Timeshares? No, Thank You — Or So I Thought

I used to roll my eyes at the very idea. Who wants to vacation in the same place, at the same time, every year? That wasn’t for me. We were the camping type — with camper in tow, hitting the road with our school-aged kids and staying at different campgrounds. It was affordable, simple and packed with family-friendly fun.

But things started to change.

Campgrounds became shockingly expensive over the past few years, many charging over $100 a night just for a site big enough to park our camper. Getting reservations turned into a game of luck. To top it off, we discovered a leak in our camper. It ended up sitting at a dealership for nearly three years waiting on parts. I didn’t realize how much I missed traveling until I wasn’t doing it anymore.

Sensing my slump, my sister invited me and my three daughters on a trip to Orlando. I didn’t expect much but wow, I was in for a surprise.

We stayed at Aqua Sol, a Hilton Vacation Club and it was incredible. We literally walked in, unpacked our bags and started vacationing. The kitchen was fully stocked and if we needed anything, Guest Services took care of it with a simple phone call. We had groceries delivered and we were set. It felt easy and luxurious all at once.

Over the course of the week, my sister shared more about her vacation membership with Hilton Grand Vacations, and I started to get curious. Then came the big turning point: We were invited to an HGV Ultimate Access event at Universal Orlando.

Hilton Grand Vacations picked us up from the resort and dropped us off at the park entrance. Our host treated us like royalty, even handing out branded ponchos because there was rain in the forecast.

That night, we had a fancy five-course meal, chatted with

Members and others like me who were just checking it out. We even received free park passes and a gift card as a souvenir.

At the end of the evening, we were shuttled back to the resort. I felt spoiled in the best way. It was an experience I could never have provided for my daughters by myself. They were completely won over.

It wasn’t long after that I attended my preview presentation and that’s when my vacation membership journey began.

Last February, I finally got my camper back from the dealership. But by then, I had changed. I was used to a different kind of vacation. One where I arrive, open the door and immediately start spending quality time with my family. No setup. No hookups. No hauling linens or groceries. I just grab the key card, check out the activities calendar, maybe swing by the concierge for recommendations and coupons and start vacationing.

I’m selling the camper. Honestly, I’ve fallen in love with this way of travel. My Hilton Grand Vacations membership gives me the comfort and consistency I never realized I needed with plenty of flexibility to explore new places. When it’s time to go home, I tidy up, take out the trash and head out with a suitcase full of clean clothes and a rested, grateful heart.

I never thought I’d say this, but I’m a proud timeshare owner. Now my vacations feel like they truly belong to me, and I can’t imagine going back. My daughters all agree, with my youngest saying, “Mom, this is way better than camping!” They’ve started a wish list of places we want to go next.

P.S. If you know anyone in the market for a camper, send them my way!

Key Takeaways

Reasons For Joining Hilton Grand Vacations

• Effortless Family Getaways: Hilton Grand Vacations membership blends comfort, flexibility and convenience, turning family vacations into seamless, personalized experiences.
• Resort Comforts That Feel Like Home: Resort stays may offer amenities like spacious accommodations, fully equipped kitchens and attentive Guest Services.
• Exclusive Member Experiences: Events such as HGV Ultimate Access experiences showcase exclusive benefits offered through Hilton Grand Vacations membership.
• Stress-Free Vacation Setup: Hilton Grand Vacations membership eliminates the stress of setup and logistics, allowing Guests to relax upon arrival.
• Personalized Family Travel: More opportunities arise for family time and anticipation for future trips.
• Changing Perspectives on Timeshare Membership: Many travelers shift from skepticism to appreciation of timeshare membership, finding exceptional value in comfort, convenience and enhanced family experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why do travelers consider vacation membership?
A. Traditional accommodations have become more expensive and unpredictable, making vacation membership a more appealing option for reliable and enjoyable trips.

Q. What motivates people to explore vacation membership?
A. Special member experiences, such as exclusive events and extra perks, create a sense of luxury and value that attracts travelers.

Q. How does vacation membership improve the travel experience for families?
A. Families enjoy streamlined vacations with more quality time together and access to amenities and activities for all ages.

Q. What is the process for learning about vacation membership?
A. Potential members usually attend presentations or preview events to learn about the benefits and ask questions.