Timeshare Traveler Episode 128... RCI Exchange expands your choices

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Timeshare Traveler Episode 128... RCI Exchange expands your choices
Another way to extend your points is with the use of RCI. With RCI you can deposit your points into RCI and they will have an additional two years to be used within the RCI network. Hilton Grand Vacations and Worldmark / Wyndham come with RCI connections when purchased from the developer.
In this Video, I show how you can actually save money by using RCI to book a week at a Sheraton in Orlando through RCI as compared to booking it with the Vistana or Marriott websites. I also show how to book a last call reservation. Below is the review of the location that I demoed booking in the video.
Review of the One Bedroom GEVC Lighthouse - • Review of the GEVC Lig...
For more details see my website at www.timesharetraveler.com
For an overview of my channel, see the intro video at • Timeshare Traveler Intro

[@thejokerspeaks]

I had read on TUG that RCI wasn't worth doing with a small contract, so never looked into it. I had no idea that Worldmark and Vistana were an option, or that they had their own Last Call. West Yellowstone for instance, really expands our options. Especially with a larger EOY contract now, this will be valuable.

[@timesharetraveler]

It’s one of the advantages traveling for a year I’ve had. I had plenty of time to explore and test all choices. But I think it is a good practice for everyone.

[@markelmo1]

GEVC at Lighthouse Pointe is also one of my favorites. In fact I will be there next week for a few nights with RCI Exchange. The only place I have been more often is Wyndham/Worldmark Angels Camp where we go almost every January.

[@timesharetraveler]

Hopefully you are booking as a last call also. I love walking to the ocean from there. I don’t mind the cows as my uncle had them when I was growing up. I’ve watched many a sunset from the ocean right by the gevc lighthouse point. The town is a fun / rustic place. Your post makes me want to go there soon. I also love angel’s camp

[@markelmo1]

I often book with last call. This time I have points that I had to put in RCI a couple of years ago that are expiring in August. So I am using them for a 3 night stay. Last Call for a week would still be cheaper if you include the cost of the points. But since the points will just expire if I don’t use them. I consider the points free at this point. So I going for 3 nights for just the RCI exchange fee doesn’t bother me.

[@timesharetraveler]

I have the same issue sometimes as well. Nothing is ever perfect. But you to be doing great!!!👍

[@Wes1487]

I was thinking of getting into RCI again we are with Interval...I think it may give additional options for getaways etc...

[@timesharetraveler]

Always good to explore more options. I review my choices from time to see if there are new features

[@DavidRodriguez-ou9fy]

Very nice. We keep forgetting that we have RCI with our HGV membership. I haven't been to their site to look around but glad you showed how to get in there. Might this be similar to what Diamond acquisition is? Meaning....just use RCI if you can't afford Max upgrade?

[@timesharetraveler]

Diamond has another solution call destination exchange. Since I am a new diamond owner, would you like a video of that. I believe it will soon be available

[@DavidRodriguez-ou9fy]

@@timesharetraveler That might be nice to see but we aren't HGVMax members. Only HGV members. Can HGV members access the destination exchange without having to uograde?

[@timesharetraveler]

I think you have to be HGVMax. But since it is not rolled out, I am not sure. But it might be something to consider why you might upgrade. Upgrading should only be if there is value.

[@manuvns]

thanks! what is a good option for exchange for current worldmark owners ? i only take 2 or 3 vacation in a year

[@timesharetraveler]

I’ve used RCI in California and Arizona. Not sure where you live, but I suspect you can always get a last call in Orlando or Williamsburg in the winter. As a Worldmark owner, you also have access to Wyndham locations. You can see the availability on the Worldmark site and the $99 booking fee is less than the RCI exchange. I’ve used this to stay at every Club Wyndham on the big island of Hawaii.

[@TheNibor9]

How have you changed up how you use RCI since they’ve added Exchange plus?

[@timesharetraveler]

I am doing more RCI lately. Especially 5 night stays and last call. I am just amazed at how I can save money and credits / points. My new video is dropping on Wednesday on how u am using RCI.

[@mario1223]

Thanks. Do you ever use RCI to book a unit and then rent it out on Airbnb or KOALA?

[@timesharetraveler]

RCI reservations are typically Highly available locations so renting them out for a profit might be difficult.

[@cookingwithpop2189]

I own with Divi Resorts and have been with RCI since 2011. Divi just gave me a free 2 year membership to II. Not sure if I should renew my RCI membership or make the move to II which would also mean losing banked points. Or is it possible to belong to both at the same time with one property. Any advice?

[@timesharetraveler]

Good problem to have. Learn as much as you can about II and if it gives you what you need, then no need to have both. Just an opinion

[@jpurgy5303]

Great explanation, but we were just given 12 weeks of RCI points while signing up with the Plays Collection in Cancun so we need to learn the basics. Where is the best place to get an in-depth explanation of how to use these. If it's one of you videos, can you refer us to that? Thanks!

[@timesharetraveler]

I would call the RCI number and see what your options are... The certificates are alll different... Some are difficult to use. If you like Orlando or Vegas, they usually work out.

[@jpurgy5303]

Thanks for the prompt response. I will contact them as it is quite a complex process.

[@lauriejohnson9021]

So you can't join RCI directly? We own Bluegreen but the exchange fees are high $290 for a week. Is there any way to use RCI at lower exchange fees?

[@timesharetraveler]

The exchange fee seems to be the minimum. If you book within 45 days, it doesn’t require points (select type of exchange as last call). $290 for a week is then $42/day. Not sure if you can buy RCI direct.

[@ljli]

New to RCI. To clarify, last call just costs $ and doesn't require credits? Also, what do you think of RCI vs Interval? thx!!

[@timesharetraveler]

Correct. Last call is $$$, not points. I’ve used both RCI and interval. Interval costs more but has higher end resorts. I have both because of owning Marriott (interval), RCI because of hilton and Worldmark (Workmark also interval)

[@deeesmeralda8577]

How much is your yearly maintenance fee?

[@timesharetraveler]

RCI is included at no extra fee

[@MariaOchoa-pe2qn]

you talk about points but they use Credits

[@timesharetraveler]

You are correct. I use the term credit and points interchangeably which is not technically correct

[@tienha2699]

They lie about anywhere and anytime and the maintenance fee will never go up. The biggest regret of my life. They lie about everything. Do not ever get a timeshare. Do not purchase Rci or any timeshare. You have 5 days to cancel prior to signing contract. Do it asap! If you died, it will be passed down to your children. The maintenance fee will go up!!

[@timesharetraveler]

I am sorry that you have had a bad experience. While you are not alone in your experience, there are many (me included) who have made it worked. For me it has been much cheaper and better than AirBnb, Hotels, VRBO, etc... (My kids prefer AirBnb). I use RCI mostly for last call and get one week for under $400. There are other video on how to get the most out of your timeshare on this channel... But timeshares aren't for everyone, so I respect your perspective.

[@johnmathis141]

How much if book for a weekend