Should I add to my existing TS?

[excmm]

I had recently gone on one of the Diamond resort 4 day stay with the pitch (no I didn't buy then haha). I got it while I was in one of their resorts on an RCI exchange. I currently have a bi annual that suits me relatively well, but some of the DR "perks" did interest me such as the "experience" packages. I mainly travel within the mainland US but do want to branch out and possibly some of these full on experience packages. I just couldn't justify the package they pitched for $10,000 for 5,000 points for a "trial" of (think) 10 years then upgrade again within that time. Just more curious to as if anyone has used this experience package or knows something similar that could offer some insight to it? I am not looking to break the bank on maintenance fees also since I have the current biannual that is actually not a horrible deal being in Kissimmee trough RCI.

Thanks everyone

1) Is there a vacation destination you wish to visit most of the time or on a regular basis? if so where?
Open to new locations abroad

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?
Visit at least half the time

3) What are your 5 top trade destinations?
Las Vegas, Florida, New York City, Europe

4) How many people do you usually travel with - total, including yourself?
2

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

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

7) Can you vacation for a full week at a time?
Yes but sometimes like long weekends

8) What level of accommodations do you prefer on a scale of 1 to 5 stars?
4+

9) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing?
$2,000

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?
$1,000-$1,500

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

 

[CalGalTraveler]

IMO. Wait 6 - 12 months because you are seeking significant international travel. By that time, you will have better knowledge on the ending timeline of this Covid situation with zero cash outlay. Many owners will be desperate to bail once MF hit at the end of the year. You could end up with a sweet bargain.

There aren't many European destinations in cities. HGVC would be a good fit for domestic, Tuscany and Scotland countryside, but NYC will require flexibility unless you own there. Also a good fit for your budget if you are good at planning. Timeshare points are best used for timeshares not hotels in cities.

Good luck!

 

[excmm]

IMO. Wait 6 - 12 months because you are seeking significant international travel. By that time, you will have better knowledge on the ending timeline of this Covid situation with zero cash outlay. Many owners will be desperate to bail once MF hit at the end of the year. You could end up with a sweet bargain.

There aren't many European destinations in cities. HGVC would be a good fit for domestic, Tuscany and Scotland countryside, but NYC will require flexibility unless you own there. Also a good fit for your budget if you are good at planning. Timeshare points are best used for timeshares not hotels in cities.

Good luck!

Thank you, and good point on the end of year, was not thinking of the maintenance cost aspect. I am not terribly concerned with getting something that would be for the mainland US as my current TS offers plenty via RCI with that now. I was more curious to these "experiences" that they were really promoting where say you go to Africa, they have included into the exchange a whole safari for you.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

Best use of TS points is for TS stays. I know cruises are not a good deal compared to what you can get without. Not sure about safaris but expect similar.