subject: RCI Timeshare Alternative Exchange Tips [print this page] RCI Timeshare Alternative Exchange Tips RCI Timeshare Alternative Exchange Tips
I have owned and exchanged timeshares for 14 years now. Because of timeshare exchange, I have vacationed in top spots around the globe in fantastic resorts. My wife and I kayaked in Kauai, enjoyed candle-light dinner on a Maui beach, and so much more. To exchange your timeshare, many people use RCI.com using the RCI Directory or Interval International at Interval World.With the proper preparation, exchanging a timeshare is simple. Oh, don't worry, I've made my share of mistakes over the years. Exchanging a timeshare is not as simple as it looks so let me share some tips. Whether you use RCI.com and the RCI Directory or another service, timeshares are you a great way for the family to enjoy a memorable vacation. Don't wait - get going on this as soon as possible. The further ahead you plan, the better timeshare exchange you will get for your family. I advise you to plan 9 or more months ahead of time before you plan to travel. Get started by grabbing your RCI Directory or Interval World Directory. Make a list of what activities you want to do on vacation. Now start crossing out RCI resorts in the RCI.com Directory with a pen. Look at the resorts that are left and narrow it down by what locations you would consider traveling to. Once again, pick up the RCI Directory or head over the RCI.com and cross out the resorts in locations you don't want to go. Use that pen to eliminate what you are not interested in. It might not seem like it but you are getting close.Eliminate the RCI resorts in the Directory that don't offer the room style or amenities you want. Think about what you'll need. If you have children, you probably want more space. If you want romance, you'll probably want a hot tub or Jacuzzi. The RCI.com website lists the amenities each resort has. The kitchen is always a deciding factor for us because we like having that ability to store snacks. I don't want to eat out every meal of the vacation.Be sure to read first-hand traveler reviews before you book. Don't just rely on what the RCI.com catalog states or what the resort writes about their own property. Check out online sites (RCI.com is not a good resource for this - see below) where travelers can chime in and give you honest opinions about the resort. Unfortunately the RCI.com website won't be of much help since the information is supplied by the resorts themselves so seek other sources.Don't forget you can always email or pick up the phone and contact the resort. Some good questions to ask may be "Tell me about the Security Patrol of the resort", "If I want to BBQ when I am there how do I do that?", or perhaps "Does the kitchen have a blender?" This is the kind of information that is not supplied by RCI.com or the RCI Directory catalog. Timeshare ownership and exchange is a wonderful way to vacation whether it is for the whole family or just a couple. And whether you use the RCI Directory or RCI.com website to your advantage to help plan your trip or you try another service this year, I wish you the most memorable vacation yet!
