15 best places to visit when you retire

Whether you’re buying a primary residence, an investment property or a vacation home, it can be advantageous to share the financial burden with a family member. Purchasing a home with a relative can make home ownership more affordable, giving owners someone to share the cost and effort of maintenance and upkeep with. It can also help buyers with less-than-perfect credit scores to get access to better interest rates and loan terms.  Buying with a relative is especially common with second homes, where each party may not want to shoulder the entire cost of a second monthly mortgage payment on a place where they won’t live in full time.  While buying a house with a family member can often make smart financial sense, there are quite a few things to consider before signing on the dotted line.  What to look for in a house with multiple owners  Anytime you’re shopping for a home, it’s important to make a list of your needs and wants — and be sure to differentiate the two. For example, a need for a family with mobility challenges might be a one-story home  while a want might be a home with a swimming pool.  When you’re buying with a family member, you have more needs and wants to consider, which can make it take longer to find a house that fits the group’s criteria. Start by defining key must-haves for location, property size and amenities. In the case of a second home, decide if you need enough space for everyone to use the property at the same time, or if you’ll be trading off visits.  Pros and cons of owning a property with family members The biggest upsides to owning a home with relatives are mostly financial. With a co-owner, you’ll split big-ticket expenses like the down payment, monthly mortgage payment, property taxes and insurance. Down the road when the inevitable home repairs pop up, you won’t have to foot the entire bill yourself. It’s also worth noting that a 50-50 ownership split isn’t required. It’s up to the co-owners to decide what’s fair in their unique situation.  Another benefit of having a co-owner is having a stronger financial position with your lender. You may qualify for a better interest rate and loan terms based on having a higher combined monthly income and strong credit scores.  However, there are a few drawbacks to owning a home with a family member that you should keep in mind before moving forward. A home is one of the biggest purchases you make in a lifetime, and with a co-owner, you are counting on the other person’s dedication and ability to keep up with payments. If you and your co-owner are listed as co-borrowers on a mortgage and they either can’t or don’t keep up with payments, your credit score will be affected and your home could go through foreclosure if you aren’t able to pay the full amount every month.  Another downside is that it can be difficult to ensure that you and your co-owner will be on the same page in terms of how to care for the home during ownership. When does an issue require a repair? When is the right time to upgrade appliances? If something needs to be replaced, is it a DIY project or do you hire a professional?  To navigate these challenges, savvy co-owners can put a property ownership agreement into place from the date of purchase. This legally binding document can outline how financial responsibility is split, the approach to repairs. and what happens if one owner wants to sell and the other doesn’t. A real estate attorney can help you draft this type of agreement.  Types of ownership structures  When you buy a home with a family member, you can choose from a few different types of legal ownership structures.  Tenancy in common Joint tenancy Another option for co-ownership While it’s common for people to purchase primary residences with co-owners, it’s especially popular when buying a vacation home. After all, it gives you the opportunity to make family memories in your favorite destination without the big price tag.  Spending less is a key benefit to splitting a vacation property with a relative, but the effort to make it a reality can still be quite large. You’ll have to find a home that everybody agrees on, take the time to set up the required legal protections, and come up with an equitable way to split time.  Consider this alternative. Pacaso puts second home ownership within reach by bringing owners together to buy a home, offering ⅛ shares of luxury properties in top vacation destinations But Take a look at Pacaso homes currently available. From

Cryptocurrency is proving to be less of a trend and more of a force that’s here to stay. And with a single Bitcoin ringing up at a value of over $60,000 (as of October 2021), it makes sense that cryptocurrency investors are thinking big when it comes to tapping into the power of their crypto stashes.  Can you use cryptocurrency to buy a house? If you’re considering using Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Litecoin or one of a number of other cryptocurrencies to purchase a home, you’re not alone. It’s becoming increasingly common, but there are some challenges to be aware of, and the volatility of the cryptocurrency market can make some transactions complicated.  Former child actor Brock Pierce, now an entrepreneur and director of the Bitcoin Foundation, is reportedly the first person to While not everyone can be a “Bitcoin billionaire” like Pierce, you can convert your cryptocurrency into real estate. Here’s how (and some pitfalls to watch out for).  How do you buy a home with cryptocurrency? There are a few options for using cryptocurrency to Convert cryptocurrency to cash One of the simplest ways to use your cryptocurrency nest egg to buy a home is to sell the cryptocurrency for fiat money (dollars) using a service like Borrow against cryptocurrency Companies like Transfer cryptocurrency directly to the seller While it can be challenging to find a seller willing to accept cryptocurrency as payment for a home, many sellers are warming up to the idea. In fact, some sellers are looking to acquire Bitcoin, Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies. In those cases, offering cryptocurrency might push your offer to the front of the pack.  What are the pros to buying a home with cryptocurrency? While pros and cons of buying a home with cryptocurrency may be different depending on which method you choose, here are a few pros to consider:  What are the cons to buying a home with cryptocurrency? As enticing as cryptocurrency may be, it’s still something of an unknown entity in the real estate industry. When considering buying a home with cryptocurrency, watch out for these drawbacks: The bottom line If you want to buy a home with cryptocurrency, do your homework and be prepared to face some hurdles. If you’re not sure you’re cut out to be a cryptocurrency pioneer, consider giving the real estate industry a few years to get more comfortable with digital currencies before dropping any cryptocurrency on a house.  But if you don’t want to wait, consider using cryptocurrency to buy a share of a Pacaso second home. The process is streamlined  — no hurdles!

Imagine waking up in a charming Parisian apartment and eating croissants on your balcony. Or perhaps a rustic cabin nestled amidst towering Redwoods sounds more your speed. Everyone has different travel preferences and budgets, and the best vacation rental sites will cater to yours.  To help you find the ideal Let’s get booking, shall we? 1. Airbnb The variety in listings has undoubtedly aided the company’s success, making it one of the largest vacation rental companies in the world. Airbnb operates internationally, with over 6 million listings. It also lets hosts list properties for free, taking a percentage of the booking price.  2. Vrbo Due to its limited listings, Vrbo makes it easy for families to sift through options to find the perfect rental that can house everyone.  3. FlipKey Although its total number of listings is still a far cry from those on Airbnb, FlipKey does have one competitive edge: It is owned by Tripadvisor, which provides insights into travelers’ experiences. Guests who book on FlipKey get more than just a rental — they get actionable user tips to make planning easier.     4. Booking.com   By specializing in hotel rooms and vacation rentals, the site allows travelers to easily compare the available options in the area to ensure they’re getting the best deal for their money. Even if hotels aren’t right for your vacation plans, the site provides a search feature to find only vacation rentals.  5. Agoda While it specializes in Asian travel, Agoda also operates in Europe and North America. It offers a range of accommodations, from hotels to private residences, making it a viable option for nearly every traveler. While most travelers looking for vacation rentals focus on the short term, Agoda also has options for long stays exceeding seven days.   6. Plum Guide While many vacation rental sites focus on giving users the most options,  Plum Guide uses extremely selective criteria in its approval process, with its team individually judging every property. Only around 3% of rentals pass. In addition to this attention to detail, its team is available around the clock to assist guests, so you won’t be stuck waiting for a resolution if an issue arises.  7. HomeToGo If you’re tired of jumping around to multiple rental platforms, you might want to start using Its search functions operate similarly to what you’ll find on sites like Vrbo and Airbnb. Travelers can filter results based on prices, amenities, ratings and more. Whether you’re looking to stay in a houseboat or a castle, HomeToGo might be your best bet for success.  8. Casamundo Their transparent 9. Tripadvisor Vacation Rentals The platform operates in over 200 countries and promises a full refund if the rental property is falsely advertised or if the guest can’t access it. In addition to its robust listings, Tripadvisor allows vacationers to book some accommodations directly with the owner. There’s a payment protection guarantee for added peace of mind.  10. HolidayLettings Just like FlipKey, it is owned by Tripadvisor, so it benefits from the platform’s extensive customer reviews and travel guidance. Holiday Lettings has a slightly larger inventory of listings than FlipKey, with 700,000 rentals worldwide.  11. Tripping.com Its precise filtering makes it easy to find the perfect rental from over 12 million listings. Since it pulls results from other platforms, you can easily compare prices to get the best deal.    12. Homestay.com Some hosts even operate on a barter basis, allowing guests to stay in exchange for work around the property. Homestay.com has over 63,000 rooms in over 176 countries.     13. Atraveo Operating primarily in Europe, Along with verified customer reviews, atraveo offers secure booking, where the renter pays atraveo and then settles with the host. This added security eliminates the 14. Onefinestay Focused on Accor, a hospitality company that owns Fairmont and Raffles, manages onefinestay. This expertise adds to the experience with features like professional housekeeping, round-the-clock service and being welcomed in person upon arrival. There’s even the option to personalize your stay with perks like a private driver or chef.  15. Sonder Sonder operates in 40 cities around North America and Europe, although its primary focus is in the United States. An added benefit of the service is that it offers both short- and long-term stays.  16. 9flats While 9flats.com isn’t on the same tier as some luxury brands, it does offer some great perks. Guests can enlist the help of their hosts for tips on local entertainment, with some even willing to act as unofficial tour guides. The company carefully evaluates all hosts for added guest safety.   17. Love Home Swap As the name implies, The service offers a free trial, after which homeowners must pay a membership fee. Before the house swap, both owners can agree to certain terms — like cleaning and pet sitting — to ensure each person’s space is respected.    18. Getaway The cabins include a mini kitchen, plus an outdoor fire pit and grill grate. The service intentionally spurns technology, providing no Wi-Fi to guests. A landline in every cabin compensates for spotty cell reception in case of emergencies.  19. Interhome Interhome and its partners maintain a local presence, executing key handovers and resolving issues on-site. The team even performs a quality check of every property before the guests’ arrival.    20. Homes and Villas by Marriott Bonvoy Marriott enlists the help of professional property managers to ensure that its rental homes and villas are held to the company’s high standards. Rooms come with premium linens, Wi-Fi and bathroom amenities that are standard in hotel rooms. By renting through Homes & Villas, guests receive increased privacy and living space. 21. Paris Perfect These aren't your average rentals — they are beautifully decorated and include a modern twist on classic Parisian style. They also come equipped with top-of-the-line amenities that rival a luxury hotel. Plus, with prime locations throughout Paris, you'll be perfectly situated to explore all that the City of Light has to offer. 22. Expedia You can filter your search by location, price, amenities and even property type — making it easy to find vacation rentals that tick all your boxes. Plus, with the site’s commitment to finding the best deals, you can relax knowing you secured a comfortable and affordable home-away-from-home. 23. Welcome Beyond The site caters to the adventurous traveler who seeks a place to stay that reflects the destination's character. Welcome Beyond properties go beyond the standard apartment or house, often featuring treehouses, glamping sites and historic properties accompanied by spectacular views.  Another option: Owning a vacation home The vacation rental sites on this list each have their strengths, but they’re all limited to single trips. If you love a vacation destination, you have an alternative for a lifetime of luxurious stays. If you have a destination you return to year after year — or multiple times a year — it might be time to Owning a vacation home does come with added responsibilities, so you’ll want to thoroughly research your options before deciding.  Tired of vacation rentals? Try Pacaso If you're seeking an With

Florida has a lot to offer vacationers: year-round sunshine, gorgeous beaches, fun-filled attractions and more. According to Sun-worshiping vacationers flock to Florida during every month of the year, but if you’re hoping to ensure a great travel experience — and avoid crowds, hurricanes and high prices — here are a few things to consider.  What to expect each season in Florida Winter December, January and February are great months to visit Florida. While much of the country is battling cold weather and winter storms, the Sunshine State boasts temperatures in the 60s and low 70s in the northern region, and 70s and low 80s in South Florida. Rainy days are rare this time of year, making it a great time to explore.  You’ll enjoy fewer crowds than other times of the year, but keep in mind that Florida has roughly one million seasonal residents (aptly named “snowbirds” who flock to Florida during the colder months) so you’re not likely to have the beach all to yourself.  Spring Weather-wise, March, April and May are some of the best months in Florida. Sunny days abound and rain levels are minimal. Unsurprisingly, it’s also a busy time of year for tourists, so be prepared for higher-than-average hotel costs and plenty of people in and around popular tourist attractions.  If you plan to visit beach towns like Panama Beach and Daytona Beach but don’t want to relive your college years, avoid March and April. These towns, and a few others on the Florida Panhandle, turn into spring break hotspots for young revelers from around the country.   Summer Some like it hot, and if that’s you, visit Florida in June, July and August. Temperatures are regularly in the 80s and 90s, with high humidity and frequent afternoon storms. Temperatures can be even hotter inland, where you won’t have ocean breezes to cool you off.  Speaking of storms, it’s important to note that the Atlantic hurricane season traditionally begins in June, so be sure to pay attention to the weather forecast before and during your trip. Despite the soaring temperatures and hurricane risk, summer is still a popular time for visitors, especially families.  Fall Autumn brings slightly lower temperatures and smaller crowds, making it a great time to visit. Across the state, you’ll find fall festivals, from the Hotel rates start to drop after Labor Day, making the fall a more affordable time to visit. It’s important to remember that the Atlantic hurricane season runs through the end of October, with the most activity occurring between August and October. If you’re traveling to Florida during any part of hurricane season, it’s smart to buy travel insurance.   The best time to visit Florida theme parks  The Orlando area, the epicenter of American theme parks, is home to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and LEGOLAND Florida, among others. You’ll also find no fewer than seven water parks to cool off on hot days. Any Disney aficionado will tell you there is no crowd-free day at Disney World or other area parks. However, you will find Florida theme parks to be less crowded right after the holiday season (January and February) and in September, once schools are back in session. Regardless of the season, your best bet is always a weekday trip.  The best time to visit Miami Miami is an action-packed South Florida destination every month of the year, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. Winter offers the mildest weather, without the sky-high temperatures or sticky humidity. Yet you’ll have to contend with crowds and high hotel prices.  In summer, the temperature is hot but the deals are next level. The best time to visit the Florida Keys A 125-mile-long archipelago off the coast of South Florida, the Florida Keys are a unique destination. With island vibes and incredible natural beauty, the Keys are a bucket-list destination for many. But The Keys have distinct rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season runs from May to October, during which time the islands get the majority of their yearly rainfall — not to mention hurricane risk. The dry season is the most popular time to visit, as you’ll enjoy average temperatures in the 70s with very little rain. As with much of the state, prices and crowds are lower in the summer, but the weather can be unpredictable.  Find your year-round Florida getaway with Pacaso  If Florida is your favorite vacation destination, perhaps it’s time to make it official! As a second home owner in the Sunshine State, you’ll enjoy a place to call home, without the unpredictability of hotel costs. Pacaso has luxury vacation homes Have a property in mind?

Getting the best prices on your vacation can be tricky, and there’s nothing worse than booking non-refundable travel only to discover that the price has since gone down. While this can be unfortunately common when booking air travel, it can also happen on Airbnb, since many listings use dynamic pricing. Read on to get all your questions answered about when to book your Airbnb for the best prices.  Is there a best time to book?  Finding the best price on an Airbnb is an art and a science. Many factors go into pricing (more on that below), but according to recent Here’s one exception: If you’re planning a longer-term rental, it’s better to book as early as possible for the best availability.  What factors affect Airbnb prices? According to the same NerdWallet research, 84% of properties listed on Airbnb use dynamic pricing, where an algorithm automatically changes per-night pricing based on a variety of factors. Many things affect the price of a specific Airbnb property, including:  Do Airbnb prices get cheaper closer to my trip?  It is possible to score last-minute deals on Airbnb listings, as both dynamically priced and statically priced homes may drop prices a few days ahead of time to prevent a property from sitting empty. However, this tactic is best employed by flexible travelers. When you book last minute, you may find yourself with limited options and end up in a home or part of town that isn’t your first choice. If you’re okay with that, you might be able to save quite a bit.  What do I need to know about cancellation policies? How early you’re comfortable booking often comes down to the cancellation policy, and on Airbnb, property owners have their choice of multiple options. As a traveler, be sure to review the cancellation policy for the property before booking to make sure it works for your travel plans.  While there are many cancellation policy types at Airbnb, here are a few of the most common you’ll encounter. Be sure to read the full policy before booking, as there are some rules regarding partial payments:  Tips for getting the best price  Ready to seek out the best possible price for the Airbnb you’re eyeing? Here are a few tips for getting the best price:  Skip the stress of short-term rentals with a place of your own Airbnb prices are always changing, which can make it hard to feel like you’ve gotten a good deal. If you want to avoid the headaches of booking short-term rentals and prefer a vacation home over a hotel, Interested in a Pacaso but aren’t ready for full ownership? Give us a try with our

There’s nothing better than a vacation. But the planning part? That can be stressful. Between airline tickets, Many travel companies use dynamic pricing, where pricing for a specific flight, room category or rental car type changes automatically based on demand. This demand can fluctuate due to several factors, including seasonality, day of the week, large events nearby and how far in advance you book.  For most travelers, getting a great deal is important, and a lot of it comes down to timing. Here’s what you need to know about when to book specific types of travel for the best chance of getting a great deal. The best time to book a flight Airfare is often the most expensive part of a vacation budget. And timing your ticket purchase correctly is complicated. Book too early and you may pay too much. Wait too long and you may have limited options for flight times, connections and seats.  According to The best time to book hotels Like airfare, hotel rates are always fluctuating due to demand. Yet unlike airfare, there are often last-minute deals to be had. According to a The best time to book vacation rentals Unlike hotels, many The best time to book vacation packages  Vacation packages are a popular choice for deal-seeking travelers. Usually including some combination of flight, hotel and car rental, they can be cheaper than booking each portion of the trip independently. Because the components of a vacation package vary, there are no guidelines about how far in advance to book. However, you can sometimes find great last-minute package deals on unsold inventory.  The best time to book cruises Planning to take a cruise this year or next? It’s important to note that cruise prices can vary significantly. The best advice is to plan far enough in advance to wait for a sale. Overall, the best time to book a cruise is between January and March. Known in the industry as “wave season,” this is the time of year when you’ll find the very best discounts and promotions, as cruise lines are looking to load up their ships for the coming year.  If you miss the wave season window, though, you can still find great deals. Keep an eye out for promotions that help your budget go further. Popular promotions include free stateroom upgrades, complimentary or discounted airfare, discounted beverage packages or free kids’ fares.  The best time to book car rentals When it comes to rental cars, booking in advance doesn’t always pay off. A 2022 If you are planning to rent a car in a destination with plenty of rental car availability — near an international airport with a large rental car center — you’re probably safe to wait until you’re very close to your trip. However, if you’re traveling to a high-demand destination at a popular time or if you need a very specific vehicle type, it may be prudent to plan ahead.  A headache-free way to book travel Pacaso owners benefit from a stress-free, no-hassle way to book stays at their vacation home. With our

Beaches are a magnet for We collected the best beaches for kids around the country so that you can find the perfect destination for your family: Now let’s wade into our options! 1. Coronado Beach (San Diego, California) Coronado Beach has all the ingredients necessary to make a great kid-friendly beach. The water is cool and the sand won’t burn your kid’s feet as they run on the shore. When you’ve had your fill of the water, you can easily retreat to the city for food and added entertainment. 2. Main Beach (Laguna Beach, California) Laguna Beach, located along the Pacific Coast Highway, is easy to get to from either Los Angeles or San Diego. The posh town of Laguna Beach takes great care of its ocean access, which enhances the experience.    The water is typically calm, so your kids can play in the water without risking colliding with surfers. There are also active whale and dolphin sightings in the area for added fun. 3. Santa Monica State Beach (Santa Monica, California) The kid-friendly state beach in Santa Monica has no shortage of space or activities. Stretching over 3 miles, the beaches make you feel like you’ve entered a public resort. The beaches are monitored by lifeguards for added security, and there’s a playground area and water toys available to rent. Follow the pathways to discover scenic lookouts, picnic areas and volleyball courts.  4. Vikingsholm Beach (South Lake Tahoe, California) Want a taste of old-world Scandinavia without the hassle of a transcontinental flight? Then head to Tours are available between May and September. Even without access to the property, your kids will love playing in Emerald Bay, imagining their own Viking adventures. 5. Cannon Beach (Oregon) The beach spans 4 miles and is rarely crowded. The cold, shallow waters allow your kids to play in safety. And at low tide, your kids will love exploring the sea life that gathers in the small tidepools. 6. Long Beach (Washington) Long Beach, Washington — not to be confused with California — is about 40 miles north of Cannon Beach and well worth the visit when you’re in the area. Located on a peninsula, Long Beach lives up to its name, with sandy beachfront stretching across 28 miles. The flat open space makes for a perfect setting to hunt for shells, fly a kite or ride bikes. 7. Waikiki Beach (Honolulu, Hawai’i) 8. Big Foot Beach State Park (Lake Geneva, Wisconsin) Lake Geneva was a popular destination for wealthy Chicago residents looking for summer escapes in the late 1800s. Catering to this crowd, the town turned into a resort community that exists to this day. The lake water is clean and swimmer-friendly, although many visitors prefer cruising on boats.  The shore path wraps 26 miles around the lake, making for a peaceful tour of beautiful estates. Notable buildings include the 9. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Maple City, Michigan) The area is surrounded with hiking trails of varying difficulty. The Empire Bluff Trail follows a wooden pathway to scenic overlooks along the lake. There’s also the option to kayak or tube down the Platte River, which empties into the lake. 10. Oval Beach (Saugatuck, Michigan) Western Michigan is covered with great beach towns, but Oval Beach stands out as one of the best family beaches. Conde Nast named Saugatuck as one of the 11. Indiana Dunes National Park (Porter, Indiana) Indiana Dunes National Park covers 15,000 acres of sandy real estate that’s begging to be explored. Complete the three-dunes challenge by hiking to the top of the three tallest dunes in the area. There are 18 miles of beaches in the park, with State Park Beach and West Beach being the most popular. Visitors can play in the water and see the Chicago skyline on the other shore. 12. Race Point Beach (Cape Cod, Massachusetts) Race Point Beach is one of the best beaches for toddlers, thanks to its calm waters. Located at the tip of 13. Menemsha Beach (Chilmark, Massachusetts) Menemsha Beach, located on Martha’s Vineyard, delivers on the New England fishing village charm sought by many vacationers. The beach is small, but the surrounding area is sparsely populated, so you won’t be fighting for space. The waves are mild, so kids can easily play in the water. Nearby Larsen’s Fish Market is a great place to pick up take-out dinner before returning to the beach for an ideal sunset.  14. Mother’s Beach (Kennebunk, Maine) Mother’s Beach is one of three beaches along Beach Avenue in Kennebunk and is by far the most kid-friendly. Large rock formations on either end of the beach shield it from turbulent waves. The soft sand paired with a playground area make for hours of potential fun. The eastern side of the beach also has several tide pools enclosed by the rocks. 15. Dewey Beach (Rehoboth Beach, Delaware) Dewey Beach resides in an old-school beach town, serving as a mainstay of summertime activity. The Indian River Inlet has a great jetty for fishing. 16. Sunset Beach (Cape May, New Jersey) As its name implies, Sunset Beach delivers beautiful sunsets. Unlike other beaches in 17. Buckroe Beach (Hampton, Virginia) Buckroe Beach sits on the Chesapeake Bay with lifeguards on patrol through the summer months. There are large restrooms and outdoor showers, and parties can rent picnic shelters equipped with grills and tables. There’s also a nautical-themed playground and an observation pier for added entertainment. 18. Corolla Beach (Outer Banks, North Carolina) Corolla Beach is a popular tourist destination on the Outer Banks islands. It has 19. Coligny Beach (Hilton Head Island, South Carolina) Coligny Beach is adjacent to downtown 20. Kiawah Beachwalker Park (Kiawah Island, South Carolina) Kiawah Beachwalker Park is the only public beach accessible on the island. It’s equipped with lifeguards, a snack bar, dressing rooms and bathrooms. There’s also a boardwalk with a wheelchair-accessible ramp. The beach sand is compacted, ideal for bike riding. End your day with a stop at Freshfields Village for food and shopping. 21. Gulf State Park (Gulf Shores, Alabama) Gulf State Park sprawls across 6,150 acres and is filled with options for nature lovers. The 22. Back River Beach (Tybee Island, Georgia) Tybee Island is just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah, and is a favorite escape for locals. Grab a bite to eat at the 23. Seagrove Beach (Seaside, Florida) Seaside is a charming town in Northwest Florida that is known for being the filming location for “The Truman Show 24. Siesta Beach (Siesta Key, Florida) Siesta Key is just off the coast of Southwest Florida in 25. Henderson Beach State Park (Destin, Florida) Henderson Beach State Park is located in the Florida Panhandle and is a popular destination for events like family reunions. Visitors enjoy walking the nature trail and staying at the park’s campsites. There are six pavilions for picnicking and grilling, plus boardwalks for easy beach access and a playground for added fun. 9 tips for a family beach trip Don’t let the stress of planning your next family beach trip spoil all the fun. Follow these tips so your kids aren’t the only ones having a blast.  Now that you know where the best beaches for kids are in the country, all that’s left to do is to start planning. Find your next vacation and you just might find your future

On paper, There are a lot of conditions that go along with What are timeshares anyway? Depending on your arrangement, you could have set dates to use the property every year, like the first week of February. Or you can have floating time, where each year you choose a different week to vacation there. Some timeshares give owners points to use throughout the year, with those points being used to “purchase” their time at a property.  Timeshare benefits While timeshares face a lot of criticism, they wouldn’t still be around if they didn’t offer some benefits to their users. Take a look at some reasons why people are still buying timeshares. The property is professionally managed Timeshares operate similarly to a condominium, with owners paying annual fees for the maintenance of the property. These are put toward keeping the property in good shape and updating amenities to retain appeal. Since fees are shared between all owners, it can be a smaller financial burden than being the sole owner of a house.  It simplifies vacation decisions If you are prone to indecisiveness when looking at the long list of desirable Joining a timeshare that provides a network of locations to choose from reduces the risk of growing tired of a single spot, while still narrowing down possible options.  Secondhand timeshares are affordable Since an owner’s stake in a timeshare isn’t tied to the value of the property, prices of timeshares often go down when resold. This is partly due to the recurring yearly fees. Owners who have grown tired of the timeshare or can no longer afford it often sell the property for pennies on the dollar.  If the yearly fees are worth the vacation experience to you, buying used is a viable option. You will want to make sure there aren’t any hidden costs with the purchase, so make sure the current owner is up to date on their dues and doesn’t owe a special assessment.   Access to resort amenities Timeshare buildings often provide access to a swimming pool, gym, beach, ski mountain and more. The property manager handles all maintenance, so you’re free to enjoy them without stress. Timeshare risks Despite the benefits timeshare programs offer, there are some glaring drawbacks. The value rarely appreciates It’s important to remember that purchasing a timeshare is not the same as investing in real estate. Don’t expect to sell your share for more money in the future, or even for the same price you paid for it.   This is one of the greatest problems with timeshares and is usually the main reason they’re avoided. All the money you spend on the timeshare should be seen as irretrievable.  Financing is expensive A timeshare purchase can’t be financed through a traditional mortgage since the lender can’t foreclose on the property if the buyer stops making payments. Instead, a buyer needs to get a personal loan, pay in cash, use a credit card or get a home equity loan. Tax breaks also don’t apply to timeshares like they do for other real estate investments. Timeshare costs usually increase over time Timeshare fees aren’t fixed at a specific dollar amount. As inflation rises, it’s likely your annual payments will as well. On top of that, owners are required to pay for major repairs or upgrades if their annual fees aren’t enough.   A big problem with timeshares that use points-based programs is that the point value may decrease over time. Locations that cost 75 points to visit this year, for example, may cost 100 points next year, greatly reducing the affordability after you’ve already made a purchase. The timeshare manager may also increase points at desirable locations or during peak travel dates to offset owner demands, so you may not be able to use it when or as often as you want.    Timeshares are hard to resell Due to the previously mentioned downsides of buying a timeshare, the potential buyers market is small. To make matters worse, some timeshare programs don’t transfer all of the same privileges to a second buyer, making it even more While you’re in limbo trying to find a buyer, you’ll still be responsible for paying all timeshare costs for an indefinite period.  So are timeshares worth it? 5 factors to consider Since timeshare benefits will ultimately be determined by the deal you get and your intended usage, we’ve broken down some of the factors that make timeshares good — or bad — purchases.  Accommodations Compare the Remember to account for amenities and square footage in your comparisons. Since timeshares are similar to condos, they’ll often have kitchens, pools, spas and more at your disposal. Booking Think about how you plan your vacations. Are you comfortable with making plans six months or more in advance, or does that make it feel less like an Highly sought-after travel dates are competitive, so you may not be able to take advantage of those long holiday weekends. Destinations Do you have For example, your kids might love traveling to Orlando, Florida, when they’re young, but grow tired of it as they get older. You’ll still be paying timeshare dues until you can sell it.   Deeded ownership Since there’s no guarantee a timeshare will appreciate in value, they usually aren’t seen as valuable assets. Leaving a timeshare to an heir is closer to leaving them with a hefty yearly maintenance bill.  Unless you have an adult child who has expressed interest in inheriting the timeshare, it’s not a great legacy. Flexibility Many timeshare corporations allow you to trade your week(s) at your home resort for time at a different resort, as long as it’s part of their parent company. Despite the hype this perk gets from salespeople, most resorts in If your timeshare is in a less popular locale, its trading power is probably less than you think, and it might be difficult to trade up. If you do decide to buy a timeshare, make sure you really like the resort that will be your home base, because you may not be able to trade. But what are some timeshare alternatives? Timeshares can be an attractive vacation option when compared to the expensive alternative of buying an entire vacation house. However, there are other options to consider.  Vacation clubs Short-term rentals The freedom offered by short-term vacation rental sites like Airbnb may be worth the added expense. You won’t be tied to any contracts, and you can make travel plans that are less than a week away and visit just about any place in the world. The costs may be greater in the long run, but the risks are much smaller. If you have an issue with one service or host, you can choose to never work with them again. Second home co-ownership If you’re in love with a specific destination but find that the risks of a timeshare aren’t worth the rewards, co-owning a second home may be the solution. Having multiple buyers makes the purchase price significantly smaller per person, and you share the costs of maintaining the property.  And unlike a timeshare, you’ll have equity in the property.  If you purchase a second home through So are timeshares worth it? The answer is rarely, given other alternatives that provide greater flexibility and potential return on investment. Before committing to a timeshare, take the time to research available options that might better suit your needs.