When was the last time you took a vacation? When you stepped away from the inbox for a few days and got some change of scenery. After the previous few years, we’re betting most everyone out there could use a nice long getaway.
In general, however, Americans are notorious for not taking a vacation. According to a recent study (conducted before the Covid-19 pandemic), Americans receive relatively fewer vacation days than similar countries and tend to leave more unused days. In 2018, almost 60% of Americans felt vacation deprived.
Several reasons may contribute to this so-called “vacation deprivation.” Some are concerned about finances. Others may find the whole travel planning process to be too overwhelming. Still, many find it difficult to get themselves away from the office – either claiming they cannot find time off or feel guilty about not working.
What are Americans to do about their travel woes? Read on to see why owning a timeshare may be the key to resolving this vacation deprivation.
1. Save Money
Let’s face it. Planning a vacation is not cheap. A lot of time and resources get poured into the travel planning process. For the one-off holiday, the final price tag can depend on seasonal price changes, as well as how far in advance you are booking. Additionally, there’s all the time that goes into researching destinations and accommodations – searching the internet for the best deals for the trip you want while trying to weed out the scams. Understandably, the process can quickly become exhausting and frustrating.
However, timeshare owners typically have to pay their annual maintenance fee and, then they’re ready to use their timeshare as they wish. As owners of their vacation, they know exactly where they’re going and what to expect. All they need to do is buy their plane tickets, and away they go.
2. Better Accommodations
Timeshare owners are also more likely to be happier with their accommodations than with standard hotels. When buying a timeshare, owners choose the right brand that suits their needs and wants. Owners know precisely what sort of standard of quality and service they should expect while on vacation. They know what amenities will be there, which tend to surpass what’s available at regular hotels. Finally, depending on the type of timeshare, owners generally know when their vacation is. Timeshare ownership takes the guessing out of vacation planning and leaves travelers with better peace of mind.
3. More Travel Opportunities
While timeshares are perfect for those who prefer to have their reliable “vacation spot,” they are also great for those who like to switch it up occasionally. Many timeshare brands have destinations in multiple locations, making it easy for owners to trade in their week to experience something new.
For the even more adventurous timeshare owner, consider joining an exchange network! Exchange networks, like SFX Preferred Resorts, are partnered with several timeshare brands to offer their members even more resort and destination choices, in addition to offering specials like bonus weeks, exclusive deals, and discounts. SFX members tend to get more out of their vacation time by depositing their timeshare weeks with SFX than not.
In the end, timeshare owners are serious travelers. According to ARDA, the American Resort Development Association, timeshare owners take three vacations in a year on average. Most timeshare owners agree that owning a timeshare has improved the quality and value of their vacations while encouraging them to travel more regularly.
Bonus: Restorative Benefits of Traveling
But why do we travel? Why should we travel? Whether you prefer to climb mountains, explore new cities, or relax on a beach, there are several mental health benefits that result from a good vacation. People report feeling more relaxed and having a more positive outlook on life. Many feel their relationships with friends and family improve and have more patience for coworkers and clients. In the end, vacations do wonders for stress and anxiety. They refresh the mind and soul.
If you’re a timeshare owner looking to get more out of your timeshare or curious about our exchange network, join SFX Preferred Resorts, and let us help you travel more.