For many avid travelers, the dream of exploring new destinations and enjoying luxurious getaways is a powerful one. But navigating the world of travel options can feel overwhelming, especially when terms like 'travel club' and 'timeshare' are thrown around. Both promise incredible vacations, but they operate on fundamentally different principles.
If you're researching your options and feeling a bit skeptical, you're in the right place. Let's break down the key distinctions between travel clubs and timeshares to help you decide which path is better for your travel style.
Timeshares have been around for decades, offering a way for individuals to own a portion of a vacation property — typically a condominium or resort unit. The core concept is that you purchase the right to use a specific property for a set period each year, often one or two weeks.
Initially, timeshares can seem very appealing — guaranteed vacations in a familiar, often high-quality resort setting. But the reality for many timeshare owners often diverges from this initial vision.
In contrast to the rigid structure of timeshares, travel clubs offer a membership-based approach to vacationing. Instead of owning a piece of property, you gain access to a vast network of travel benefits, discounts, and services. The focus is on flexibility, variety, and value — without the burdens of ownership.
| Feature | Timeshare | Travel Club |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Partial ownership of a specific property | Membership access to travel benefits |
| Flexibility | Limited to specific property/week | High flexibility in destinations and dates |
| Maintenance Fees | Annual, often increasing, mandatory | No property maintenance fees |
| Exit Strategy | Difficult and costly to sell or exit | Typically easier to cancel membership |
| Inventory | Limited to owned property or exchange network | Vast network of hotels, resorts, cruises, etc. |
| Concierge | Generally not included | Often included, personalized service |
| Price Match | Not typical | Often offered (e.g., ASN's 200% guarantee) |
| Upfront Cost | High purchase price | Membership fee (varies) |
When deciding between a travel club and a timeshare, it ultimately comes down to your travel philosophy and priorities.
If you crave extreme predictability, want to return to the exact same resort unit at the exact same time every year, and are comfortable with the long-term financial commitment and potential resale challenges, a timeshare might appeal to you.
However, for most modern travelers, the benefits of a travel club far outweigh those of a timeshare. Travel clubs offer unparalleled flexibility, financial freedom from property ownership, personalized concierge services, and wholesale pricing with guarantees that ensure you're always getting the best possible deal.
American Savings Network (ASN) is a BBB-Accredited travel membership company based in Las Vegas that embodies the best of what a travel club can offer. With access to 7,000+ locations in 65 countries, a 200% price match guarantee, dedicated concierge services, and exclusive membership perks like Premium Weeks (hard-capped at $499) and Resort Weeks ($499–$1,599), ASN gives you the flexibility and value you deserve — without the burden of property ownership.
Many of our members are former timeshare owners who made the switch. Their most common response? They wish they'd done it sooner.
Join thousands of members who travel smarter and save thousands every year through ASN's wholesale pricing.
Compare ASN Membership Options