glitterpunkrealtor blog

Vacation/Travel clubs aka Timeshares

August 01, 2024

In March of 2024, my husband and I travel to Los Cabos for our anniversary celebrating our decade-long relationship. It was a beautiful visit and I’m so glad we made that trip happen. We spent some much needed time together without our daily responsibilities and it was wonderful.

But this post is about the day dedicated to learning about the vacation club offerings well known of the area and apparently the country. This was my first visit to Mexico, and what a bundle of lessons learned. Upon arrival to the airport, someone approached about helping to find a ride to our resort. This was our first presentation and first hint of what was to come. It ate up 20 minutes before we were presented the ride options we could choose, along with an offer to take a tour at the specific resort this gentleman was promoting. We politely declined and made our way outside to the valet station where we could catch a shared ride to our destination.

Once we arrived to our hotel, we were escorted through check-in, more offers to upgrade our all-inclusive (which we did accept and no regrets there!) and then to the next offer of tours, “free meals” and spa credits toward massage to introduce their membership product. We signed up for a no-obligation tour since touring the property sounded awesome so that we could see the residences and private pools.

When we woke up the next day, we discussed our agenda and decided to keep our time since we knew buying into the timeshare was not an option nor priority for our family. However, when we arrived to the concierge to share our decision they pleaded for us to go and reminded us there were no obligations to purchase anything but our buddy would receive his commission. We caved.

A ninety minute presentation turned into 2.5 hours. And the funnel they drag you through to attempt to change your mind after you’ve said NO countless times, to attempt separating you from your money, even if only a “measly $2k” is impressive to say the very least. Overall we had a fine time. We had good company in our saleswoman and everyone along the way were incredibly kind while we toured various parts of the massive property via limo golf carts. And we used our spa credits - one of the best massages and experiences I’ve EVER had, truly. All that said, those precious hours I can never get back hence this blog post to make the best use of it. I may as well have some content and hopefully provide some education.

Our property is far from unique, we also met a gentleman in the downtown area that gave us a tour, bought us some drinks and gave a very small sales pitch to buy into their timeshare. We genuinely enjoyed hanging with him and toured a gorgeous property with incredible views. But, I struggle with this approach. The capitalist obsession with memberships is getting out of control, in my opinion. If you are selling me an opportunity to have access to a limited set of time availability at your property, it is a TIMESHARE - I don’t care if you call it a club or co-ownership. To be clear, I am not saying that they are all bad, or discouraging anyone from purchasing if it is a good fit your family. However, the aggressive nature they are sold gets SO old and seems unnecessary in a place so incredibly gorgeous with wonderful amenities. It really makes you realize how unprofitable hospitality is when the real sell is the membership to limited property access.

This month my husband and I celebrate six years of marriage and we may go on another beachside vacation to celebrate. Maybe we could have benefitted from a vacation membership to save a few bucks, or maybe not. But I am very much looking forward to a trip without the sales pitch included in my stay wherever it may be!

Have you purchased a timeshare, vacation membership or vacation club? What was your experience like?

Share your thoughts with me on social @glitterpunkrealtor

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