Below is an article forwarded from Travel Daily News. You can read the original post here.
Holidays and the UK travel rules
The government is clear: travelling abroad for the purpose of a holiday is illegal. Doing so (or even attempting to leave the country) without an officially recognised ‘reasonable excuse’ can result in a £5,000 fine.
Before travelling abroad, you must complete a Travel Declaration form. The government publishes a list of reasons it considers to be reasonable excuses, while noting that the list is non-exhaustive.
Loopholes – and where timeshare travel fits in
That ‘reasonable excuse’ guidance has been closely scrutinised by some Britons looking for an acceptable route to travel (and, if that route leads to sun, sand and sangria, so be it…).
Many will view this as irresponsible, but it hasn’t stopped people from claiming a need to travel for work, education, medical reasons, weddings, funerals or—crucially for timeshare owners—‘reasons related to property abroad’.
Does a timeshare count as ‘property abroad’ on a Travel Declaration form?
The key question for many timeshare owners is: “Can I say I’m visiting my property overseas when I fill in my Travel Declaration form?” Unfortunately, the answer is a firm “no”.
Andrew Cooper, CEO of European Consumer Claims, explains why. “Despite many timeshare owners being sold their membership as an investment or a form of property—with implications of increasing value—this is not the case.”
“Timeshare membership has nothing to do with property ownership. It is generally the ‘right to rotational occupancy’. The member owns nothing physical at all.”
“Unlike property ownership in general, timeshares drastically decline in value. Membership usually can’t even be given away because of the burden of associated annual maintenance fees. Most owners need professional help to escape the unwanted commitment of those fees.”
Bottom line for timeshare owners
“Don’t book a holiday relying on visiting your timeshare resort as a valid reason,” warns Cooper. “At best you’ll be refused permission to travel and will have wasted money on costs such as the flight. At worst there will also be a £5,000 fine to consider on your way home in the taxi.”
“People who are trying to escape their timeshare membership should be aware that it can be done.
“Contact one of the consumer associations for advice, or you can get in touch with a reputable timeshare claims firm for a free, confidential chat.”
ECC provides timeshare claims services, expert advice and help.
