Should You Buy a Fixed or Floating Week when Investing in a Timeshare Program?

Purchasing a timeshare is not a "one size fits all" arrangement. Different timeshares and timeshare companies can offer significantly different terms and details. Choosing between a fixed and a floating week arrangement is one of the most obvious such decisions you will have to make.

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Many people find, once they have stayed at a timeshare, that they never want to vacation any other way. Many timeshares are exotic and luxurious, while still being filled with all the amenities anyone could want. Pools, saunas and golf courses are just some of the great features that people come back year after year enjoy. All they need to do is bring a toothbrush and a bathing suit, because the timeshare is usually completely ready with fresh linens and a full kitchen for gourmet cooking.

If you do decide to purchase a timeshare, you may well wonder whether it is better to have a set week in the same timeshare every year or to have the option for some variety? Perhaps the most obvious benefit of a fixed week arrangement is that it allows you to use the same unit every year at the same time with no surprises. You can make memories there year after year, just as if you had a private vacation house. Of course, if for whatever reason you are unable to use your week for a particular year, you can put it into an exchange program. There will be a small fee for this service, but it is certainly better than not using your time at all.

A floating arrangement, on the other hand, will be for a different week — perhaps even a different resort — every year, allowing you some variety in your vacation planning. It is important to find out before making this type of agreement whether there are restrictions on the time of year you will be allowed to use your unit. Most resorts have high and low seasons, and might limit your timeshare use to one of their less busy periods in some cases. Never discount the fact that sometimes vacations you take during the slow season are some of the best. All resorts offer plenty to do and even a ski resort can be a wonderful place to vacation during the summer — plus you are no longer fighting crowds of other vacationers.

Some timeshares work on a points system that allows you to access any number of resorts rather than just one. This is often a good solution for people who like to explore and visit different parts of the world, instead of vacationing in the same spot each year.

Whether you choose a fixed or floating arrangement for your timeshare is simply a matter of personal preference, so discuss it with your family before deciding. Some people love the idea of establishing traditions and creating memories at the same spot every year. This option allows children to grow up with the security of visiting the same spot every year. However, other people eventually grow tired of seeing the same things over and over and will want to branch out to different times and locations. The impact on your wallet will generally be comparable either way, so this is one situation to simply follow your gut.

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