For those that can afford the one-time membership fee and annual membership dues, members have choice access to a slew of luxury vacation homes around the world, which can be booked based on availability and reservation requirements.
Destination clubs allow for more desired choices and less overhead than other similar type clubs because members do not have nor want any deeded ownership.
Destination clubs generally do not give members an ownership stake in real estate. Rather, the club is structured more like a country club. With average membership deposits of $200,000 to $400,000 (usually 80% refundable), annual dues start out around $15,000 to $30,000 with stays from 14 to 30 days.
Given that one of the least expensive clubs still costs $50,000 to join, it's clear the destination clubs are mindfully aimed at travelers with the comfortable means to vacation in style.
The costs for Destination club membership is undoubtedly higher than that for ordinary timeshares, as the type of higher end clientele is much more used to a pampered lifestyle than that of the typical timeshare buyer.
Destination clubs provide luxurious and elegant surroundings, flexible travel and beautifully appointed destinations all over the world.
Private Residence Clubs provide the feel of luxury hotel living but also the partial ownership of a second home. Their offerings are generally smaller than destination club residences: 750 to 3,000 square foot villas.
Families or groups who require larger residences - three or more bedrooms of at least 2,000 sq ft and above will find that Destination clubs are especially well suited for their personal needs. They will, however need for their travel schedule to fit within the availability structure of the club.
With all that is said and done, however, there are some who are most likely not cut out for the average Destination club mentality. Those who prefer traveling at the last minute, individuals or lone couples — without children, grandchildren, or friends to invite — may not be able to justify the expense of a destination club.
With that in mind, they are generally better off with some other kind of vacation option.
It then all comes down to what each potential member's needs are that determines if a Destination club membership is right for them.
