If you thought timeshare resales were solely affordable, luxurious, and flexible, wait till you learn about timeshare exchange! As a timeshare owner, your home resort brand is typically associated with vacation exchange companies, which allow you to trade in your timeshare points or weeks for stays at resorts across the globe. With this, timeshare owners can relish vacation experiences in new destinations outside their ownership brand’s portfolio. Talk about limitless travel possibilities! So, if you’re a timeshare owner or looking to acquire vacation ownership status, continue reading to learn all there is to know about timeshare exchange.
What Is Timeshare Exchange?
If you’ve never heard the term vacation exchange, we’ve got you covered! A timeshare exchange is a system providing timeshare owners the opportunity to trade their timeshare week or points for a stay at a different resort within the exchange network. It permits owners to access a broader portfolio of accommodations across the globe.
Although not all owners need to enroll in this membership, those who do must pay an annual membership fee and an exchange fee. When you pay the costs, you can access all the features and benefits of vacation exchange and unlimited exchange opportunities.
So, if you’re looking for ways to mark off your bucket list on vacation destinations with your timeshare, vacation exchange might be for you! Continue reading to learn more about individual timeshare exchange companies today!
Top Timeshare Exchange Companies
Numerous major exchange companies are associated with timeshare ownership within the timeshare industry. This blog will discuss the two major exchange companies and some smaller ones.
Interval International (II)
Interval International, or II, is one of the leading timeshare exchange companies in the timeshare industry and is owned by Marriott International. This expansive network began in 1976 with a mission to increase travel flexibility among timeshare owners. It is the second-largest exchange network in the world. Currently, there are about 1.6 million members and 3.2K resorts to choose from in 80+ countries. In short, joining II as a member is an excellent way to enhance your timeshare ownership experience as it broadens your travel horizons.
Next, let’s dive into the first timeshare exchange company!
Resort Condominiums International (RCI)
Resort Condominiums International, or RCI, is the world’s largest timeshare exchange company, with over 3.8 million members worldwide. It is part of the Wyndham Destinations Worldwide and the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands. RCI offers its members exclusive perks and benefits like access to travel discounts, as well as hotels, resorts, cruises, flights, and car rentals. In addition, RCI members have access to over 4.2k affiliated resorts in more than 100 countries, discounted rates for over 600,000 hotels, and booking flexibility.
So, now that you’ve learned about the two leading exchange companies, let’s jump into the smaller companies.
Other Timeshare Exchange Companies
Grand Pacific Resorts (GPX)
Besides RCI and II, some brands are affiliated with smaller vacation exchange companies like Grand Pacific Resorts. If you are an owner of Grand Pacific Resorts, you can join the exclusive Grand Pacific Exchange. With over 70,000 owners, GPX offers members thousands of destinations, affiliate hotels, and more!
SFX Vacation Exchange
Lastly, SFX is another timeshare exchange company for timeshare owners. SFX has over 300,000 members and over 18,000 affiliated resorts for members to vacation at. Additionally, SFX offers its members special perks like discounts on cruises, last-minute deals, and hotels!
Next, let’s discuss the differences between the two major exchange companies: RCI and II.
The Difference Between RCI and II
While RCI and II share several similarities regarding exchanging points and weeks, there are also some key differences. Hence, each company is affiliated with different brands, except for a few, like Holiday Inn Club and Diamonds Resorts International.
Some key differences to note are that RCI and II charge different-priced membership fees and feature a different transparency system. RCI shows the members the value of their timeshare, while II does not. In addition, the exchange filters also play a pivotal role in the differences between the two companies. Both filter out vacation exchanges you can not afford, while II filters out the results it believes aren’t equal in value to your current timeshares.
Furthermore, while other exchange companies are out there, Timeshare Broker Associates typically works with those listed above. So, now that you have some insight into some of these exchange companies and their key differences, let’s discuss the top two and what each vacation brand uses.
Breakdown of Brands and Their Exchange Companies
All timeshare brands are affiliated with exchange companies; learn what they are below!
RCI Timeshare Exchange
II Timeshare Exchange
Some brands, like Holiday Inn Club, use both RCI and II!
Now that you have insight into vacation exchange companies, you may wonder how the exchange process works. Well, fortunately, we’re here to give you a step-by-step guide.
How Does the Exchange Process Work?
The vacation exchange process is simple. Once you’re a timeshare owner and become a member of a timeshare exchange company, you can deposit your weeks or points for vacations across the globe. Below are the steps to exchange your timeshare for a vacation away from your home resort.
Steps of Vacation Exchange
- Sign up! Become a member of your resort’s affiliated exchange networks. Typically RCI or II.
- Manage your weeks or points: Deposit your weeks and points through your exchange company.
- Research: Browse through numerous brands and resort destinations to find the perfect timeshare.
- Exchange: Trade your week or points for a vacation in a new destination!
It’s also vital to note that the value of your ownership can differ. For example, points at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in Orlando, FL, have a higher value than a Hyatt timeshare resort in Sedona, AZ. In other words, 15 DVC points do not equal 15 Hyatt points.
Furthermore, if you’re ready to expand your horizons to new travel destinations, consider a timeshare exchange membership today!
Browse the Timeshare Resale Marketplace With Timeshare Broker Associates
Whether you’re a current vacation owner or looking to become one, vacation exchange is a timeshare bonus for those looking for international adventures. With limitless travel possibilities, you can mark new destinations off your bucket list each year.
Furthermore, you can save thousands of dollars with a timeshare resale when you buy with Timeshare Broker Associates instead of buying directly with a timeshare developer. So, with that said, start browsing our marketplace and become a member of a timeshare exchange company today!
