The travel possibilities are endless for a timeshare owner. One of the significant highlights of owning a timeshare is joining timeshare exchange companies like RCI or Interval International. With a timeshare exchange company, vacation owners can trade their weeks or points to vacation in other parts of the world from their home resort. Are you interested in learning more about what vacation exchange is? Well, continue reading to get the full scoop on how it works and how you can enhance your vacation experiences today!
- What Is Vacation Exchange?
- How Does Vacation Exchange Work?
- The Typical Steps of the Timeshare Exchange Process
- How Do You Swap or Exchange Your Timeshare for Another Destination?
- Timeshare Exchange Companies
- How Do Timeshare Exchange Companies Operate?
- RCI Vacation Exchange
- Interval International Vacation Exchange
- RCI vs. Interval International: The Main Differences
- Other Vacation Exchange Companies
- Start Traveling Abroad by Buying a Timeshare With Timeshares Only!
What Is Vacation Exchange?
As a timeshare owner, you can join major exchange companies like RCI and Interval International. Each vacation ownership brand is usually affiliated with one of the two, so double-check with your resort developer before signing up. Aside from RCI and II, there are several other timeshare exchange companies out there, and we’ll go over them later. But for now, RCI and II are the most popular options for vacation exchange.
How Does Vacation Exchange Work?
The exchange process is quite simple. So, once you become a member of a timeshare exchange company, you can deposit your timeshare week or points for vacations almost anywhere in the world. Remember that the “value” of your ownership doesn’t equal the same “value” as another on your exchange platform. For example, a Disney Vacation Club resort in Orlando might have a higher “cost” on II than a Welk Resort in San Diego. If you own 200 Diamond Resorts points, they don’t necessarily trade for 200 Club Wyndham points on RCI.
Before becoming a member of an exchange company, you must note that you are expected to pay membership fees. Exchange companies charge members exchange fees and an annual membership fee to complete vacation exchanges.
The Typical Steps of the Timeshare Exchange Process
So, what does the exchange process actually look like for a timeshare owner? It’s a smooth and straightforward path, and here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:
- Join an Exchange Network: First things first, you’ll need to become a member of an exchange company (like RCI or Interval International) if you haven’t already. Sometimes, this is included with your ownership, but often it requires a separate enrollment.
- Deposit Your Ownership: Next, deposit your week or points into the exchange company’s system. You’ll select the specific week or points you’re offering up, making them available for others within the network.
- Search for Destinations: Browse the wide inventory of available resorts and get inspired. You can filter by location, travel dates, resort amenities, or even types of units—think ocean views or family suites.
- Confirm Your Exchange: Found the perfect spot? Lock it in. Once you confirm, that reservation is yours for your upcoming getaway.
- Take Care of Fees: Most exchange companies charge an exchange fee at the time of booking. These fees can differ depending on locations, brands, or exchange complexity.
- Pack Your Bags: With everything confirmed, all that’s left is to prepare for your vacation adventure at your chosen resort.
A couple of pro tips: High-demand destinations and popular travel seasons usually have limited availability, so it pays to start the process early. Depositing your timeshare sooner rather than later boosts your odds of snagging the spot you want, especially during peak times.
How Do You Swap or Exchange Your Timeshare for Another Destination?
Let’s walk through the steps of trading your timeshare for a new adventure:
First, you’ll need to sign up with a timeshare exchange company—whether it’s RCI, Interval International, or another provider your resort is affiliated with. Some vacation ownership brands automatically enroll you, while others require an additional membership.
Once you’re a member, you can deposit your timeshare week or points into the exchange company’s network. Think of this as making your spot available on the “vacation swap” market. The sooner you deposit, the better your chances for snagging sought-after destinations—especially if you have your eye on a popular hotspot or peak travel week.
Next, browse the exchange company’s database for resorts, destinations, and travel dates that catch your interest. Set your preferences—like number of bedrooms or proximity to the beach—and review the available options. If you find the perfect match, you’ll be able to submit a request or confirm the exchange directly.
Keep in mind, most exchange companies charge a transaction fee each time you complete an exchange, and you may still have an annual membership fee on top of that.
After your request is approved and fees are paid, you’re all set! Just be sure to double-check the resort’s rules and requirements for your new reservation. Planning ahead, especially for high-demand locations or holiday weeks, is the key to making your vacation exchange dreams a reality.
Understanding Points-Based Vacation Exchanges
Vacation exchange usually comes in two main types of membership: weeks and points. With a points-based membership, your timeshare points are converted into vacation exchange points based on factors like your unit size, season, and location.
With these points in your account, you gain access to a flexible network of vacation options. Want a shorter getaway or a bigger suite? Just use the right number of points to book stays at participating resorts across the globe. The beauty here is versatility—points can be saved, borrowed, or combined to snag the perfect vacation that fits your travel dreams.
This flexibility lets you tailor each trip, whether you’re craving a tropical escape or a city adventure. Just keep in mind, the more in-demand the resort or time of year, the higher the points requirement will likely be.
Why Planning Ahead Matters for Timeshare Exchange
Thinking ahead is key when it comes to a successful timeshare exchange. Some of the most sought-after resorts and travel dates—think skiing in Aspen during winter break or relaxing in Hawaii over summer—can be scooped up quickly by other owners. If you know where and when you want to travel, it’s best to make your plans as early as possible.
Depositing your points or weeks with your exchange company well in advance not only improves your odds of snagging your top destination but also gives you a wider range of options. Last-minute planners might find limited availability, especially during peak travel seasons. So, if you’ve got your eye on that beach getaway or dream European city escape, the earlier you plan, the better your chances of making it happen. This kind of preparation can make all the difference in ensuring your vacations live up to the adventure.
Timeshare Exchange Companies
The top vacation exchange companies include RCI and Interval International. Wyndham Destinations owns RCI (also known as Resort Condominiums International). Marriott Vacations Worldwide, the parent company of Marriott Vacation Club, Hyatt Vacation Club, and Vistana, owns Interval International.
Top resort developers like Marriott, Hilton, and more are affiliated with either RCI or II, but both offer thousands of resorts and destinations. These networks provide more than just timeshare vacations; they offer numerous exciting benefits. Use your membership for cruises, adventurous excursions, travel discounts, and rentals. Exchange companies are an excellent system for providing timeshare owners with exclusive benefits and travel opportunities.
Some timeshare developers also created their own in-network exchange company. Grand Pacific Resorts offers owners GPX (Grand Pacific Exchange) at little extra cost for a more straightforward, more streamlined trading process. Other great examples include Club Wyndham or Shell Vacations Club. These internal exchange networks provide owners more than 50 resorts to explore within their memberships.
How Do Timeshare Exchange Companies Operate?
Much like a backstage crew making sure the show goes on flawlessly, timeshare exchange companies work behind the scenes to connect owners looking to swap their vacations for a fresh experience somewhere new. Here’s a closer look at the moving parts that keep these exchanges running smoothly:
Affiliations and Partnerships
Exchange companies build extensive networks by partnering with resorts and vacation properties across the globe. These affiliations unlock a broader world of travel destinations for owners, allowing you to choose from an impressive variety of resorts—not just the one where you originally purchased.
Membership and Access
To take advantage of vacation exchanges, timeshare owners must become members of an exchange network, typically by paying an annual fee. This grants you access to the network’s collection of vacation inventory and all the perks that come with membership, including additional travel services or exclusive deals.
Points, Weeks, and Inventory
Depending on your ownership, you’ll either trade a specific week (weeks-based) or use a points system. Points are often assigned based on factors like the size of your unit, the location, or the season in which you own. These points become your currency to book vacations throughout the network of affiliated resorts.
Depositing and Requesting Vacations
Once you’re a member, you can “deposit” your week or points with the exchange company, making it available for someone else. In return, you can browse the available destinations and dates to request your own new adventure. Flexibility with your travel preferences often opens up more options.
Searching, Booking, and Confirmations
After your deposit, you’ll search the company’s inventory for available spots that fit your criteria. When you find one that checks your boxes—date, location, amenities—it’s a simple matter of confirming the exchange. Availability can vary, so a little flexibility goes a long way in landing that dream getaway.
Fees and Fine Print
Exchanges are convenient but not free—expect charges for both membership and individual exchanges, as well as potential fees for guest certificates or other services. Always review these ahead of time to avoid surprises.
Member Support and Feedback
Most exchange companies pride themselves on offering solid customer support, guiding you at every step. Plus, after your trip, providers often seek feedback to keep improving both the process and the options available to members.
By operating as your personal vacation matchmaker, timeshare exchange companies open up a world far beyond your “home” resort—turning ownership into a ticket to new adventures.
RCI Vacation Exchange
As the first-ever vacation exchange company, RCI paved the way for similar models of timeshare exchange worldwide. It is the world’s leading global provider of timeshare exchanges with over 35,000 exchange options, 3.8 million members, and resorts in 110+ countries. In addition, RCI offers the world’s leading timeshare exchange services through RCI points, the world’s first points-based exchange system. RCI is available for timeshare owners to exchange both points and weeks-based timeshares. Membership fees are associated with joining, but you gain access to cruises, flights, last-call stays, and more. Below are some of the timeshares brands associated with RCI:
- Hilton Grand Vacations
- Wyndham Vacation Ownership
- Welk Resorts
- Bluegreen Resort Vacations
- Holiday Inn Club Vacations
- Diamond Resorts International
Interval International Vacation Exchange
Marriott Vacations Worldwide purchased Interval International (II), which has quickly followed suit in the growing timeshare industry. II has been an operating business for nearly 50 years. This vacation exchange company has over 3.2k+ resorts, 2 million members, and 80+ countries to choose from, making the travel possibilities endless!
With II, you can join a community of travel lovers. As part of the varying memberships this brand offers, you can book flights and cruises. In addition, rental cars and extended-stay vacations outside your timeshare ownership come with membership. Similar to RCI, owners of both timeshare points and weeks can travel worldwide at amazing timeshare resorts. Interval-affiliated resorts from brands associated with Interval International are:
- Marriott Vacation Club
- Disney Vacation Club
- Vistana Signature Experiences (Starwood Brands)
- Diamond Resorts International
- Hyatt Vacation Club
- Holiday Inn Club Vacations
RCI vs. Interval International: The Main Differences
Aside from the difference in affiliated brands, there are some critical differences between RCI and II vacation exchange companies. The customer experience while using each exchange network can vary based on the company, membership, and leisure services, which is the most apparent difference.
Point Value
With both RCI and II, the timeshare weeks/points timeshare owners deposit to exchange are given a value. A few factors determine the value of your deposited timeshare, including resort destination, season, and unit size. For example, a timeshare for the week between Christmas and New Year’s will have more value than a random week in February. The value of your timeshare determines what will be available for you to exchange. RCI shows its members the value of their timeshare, while II does not. This transparency allows members to see the difference between a week being unavailable and you not being able to “afford” the exchange. There is no confusion about why the timeshare week you want may be unavailable to you. While each exchange network experience can vary based on the company, membership, and leisure services, this is the most apparent difference.
Exchange Filters
When searching for vacations on RCI or II, you will experience different filters for vacation results. Both networks filter out the exchanges you cannot afford based on the value of your deposited timeshare. However, II also filters out the results it believes aren’t equal in value to your current timeshares and, therefore, not worth exchanging for. This could be an advantage or disadvantage, depending on whether you want to see every possible option to exchange for or not. It may take longer to sift through the options on RCI, but you will be able to view every timeshare vacation available to you.
RCI vs II: Can I Switch from Interval International to RCI?
It’s important to note that switching timeshare exchange companies is a complex process. If you own a timeshare with one brand, you can’t simply “switch” to another. Additionally, your developer brand is typically affiliated with either RCI or II. For example, if you own with Marriott, switching your timeshare exchange membership to RCI will not provide any benefits. However, if your resort has dual affiliations, meaning it’s affiliated with both RCI and II, then switching memberships is a possibility. To get a clear understanding of your resort’s affiliations, it’s best to contact your developer directly.
Other Vacation Exchange Companies
Grand Pacific Exchange (GPX)
If you’re an owner with Grand Pacific Resorts, you have complimentary access to GPX, a private timeshare exchange company. GPX offers its members thousands of destinations, affiliate hotels, and travel fares. What’s more, you can “hold” an exchange you’re interested in until 4 p.m. PST the next day without putting a deposit down. Members can also extend their exchange credits for up to 12 months for a minimal fee.
Popular Grand Pacific Resorts properties include:
SFX Vacation Exchange
SFX Preferred Resorts is an additional timeshare exchange network you can join as a timeshare owner. With over 300,000 registered members and more than 18,000 affiliate resorts, SFX offers one central point for owners to trade their timeshare. SFX also provides discounts to members on cruises, last-minute deals, and hotels. Deposited weeks are available to trade for up to 36 months, and the exchange fee starts at just $149 USD.
Popular SFX Preferred Resorts properties include:
- Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa
- Hyatt Beach House Resort
- Grand Lodge on Peak 7
- Grand Waikikian by Hilton Grand Vacations
So, are you ready to start traveling the world? If so, consider buying a timeshare with Timeshares Only!
Start Traveling Abroad by Buying a Timeshare With Timeshares Only!
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