Destination clubs are quick to point out that their residences outside of the U.S. are among the most sought after homes and, often, the toughest to book. When you are considering a destination club, you’ll likely sift through the property portfolios of numerous clubs. Here’s a cheat sheet to exploring clubs’ overseas property portfolios.

Mexico

Number of destination club homes: 98

Number of clubs: 9

Destination clubs to watch: It’s a toss up. All of the big clubs have homes here. Exclusive Resorts and Ultimate Escapes, not surprisingly, have the greatest number of homes, located in both Cabo San Lucas and in, or near, Puerto Vallarta. High Country Club also has homes in those towns, as well as in Playa del Carmen, just south of Cancun, where most destination clubs don’t have residences.

The bottom line: The majority of destination clubs have made big development pushes in Cabo San Lucas, so be surprised if you find a club that doesn’t have at least one home here, or several in development.

The Caribbean and Central America

Number of destination club homes: : 114

Number of clubs: 11

Destination clubs to watch: Ultimate Escapes has homes in seven locations in the Caribbean and Central America, one more locale than Exclusive Resorts. The Lusso Collection and Quintess also have homes in multiple locations in this region.

The bottom line: The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and Costa Rica are all becoming destination club staples, but each club has its own niche in these regions. Exclusive Resorts is building multiple residences on Anguilla, an island where Lusso Collection currently has residences. Ultimate Escapes has seven homes on Nevis. High Country Club is eyeing St. Lucia and St. Martin, while the Lusso Collection is building a residence in the Panamanian archipelago of Bocas del Toro. Clubs seem to be focusing much of their international expansion in this area. We’ll chalk that up to the region’s proximity to the Eastern seaboard as well as the weak dollar, which has undoubtedly made real estate shopping in Europe less attractive over the last 18 months. Look for clubs to continue to roll out properties in the Caribbean and Central America.

Europe

Number of destination club homes: 90

Number of clubs: 10

Destination clubs to watch: For the most part, destination club properties are concentrated in three countries: France, England and Italy. However, European-based Oyster Circle has a greater mix of residences on the continent, with retreats in Spain, the French Alps, Austria and six other locations. Among U.S.-based clubs, Quintess has a presence in five European locations, while Exclusive Resorts has residences in six.

The bottom line: Homes tend to be clustered in Paris, London and Italy’s Tuscany region. Beyond that, there are a handful of unique properties. Quintess, LRW has a house in Scotland, for instance, while Exclusive Resorts has homes in the English countryside. U.S.-based clubs, for the most part, tend to stick to the traditional tourist favorites, so if you crave real variety on this continent, consider a smaller club based in Europe or check out the options at Abercrombie and Kent Residence Club when it launches this fall. The club already has a good mix of villas in France, Spain, Italy and Croatia.

Canada

Number of homes: 8

Number of Clubs: 3

Destination clubs to watch: Canadian club M Private Residences, not surprisingly, has the largest mix of locations, but Exclusive Resorts has the most homes here.

The bottom Line: Few clubs have expanded north to Canada. The few destination club homes now open are concentrated in the ski resort of Whistler. One Key has a residence in Quebec, but for the most part, the cosmopolitan centers of Toronto and Montreal, ideal for weekend escapes from New York and Boston, are off clubs’ radar. As the Canadian dollar has strengthened, real estate in Canada isn’t the bargain it once was, so don’t expect new property announcements here.

Rest of the World

There are very few destination club homes in Asia, South America and Australia, so if having a retreat in one of these far flung areas is of interest to you, you’ll need to seek out specific clubs. Distinctive Holiday Homes has the biggest presence in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Solstice is set to open a residence in Brazil. Everlands is planning a truly global portfolio with potential properties throughout Africa.

Evaluating a club’s property portfolio is just part of the evaluation process. For more tips on finding the right club for your family, download our Decision Guide to Destination Clubs

Where would you like to see destination clubs open homes? Leave a comment below.