Caryn Alexander says the vacation timeshare she and her husband purchased has allowed her family to take some great trips together.
Caryn says, "I like to try different experiences. I think that's what makes vacation fun."
But Consumer Reports ShopSmart says these days you don't have to buy in order to enjoy what many people like about timeshares... resort facilities, a lot of room, including a kitchen and living room, in exotic locations.
According to Mandy Walker with Consumer Reports, "In this economic downturn,time-share owners are anxious to rent. So you can negotiate a really good deal. We found some as low as $400 a week and many in the $600-$1,200 range."
Some good sites to check are My Resort Network, which is free, as well as Timeshare Users Group and RedWeek.com, which charge a membership fee of 15 dollars a year for full access.
Mandy goes on to say, "The sites we checked out have plenty of rent-from-owner listings and are categorized by location and even activities, like skiing or golf."
Be sure to check out reviews of the resort where the time-share is located, either on the rental sites or on free travel sites like Trip Advisor and Travelocity.
Mandy adds, "Keep in mind that most time-shares require at least a weekend and sometimes a week-long booking."
But with a few clicks of the mouse, getting in a getaway this year just may be within reach.
When you're looking for a timeshare rental, Consumer Reports says check out prices for comparable properties. That puts you in a better position to negotiate. And don't forget to ask the owner about what amenities are available, including restaurants, and if you have to pay extra for housekeeping.