Timeshare Exchanges Increase Vacation Options

Some people buy a timeshare because they want to vacation in the same spot every year. Others buy a timeshare for its exchange value. They're investing in the opportunity to vacation at luxurious resorts all over the world. As they say, variety is the spice of life! Even if you primarily enjoy vacations in your own timeshare, owning a timeshare gives you the ability to easily vacation anywhere in the world. The two giants in the timeshare exchange industry are RCI and II. Together they handle most of the world's timeshare exchange business. Commonly referred by as RCI, Resort Condominiums International was founded in 1974 and quickly became a driving force in timeshare growth. The leader in the vacation ownership industry, RCI has more than 4,000 affiliated resorts located in 100 countries. More than 3 million members in 200 countries subscribe to the exchange service. In the three decades since its inception, RCI has arranged exchange vacations for 54 million people worldwide. To become a subscribing member of RCI, you must own vacation time at an RCI-affiliated resort, complete an application form and pay an annual fee. For a limited time, RCI has waived the one-time $200 initiation fee and new members may join by paying only the $89 annual fee. For more information, visit the RCI website at http://www.rci.com/ or call RCI Member Services at 800-338-7777. Interval International, or II, bills itself as the quality exchange network. Founded in 1976, II is an exchange network of 2,200 resorts serving 2 million members worldwide. Participating members must own a timeshare property in the II network. While II does not own properties, exchange properties must meet its criteria for quality. II is perhaps best known for its affiliations with Disney Vacation Club, Marriott Vacation Club and Westgate Resorts. Like RCI, to become an II member, you must own a timeshare within the family of Interval International-affiliated resorts, complete an application and pay an annual membership fee. A standard membership currently costs $84 per year with discounts for three and five-year memberships. A Gold Upgrade is also available for $138 which provides premium exchange and vacation opportunities. For more information, visit II's website or contact customer service at 888-784-3447 or via email to customerservice@intervalintl.com. There are other timeshare exchanges, but RCI and II handle the bulk of the timeshare exchange business. If you're interested in purchasing a timeshare, whether for personal enjoyment or its exchange value, click the post title to go to Timeshare Giant. You'll find timeshares for sale (and rent) everywhere in the U.S. and all over the world at Timeshare Giant.