The Survey Said!

This week I was invited to participate in a closed blog survey at the request of Wyndham Vacation rentals.  My reward for the time spent would be $100.  There were approximately 25 timeshare owners that ended up participating. I thought it odd that they invited me, since we have only been members for about six months.   I had plenty of time on my hands with the spousal unit recuperating from Hip Surgery, so what the heck.

The goal of the blog was to get owners to provide feedback for Wyndham to use in making the vacation experience more enjoyable.  Topics covered check-ins, check-outs, the purchase experience, update meetings, interaction with other owners what we considered would improve our experience.

I learned a lot about my fellow timeshare travelers.  Generally they do not like to interact with other owners.  They typically are doing the "family thing" with immediate family and other relatives.  Most people take advantage of the amenities found at the resorts, and most use the Internet and online tools for all of their reservations and resort research.

Very few are using their electronic devices during their stay, preferring to ask the concierge service for recommendations on restaurants and activities.  Most affirmed that: Wyndham does a good job "on property", the purchase experience is like buying a car, web site needs tweaking, update meetings are another sales pitch, and they pretty much want to be left alone.

For me, I enjoy meeting people from other parts of the country.  We have made friends with a number of "timeshare people", families, couples, and young party animals.  We share what's fun, how to get the most out of our vacation experiences, and the boys have even gotten a few phone numbers and Facebook friends out of the trips.

I found it interesting, but not surprising, that most older couples make most of their plans over the phone, while the middle-agers and younger couples are burning up the Internet making reservations for their stay, and checking out what restaurants to try, and what attractions to visit.

Not sure the Wyndham will get much value out of their survey.  If anything, it will reaffirm that for the most part they are doing things right!