When timeshare owners travel again: PCR tests to add thousands to holiday costs

Uncertainty over travel restrictions, dates and vaccine requirements mean that many Brits are foregoing foreign holidays this year in favour of domestic options. But what about timeshare owners who are committed to paying for holidays abroad? PCR tests are mandatory and expensive

Risky

For many families, the risks and expense make foreign travel plans unattractive for summer 2021. Booking flights they may not be able to take, to stay in hotels that may not be open. Who knows how difficult it would be to get refunded. A lot of places are offering flexible dates, but what if they go bankrupt?

The disappointment of children when parents have to explain that they are not getting their promised holiday after all, is something every parent dreads.

Holidays at home

Instead, Brits are looking to take their "vacay" on the home islands, and rediscovering the variety on offer. With stunning beaches all around the coasts, the stark majesty of Scotland, towering enchantment of Wales and "Middle Earth" mystery of the Lake District only a tiny fraction of the UK's panopoly, many of us are amazed that we ever wanted to go anywhere else. Motorhomes, campsites, guest houses and hotels are all full to bursting with families seeking beaches, history, scenery, culture or just plain fun.

But what about those people who are already committed to spending money on holidays abroad?

Timeshare misery

650,000 Brits holiday through timeshare memberships, with an estimated 70% of those owning at resorts in Spain. Unlike the burgeoning, renaissance home-holiday crowds, timeshare owners are contractually obligated to paying for their sea, sun and sangria jollies, whether they use them or not.

Timeshare owners have no idea whether they will be allowed to fly, and face the gamble of booking flights they may not be able to use.

One thing is certain. If they do fly, it won't be a cheap holiday. Andrew Cooper, CEO of European Consumer Claims explains: "Even the people with government approved reasons to travel abroad have to run a gauntlet of PCR tests. Those look like being part of the landscape for the foreseeable future, and they add considerable expense to an already costly trip.

"Currently 5 PCR tests are required by a British visitor to Spain. One exiting the UK, another entering Spain. A third is required before exiting Spain, yet another after the traveller has been back in the UK for two days finishing up with a final test eight days after the UK return date.

"These tests cost £175 each in the UK. Assuming a similar price in Spain, that works out £875 per person. A family of four is looking at adding £3500 added on to the holiday expenses.

Escape

"The pandemic has forced a lot of people to come to terms with the fact their timeshare memberships no longer offer a desirable alternative to booking through regular sites," says Cooper. "Timeshare is expensive and inflexible, and owners are fed up with paying for holidays they can't take.

"People want to relinquish their memberships and enjoy the freedoms that non-members have. The trouble is that timeshare companies are very careful to lock their members into long term contracts."

The good news is that these contracts can be escaped, with expert help. "Timeshare claims and relinquishment firms specialise in helping people out of unwanted contracts," explains Cooper. "However please don't just hire the first firm you find on Google, as a great many of these are crooks who will steal your money without helping you.

Exercise caution

"Before retaining a company to help you out of the contract, see if you can get a recommendation from someone you trust, who has had a good experience. Failing that there are independent timeshare consumer associations who are happy to point you towards trustworthy, capable firms.

"Or you can get in touch with our team, for a free, confidential chat."