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Despite resale troubles, many
are happy with time shares
Ed Hastry, president, National Timeshare Owners
Association - Baltimore
USA TODAY's article "Stuck with time shares" did a real
disservice to millions of very happy time-share owners
and prospective owners. I should know. I own 14 time shares and also lead an association of time-share owners
(Cover story, Money, Monday).
Sure, there are shady resale scams out there. And some
people bought more than they could afford. But there is
more than one story, which was only hinted at near the
end of the article.
There's the story of how spending a week at a beautiful
resort provided a family with the time needed to
recharge. And there's the story of the couple who have
been going to the same resort for 25 years, first with
their kids and now their grandkids. The list goes on.
Investing in a time share allows the owners to take
regular, more comfortable vacations. The place
appreciates in sentimental value. Also, it helps people
develop financial discipline for better vacationing
because time shares are pre-paid. Everyone has a place
to unwind and eat together around a table, as well as
activities to participate in, making vacations more
enjoyable and valuable.
Travel Testimonials
Everything was WONDERFUL!!!! perfect!!! (rented a
convertible)
All worked out well. Everything went
smoothly, location was excellent and room was only
yards from the ocean. I was only on the 2nd floor but high enough to enjoy all! Perfect sunsets each
night and listened to waves all night long.
The resort was an easy 5 min to fancy stuff in Kanapali.
I swam the
ocean every day, saw turtles in the bay and the sunrise
on Haleakala. The last swim of the last morning
I got stung by a jelly fish
in my arm pit (souvenir -- physical evidence of the
experience).
You are an awesome travel agent....let's book it
again for Jan or Feb!! I was happy, happy, happy every minute I was
there......only thing that hurt was my face from
smiling so much!!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!
- Karen O'Donnel
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