In buying a timeshare, there are two very different options; points and weeks. Neither is better than the other, all that matters is how you travel.
Most timeshares today are on a point system. That means that when you buy a week somewhere, your week, depending on where you buy, what week you have, and what location your home resort is, will determine how many points your week is worth.
For example, if you bought a week with the Hilton Grand Vacations Club and your week is #52 (Christmas week) and your home resort is in Breckenridge, Colorado then your week is worth 10,000 points. (not actual point value, for example only) This year, you use your week in Breckenridge, so your points are an even exchange. In doing this, you have no more points for the weeks prior to your week of vacation unless you purchase more points. If you purchase through a major hotel chain, like the Hilton or Hyatt, you can earn extra points for staying in their hotels. You can also break your week into smaller trips, but then you would not have a full week to use for vacation unless you purchased more points.
Maybe you want to take your week and go someplace else, like Hawaii. There are two ways to do this, you can go to another resort that the Hilton owns (again for example only) or through an exchange company, such as RCI or II. Hawaii is general going to be more points than Colorado so you would have to purchase more points, unless you use their hotels enough to have enough extra points where you don’t have to purchase more. There is a disadvantage to points if you want to exchange. Points come with inflation. This year, because of the state of the economy, Hawaii may only be 15, 000 points, so you would only have to have 5,000 extra points (not actual point value, for example only). Next year, when the economy is in better shape, Hawaii may cost 25,000 points so you would have to have an extra 15,000 points. It is very wise to be aware of the inflation factor when deciding where you want to go. Also, the season may determine the inflation of points along with the location.
There are still companies out there that offer weeks as weeks, not points. One of these companies is Silverleaf Resorts, Inc. If you own a week in one place, you have instant exchange value. This does usually include a small transfer fee. (usually less than $100) The down side to having a week for a week exchange is that you cannot break up your week and take smaller trips, unless they offer a way to buy extra night stays. For example, Silverleaf offers a Bonus Time program where you can stay at the resort, if you own with them, for less than a hotel stay. The good thing about this is that you can use it as you need it and you still have your full week.
Some resorts offer packages when you purchase that include so many weekend/short trips. The drawback to this is that if you don’t use them, they do not roll over so you lose them. Unless you know for sure that you are going to use the extra stays every year, then this may not be the best way to go because you are paying more money for something you may not use.
The best thing about owning a week for a week is that when you exchange it through an excahnge company, it is one flat fee no matter where you go. Colorado will cost the same as Hawaii; San Antonio will cost the same as London.
Just remember, in choosing a timeshare, tour several companies and find the one that works best for you.