- lsktravelz@gmail.com
In 2024, I leveraged my HGV Max timeshare portfolio to secure stays at eight HGV/HVC properties, including Hilton Head, Las Vegas, and Los Cabos. Using Club Points and taking advantage of promotional offers (saving 50-75% on points), my timeshare points remained minimal. I enjoyed the comforts of home while traveling. My accommodations featured essential amenities like kitchens and laundry facilities.
Pros of ownership go beyond just saving money on vacations. HGV Max offers quality accommodations with access to upscale resorts and amenities, providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience. There are two cons of ownership. The first is an increase in annual maintenance fees. My yearly maintenance fee of $1,647 is nothing compared to $16,536 in hotel expenses. By the way, my maintenance fee was only $1,607 in 2023. The second con is some properties are challenging to book. To address hard-to-book properties, I have become flexible and visit some locations in the off-season.
I also utilized my hotel rewards memberships with Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott, earning complimentary nights through credit card spending and strategic point accumulation. I covered additional stays during peak travel times like spring break. For example, I earned a bonus night with Hilton after spending $15,000 on my card and maximized grocery store purchases to earn extra travel points. Yes, I have an authorized user, but I also transfer Hilton Honors points to his account.
Instead of paying full rates, I reduced my total accommodation expenses to $5,012, combining timeshare Club Points, Open Season discounts, and hotel rewards perks. This approach saved me over $11,000 compared to standard booking rates. Did I mention I made over 25 reservations in 2024? My stay in South Bend was for two nights, but the stay in South Africa lasted 11 nights. Join hotel rewards programs and use travel credit cards to earn points for everyday expenses. Pair these with timeshare ownership to enjoy upscale stays at a fraction of the cost. What are you waiting for to maximize your travel savings? Visit my website for additional posts about how I use my timeshare and travel rewards programs to vacation.
