Points-based vacation clubs convert an upfront purchase and annual fees into redeemable points for stays at member resorts. They can offer reliable accommodation and value for families who will use them regularly, but long-term maintenance fees, booking rules, resale limits, and changing policies mean buyers should review fee histories, contract terms, exchange partners, and current cancellation policies before joining.

Why people join vacation clubs

Points-based vacation clubs (sometimes called timeshare clubs) let you buy an allocation of points that you redeem for self-catering stays at member resorts. The model can deliver reliable, well-maintained accommodation and predictable planning if you value returning to the same resorts or want a family-friendly option that spreads cost over time.

How the points model works

You typically pay an initial purchase or membership deposit and then a yearly maintenance fee. The club converts your annual points into stays: modest apartments take fewer points, high-end or peak-week bookings cost more. You can save points year-to-year, combine points with cash, or top up for bigger trips.

What we liked (real examples)

In our case we joined two clubs - one with apartments in an Austrian ski resort and another with properties in Lanzarote. The resorts maintained high standards: clean self-catering units, reliable pools, and family-friendly amenities. We saved points for two years and took a two-week ski holiday for six people. The children learned to ski, and we returned several times over the following years.

Value and tradeoffs

Vacation clubs can reduce the out-of-pocket cost of expensive trips like ski weeks because you prepay and spread costs. But you also commit to ongoing maintenance fees and rules about booking windows and exchange fees. Fees and availability can change, so clubs work best when you plan around their system and read the contract carefully.

Modern considerations and due diligence

  • Check the maintenance-fee history and any published reserve-fund information where available. Fees have a long-term impact on value.
  • Confirm the club's exchange partners if you want flexibility beyond the home resorts. RCI and Interval International remain well-known exchange networks for members.
  • Review contract terms about resale, cancellation, and transfer. Resale markets exist but can be limited.
  • Read recent member reviews and ask to see a sample booking calendar for your tier.

Final takeaways

Points-based vacation clubs can offer consistent accommodation and good value for families who use them regularly. They are not risk-free: ongoing fees, booking rules, and contract terms matter. Do your homework before joining and consider how many weeks you realistically expect to use each year.

Rescission periods and consumer protections vary by country and often by state; verify applicable laws before signing.

1 Pandemic-era policies and flexibility offered by clubs changed in 2020-2023; confirm current change/cancellation policies with any club you consider.

  1. Verify rescission periods and consumer protection rules for vacation-ownership contracts in the buyer's jurisdiction.
  2. Confirm current pandemic-era change/cancellation policies and any standard flexibility offered by major vacation clubs as of 2025.

FAQs about Vacation Clubs

How do points-based vacation clubs differ from traditional timeshares?
Points-based clubs give you a flexible pool of points to use at different resorts and times, rather than ownership of a fixed week. That flexibility can make booking easier, but it typically still involves annual maintenance fees and booking rules.
Are maintenance fees likely to rise over time?
Maintenance fees can increase, and those increases affect long-term cost. Review any published fee history or reserve details and ask the club about typical annual adjustments.
Can I resell my week or membership later?
Resale is possible but can be limited; resale markets often have lower prices than original purchase. Check the contract for transfer rules and any club approval requirements.
What should I check before signing a membership agreement?
Review maintenance-fee trends, booking rules, exchange partners, cancellation/rescission terms, and sample booking calendars. Read recent member reviews and ask for clarification on any fees or restrictions.
Are exchange networks available if I want different destinations?
Yes. Many clubs participate in exchange networks such as RCI and Interval International, which can expand destination options beyond the club's home resorts.