I know, I know, many of you most be thinking, "Oh no, here's another sucker!"

You especially might think that if you don't own a timeshare and you have heard the abundant amount of bad press the industry has received over the years.

However, I bought mine on the resale market, which makes it pencil out much better due, to the greatly reduced price compared to paying full retail from a timeshare developer.

The largest companies in the resort industry are now selling timeshare resort condos: Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Disney, Four Seasons, for example.

Also, the fact that strong consumer legislation now governs the timeshare industry, combined with the fact that solid developers are now the rule, has given the timeshare industry the stability once only accorded to luxury hotels.

Why Does Vacation Timeshare Ownership make so much sense? (Four million owners, 4800 resorts worldwide.)

Stay Without Paying: Timeshare owners are delighted when they check out at the end of their week's stay, because their bill is ZERO! (And zero for the rest of their lives because they OWN their accommodation as deeded property!) The money saved here quickly pays back the low initial purchase price.

Not Just a Hotel Room: As opposed to being a hotel room renter, enjoy status and fine treatment as a condo owner. It's a much higher style of vacation. Condos are spacious, have kitchens and private bedrooms. Sleep up to 10 persons. Most resorts have great activities/tours all arranged and often free! Spend your time enjoying vacationing. Save the hours and hassle of planning, because it has already been done for you.

Save $100 per Day: Because the condos have kitchens, a family can easily save $100 a day by not dining in expensive restaurants for every meal. Stock-up the refrigerator and relax - it's home.

No Extra Charges: There is no charge for extra people like there would be in a hotel, and no extra costly occupancy taxes so common with hotels.

Own, Don't Rent: Owners can sell their interest whenever they want. Hotels obviously give NONE of your rent money back.

A Gift of Love to Heirs: Deeded timeshare owners can will their interest to their loved ones.

Receive Income: Owners can rent-out their time rather than using it.

Gifts for Special Occasions: One of the most appreciated gifts you can give is that of a week at a luxurious resort. This is actually one of the biggest joys of timeshare ownership. It's a great feeling to say to a loved one - "I've booked a week in a nice resort for you - go enjoy it".

Home Resort Bonus Use: At their home resort, owners get first choice at unused time at true bargain owner rates for two and three day stays.

Ability to Use the Timeshare Anywhere in the World: Owners can opt to join a timeshare exchange company such as RCI or Interval International and a simple phone call or online exhange request allows the exhange of time at your home resort, to your choice of thousands of fantastic resorts worldwide.

Own One Week but Use Many Weeks per Year: Timeshare owners have worldwide "Bonus Time" available. These are extra weeks (and weekend getaways) through the giant exchange companies such as RCI and I.I. These weeks require no payment of maintenance fees, can be used on an unlimited basis, and the rates are known to be unheard of bargains. Luxury and spaciousness at budget prices!

In summary, if you vacation, timeshare makes great financial sense while offering superb facilities.

It also is the perfect means to help achieve the most important thing of all - sharing quality time with loved ones!