The Value of a Timeshare for Frequent Travelers

As an archaeologist I long since overcame the desire to rough it. I'm equally sure if Indiana Jones visited the great city of New York, or any other city for that matter, he would be staying at the nearest 5 star hotel, more than likely a Hilton or a Marriott, perhaps even the Ritz Carlton.

I learned very early on the value of timeshare. For anyone who travels extensively and, as in my case has the need to spend more than a few day in any one location, timeshare makes practical sense. This may very well not be the case for the average family if they vacation for only one week a year.

I like my comforts. Nothing irritates me more for example than a hotel room without a fridge. A trip to the end of the hall to collect ice doesn't work for me. I like a microwave also - I often find myself bringing home doggie bags from my favorite restaurant. Useless without a microwave (what did we do without them?)

My timeshare units provide all this and more. I calculate that they cost me about $150 to $200.00 per night but you can't get a Hilton or Marriott for that, not in any major city or travel destination. I own 9 weeks of timeshare by the way! And because I use them for business travel - guess who pays for them?

Why you do of course - well Uncle Sam anyway....they are legitimate tax deductions for my business!

As do most travel writers I am often offered free accommodation by the resort or destination I am writing about, however as hard as it may seem to believe I prefer to be independent. If I don't like a property or hotel I want to be free to say so with no moral obligation to say otherwise.

On a recent trip to the island of Malta, I had a chance to meet up with an old colleague, Dr. David Trump, the man who inspired my choice of profession and who at the time was head of Archaeology at Cambridge University in England. Needless to say he was staying at one of Malta's few 5 star resorts and quite rightly so!

As you move, as I have, into your senior years... comfort is foremost when it comes to leaving your home and traveling abroad. I own 'time-shares' in Spain, Malta, Australia and of course here in the good old USA. These exchange for apartments almost anywhere in the world I might wish to travel. I could never afford to maintain properties in every destination my mad cap career now takes me. Viva timeshare and viva Las Vegas. Sorry Elvis, I couldn't help myself.

According to "Timeshare...you bought What" (Amazon.com ISBN # 978-1-58909-652-3) there are now over 5,425 timeshare resorts around the world, over 31% of which are right here in the USA.

On March 12^th right here in good old Las Vegas the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) will hold its biannual get together. For the next 6 days executives from timeshare resorts around the world will gather to discuss the future of this highly controversial form of property ownership, which despite the current economic climate seems to be holding its own.