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The allure of timeshares has increased so much in recent history that over two million Americans have now acquired timeshare properties both here and abroad. Unfortunately, the growth in the timeshare industry has also been accompanied by an increase in the number of scams and frauds targeting prospective buyers. In fact, the nefarious actions of the perpetrators of frauds and scams have created a dark cloud over the timeshare industry. However, because timeshares can be a cost-effective solution for families who wish to plan an annual vacation at a hotel or a resort, new timeshare investment options have started to surface.

On the other hand, buying a timeshare requires a large payment upfront. A yearly fee is also required (for maintenance, property taxes, management fee, etc.). This yearly fee can range from a few hundred dollars to well over a thousand dollars. Many people have began to realize they are paying more money with less access to the property (as you will only get to use the timeshare for a week or two a year). Also, many people get bored of always going on vacation to the same place every year. To combat this sentiment, many timeshares offer an exchange program which allows owners to swap their timeshares across different locations; however, this is not easy and generally requires a monetary fee. Another problem occurs when the owner wants to sell their stake in the timeshare as they are one of the most difficult properties to sell. Many times they will have to sell the time share at a loss of around 50%-70%.

A new way of vacationing is taking the industry by storm. Resort memberships and condo hotels are becoming one of the best ways and best values for people to go on vacations. Most resort memberships require you to pay a one time enrollment fee, after which you can enjoy the benefits of the resort for life. Most also require no yearly or monthly maintenance fees or taxes. The price range for membership fees varies greatly from a few thousand dollars to few hundred thousand dollars. A few resorts still charge a yearly fee, but if you do your research you can avoid these companies. Some of the best deals require you to pay around three thousand for a lifetime membership, or two thousand dollars for a limited five year membership. Many companies will also include access to not only the resort you joined, but also any other resort the company owns. The best part is there is no limit on the number of visits or the time of the visits you can make to the resorts. This allows you to be confident that your vacation is always guaranteed.

Another concept that is getting popular is condo hotels which is a relatively new concept and only very few people own condos in hotels. But the concept is receiving good reviews and is gaining popularity with the time. The way it works is it allows people to buy condos in luxurious hotels and utilize the benefits of all the amenities available in the hotel. If the owner is not using the condo he can put his condo for rent and can receive percentage of the revenues it produces. A condo hotel in comparison to a timeshare offers more flexibility, is better furnished, and has better amenities, better services and many locations.