Redweek.com is a nifty website to use if you want to rent a timeshare directly from an owner. You can also buy or exchange timeshares. It has one million, yes one million, registered users. There is also a forum. Membership is $15 per year.
I am a Redweek member and have used it many times. What I like about Redweek is you get the same accommodations offered through the resorts, but for A LOT LESS. It is common in the timeshare industry for resorts to allocate identical units for timeshare and hotel use. Rather than paying the going rate for a resort rented unit, just contact an owner with a timeshare unit. You will be amazed at the savings. The member timeshare units are all over the world. I recently used Redweek to find a bayfront condo unit in Newport, Rhode Island.
I just did a search for the Westin Resort in St. John USVI (a nice resort). Units renting for $800 per night can be rented from Redweek members for as low as $250-300 per night.
Traveler’s Tip: If you travel during off/shoulder season, you can often upgrade to a better unit simply by asking. I have traveled extensively in the Caribbean and found resort managers more than willing to upgrade you if the unit will otherwise go vacant. Just be friendly. Many have even waived the upgrade fee and just swapped me out. Don’t forget to show your appreciation by dropping off a bottle of wine or other token of thanks after you move into your upgraded digs.
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5 Questions to Ask Before Buying A Timeshare .
Thanks for the tip and the link. I’m joining! Another interersting site is http://www.VRBO.com (Vacation Rental by Owner). There is no membership fee for the consumer. The owner pays to list on the site.
I have used VRBO before and rented a great place on Cape Cod. The owner now calls us every year to come back.
I like the timeshare idea though for traveling a little further than my back yard…
thank you for redweek.com as additional place to promoting our properties