Timeshare owners have the ultimate freedom and flexibility when they travel using a vacation exchange network. Vacation exchange companies such as RCI or Interval International allow owners to trade their timeshare ownership for other affiliated resorts and hotels around the world. What’s more, owners also have the ability to use their exchange networks for discounts on airfare, cruises, and other vacation expenses.
Vacation Exchange Meaning
If vacation exchange seems like a daunting concept, don’t worry. The title really describes what you would expect. Timeshare owners have the ability to trade their timeshare on exchange networks like RCI and Interval International to vacation at other resorts. For example, if you own a Wyndham timeshare in Orlando you may be able to exchange it on RCI to visit a timeshare in California or Spain.
This works by depositing your points or weeks. Then, you can choose a new place to vacation. Keep in mind that the “value” of your ownership may not equate to the same “value” of another resort. The value of certain resorts is often determined by RCI and Interval International.
For example, a Disney Vacation Club resort may “cost” more points than a Marriott resort in Aruba. Some vacation exchange networks will allow you to pay extra to make up the points difference, however. If you own 150 Disney Vacation Club points, they may equate to less Club Wyndham points, for example.
The Best Vacation Exchange Companies
Each vacation ownership brand is typically affiliated with either RCI or II, but sometimes a brand is affiliated with both. We recommend checking with your resort first to see which one you are eligible to join. It’s also important to note that even though a brand is affiliated with a network, that doesn’t always mean specific resorts will be. Not to mention, both of these companies offer extras for you to take advantage of. For example, you can enjoy cruises, excursions and extended stays in addition to trading your timeshare vacations.
In addition to joining a vacation exchange network, you can sometimes travel within your existing brands network with internal exchange. Club Wyndham and Disney Vacation Club are two great examples. Owners with these brands generally have exchange built into their ownership. This means, they can visit a variety of different timeshare resorts within their brand. For example, if you own with DVC, one year you could stay at Old Key West and then Aulani the next year.
The best vacation exchange companies are RCI or Interval International, but there are other ones as well. Festiva Resorts has it’s own exchange company called RTX, with other benefits and perks of joining.
RCI
- 35,000 Exchange Options
- 3.8 Million Members
- 108 Countries
Owned by Wyndham Destinations, RCI is the world’s first vacation exchange network. RCI created the model most exchange companies now follow today. A few popular brands that are affiliated with RCI are Club Wyndham, Disney Vacation Club, Hilton Grand Vacations, as well as Holiday Inn Club.
RCI members have other perks and benefits of joining, like using RCI Travel for other vacation necessities. Use RCI points for flight tickets, or vacation by boat with RCI cruises.
Interval International
- 3,200+ Resorts
- 80 Nations
- 40+ Years Experience
Another great vacation exchange company is Interval International. Over the past thirty years, II has grown in popularity and has major affiliate brands like Diamond Resorts, Hyatt Residence Club, Welk, and Vistana Signature Experiences. Not to mention, Marriott Vacation Club resorts are offered on the network since Marriott Vacation Worldwide is the parent company of II.
With the Interval International timeshare exchange platform, members can also use the Interval Travel agency to get discounts on flights and cruises.
RCI vs Interval International
As the two biggest vacation exchange programs, you’re probably wondering which one is better: RCI vs Interval International. At the end of the day, neither is better than the other, but they each have their own benefits. If you’d like to know more about the difference between the two, check out our video: RCI vs Interval International: Vacation Exchange Showdown.
Can I Switch From Interval International to RCI?
Many people wonder which timeshare exchange company is better: Interval International or RCI. The truth is, most of the time which network you can join is dependent on the timeshare you bought. You can’t necessarily switch from II to RCI, unless your timeshare resort is affiliated with both. Both companies offer competitive and exciting benefits that make exchanging with either a great experience. To learn more about exchanging your timeshare, contact your developer or your exchange company directly for the latest information. Join The Timeshare Resales Community on Facebook to get your questions asked and answered!
