I would think the travel industry, and therefore timeshare sales would be more affected by the current US economy. I know we're not vacationing like we did a few years ago. At one time, we were taking a 7 day trip over the summer for our annual family vacation, usually someplace new. One year Hawaii, then Aruba and Mexico as well as a couple long weekends throughout the year in the Hampton's, Poconos or someplace closer to home. This 3 vacations per year has been reduced to the one week summer vacation. We feel vacationing as a family is important, so we have budgeted properly to afford it at least once a year.

We have always blown off the tempting timeshare lures tossed our way, but after looking at some of the rental options out there from timeshare owners, it's something to be considered. I do have a question: When renting a timeshare, am I obligated to tour with a timeshare salesman?