Imagine… you’re lounging on the beach, enjoying your favorite beverage, and wishing you could live at this All-Inclusive resort forever! We get it. An All-Inclusive resort in a foreign country can feel like heaven, but should you buy into the vacation club or timeshare they are offering?

A timeshare, sometimes called a vacation club, is a legal arrangement where owners have the right to use the property as a vacation home.

While there is a lot to consider, I recommend saying “No” to this option.

For starters, you’ll be signing a contract in a foreign country without a lawyer to look it over for you. Furthermore, it may or may not be written in English. While the salespeople will be happy to “explain” it to you, unlike in the United States, they are under no obligation, to be honest, or forthcoming with their explanations.

And about those salespeople … They will offer you a VIP breakfast or extra resort perks like a free massage in exchange for a “one-hour” meeting. Once in the meeting, there will be an incredibly high-pressure sales pitch that can last for hours. As I said, just say no!

Just like at a casino, the house always wins in the timeshare relationship. You can expect closing costs, and that’s just the start of the fees. Monthly fees. Cleaning fees. Maintenance fees. In fact, there may be so many fees that you begin to think you’re naming a French poodle. Come here, Fifi! According to the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), the average cost to purchase one week per year at a resort is $24,140.

Getting out of a timeshare can be very difficult. In the best case, you’ll be charged cancellation fees and other charges. Otherwise, you may be forced to hire a lawyer and go to court to get out of your contract.

I’ve shared why I think timeshares and vacation clubs are a scam, but you don’t have to take our word for it. According to a study published by the University of Central Florida, 85% of people who purchase a timeshare regret it.

What should you do instead? Call your local travel advisor. Instead of only one chain of resorts, I can open the world and create a bespoke vacation itinerary just for you. All you need to do is schedule a complimentary consultation!

I look forward to talking with you soon.