We've stayed in timeshare properties and private residences in Europe and Mexico without experiencing any serious problems. In fact, they've generally exceeded our expectations.
Still, things can go wrong, as one couple discovered when renting a once-in-a-lifetime Paris property without hot water. Even though the travelers rented it through a legitimate agency, even though they paid extra for a "rent with confidence" guarantee, even though they were supported by a well known travel "ombudsman", they were still out of luck.
In the final analysis, you pays your money and you takes your chances.
Kathy and Brian
Two retired educators alternating joyfully between seeing the world and enjoying our eight grandchildren (in order of birth), Jake, Avery, Taegan, Lily, Peyton, Riley, Blane, and Jace.
Kathy and Brian met in the clarinet section of the University of California (Santa Barbara) Symphony Orchestra several decades ago.
Brian's Western Canadian roots and Kathy's Colorado ties resulted in their making beautiful music together along with producing a cross-border crop of descendants.
Kathy spent a year studying in Vienna at the Institute for European Studies and the University of Vienna.
Brian started the school band program in Hope, British Columbia, and later became the high school's vice-principal for 6 years and subsequently principal for 15 years before retiring in 2001.
Kathy, in between raising our three children, taught kindergarten and first grade, middle school, and high school - mathematics, computer studies, ESL, and her first love, band, before retiring in 2001.
We enjoy sharing our travel experiences and providing the odd travel tip to friends, relatives, and visitors.