Some medieval travelers referred to the Maldives as "Mahal Dibiyat," from the Arabic word "Mahal," or "palace." One glimpse of the islands, and it's easy to see why. Turquoise waters, white sand beaches and outdoor activities abound have long attracted vacationers to this collection of 1,190 coral islands, yet, until recently, the Maldives have managed to stay somewhat under the radar.

In recent years, as more and more travelers have taken interest in the area, securing appropriate yet cost-effective accommodation is becoming difficult. That's why many frequent vacationers to the Maldives have decided to buy timeshare on their favorite island. A timeshare allows owners to secure dependable lodging at the resort of their choice, often for a fraction of what it might cost them to rent a hotel room every time they return.

Now, it's clear you love the Maldives, and with a timeshare you can return there year after year, but what if the urge to travel to a new destination strikes? You can trade your time at your Maldives resort for time at one of thousands of timeshares, all over the world. So long as your property is part of a vacation club like Marriott, Hilton vacation club, Hyatt or is affiliated with an exchange company (like RCI and Interval International) you can use your timeshare to travel to the Swiss Alps one year, and the beaches of Hawaii the next.

If you're interested in securing weeklong vacations annually or biennially in the Maldives on a budget, consider purchasing your timeshare resale. When resorts sell timeshare they grossly inflate the price to account for marketing costs and salesmen's commissions. When you buy from a previous owner, on the other hand, you can often secure a lifetime of vacations for thousands less than you'd pay when buying direct. If you like the idea of buying resale, but would like a little assistance, good timeshare broker should help you from start to finish with the buying process and even set you up with a closing coordinator.

Perhaps you're looking to secure weeklong accommodation in the Maldives, but aren't ready for the commitment to buy timeshare. You can still experience the beauty and mystery of the islands when you rent timeshare in the area. Renting is a great way to reap the benefits of timeshares (expanded space and reduced rates due to shared ownership) without having to sign a contract. Whether you choose to buy or rent timeshare, you'll certainly fall in love with the Maldives.