How to Get the Most Out of Your External Timeshare Exchange

An underrated perk of timeshare ownership is the ability to swap your owned week or points for stays at other destinations through exchange networks like RCI (Resort Condominiums International) and Interval International (II). With thousands of resorts worldwide, these networks open the door to new vacation experiences. However, getting the best exchange value requires some strategy. Here’s how to make the most of your timeshare exchanges and maximize your vacations through RCI and Interval International.

Understand the Value of Your Timeshare

Each timeshare has a specific value within RCI or II based on factors like location, season, resort quality, and demand. The time you own impacts your trade value.

RCI: In RCI, owners can exchange through two systems: RCI Points and RCI Weeks. The Points system assigns a specific point value to your timeshare, allowing you to exchange for stays with an equivalent point value. The Weeks system is more traditional, where you exchange a set week you own for another.

Interval International: II uses a similar exchange approach, assessing each timeshare week’s “trading power.” Higher-quality resorts in peak times typically offer better trading power, allowing more flexibility in your exchange options.

Book Early

Early planning is crucial for getting the best exchange options. Most exchange networks allow booking up to 24 months in advance, and highly desirable properties fill up quickly. The sooner you deposit your week, the more options you’ll have. Depositing at least 9-12 months in advance will give you the best flexibility.

Both RCI and II allow you to set up notifications for specific resorts or destinations. If your dream vacation opens up, you’ll be the first to know.

Be Flexible With Your Dates and Destinations

One of the biggest challenges in maximizing exchanges is finding availability during peak travel seasons. Flexibility with your dates and destinations can make all the difference.

Consider traveling during shoulder seasons (just before or after peak travel times to a specific destination) and some vacation areas that might be less popular than others.

Consider Last-Minute Exchange Options

Both RCI and II offer last-minute deals that allow you to book vacations at a fraction of the typical exchange cost. This can be a great way to maximize your points or trading power.

RCI Last Call provides heavily discounted stays for bookings within 45 days.

II’s Flexchange offers similar last-minute deals within 59 days of check-in. These deals are often at top-tier resorts and can allow you to stretch your exchange options further.

Bank Points or Trade Down

If you’re not planning to travel this year, consider banking your points (RCI) or rolling over your exchange week (II) to the following year. This way, you’ll have a larger pool of points or trading power to exchange for a more luxurious or extended vacation later.

You might also trade down your exchange, instead. Trading down refers to using a high-demand week to exchange for a lower-demand one, which can save you points in the long run. For instance, if you own a high-demand week at a popular resort, you can exchange it for multiple stays in lower-demand areas, maximizing your usage.

Upgrade Your Membership

RCI and II both offer membership upgrades called RCI Platnimum and Interval Gold Platinum that can enhance your exchange benefits.

RCI’s Platinum membership offers exclusive perks like discounts on exchanges, priority access to high-demand destinations, and free unit upgrades when available. Interval International offers Gold and Platinum memberships that provide similar advantages, such as priority booking, discounted fees, and exclusive access to certain properties. These upgrades may have a yearly fee but can offer greater flexibility and value over time.

Explore RCI and II Resorts

Get even more out of your next vacation ownership by shopping for RCI and II affiliated timeshares on SellMyTimeshareNow.com. Our platform offers substantial savings, flexibility, and a broader selection of destinations. Buyers can enjoy high-quality vacations without developer markups, access top exchange networks, and often secure advantageous terms. This smart approach unlocks affordable, luxurious travel experiences tailored to their lifestyle.

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