If you’ve ever browsed vacation rental sites and balked at the prices, here’s a travel hack that savvy vacationers have been using: renting timeshares from actual owners without buying into a timeshare yourself.

This little-known option can get you access to spacious, resort-style accommodations for a fraction of the cost of booking through a hotel, online travel agency like Expedia or Booking and even vacation rental sites like AirBnb or VRBO all with no long-term commitment, no sales presentations, and no hidden strings attached.

Let’s dive into how it works, why it’s cheaper, and what you need to know before trying it yourself.

What Exactly Is a Timeshare or Vacation Club?

A timeshare or vacation club is a form of vacation ownership where people purchase points / options or the right to use a resort unit for a specific week or set of weeks each year.

Unlike a standard hotel room, timeshare units are typically designed like vacation condos or villas. Think:

Multiple bedrooms: ideal for families or groups.
Full kitchens: so you can save money by cooking.
Living rooms and dining spaces: more like a home than a hotel.
Resort amenities: pools, gyms, kids’ clubs, organized activities.

Timeshares exist at some of the most sought-after resorts worldwide, including well-known brands like Marriott Vacation Club, Westin Vacation Club, Sheraton Vacation Club, Hilton Grand Vacations, Disney Vacation Club, and Wyndham.

Why Do Owners Rent Out Their Timeshares?

Here’s the secret: not every owner can (or wants to) use their timeshare every year.

Life happens: work conflicts, school schedules, health issues, or simply wanting to vacation somewhere else. Rather than let their reserved week or points go unused, many owners choose to rent them out to recover their maintenance fees.

This creates a win-win situation:

Owners recoup their costs instead of losing money.
Travelers get access to prime resort weeks at prices well below retail.

How Renting Timeshares Saves You Money

The economics of timeshare rentals are where this becomes a true travel hack.

Here’s a quick example:

Direct resort booking: $3,200 for a 7-night stay in a 2-bedroom villa.
Owner rental: $1,400 – $1,800 for the exact same villa, same week, same check-in desk.

Why the big difference? Because you’re paying an owner’s cost (plus any markup) not the resort’s retail rate.

What to Expect When You Rent

Renting a timeshare is surprisingly straightforward. Here’s how it typically works:

Browse Listings
Search for the week, resort, or destination that fits your travel plans.
Secure the Reservation
The owner confirms your booking, and changes the reservation into your name.
Check-In Like Normal
When you arrive, you check in at the front desk just like any other guest.

Advantages of Renting Timeshares

Huge Savings: 30–80% off retail rates is common.
More Space: Perfect for couples, families, or group getaways.
Resort Amenities: Pools, spas, gyms, restaurants, kids clubs, and planned activities included.
No Presentation Required: You’re just a guest; no one will try to sell you anything.
Flexibility: No long-term obligation, no annual fees, no commitment.

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Timeshare Rentals

Because timeshare rentals can be such a good deal, some travelers try to cut costs even further by renting from strangers on Facebook or other unverified sources, rather than going through a verified marketplace. This carries its own set of risks:

Avoid Questionable Rentals: It is best to stick to a reputable marketplace like VakayMood that offers verified listings and secure payment systems.
Avoid Unsecure Payment Methods: Sending money via Venmo, Zelle or other unsecured method means no recourse if something goes wrong or if the owner ‘disappears’.

These are some of the reasons it is much better and safer to book securely through a verified platform like VakayMood that verifies reservations and handles payments securely. It takes the uncertainty out of the process and ensures you can relax long before you arrive.

Insider Tips for First-Timers

Book Early for Popular Dates: Holidays and school breaks sell out quickly.
Compare Prices: Compare rates on the resort’s website or online travel agencies like Expedia or Booking to see how much you’re saving. It can be a great motivator!

Final Thoughts

Renting a timeshare week is one of the best-kept secrets in travel. You get access to spacious villas, resort amenities, and prime locations but without the financial commitment or pressure of ownership.

With a secure, verified platform, like VakayMood, there’s never been a better time to try this travel hack for yourself. The first time you unlock a luxury resort stay for half the price of a hotel or private vacation rental, you may never look at vacation planning the same way again.