European destinations have long occupied the imaginations of traveling Americans. Whether it’s the Italian wine country, or Paris, France, or even the city lights of London, vacationing abroad has traditionally been reserved for the rich, the elite few who could afford such an extravagant vacation. But, thanks to fractional real estate, that extravagance has been opened up to a much larger market.

According to the Helium Report, fractionals are opening up all over Europe, making some of the most exclusive destinations and 5 star accommodations in the world available for a fraction of the cost. And it doesn’t stop there, fractional real estate has been exploding in Canada, India, and Dubai, and soon China may be added to the list as well.

As fractionals continue to occupy the “lion’s share” of luxury properties in the United States, their resilience against the ups and downs of the traditional real estate market have made them attractive on a global scale. And, as more and more people discover everything that fractional real estate has to offer, it’s clear that this is a market that has nowhere to go but up.

The fractional ownership piece recently released by Article Advocate does a good job of summing up the many benefits of fractionals, and even reveals what it is about Vantage Pointe International that makes us stand apart in this fast-growing field.

It’s good to see that the author can differentiate between fractionals and traditional, cheap timeshares. Too often, amateurs confuse the two because they aren’t aware of the many financial benefits associated with fractional ownership. With a timeshare, all the investor gets is the right to use a property for a small period of time, and the value of that property probably isn’t going up.

But fractional properties offer investors all the benefits of deeded property, a tremendous perk that the article makes clear: “With fractional ownership, the buyer has an actual title and deed, which they can then do whatever they would like with it. They can leave it to a loved one in their will or even sell it. Also, if the value of the property increases over time, the value of the fractional will also increase.” And, as the market has shown, even when other forms of real estate have gone “flat,” fractionals hold firm and even enjoy profit.

But the final point that the article makes clear also serves to clarify exactly what makes VPI a leader in this field. “To decide if fractional ownership is the right choice for you, you must look at such factors as to whether you will gain full use of the property year after year.” With VPI, you don’t have to use the same property year after year; in fact, you can go wherever you want, whenever you’d like. So, if investors want to winter in the Colorado Mountains and summer by the California Beaches, they can.

It’s all part of VPI’s approach to luxury vacationing at a fraction of the cost, where investors do more than just go on vacation, they get to “experience the extraordinary.”

According to the First Republic Prestige Home Index, the average luxury homes in San Francisco exceeded $3 million for the first time in the second quarter. What does this mean for investors and vacationers looking to enjoy the west coast? Mainly, that the market is ripe for the fractionalizing of California vacation homes, and that today enjoying a $3 million dollar property doesn’t mean you actually have to pay $3 million.

As it’s quoted at the East Bay Business Times, “Luxury home prices in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco rose relatively modestly in the second quarter because of continued demand, a limited inventory and historically low interest rates…overall most of California’s luxury home markets remain active.” And this is certainly good news. In a real estate market that has recently been called flat, if not downright scary, knowing that California vacation homes and upscale properties are holding steady leaves many investors some room to breathe.

And this also bodes well for the fractional market. Fractionals have always enjoyed a strong resale value, even when other forms of real estate investment aren’t doing well. And now, with fractional vacation homes popping up in California, those looking to put their money into a deeded property instead of sinking it into vacation rentals can enjoy million dollar homes in exclusive locations without having to pay the million dollar price tag.

In her regional op-ed piece at yubanet.com, Kathryn Gray makes the mistake of equating fractional ownership properties with timeshares, an error that is unfortunately quite common as few people understand either the market or the opportunity inherent in this particular form of real estate investment.

She is correct, of course, in her description of traditional timeshares as unpopular, difficult to resell, and bogged down by “ownership dues, management fees, and maintenance costs.”

But contrary to her opinion of fractional ownership properties, they have very little in common with timeshares, aside from the obvious notion of shared ownership. First, while there are most certainly some unscrupulous fractional brokers out there, the vast majority of buyers in search of their “dream vacation home” simply aren’t going to invest $300,000 in a property that isn’t worth much, and no amount of luxury “ambiance” can camouflage a cheap property. This is why fractional ownership most often encompasses high-end properties in exotic or exclusive locales. Sure, a cheap condo at such a price seems like a rip-off, but what about a flat in Paris? Or perhaps a château in Colorado? Or even a beachside villa?

This is why fractionals have become the billion dollar enterprise that they are - they offer gorgeous properties at affordable prices. And, as for the idea that fractional properties will become boring because buyers are stuck with the same locale, it’s important to work with a company that can accommodate your needs. VPI, for example, allows investors to use all of their properties at different times. So for example, an owner who wants to enjoy Christmas skiing in Crested Butte could also jet off for a summertime trip to the California Coast.

And none of this takes into account that the resale value for fractional properties is still high, even while the rest of the real estate market has been flat. This allows the buyer to enjoy the economic benefits of owning a deeded property, often situated in a highly desirable location, with 5 star amenities…and no hotel could ever provide that kind of service.

At smartmoney.com, Jennifer Openshaw’s 3-part piece on fractional ownership hits the nail on the head when she zeroes in on the key to fractionals: they allow you to own the vacation home of your dreams, without any of the drawbacks usually associated with second home ownership.

Traditionally, the second home can be quite a financial drain, and is so rarely used that it isn’t worth the upkeep. “You wonder: How much money is going down the drain owning these assets for upkeep, depreciation, financing, taxes being paid by absentee owners who might use them a few weeks each year?”

And when you decide it’s time to buy yourself a vacation home in your favorite resort location, you quickly discover that even when the real estate market is in a “slump” the cost of finding, owning, and maintaining a second home just doesn’t make financial sense.

So, are you stuck with cheap timeshares forever? No - now there’s the phenomenon of fractional ownership to fall back on.

With fractional ownership you can own a piece of a luxury, 5 star home situated in some of the most gorgeous locations in the world. “Translation: you can own a good-sized fraction of a $2 million home for under $300,000. And you pay for what you use.”

And with fractionals, you also enjoy the benefits of a management team designed to help you find and purchase the vacation home of your dreams. And maintenance and repairs? Not your problem! You simply show up, and enjoy.

Fractional ownership means that you get all the perks of a million dollar luxury vacation home, without any of the headaches that can make owning a second property less than relaxing.

In the midst of a nationwide slump in the housing sector, Aspen reports a thriving economy and growth in construction due to the popularity of fractional real estate listings.

As it’s reported at The Aspen Times, “it appears that the city of Aspen has posted yet another stellar month in sales-tax collections - the bread and butter of the government’s general fund revenue.” These collections are based on retail sales, lodgings, and a boom in construction that has been directly linked to the relatively new phenomenon of fractional real estate listings.

In the past two years Aspen has experienced tremendous growth in fractional ownership, which allows those seeking the vacation home of their dreams to make that dream a reality. The beautiful mountains of Colorado, complete with perfect slopes for winter skiing, have long been a vacation destination. But with an exclusive price tag, too many people couldn’t afford such a splurge.

But as fractional real estate listings continue to garner the kind of attention that makes them so successful, more and more people will find themselves in a position to enjoy skiing the Colorado Mountains and basking in luxurious accommodations that would otherwise have been well out of reach.

The long tradition of enjoying a relaxing summer home in Ontario has recently been threatened by the rising costs of cottages. But, thanks to fractional ownership, those people who never thought they’d get to enjoy such a luxury are finding that they can do that, and more.

According to emailwire.com, over the last decade, cottage prices have steadily increased, particularly in the highly desirable Ontario resort areas of Muskoka, Land O’ Lakes, and the Kawarthas. This price jump has been attributed to everything from higher taxes to increased demand, but one thing is sure, enjoying such a relaxing and exclusive vacation property seemed out of reach.

Until fractional ownership became the norm. Thanks to the fractionalizing of these vacation properties, many people can enjoy the luxury they’ve been dreaming of, alongside the perks of fractional ownership like high-end properties, exclusive locations, and management teams dedicated to fostering the kind of lifestyle that most people only dream of.

And as fractionalizing comes into its own, this story will be repeated all over the world. Whether it’s a cottage in Ontario, or a ski resort in Colorado, or a beachside resort in Mexico, fractionalization allows consumers to fulfill their wildest dreams of owning and enjoying a second home.

Arabia Online asks “what makes fractional shares different from owning other kinds of vacation properties?” And as the article makes clear, it’s more than luxury, and it’s more than enjoying the lifestyle of your dreams. Fractional ownership offers potential investors all the benefits of real estate investment, without any of the drawbacks so often associated with owning a second home.

Unlike a traditional, cheap timeshare, fractionals “are considered a second home purchase with interest and equity benefits that go along with ownership.” The title associated with fractional vacation properties can appreciate, can be sold, and can be passed down from family members or friends. And, unlike timeshares or the real estate market in general, the investment value for fractional home ownership has only gone up in the last 5 years.

This is also an ideal situation for those who enjoy staying at quality lodging when on vacation and prefer to put money toward their own investment, rather than putting that money into the pockets of a hotel chain or resort management firm.

Fractionals offer the opportunity to enjoy vacation homes that would otherwise be well out of reach for the investor, and as a more exclusive investment with fewer competing visitors, enjoying your free time at fractional vacation properties is less stressful.

In fact, perhaps the best thing about investing in fractionals would be the stress-free aspect of it all. You get to enjoy posh ski resorts and exclusive beach side suites; all managed by lodging and hospitality experts who handle the little details of maintenance and repairs.

It’s an opportunity to live the life of the rich and famous, without any of the headaches.

At Market Watch, fractionalizing vacation homes is called “the best-of-both worlds ownership structure that reduces costs, yet allows you to enjoy a bundle of first-class amenities.”

And like it says, who doesn’t want to own a first-class, destination-quality vacation home without dealing with homeowner headaches and without paying for months of non-use?

Whether it’s an exclusive chateau in the Colorado Mountains, a beachside suite in Mexico, or a ranch-style home by the sea in California, fractionalizing vacation homes offers the affordability and flexibility everyone wants with the expanded possibilities and deeded ownership of a solid, real estate investment.

And with VPI clients also get the benefit of working with a qualified management team who can help you find that special property, and take care of it for you when it’s not in use. You can even enjoy multiple exotic or exclusive locales at different times of the year, depending on what you feel like doing and where you want to go.

You’re never limited to just one location, a twist that makes fractionalizing vacation homes even more exciting and worthwhile. That’s why with VPI, you’ll get the chance to enjoy the kind of lifestyle that most people could only dream of.