If you've always wanted to go on an upscale resort holiday but think it's too pricey, consider timeshare rentals, which other savvy travelers use as holiday hacks to stay at upscale properties for a fraction of the cost and without ownership. With timeshares for rent by owner, dream holidays, including 5-star vacations, have become more accessible.

The perks of timeshare vacation rentals are becoming particularly attractive nowadays, with rising costs influencing Americans' holiday plans. As WBFF (FOX45) reported in May 2026, about three in four Americans are planning a summer trip, of whom around one in five said they'll cut food and accommodation budgets to make up for rising fuel costs.

What Is a Property Timeshare? 

A timeshare is a form of vacation property ownership arrangement. It involves multiple owners with the right to use the property at specific times of the year.

Timeshare owners usually have access to a set and scheduled number of weeks. During their allowed stay, they have exclusive rights to enjoy the property and its amenities.

In its 2026 State of the Industry and Economic Impact Survey Report Tool, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), the primary trade group for the timeshare industry, said there were 1,434 timeshare resorts in the U.S. (2025). Within these resorts are 189,000 individual units.

How Does Renting a Timeshare Work? 

One of the primary reasons owners buy timeshares is the security of having a predictable vacation accommodation in a high-demand destination each year. However, just like anyone else, something may come up in their lives and schedules that makes them unable to travel and use their designated weeks.

In those scenarios, owners can rent a timeshare out to non-owners.

Owners list their timeshares for rent (similar to how online hotel and vacation rental platforms work), and guests book and pay for a nightly or weekly rate. Upon arriving at the resort, paid guests check in, and the resort welcomes and accommodates them under the reservation.

How Are Smart Travelers Using Well-Planned Timeshare Rentals as Holiday Hacks? 

Timeshares offer guaranteed vacation spaces, resort (or resort-like) amenities, and spacious multi-room accommodations, but they come with significant financial commitments for owners. There are initial timeshare agreement fees and ongoing maintenance and recurring charges.

Given those caveats, savvy travelers are holding off on or choosing not to buy timeshares but rent them instead. Here's how they're using well-planned timeshare rentals as smart holiday hacks.

Getting Access to Upscale Properties for Much Less 

Many timeshare properties are upscale, luxurious accommodations. Examples include:

  • Marriott Vacation Club Resort
  • Disney Vacation Club (DVC)
  • Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV)
  • Hyatt Residence Club
  • Westin Vacation Club

On a regular day, stays at these places can cost guests (non-members or non-timeshare-owners) several hundred dollars per person; thousands if they go in a group.

Booking these getaways through timeshare rental platforms, however, can save travelers like you a good chunk of your holiday budget, as you'll see on Redweek's trusted timeshare marketplace. You'll find timeshare rentals at prestigious vacation club resorts like Marriott's, Westin, and Club Wyndham offered at more budget-friendly rates.

Timeshare rentals are usually inexpensive because individual owners run and manage them.

In many cases, owners rent out their timeshares because they can't make it to the resort during their allotted week. Rather than their previous payments (e.g., mandatory annual maintenance fees) going to waste or turning a profit, they simply try to recoup some of it.

Enjoying 5-Star Holidays Without the Burden of Timeshare Ownership 

Another way savvy travelers use timeshare rentals as a holiday hack is by using them to get access to dream holidays and destinations without "baggage."

By renting timeshares, guests don't have to worry about paying for all the fees associated with timeshare ownership. At the same time, they can enjoy spacious, multi-room accommodations that are usually fully furnished and equipped with the bells and whistles you'd expect from known resorts.

In many cases, timeshare rentals also grant guests access to the resorts' exclusive amenities, such as:

  • Swimming pools
  • Tennis courts
  • Fitness centers
  • Club lounges
  • On-site fine dining establishments

Additional charges still apply to consumables (e.g., food and drink charges). As a timeshare rental guest, however, you'll likely be able to access these facilities that are otherwise for members only.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How Much Is the Average Timeshare?  

Timeshare costs primarily depend on resort location and quality, usage time, and season type. Timeshares in bigger cities and popular areas cost more, and so do longer usage times and peak seasons.

AmeriSave has cited specific figures from the ARDA, saying that the average cost of a timeshare is around $23,940. On top of this are maintenance costs, which average around $1,480.

Is It Better to Own or Rent a Timeshare? 

Renting a timeshare is usually less expensive than owning one. You won't have to deal with large initial upfront and ongoing payments (ownership and maintenance costs).

As a non-owner guest, you'll also have more flexibility and freedom to choose your next timeshare destination, whether it's in the same state where you live, another state, or even abroad. Because you're renting, you can choose whenever you want or are free to go on holiday.

Conversely, buying a timeshare means navigating limitations on your guaranteed vacation space and time.

Older timeshare ownership models restricted owners to a single specific resort. Modern programs offer more variation, trading points over networks, but usually still under the same hotel/resort brand or owner.

Another restriction with timeshare ownership is the allotted time for exclusive property use.

Many programs restrict use to set intervals, often one week per year on a fixed calendar date. Although this works out well for people who want predictability and guaranteed holiday time, it can be very restrictive and inflexible.

Plan Your Next Dream Holiday Well

If you're planning a dream vacation but don't want to "over" splurge, consider taking a page out of other savvy travelers' books and using timeshare rentals as a holiday hack. By booking a for-rent-by-owner unit via a timeshare marketplace, you can enjoy a luxury holiday for less.

Get the latest headlines, breaking news, lifestyle advice, and community stories by checking out our other recent posts.

This article was prepared by an independent contributor and helps us continue to deliver quality news and information.

0

Most Read