Time Shares – Are They Worth It?

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Like many things in today’s economy, the vacation industry is changing as well. Many time share companies are folding or being bought up by others.

What is A Time Share?

Basically a time share is just what is sounds like. You purchase the right to use either a certain property or a group of properties for a certain amount of time each year. Some companies have you choose your spot where you own a week or 10 days and that is where you go for vacationing every year. Often you have the option of trading with other owners in that company so you and they can experience a different location. Other companies sell you the week and then you choose where to go from their available properties.

Check-out the Ins and Outs Before You Purchase

Many companies today are closing or selling properties which decreases the availability of options. You have to book your choice sometimes a year or two in advance in order to go where you want to go. Several companies have consolidated bringing smaller owners under new rules.

Upside of Time Shares

Having people own time shares means that there are deals out there for people who like to travel but don’t want to own time shares. Owners often advertise their week for a certain amount of money which covers their annual fees and cleaning costs etc. For the travelers it is a good deal for the property and the owners don’t waste their share that year. It can really be a win – win situation. Some companies even promise not to “recruit” non-member owners during their stay!

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Travel Agent or No Travel Agent ?

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Is a vacation in your near plans? If you are a person who loves researching where you want to go and how to get there, go for it. But if you are one who wants to know that when you travel to certain places, you are seeing what you should see and getting the most for your money, you might want to consider a travel agent.

How to Choose a Travel Agent

There is a national society in the United States for travel agents. They work to ensure that there are some standards in the business to assure quality to the travel consumer. The American Society of Travel Agents is the agency to oversee those voluntarily registered with them. Choosing members of ASTA when choosing your travel agent helps you know they are meeting basic business practice standards.

Benefits of Using a Travel Agent

Travel agents are experts in the industry of travel. They can often save you money because of bulk buying or discounts. They can also act as advocates for you in your special needs for vacationing or travel. Maybe you just know you need a break but don’t have a specific destination, a travel agent can suggest some of the favorites. You can describe what you are looking for in a vacation and they can match your desires with spots they know about.

Travel Agents for Foreign Travel

If traveling internationally you may benefit even more than normal with using an agent. Travel agents are knowledgeable on passport requirements as well as immunizations for travel. It is like one stop shopping for travel needs.


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Consumer Travel Tips: Booking Your Flight

One of the biggest headaches in traveling is booking an airline ticket. It’s an essential task for almost anyone traveling outside of the U.S., but it can be a nightmare. There are plenty of airlines, plenty of price differences and a whole host of options from which to choose. So, here are a few things to keep in mind so that your next plane ticket purchase is hassle-free.

First, consolidate your search. Most people go to the website for their favorite airline. Unless you are a frequent flier who has miles with a certain airline, you should be thinking price over loyalty. This means going to sites that consolidate airfare prices such as Kayak.com. You can peruse the best offers available on different airlines and choose which flight is right for you. It’s one-stop shopping for deals on airfare.

To pay securely online for your tickets, use a Vision prepaid card. This will ensure that payment for your tickets is processed and that all the personal information for your bank account isn’t compromised, as it could be if you used a debit card.

You might want to consider flying at night. This isn’t popular, especially with those on vacation, but it might save you a bundle and give you more booking options. If you’re going to a city such as Las Vegas where the fun is happening all night, then this is definitely a good choice.

These tips are going to help you with booking. Remember that flying doesn’t have to be expensive and buying your tickets doesn’t have to be stressful.

 

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Insuring Your Mobile Home

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The best way to protect your luxury investments and high-priced purchases is through insurance. Depending on which high ticket item you own, there are a number of different types of specialty insurance policies available.

If you own a motor home, you will need to purchase motor home insurance. Motor home insurance is different from auto insurance in a number of ways and should include certain things your auto policy doesn’t cover, including the following:

  • Personal Belongings: Most policies insure the personal belongings in your motor home as well. This can range from wardrobes to electronics to a prized fishing collection.
  • Storage Options: Unlike an automobile, which is usually driven year-round, an RV often stays parked for months at a time. Most motor home insurance policies will offer storage discounts for when your RV is not in use.
  • Hitch Coverage: If you are towing a car or trailer behind your mobile home, you will need to purchase hitch coverage for your mobile home as well, in the event it is damaged or stolen.
  • Attachment Coverage: Many motor homes have permanent attachments such as awnings that may require additional coverage.

When shopping around for your motor home coverage, it’s a good idea to go with a company that specializes in motor homes and RVs because of their unique requirements. Be sure to compare different policy quotes and features, and make sure you don’t make the mistake of under-insuring.

Your RV is a big investment and should be properly protected with the right insurance coverage.

Filed Under: Preparations