 2013 pretty soon.

 

[theo]

Easier said than done...

....was considering accumulating enough points or TS units to spend at least 4 to 6 weeks South ie Florida during the harsh winter months.....What say ye?

Whether within Wyndham or through any other system or avenue, stringing together 4-6 or more consecutive prime timeshare weeks during winter in south FL will be a daunting task, requiring both patience and advance planning. On the FL Gulf Coast, this quest would be even harder. It took me nearly a decade to achieve that very objective.

P.S. Don't be too enamored of low purchase prices (or free giveaways). Remain mindful of the perpetual annual maintenance fee costs, which will certainly remain a financial and legal obligation long after the low initial acquistion costs are forgotten. As Linda has already astutely suggested above, you might well be better off just "filling in" some weeks each year with rentals from others, thereby expanding your location options while simultaneously limiting your own personal financial exposure. Additionally, Wyndham (imho) is unpredictable in regard to "policy" changes; there have been several such changes in recent years and all would surely agree that none of them have been to Wyndham owner's benefit or advantage.

Just some "food for thought"...

 

[gnipgnop]

Staying two weeks in Hilton Head and one week in Myrtle Beach during month of February. Wish I could do 6 weeks! (dreamer) Hopeing for sunshine and cool breezes.

 

[Larry]

Hi
I am relatively new to TS's and with the prices so low on ebay was considering accumulating enough points or TS units to spend at least 4 to 6 weeks South ie Florida during the harsh winter months. So far I have about 560,00 or so Wyndham points in 2 deeds both at Old Town Alexandria. Should I purchase a low MF property somewhere to add to my points that I may not use very much? Or should I just plan on renting? Was considering marriott but am a little afraid of all the changes. And if I get a low MF property it may be hard to unload later. The current prices certaining make bidding attractive esp to a novice like myself.
What say ye? Anyone planning something similar? Thanks

I need to go much further south than Florida to guarantee good weather during the winter months.

Several years ago I did an exchange to Cancun for January. It was a bitter cold day in NY whan we flew out on a connecting flight through Miami. When we landed in Miami the pilot announced that it was 47 degrees with an expected high of 50's. Boy was I glad we were going to Cancun where the weather was 75-79 all week, but my wife still complained that although it was nice it was too cold for her to swim in the pool and ocean.

We now only go to the Caribbean during the winter and I have two weeks back to back in St. Lucia and then Barbados ( actually 16 days). We are also going to Aruba in January for two weeks where the weather is always 82-85 degrees in January.

I just bought another week in Aruba for the end of February and if I don't rent it out may go back for one more week.

I just love retirement, and the ability to get away to the Caribbean for several weeks during the cold winter months in NY. :whoopie:

 

[MoiAl]

Retiring December 31

Then we're heading to Resort on Cocoa Beach February 1for 4 weeks, followed by 1week on Hilton Head and another week in the Smokies before heading back home to Toronto. We'll be gone about 7 weeks. Can't wait!

 

[bobcat]

Hi
I am relatively new to TS's and with the prices so low on ebay was considering accumulating enough points or TS units to spend at least 4 to 6 weeks South ie Florida during the harsh winter months. So far I have about 560,00 or so Wyndham points in 2 deeds both at Old Town Alexandria. Should I purchase a low MF property somewhere to add to my points that I may not use very much? Or should I just plan on renting? Was considering marriott but am a little afraid of all the changes. And if I get a low MF property it may be hard to unload later. The current prices certaining make bidding attractive esp to a novice like myself.
What say ye? Anyone planning something similar? Thanks

Last Winter was very cold down South. This Summer was very Hot. Even Flordia was very cold.