Timeshare Vacation Ownership Exchange Programs
The Timeshare Guys Time Share Learning Center

Timeshare Vacation Ownership Exchange Programs are some of the core features of timeshare ownership today; many timeshare owners actually define their timeshare ownership by which exchange program their timeshare belongs to instead of the actual property they own.

You will find many timeshare owners have never even been to the resort since the time they purchased it; Instead, they use their exchange program membership to travel to top rated resort destinations all over the world!

Timeshare exchange programs open the world of vacation opportunities to their members, and are the major reason that timeshare has become the fastest growing segment of the travel industry.

What is an Timeshare Exchange Company?
A Timeshare Exchange Company can be defined as any company that we can make a reservation, or "trade", to use the deeded timeshare ownership that we have at one property to vacation at a different resort property. There are a couple of different types of exchange companies; Under the traditional timeshare ownership exchange programs, exchanges are made on a week for week basis. The resorts that are available to you through this type of exchange program are based on the "trading power" of the timeshare you own. Trading Power is based on a couple of factors:

• Supply and Demand - such as summer and public holidays
• Resort Location
• Resort Quality
• Sleeping Capacity
• Seasonal Color Code

Many people own traditional timeshare and it works. If you are looking to purchase a timeshare to trade, make sure that you get one with the trading power to get you where you want to go.

• External Traditional Timeshare Ownership Exchange Companies
  The 2 largest Week-for-Week Timeshare Exchange Companies are:
  • Resort Condominiums International - R.C.I.
    RCI also offers a points based exchange program
    
  • Interval International - I.I.
    
• Internal Exchange Points / Credit Vacation Ownership Programs
  Many major resort developers build resorts in many different locations, and then offer their owners the opportunity to vacation at any of the developers resorts. These programs are called Internal Exchange Programs. Internal Exchange Programs offer members exchange flexibility in addition to the external exchange membership opportunities. Instead of purchasing a traditional program, these programs are sold as points or credits which the owner then uses to make reservations. Use fees vary by program; many of the programs have no reservation fee when you are staying within the home group of resorts. These programs are great for those who want to travel within the home resort group and those who are fond of a particular brand of timeshares. Some of the major developers currently offering in internal points/credit based exchange programs are: (click on the program name to go to their web site)
  • Fairfield Resorts (Wyndham Vacation Resorts) - RCI
  • WorldMark by Wyndham (Formerly TrendWest) - RCI
  • Sunterra Resorts - RCI
  • Hilton Grand Vacations Club - RCI
  • Marriott Grand Vacations Club -Interval International
  • Disney Vacation Club - Interval International
  • Monarch Grand Resorts Vacation Club - Interval International
  • Bluegreen Resorts - RCI

  Note to potential buyers:
  When you purchase a timeshare on the resale market you may not receive the exact same exchange options and "additional benefits" as if you purchased from the resort. Make sure to know the details of the program you are purchasing before you purchase. Many times the savings in price will offset any loss of "additional benefits" you would have received by paying the resorts retail price.

Click Here to see our points vs. weeks comparison chart

How Can I become a member of a timeshare exchange company?
To become a member of a timeshare exchange company, first you must purchase a timeshare ownership unit at a resort that participates in the exchange program. After you have purchased a timeshare that is part of the exchange company, then you may become a member of the affiliated exchange company.