| As a single woman looking to travel, a "travel club" | | | | pitch, don't go. But just because a timeshare |
| may have piqued your interest, but you're not sure if | | | | professes to be a travel club doesn't mean all travel |
| the things you've heard are legitimate or too good to | | | | clubs are bad. And if you have a little extra time, it |
| be true. Many clubs offer fantastic deals or luxury | | | | might be worth sitting through the pitch for the free |
| accommodations, but it's hard to filter the myth from | | | | accommodations. Just leave your checkbook at |
| the reality sometimes. With a little research and | | | | home! |
| common sense, though, vacationing with a travel club | | | | Myth: "The 'deals' you get are for low quality |
| can turn out to be the best idea you've had in a long | | | | accommodations, and the only way you'll get the |
| time. | | | | 'luxury' they promise is with expensive upgrades." |
| Let's look at a few common myths and | | | | Reality: Research, research, research. It bears |
| misconceptions: | | | | repeating. Some random telemarketer may try and |
| Myth: "All travel clubs are scams designed to take | | | | weasel you into a fabulous $50 deal that, if you really |
| your money, and you can find better deals for | | | | check into, is for one night in a motel with a lamp. |
| yourself or with a travel agent." | | | | Legitimate travel clubs, however, offer |
| Reality: Of course some so-called "travel clubs" are | | | | travelers-especially if you're a single woman looking |
| scams, and often, with those con artists, you'll | | | | for travel deals who plans to fully utilize the benefits |
| encounter crazy good deals that are absolutely too | | | | of the club's discounts-prices and accommodations |
| good to be true. These scams are relatively easy to | | | | you probably couldn't find on your own. |
| spot, and all you really need to do is make a few | | | | Myth: If you travel with a club, you'll be stuck on a |
| phone calls and check the deals out before agreeing | | | | bus with a bunch of old married couples. |
| to anything. Don't jump right in after hearing a | | | | Reality: Travel clubs today recognize that one size |
| fast-talking sales pitch or receiving a shiny | | | | doesn't fit all. They often package their trips with |
| brochure-just keep in mind that for a single woman | | | | different constituents in mind; family, single |
| shopping for a travel deal, a legitimate travel club | | | | professionals, or seniors. And even if, as a single |
| with a solid reputation may be for you. | | | | woman, you go on a trip with families and seniors, a |
| Myth: "Travel clubs are really just a way to get you | | | | good travel club provides plenty of free time to |
| to listen to a timeshare presentation/buy into their | | | | explore on your own. |
| timeshare program." | | | | Overall, it all comes down to knowing what you're |
| Reality: Again, there's always some grain of truth in a | | | | looking for and understanding that yes, there are |
| lie, and yes, there are some organizations that | | | | some scams out there, but in general, most travel |
| advertise themselves as "travel clubs," but upon | | | | clubs are legal, legitimate and may offer a single |
| further investigation, what they're offering is a | | | | woman who enjoys travel and plans to fully explore |
| vacation deal IF you sit and listen to their long, boring | | | | all the benefits the club has to offer a unique |
| presentation on a timeshare deal. Don't be afraid to | | | | opportunity to experience new and exciting |
| ask the question point-blank. If it is a time share | | | | destinations. |