Choosing a destination is only part of planning a family vacation. It also needs to fit your travel budget, offer enough space for everyone to stretch out, and avoid a daily schedule that feels too overwhelming. When traveling with children or a larger group, an inappropriate property can lead to a cramped or inconvenient experience.
Timeshare properties can be an alternative to traditional hotels, offering vacation accommodations that may include separate bedrooms, kitchens, living areas, and family-friendly amenities. But not all properties suit every family. Your experience may vary depending on location, unit size, available amenities, and booking conditions.
In this article, we highlight key considerations when choosing a timeshare for your next family holiday.
1. Consider Size and Layout of Property
The size and layout of a timeshare rental should suit how many people are traveling and how your family uses shared space. Parents traveling with teenagers or other extended family members may have different needs than parents traveling with young children.
When considering timeshare rentals, don’t rely only on the advertised number of bedrooms. Check that the property is spacious enough to fit the number of guests comfortably and has enough bathrooms to cater for everyone. For example, a unit may theoretically house six people, but that doesn’t necessarily mean six guests will be comfortable.
Layout is also important. A bigger living area gives everyone a place to gather and enjoy each other’s company, and separate bedrooms give parents and children more privacy. Check the accessibility of the unit and whether there are any mobility needs in the group.
2. Choose a Location That Works For Your Family
A convenient location can greatly affect how easy it is to get around on vacation. The property may look attractive online, but if it’s far from the activities and services you plan to visit or use, it could add unnecessary travel time.
Think about what you are probably going to be doing on the trip. If you’ll spend most of your time in a theme park, it may be more practical to stay close to it rather than choose a less expensive property several miles away. When you’re booking a beach vacation, don’t assume a property advertised as “near the beach” is within walking distance; check how far it actually is.
You should also research transportation options, nearby attractions, pharmacies, grocery stores, and restaurants. Nearby essential services can be especially convenient for families with young children.
3. Check Amenities Before Booking
Family-friendly amenities can make a property more convenient and reduce the need to pay for specific services separately. However, facilities can differ greatly from one property to another, so don’t rely only on photographs or general descriptions.
Look for features that will benefit your household. If your children like swimming, a swimming pool might be necessary, but adults might prefer a fitness center. Other helpful features include laundry facilities, parking, Wi-Fi, outdoor spaces, playgrounds, and children’s programs.
A kitchen can be valuable for families, too. A property with a refrigerator, cooking equipment, and dining space makes preparing meals on-site easier than eating out during your trip. Check which amenities are included, and which require extra fees or reservations before booking.
4. Compare Total Cost
The rental price advertised is only part of the total cost of a family holiday. Before you commit, please review the full pricing details, as there may be additional charges that will impact the total cost. These may include cleaning fees, resort fees, parking fees, taxes, deposits, and additional guest fees.
It is often better to compare properties by total expected cost rather than the lowest nightly rate, especially if your family travels in a way that lets you save money daily with a slightly higher-cost property that has a kitchen and laundry facilities.
Check also the cancellation and refund policies. Changing a reservation can sometimes have an unexpected financial impact, so knowing this in advance can prevent unpleasant surprises.
5. Review Booking Rules
Understanding the property’s booking policies can prevent post-reservation complications. Timeshare accommodations may have specific requirements, such as check-in dates, minimum stays, occupancy, and guest registration.
Also note the check-in and check-out times. Arriving late with tired children can be tricky if the property has limited check-in hours or requires special arrangements for after-hours arrivals.
If you are traveling with children, check that particular facilities do not have age restrictions. Some resorts may also restrict the number of guests per unit, smoking, parking, or pets.
Please read these terms carefully before you make a payment; do not assume they are the same as a regular hotel.
6. Look At Recent Guest Reviews
Recent guest reviews can offer useful insights into the experience of staying at the property. The listing description and photographs give an overview of the property’s capabilities, but reviewers may reveal information not in the listing.
Look for repeated feedback on the unit’s condition, cleanliness, noise, maintenance, customer service, and location. One negative review isn’t necessarily a recurring problem, but it’s important to address multiple recent comments that mention the same issue.
Be sure to read reviews of families with needs similar to yours. A property that works for a couple may not be as comfortable for parents traveling with small children.
Conclusion
Picking the right timeshare for your family is more than simply finding an attractive property for a reasonable price. Consider the unit’s size and location, amenities, total cost, booking conditions, and reviews from previous guests. Compare these with your family’s needs to narrow the list of available accommodations and choose one that offers a more organized, comfortable vacation.
