My wife and I recently had a company trip to the Big Island and stayed at the Hilton Waikaloa Ocean Tower. We received the HGVC pitch and didn't buy anything. I am turning 46 soon and my wife is 45 and we don't have any kids. We have traveled quite a bit over the years. We have been doing international travel exclusively up until now with groups. We didn't want to be in our 60's or 70's having to take 20+ hour flights. We are looking at a points type club so that we can exchange places domestic and international.
Where should we buy if we are roaming a bit? Is it better to pick the most desirable spot like a Hawaii?
1) Is there a vacation destination you wish to visit most of the time or on a regular basis? if so where?
Not really, I would say our favorite trips have been: Hawaii, New Zealand, Iceland, Africa (safari), Switzerland, and many other European locations
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?
I am guessing we would trade more than half and as we age maybe stick to our main place.
3) What are your 5 top trade destinations?
I live near Orlando so NOT FL.
4) How many people do you usually travel with - total, including yourself?
Almost always my wife and I. If I did bring anyone it would be my sister & brother in law occasionally.
5) Can you travel any time, or are you locked into the school schedule?
Yes, anytime.. I'm self employed with a lot of flexibility. I actually like off season to avoid crowds.
6) Can you make firm plans 12 or more mos. in advance?
My wife is a super detailed planner. We usually book our gate 1 discovery tours 9 months to a year out.
7) Can you vacation for a full week at a time?
Yes, we actually usually take trips from 10 days to 14 days. 7 is fine.
8) What level of accommodations do you prefer on a scale of 1 to 5 stars?
We prefer 4 to 5 star range. 4 star is fine. 3 stars start feeling cheap / not maintained at times.
9) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing?
I have access to an adequate cash reserve. The pitch they were giving me included $19,900 sales price. I was going to pay that within 3 months with no interest. I could pay more if needed but, it sounds like that would be adequate.
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?
The fees I was pitched were about $1,000 a year. That is not cost prohibitive. I am curious as to why Marriott seem higher than Hilton? I don't think we would mind around 2k a bit more if there is reason.
11) Are you a detail oriented planner?
No, but my wife is
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, that is a drawback. I do like the idea of much nicer accommodations than the hotel rooms. Amortizing the price it shouldn't be too bad. If I sold / gave away one day I would be fine but, that's not the plan.
Where should we buy if we are roaming a bit? Is it better to pick the most desirable spot like a Hawaii?
1) Is there a vacation destination you wish to visit most of the time or on a regular basis? if so where?
Not really, I would say our favorite trips have been: Hawaii, New Zealand, Iceland, Africa (safari), Switzerland, and many other European locations
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?
I am guessing we would trade more than half and as we age maybe stick to our main place.
3) What are your 5 top trade destinations?
I live near Orlando so NOT FL.
- Las Vegas and or Tahoe
- Either Napa Valley area or Utah (mountains)
- Anywhere in Europe
- Hawaii
- Indonesia / Thailand
4) How many people do you usually travel with - total, including yourself?
Almost always my wife and I. If I did bring anyone it would be my sister & brother in law occasionally.
5) Can you travel any time, or are you locked into the school schedule?
Yes, anytime.. I'm self employed with a lot of flexibility. I actually like off season to avoid crowds.
6) Can you make firm plans 12 or more mos. in advance?
My wife is a super detailed planner. We usually book our gate 1 discovery tours 9 months to a year out.
7) Can you vacation for a full week at a time?
Yes, we actually usually take trips from 10 days to 14 days. 7 is fine.
8) What level of accommodations do you prefer on a scale of 1 to 5 stars?
We prefer 4 to 5 star range. 4 star is fine. 3 stars start feeling cheap / not maintained at times.
9) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing?
I have access to an adequate cash reserve. The pitch they were giving me included $19,900 sales price. I was going to pay that within 3 months with no interest. I could pay more if needed but, it sounds like that would be adequate.
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?
The fees I was pitched were about $1,000 a year. That is not cost prohibitive. I am curious as to why Marriott seem higher than Hilton? I don't think we would mind around 2k a bit more if there is reason.
11) Are you a detail oriented planner?
No, but my wife is
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, that is a drawback. I do like the idea of much nicer accommodations than the hotel rooms. Amortizing the price it shouldn't be too bad. If I sold / gave away one day I would be fine but, that's not the plan.
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