Sure, timeshare ownership is great, but have you ever wanted more from it? If you’d like to get even more value out of your timeshare, vacation exchange is for you. With a vacation exchange network, you can use your timeshare to travel to resorts all over the world. Does that sound interesting? Then keep reading! From how it works to the best networks in the business, we’ll cover everything you need to know about vacation exchange.
What Is Vacation Exchange?
Vacation exchange allows you to trade in your timeshare week or points in order to travel to other resorts in the vacation exchange network. Certain resorts are affiliated with different vacation exchange networks. So, if you want to take advantage of vacation exchange, make sure your resort is affiliated with a specific network.
How Does Vacation Exchange Work?
First, you’ll need to become a member of a vacation exchange network. For many of these networks, you’ll need to pay a fee to become a member, but from there, you’ll be ready to exchange your ownership! All you’ll need to do is deposit your timeshare points or weeks on the exchange platform and trade them for a stay at another resort. Keep in mind that the “value” of your resort might not be the same as another property. So, your 150 DVC points may not be equivalent to 150 Hilton ClubPoints, for example. These vacation exchange companies assign point values to your timeshare week or points when you deposit them. This value is based on a number of factors like resort location, season, unit size, etc.
Vacation Exchange Network Fees
Of course, a service as good as timeshare exchange doesn’t come for free. You’ll have to pay membership fees each year in order to benefit from a vacation exchange network. Many networks also charge an exchange fee when you use your points to travel through the network. When it comes to the two biggest brands, RCI and Interval International, investing in a long-term membership may be a worthwhile plan. In fact, both of these timeshare exchange companies offer discounts for long-term memberships. They also offer extras that come with your membership, like cruises, excursions, extended stays, and more.
The Top Vacation Exchange Networks
As we mentioned earlier, while there are several other exchange companies that offer timeshare owners plenty of travel options, the two major exchange companies are RCI and Interval International. Almost all of the major resort developers are affiliated with one or even both vacation exchange networks, and as we’ve mentioned before, they come with many other benefits. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at these industry giants.
RCI
Originally known as Resort Condominiums International, RCI is the very first vacation exchange network, as well as the largest. Overall, RCI boasts a whopping 35,000 exchange options, with resorts in over 110 countries. The network offers these services to 3.8 million members, who can exchange both points and weeks-based timeshares. Notable brands affiliated with RCI include:
Interval International
Interval International, or II, has been providing timeshare owners with their vacation exchange services for almost 50 years. Their vacation exchange network features over 3,200 resorts in over 80 countries, so you’ll never run out of new destinations to explore. Much like RCI, members can use both timeshare weeks and points for the exchange process. Brands associated with Interval International include:
Other Vacation Exchange Networks
As we mentioned earlier, while RCI and II are the biggest vacation exchange networks, there are other names in the industry offering timeshare owners stellar vacation experiences. Here are other exchange companies worth looking into.
Grand Pacific Exchange
All timeshare owners with Grand Pacific Resorts have complimentary access to Grand Pacific Exchange or GPX. GPX offers its members the chance to visit timeshare resorts on six continents. So, if there’s a specific resort destination you’ve been eyeing, there’s a good chance you can visit it with GPX. Members can also “hold” an exchange they’re interested in for a day before they need to put a deposit down. Notable Grand Pacific Resort properties include:
SFX Preferred Resorts
Another vacation exchange network worth considering is SFX Preferred Resorts. SFX’s over 300 members have access to 18,000 affiliate resorts. Plus, these members get discounts on cruises, last-minute deals, and hotels. Popular SFX resorts include:
Which Vacation Exchange Network Is the Best?
Now that you know a bit about the major vacation exchange networks, you’re probably wondering which one is best. Ultimately, that’s up to you! RCI and Interval International are the biggest, and many of their perks are the same. Additionally, while there are some resorts affiliated with multiple brands, many are tied to just one. This means that if you already own a timeshare, it’s best to stick with whichever network your ownership is affiliated with. As a reminder, you won’t be able to take advantage of a network’s vacation options if your timeshare isn’t affiliated with it.
Buy a Timeshare and Join a Vacation Exchange Network Today!
Want to join a vacation exchange network? Then you’ll need a timeshare. Fortunately, we can help with that. Buy A Timeshare’s online marketplace allows you to save up to thousands of dollars on timeshare resales. With this marketplace, the purchase process is simple and convenient. Just browse until you find a timeshare you like and make an offer. From there, our recommended resale brokerage, Timeshare Broker Associates, can handle the rest. Once you have a timeshare with an affiliated vacation exchange company, you’ll have everything you need to become a member! Thousands of travel possibilities will be right at your fingertips. Ready to explore them? Then click the link below!
