Unlike a hotel room or rental cottage, which require payment for each use with rates that usually increase each year, ownership at a timeshare property enables vacationers to enjoy a resort, year after year, for the lifetime of their ownership with only a onetime purchase price and payment of yearly maintenance fees. Timeshare ownership offers vacationers an opportunity to save on the escalating cost of vacation accommodations over the long term while enjoying all the comforts of home in a resort setting.

There are over 6 million households worldwide, in over 270 different countries, that own timeshare or vacation ownership. The total number of resorts worldwide, participating in Vacation Ownership, now exceeds 5400 properties, with the United states leading the resort market with over 1600 resorts and 3.9 million owners.

Truly a home away from home, vacation ownership provides the space and flexibility to suit the needs of any size family or group. While most vacation ownership condominiums have two bedrooms and two baths, unit sizes range from studios to three or more bedrooms. Unlike hotel rooms, there are no charges for additional guests. Also, unlike hotels, most units include a fully equipped kitchen with dining area, washer and dryer, linens, stereo, televisions, VCRs and more.

Timeshare resort amenities rival those of other top rated resort properties and may include swimming pools, tennis, Jacuzzi, golf, bicycles and exercise facilities. Others feature boating, restaurants and equestrian facilities. Most timeshare resorts offer a full schedule of on-site or nearby sporting, recreational and social activities for adults and children. The resorts are staffed with well trained hospitality professionals, with many resorts offering concierge services for assistance with visiting area attractions.

Of more than 2,653 U.S. vacation owners surveyed. 85 percent claimed satisfaction with their vacation purchases. The most important features cited in the survey, conducted by ARDA, which helped affect the decision to become owners were the quality of the accommodations that were presented and the flexibility offered through exchange opportunities.