Owning a timeshare during this COVID-19 outbreak can be a tough pill to swallow. Especially if you’ve yet to use your weekly interval. Aside from the closing of several resorts, travel restrictions are now in place. But for some, using the timeshare while they still can is a priority. You might even be in the middle of your vacation right now.
Either way, we strongly encourage you to remain home until more information about the COVID-19 virus is made public. If you’re thinking about traveling regardless, we were hoping we could shine a better light on the realities you may encounter. Make no mistake about it, traveling during this time is extremely risky.
Not only could you fall ill with the COVID-19 virus, but you could also find yourself in a destination with limited resources. It could be difficult to find comfort and relaxation at an uncommon abode away from home during a pandemic. What happens when local restrictions make you long for it to end?
Should You Travel During a Pandemic?
Thinking this through is important right now. Sure, the cost of timeshare ownership should be upsetting well when you can’t use it. But is making a reservation really worth it when the potential of a grueling experience looms? If you do some research, you’ll find that some travelers are currently stuck abroad right now because they can’t book a commercial flight back into the United States. Chartering a private flight is really their only option. What they saw as an opportunity to get away during a trying time now has them facing some new life challenges.
No matter how you look at it, predicting what can happen in the United States is a little difficult right now. Some countries have combated the spread of the COVID-19 virus effectively while others are still trying to slow it down. Without knowing how many people are really infected in certain areas of our country, it’s hard to know if it’s safe or if containment is even a possibility.
Is Traveling Right Now That Important?
So before you go out on the road or schedule your flight, ask yourself, “Is it worth it?” Do you feel as though you have to use it because of the cost? Have you been looking forward to this vacation for such a long time that you just don’t want to let an outbreak ruin your fun? But what happens if you do get the COVID-19 virus? What if the weeklong vacation ends up being one of the worst decisions of your life?
While our intention isn’t to convict you of your hard-earned anticipation, we just want you to consider what could go wrong. If you have children traveling with you, try to think of how it may impact them down the road. It would be a shame if they came down with a vaccine-less disease when hospitals are full. Especially if your timeshare is in Mexico and you’re unable to get back into the United States right away.
All of these things have to be seriously considered before you partake on a journey during this time. The COVID-19 disease isn’t being taken lightly and you’ll be required to jump through quite a few hoops to make it to your destination. Just know that you’ll want to have a plan if you were to come down with the disease. With testing already limited, you can easily spread the virus without even knowing you have it. Any type of symptom will probably be treated as a contamination.
Traveling By Air During the COVID-19 Outbreak.
If you do happen to get on an airplane, it’s important that you prepare for an extended trip. Layovers, checkpoints and other inspections are likely to occur. Some airports are even testing travelers before allowing them to get on a plane. While arrivals from some areas are being required to quarantine for at least two weeks. During this time, it’s important that you take the proper precautions to protect yourself. Whether you’re wearing a mask or full body jumpsuit, keeping your hands and belongings clean is key.
No matter how many measures you take, you also have to realize that the health of other passengers can also detour your trip. One positive test, loaded sneeze or hospitalization can force flight officials to quarantine the plane or an area of the airport. This would quickly put a halt to your plans for the week. Understanding the different types of situations you might walk into during a flight could save you a lot of trouble.
Traveling By Car During the COVID-19 Outbreak.
Like air traveling, getting into an enclosed environment with other people who haven’t been tested is risky. Timeshare owners may believe that bypassing public transportation allows them to avoid contamination. While this most certainly lessens their exposure, it won’t help them if someone in the vehicle has already been exposed to COVID-19.
Even if you’re able to keep the interior of the car clean, there are other things to consider. If you take the time to consider how many people use gas pumps, you’ll probably see where we’re going with this. Just because you avoid the airport doesn’t mean you can avoid people, or places they’ve been. Wiping down surfaces will definitely help but washing your hands in high traffic public restrooms can be costly.
Restaurants and other stops along the way may also throw a curveball to your plans. Aside from being potential contamination sites, many food and drink establishments across the country have been forced to shut their doors. Unless you’re able to stock up at the grocery store before you leave home, how do you plan on eating along the way?
If you’re going to take a roadtrip to your timeshare, it’s absolutely crucial that you investigate the route you plan on taking. Most recreational and public areas are currently off limits and Georgia has even begun turning state parks into COVID-19 isolation zones. At this point, you never know what you might run into that can hinder the trip.
Making sure you have ample routes mapped out, escape routes noted and contingency plans in place will increase your chances. But it won’t guarantee that you’re able to get where you’re headed. In other words, expecting the unexpected isn’t a bad idea. While getting to your timeshare may seem like you’ve accomplished a feat, there still may be more mountains to climb.
How COVID-19 May Affect Your Timeshare Stay.
Say you were to arrive at your timeshare destination unscathed. What do you plan to do while you’re there? Do you know if the resort is allowing any guest activities? Will the bar and restaurant be open? Are there any local restaurants still serving food? What about the attractions and entertainment you’re used to seeing? What if the resort is nearly vacant and lacking any type of social interaction?
What about transportation? Is there currently access to get around? Will you feel safe where you’re going and what are your plans if you don’t? Will closed beaches and grocery shopping still appeal to you after a few days? Like we said before, realizing that you might be better off at home is a tough pill to swallow. But the result of the COVID-19 virus is out of our control. If you find yourself forcing the vacation and nothing is working out then it might be best to let it go.
The COVID-19’s Impact on the Timeshare Industry.
The longer people expose themselves to this virus, the longer travel restrictions and limitations will be. In order to expedite bans and reopen borders, we all have to be willing to wait it out and hope for the best. At some point, timeshare companies will have to communicate some sort of plan to overcome the loss. While it may be difficult to expect any type of relief from an industry that ignores most complaints, avoiding further risks should outweigh your travel plans.
Even if you’re not afraid of the COVID-19 virus, your timeshare vacation could easily alter your life for the next month or two. In reality, if you haven’t been tested, you might even alter someone else’s. This is why lawmakers and health officials are now urging people to simply stay home. Anywhere you go at this point is increasing your exposure. Although a getaway is what most of America could use right now, a little self-control would go a long way.
Precautions for Recent Timeshare Travelers.
If you’ve recently visited your timeshare and are worried about your exposure to COVID-19 then the best thing you can do is eat healthy and get plenty of rest. Worrying about the disease only weakens your immune system. If you have the ability to get tested, then do so. Especially if you’re feeling sick. At this point, it’s hard to tell just how available this is in every city.
Nonetheless, keeping your distance from public areas and social gatherings is an important step to getting the COVID-19 pandemic under control. If you don’t have to go anywhere, then don’t. Until health officials are able to locate sources and contamination zones, we won’t be sure what to avoid. If you’ve returned from outside of the country or in a city that’s heavily impacted, then quarantining yourself should be a priority. If you weigh the possibilities, waiting a few weeks could pay dividends.
The COVID-19 Impact on Timeshare Owners.
If the COVID-19 outbreak has caused you to reevaluate your timeshare commitment, the best thing for you to do is reach out to your resort. Even though some owners are looking to legally cancel their contracts right now (to eliminate the expense), there’s always a chance that your timeshare offers a fair exchange. At the end of the day, all we want is for vacation owners to enjoy their travels.
If you need help navigating this discussion we’d be more than happy to help. If you haven’t enjoyed your timeshare for a while now, then a travel ban only makes matters worse. While cancellation may be your best option, who you hire is important. Far too many owners are scammed trying to sell, transfer or “legally” get out of a timeshare contract.
If the COVID-19 virus has devastated your finances, then adding more costs on top of your timeshare expense is not ideal. If you’d like to know more about our attorney based process, you can schedule a FREE consultation or proceed with our qualification form below.
