Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of our most frequently asked questions.
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 Who is RCI?
Resort Condominiums International, or RCI, is the oldest and largest exchange company in the world. RCI allows timeshare owners
to trade their timeshare weeks with other timeshare owners around the world. RCI has been in business for almost 30 years and currently work with over 3000 resorts in 85 countries. RCI can be reached at 1-800-338-7777.
Who is II?
Interval International, or II, is the second largest and second oldest exchange company behind RCI. With over 1700 resorts in 35 countries around the world, II operates much like RCI, offering quality exchange services for its clients worldwide. II can be reached at 1-800-843-8843.
What are the benefits of each company?
The benefits of RCI and II are essentially the same. They both give you an annual listing of all resorts. They both have a quarterly or bimonthly update magazine. They both offer a "members only" travel agency (remember airfares aren’t included with your timeshare costs). Both offer last minute getaways at a very reasonable price without having to give up your deposited week and both offer excellent customer service through their toll-free numbers.
Is there any difference between RCI & II?
There are a great deal of similarities between the two companies. Both companies are excellent.
Do RCI & II own the resorts?
No, neither do. As they state in RCI’s resort directory, "(We) offer (our) services to owners at resorts with which we have an affiliation agreement."
Is there a membership fee for RCI & II?
Yes. The annual fee for Interval International is $79.00 and RCI's is $84.00. They also offer three and five year subscriptions which may be purchased at a discount to the annual rate.
How do I make an exchange?
Making an exchange is as easy as picking up your phone, calling RCI or II, and asking one of their vacation consultants to walk you through the exchange process. But, think of it like you think of going to the bank. The two companies vary, but the process with each is very user-friendly, and you are helped through the request and exchange process.
The concept of timeshare exchange is easily summed up as "like for like." As you make your exchange request, keep in mind that what you own. You are likely to get the same number of bedrooms, same season, and similar amenities as what your home resort offers.
Your deposited timeshare week does not have to be taken before you are confirmed to go elsewhere. You also don’t have to travel the same fixed week that you have deposited.
When I make an exchange, does anyone else have to use my time?
No. All weeks are deposited into the space bank and requests are made against these weeks. Exchanges are fulfilled based on availability.
May I rent my week out?
Once you become the legal owner of a timeshare, you may rent it out if you wish. The Holiday Group, RCI, and II, however, don’t assist in rentals.
May I make an exchange and let someone else use it?
Yes, but you will need to give the exchange company the name of the people who will be using the resort so they can make a guest certificate for them. The costs for a guest certificate are: RCI $40.00, and Interval International $29.00.
When should I deposit my week(s)?
You are always advised to deposit your week(s) as early as possible. You may deposit as early as one to two years or as late as fourteen days prior to the reservation date.
Do I have to make a request at the same time I make a deposit?
No. In both of the major exchange companies you have two years after you deposit your time to request an exchange. But if you wish to, you may make a request when you make your deposit.
When should I request my exchange?
RCI allows you to request your exchange 2 days to two years before you want to travel as long as you have a week on deposit with the exchange company.
What is the difference between the exchange seasons?
In timeshare, the difference in season indicates the popularity of any particular resort at that time. The most sought-after weeks (e.g. February week in Vail) are rated as high season and the less popular weeks (e.g. Winter on Long Island) are rated as low season weeks. High demand weeks are known as high season or red time, moderate demand weeks are known as mid season or white time, and low demand weeks are known as low season or blue time.
Is it possible to trade one high season week for two low season weeks?
No. There may be certain exceptions to this, but do not purchase a timeshare based upon this. One week will always exchange for one other week.
How many resort locations can I request?
You are allowed to request up to four resorts in one area or several areas which you're interested in. Being flexible in destination selection will improve your chances of making a sucessful exchange.
When do I pay the exchange fee?
All fees are payable when you make your request. If you are requesting a guest certificate or adding other options they are due at this time.
How long will it take to confirm my exchange?
Most exchanges are confirmed within twenty-four hours. If your desired destination is not immediately available, a computerized search will continue to look for exchanges. All incoming deposits will be checked up to fourteen days before your planned departure date or until confirmed.
Do I pay my maintenance fee to the resort I'm exchanging to?
No. All maintenance fees are paid directly to the resort you own and not to the resort you are trading to.
What is an internal exchange at the home resort?
An internal exchange allows you to exchange the week you own for a different week at the resort. If you have a summer week and wish to go at another time of the year the resort may do this for you based upon availability of inventory. The resort may or may not charge a fee for this service.
What is an internal exchange from RCI?
Instead of using your home resort to exchange at the same resort you use RCI to facilitate this transaction. There is a fee for this service just like any other exchange. Remember, priority will be given to any owner wishing to exchange back at their home resort.
How many people can I take with me?
You can take as many as the maximum number your unit sleeps. Resorts typically will not accept more than a unit’s capacity to stay in one unit.
Will the resort provide daily maid service?
Some resorts will have daily services, bi-weekly, and some have none during your stay. If this is of concern to you, you should contact the resort you wish to visit to find out exactly what their policies are.
What is Vacation Ownership?
Vacation Ownership "Timesharing" is the right to use specific weeks of a resort during a specific time period. It is the pre-purchase of future vacation weeks.
Timeshares are more deluxe than simple hotel rooms.
Condominium-style units usually feature fully-furnished kitchens, generous living areas, and ample sleeping options for family or friends. Ownership of a timeshare is very similar to ownership of a condominium except that your rights are limited to a certain week (or weeks, if you purchase multiple intervals) during the year.
The type of ownership can be deeded, leased or even licensed.
The license is different, in that it is most commonly a membership in a club. Providing you are a member in good standing, you have the right to use the club and all its amenities. Be sure to read and understand all the terms and conditions of your club membership before you make the decision to buy.
Most vacation ownerships consist of either a deeded interest or a leased interest for a specific number of years. A deeded interest is owned outright forever. It is an absolute right that can be sold, leased, or even willed to your heirs.
The less common leased interest is much like an apartment lease except right to use it is restricted to a specific week during the year. Upon expiration of the lease term your right to use it will generally terminate and return to the resort. With a leased interest you should know the terms and conditions of the lease prior to making the decision to buy.
The time of your use can be either Fixed or Floating. Fixed time is a specific week during the year usually defined by a number. Generally the week will begin on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday and is given a number starting with the first week in January and continuing through the end of December. (Example - week 14 might be April 7 through April 13.)
Floating time means you have the right to select any available week within a certain season of the year. Therefore, if you own a summer season week you could pick any week that falls within the defined summer months. However, competition between existing owners for prime weeks in very desirable locations can impact availability. It is important to find which type of use best fits your specific travel needs.
Each resort is different and offers various benefits to its owners. Many resorts give special reduced rental rates for extra nights or use of other resorts that are owned by the developer. This can add to your flexibility and provide substantial savings on vacation costs. Also, consider how and where you normally vacation. This is very important in making your decision about where you should buy and what you will have to trade. We welcome your comments and appreciate your feedback.
What is the History of Vacation Ownership?
The vacation ownership (timesharing) industry can be traced back to its European origin in the 1960s. Superdevoluy, a ski resort in the French Alps, is the first known vacation ownership program in the world. The ownership of individual weeks guaranteed reservations for those who wanted to ski the area every year. It was an immediate success.
By the 1970s, some faltering condominium projects on St. Thomas and in Fort Lauderdale and Puerto Rico were converted over to vacation ownership. Thereafter, timesharing became an increasingly popular vacation alternative. Once the United States embraced the concept of vacation ownership, it began to gain wide acceptance worldwide. Sales jumped to over 50 million by the mid- 1970s and have climbed to 6 billion annually today. Vacation ownership has enjoyed substantial growth over the years with approximately 5 million timeshares sold since 1980.
Currently, there are over 5,000 vacation ownership resorts in 90 countries around the world. Exchanging a vacation ownership week in one resort for that of another resort was introduced in 1974 and brought new elements of variety and flexibility to the vacation experience. Although there are many exchange companies available that provide excellent service, the two major players are Resort Condominiums International (RCI), which has approximately 3,500 member resorts, and Interval International (II) with approximately 1,800 member resorts. Combined, these two companies provided over 1,600,000 exchanges last year. During a 30-year span, the industry has grown from small (15-20 unit) hotel conversions to the high-quality condominium resorts of today. The evolution of the industry from scattered entrepreneurs to well managed professional development companies has brought with it a noticeable change for the better. Definitive leaders have emerged and created standards and ethics for management, marketing and sales practices.
One such organization is the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) whose members are required to comply with an established "Code of Ethics." The recent entrance into the marketplace by major hospitality chains such as Disney, Hilton, Ramada, and Marriott has greatly enhanced the quality and image of the industry. Vacation ownership resorts today are luxurious, have a wide array of amenities, and are well located. With the advent of these stronger and more professional development and management companies, and with the weeding-out the less desirable developers and marketers, the industry is now experiencing a very positive public image. One of the industry's leading analysts (Ragatz and Associates) concluded that the majority of timeshare owners are pleased with their purchase and, in fact, many now own multiple weeks. The future of vacation ownership is very bright and has tremendous potential.
How to Buy a Vacation Ownership & is buying a Timeshare right for you?
As we look across the vacation spectrum, we find those individuals that enjoy returning each year to a familiar spot as well as those looking to visit a new or different destination every year. When you buy a timeshare, you are making a commitment to yourself. This commitment involves your desire to vacation every year.
While you often may choose to go to the same resort, you can also use an exchange network to go elsewhere when the mood strikes. Certain features may be extraneous if your only purpose is to use the resort for your own enjoyment. If you plan to trade your interval, however, for other timeshares throughout the world, a resort unit with more features will fetch a better trade, or a higher price, should you decide to sell the interval down the road. Keep in mind that you do get what you pay for. Although there are bargains out there to be found, this is still an emerging market. As a prospective buyer, you must also ask yourself, "What are my vacation criteria’s?" Some considerations are family, airfare, recreation, meals, etc. "Do I want to guarantee a certain week every year? Can I only travel when the kids are out of school?
"Find a resort that fits your vacation style. The Dollar Value Consideration Above all else, take into account the effect of inflation. Since the 50’s, the travel industry has noticed an approximate 5% annual increase in dollars spent on vacations. With the acquisition of a timeshare unit, you can start to curtail those costs. An annual maintenance fee of $350 to $550 ensures a vacation that has a fixed accommodation price per visit.
When ready to buy a Timeshare After all the initial considerations and deciding to purchase, it is time to start looking for a resort that fits your criteria. To start narrowing down your resort choices, take a look at our online listings or at a catalogue. Everyone who is a member of an exchange organization gets a catalogue each year. It holds up to 3,500 developments throughout the world. Unfortunately these catalogues are not available to non-timeshare owners. You must borrow one from someone who is a timeshare owner.
Let's say you've gotten to the point where you have two or three really attractive resorts in mind. They all have the features you're looking for, they are in your price range and you can see yourself committing at least 10 years of vacationing there. If at all possible, visit the sites. Start getting feedback from unit owners and other sources; see what they say about the resort and the price you've been quoted. If your chosen site is still under development, there are sure to be on-site sales people who will enthusiastically give you a tour of the facility. Be aware! If you have low sales resistance, it may be better for you to look around on your own and ask questions on your own terms. Pick up all available literature and to get all terms and conditions before finalizing a sale or rental.
The Cost of Ownership When comparing the cost of a timeshare to that of condos, it is misleading to see that the condo costs thousands less than the timeshare. You'll find that timeshares sold in off-peak seasons are much less costly and that the condos often are developed on land of inferior value. Condos are usually located in a residential surrounding while a timeshare resort may be nestled in a forested valley or along a private beach. Where would you rather be? Check to see if the resorts that interest you have resale programs, instead of purchasing directly from the developer. This is the best route for the thrift-minded buyer who can purchase a choice unit with discounts of up to half of a developer's asking price. The third way to buy is through a private purchase. Any of these methods deal with the underlying factors of interest on your original purchase price and with the loss of capital after the purchase through a lower resale price. Two pointers when dealing with agents: first, they are agents of the vendor (a resort or owner) and are obligated to maximize the vendor's return of investment. Second, never be afraid to submit a lower asking price than what the agent recommends.
Why exchange your vacation ownership?
Now that you are an owner of a vacation interval you can start enjoying the use of it. You may find that using your home resort is very convenient but don't forget about the endless opportunities. Chances are, your resort is affiliated with one or two exchange companies. You can become a member of your home resort exchange company or use any of the independent exchange companies which may provide services to meet your travel needs. Exchanging is one of the major reasons many people purchase timeshares.
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