Should i buy

[GlennUSMC]

Okay i have done this in the past, but my situation is changing in the next year, and i think i am ready to buy! Retiring soon and we want to move to europe full time and travel once a month around europe. Will it be reasonable to incorporate a time share into the plan?

1) Is there a vacation destination you wish to visit most of the time or on a regular basis? if so where? Europe, and come back to texas to see family in Austin/Dallas twice a year.

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? If it is in Texas near a Austin or Dallas. Or a location that we can take future grand kids as a meet up location.

3) What are your 5 top trade destinations? Texas, europe, kid friendly, any carribean

4) How many people do you usually travel with - total, including yourself? 3 normally bit if it is a destination with grand kids it would be 8

5) Can you travel any time, or are you locked into the school schedule? I will be free to travel anytime

6) Can you make firm plans 12 or more mos. in advance? Yes i will be able to

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? 4/5

9) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing? 20000

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? 4000

11) Are you a detail oriented planner? Yes but i dont mind last minute

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

 

[Hindsite]

If you haven't already looked into Armed forces vacation club, start with that.
The timeshare situation in Europe is quite messy, so take a lot of time to experiment without commitment and then go from there.

 

[jp10558]

I would say in Europe I'd take a look at what Hindsite said - AFVC will basically get you a lot of RCI extra vacation / last call inventory which is perhaps good for beach / tenerife/ seaside sort of stuff. Hapimag is as good as it gets for cities in Europe and may be worth it, but note you can try it up to 3 times for cash so I would look into doing that.

There are some TS in Texas, but IDK what they're near. You might look at that if you're thinking you'd go there yearly - owning there could give you an easy to use be right there, and if you weren't going to use it could probably trade it in RCI or II perhaps for inventory you won't see in AFVC.

 

[GlennUSMC]

Wow, did not even know afvc was a thing. I was leaning towards 11000 points at hgvc because if i don't use i can move to honors program and use local. I will do some research

 

[dioxide45]

If you aren't eligible for Armed Forces Vacation Club, All Resort Store is another option. You can apply for it with AARP membership. Hero's Vacation Club is another option.

 

[chosshaul]

Do these all these sites pretty much have the same inventory? They have some good options for sure. Although I was shocked at how expensive the daily fees were at some of the all inclusive Mexico resorts

 

[gpj555]

I have used AFVC twice at Grandview Las Vegas and once at Holiday Inn Hoiday Hills in Branson with great success! If it offers what you are looking for No long term obligation.

 

[Hindsite]

Wow, did not even know afvc was a thing. I was leaning towards 11000 points at hgvc because if i don't use i can move to honors program and use local. I will do some research

Hopefully you are looking at resale timeshare purchases, not direct purchase, if not add that to your list. The ability to move to HH points in not a great deal and not a reason to buy into a timeshare.
Look at the timeshare rental platforms such as Redweek, others exist too, and if renting is a good choice while you get a deeper understanding.
Yes MX all inclusive fees and resort fees elsewhere can be silky and not worth it, so always compare across a range of booking platforms to get the best deal.
Timeshare is only ever likely to be part of your vacation lodging solution.