“How do I get better timeshare exchanges?” is a common concern for most timeshare owners, and for good reasons.
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably dipped your toes into the vast world of timeshares and are now eyeing that dream vacation. We get it, the allure of luxurious getaways in beautiful destinations is hard to resist. But before you embark on your timeshare exchange journey, let’s unravel the mystery behind trading power and how to make it work in your favor. This blog just might be what you have been waiting for to improve your timeshare exchange success.
Supply and Demand of Your Home Resort
The Unsung Heroes
Picture this: You own a shiny, beautiful timeshare, and you can’t wait to swap it for a fabulous vacation in a different location. Well, here’s the scoop – your exchange success hinges on the principles of supply and demand, not just wishful thinking. In the early days of timeshares, RCI and Interval International (I.I.) assigned values to your timeshare units based on the colors or seasons you owned. RCI had the red, white, and blue scheme, while Interval International went with red, yellow, and green.
Here’s the magic trick – if your timeshare resort and season were in high demand with limited supply, your exchange power soared. You had more chances to get the vacation you desired, and who doesn’t love options? On the flip side, if your timeshare was in a low-demand, high-supply region or resort, well, let’s just say your exchange dreams faced a tougher road.
But here’s the kicker: Back in the day, folks were nudged into thinking that they had to ditch their deeded weeks for the shiny new points system. It was all about making owners believe that points would unlock the doors to paradise. Truth is, the points system was just a clever ruse to rake in more profits for the timeshare industry.
The Myth of Mighty Points
Fast forward to today, and we’re still dancing to the same tune – supply and demand. Yes, folks, despite all the bells and whistles of the points system, the core principle remains unchanged. Points are peddled to new and existing owners as a ticket to better exchange power, but that’s not entirely true. To unlock the true power of your points, you need to know precisely where they’re attached.
Let’s break it down. If your points are tethered to a property or unit with low demand and a surplus of supply, your exchange power won’t be setting any records. But if your points are attached to a hot property with high demand and limited supply, now you’re talking! Your points will become the magic wand that can whisk you away to your dream destination.
Location, Location, Location
Consider this scenario: Two eager timeshare owners are itching for a romantic rendezvous in Paris. One hails from the sun-soaked shores of Maui, Hawaii, while the other resides amidst the tranquil beauty of the Poconos mountains in Pennsylvania. Who’s more likely to waltz into the City of Love? You guessed it – the lucky owner from Hawaii.
In a nutshell, the location of your timeshare is the secret sauce to a successful exchange. It’s all about where you own, where you want to go, and when you want to go. So, let’s stop sipping the Kool-Aid that all points are created equal. They’re not. Your timeshare exchange power depends on the geographic desirability of your slice of paradise.
Supply and Demand: The Ultimate Decider
So, when you’re planning your timeshare exchange, keep in mind that the complex interplay of supply and demand within your desired resort or region plays a pivotal role. While owning in a high-demand area can boost your chances, it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll secure your dream vacation. As you embark on your exchange journey, remain flexible, be patient, and consider multiple options to increase your chances of success.
Timing Your Dream Vacation
Now that we’ve unveiled the mysteries behind supply and demand, let’s dive headfirst into another crucial factor in the timeshare exchange equation: timing. Yes, when you want to go can make all the difference in your quest for that perfect getaway.
High and Low Seasons: What’s the Scoop?
As seasoned travelers know, there are high seasons and low seasons, and they vary from place to place. For instance, if you’re yearning to hit the slopes in the breathtaking Colorado Rockies, their high season aligns with the ski season. But guess what? The very same principle doesn’t apply to every destination.
Take the Wisconsin Dells, for example. Their high season coincides with the summer months when families flock to enjoy waterparks and outdoor activities. In contrast, winter is their low season when the chillier temperatures keep the crowds at bay. So, it’s paramount to understand the season of your desired destination before planning your timeshare exchange.
Holiday Hustle and Bustle
Now, let’s talk about major U.S. holidays like Christmas, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Spring Break. You guessed it – these are prime high season periods. Families and holiday enthusiasts galore are eager to jet off during these times, which can lead to fierce competition for your preferred vacation spot. If you’re aiming to exchange during these holidays, be ready to strategize and book well in advance.
The Ever-Changing Seasons
Seasons, like everything in life, change over time. An excellent example is Mexico and the Caribbean islands. Once upon a time, their high seasons were neatly packed into the winter months. After all, who wouldn’t want to escape the bone-chilling cold of the U.S. and Canada? However, the travel industry’s evolution has shaken things up.
Thanks to discounted airline tickets and wallet-friendly accommodations, high season has seemingly morphed into a year-round affair. Now, you’ll find tourists basking in the sun and swaying to the rhythm of the Caribbean or exploring the wonders of Mexico in every season. So, what does this mean for your timeshare exchange strategy?
Booking in Advance
When it comes to securing your dream vacation during high season, the golden rule is booking in advance. The further ahead you plan, the better your chances of landing that coveted exchange. Remember, many others are vying for those prime vacation slots, so don’t leave it to the last minute.
But here’s the kicker: Your ability to book ahead and snag the perfect high-season exchange depends on that ever-important factor we discussed earlier – your resort’s exchange power. If you’re stuck with a low-exchange-power timeshare, even the best-laid plans may not yield the results you’re hoping for.
In a nutshell, when, where, and what you own all intertwine to determine the success of your timeshare exchange. Keep an eye on high and low seasons, be ready for the holiday rush, and remember that the timeshare landscape is ever-evolving. With a dash of strategy, a sprinkle of flexibility, and a dollop of patience, you can turn your timeshare dreams into a reality.
Navigating the Complex World of Supply and Demand of Your Desired Exchange
As you venture further into the fascinating realm of timeshare exchanges, it’s crucial to understand that not all resorts are created equal. Both RCI and Interval International boast impressive collections of properties, with more than 6,000 and 3,000 resorts in their portfolios, respectively. But the sheer number of resorts can be misleading, as each one is a unique entity with its own supply, demand, and ownership structure.
The Exchange Organizations: Not Resort Owners
First and foremost, let’s dispel a common misconception. RCI and Interval International are not resort owners; they operate as exchange organizations, akin to travel agencies for the timeshare industry. This means they facilitate exchanges among timeshare owners, but they do not own the resorts themselves. Instead, each resort is independently owned by a separate entity or corporation, which adds layers of complexity to the timeshare exchange landscape.
Understanding Resort Inventory
One key point to grasp is that not all rooms within RCI or Interval International properties are designated for timeshare use. Many resorts reserve a portion of their accommodations for the general public, allowing non-timeshare guests to book rooms. This is a crucial element in the supply and demand equation. The more rooms allocated to the general public, the fewer options are available for timeshare owners.
High and Low Seasons, High and Low Demand
Just like different regions have their high and low seasons, individual resorts also experience fluctuations in demand throughout the year. This means that even if you own in a high-demand and low-supply area or resort, there are no guarantees of successfully exchanging into a property. The seasonal ebb and flow of guests can greatly impact the availability of timeshare units.
Some RCI resorts, for instance, may allocate only a handful of rooms specifically for timeshare owners, reserving the remainder of their inventory for regular hotel guests. The decision on how many rooms to allocate to timeshare owners versus the general public is influenced by supply and demand dynamics.
Vacation Clubs: A Unique Challenge
Here’s an additional twist to the tale. Certain timeshare companies, particularly those in Mexico and the Caribbean Islands, don’t own the resorts they promote. They function as vacation clubs or travel agents for discounted hotel space. Since these resorts aim to maximize profits and often charge higher rates to the general public, timeshare owners are not their top priority.
In the pecking order of reservations, those who are willing to pay the most will typically take precedence. Some of the vacation clubs that fall into this category include Unlimited Vacation Club (AMResorts), Lifestyle Holiday Vacation Club, Bahia Principe Vacation Club, Travelsmart Vacation Club, and many more.
Embracing the Blessing in Disguise
So, your timeshare exchange dreams haven’t panned out exactly as you’d hoped. Your preferred destination during peak season might feel like it’s drifting further away. But, guess what? Sometimes, what initially seems like a setback can turn into a blessing in disguise. It’s time to shift your perspective and explore the exciting world of alternative travel possibilities.
Thinking Beyond the Horizon
If you find yourself hitting roadblocks in your quest to reach that cherished destination during your ideal time frame, don’t despair. Instead of fixating on where you can’t go, focus on where you can go and what’s available. You might just stumble upon a hidden gem that wasn’t even on your travel radar.
Take the story of one family, for instance. Their hearts were set on a sun-soaked family vacation in Hawaii, but timeshare exchange hurdles got in the way. Rather than throwing in the beach towel, they decided to explore what other destinations were available during their preferred travel window. Their journey led them to Belize, a place they’d never even considered before.
Belize turned out to be an unexpected paradise, offering an incredible vacation experience. Not only was it more budget-friendly than their initial Hawaii plans, but the local culture and ambiance were different from anything they’d expected. Plus, they had the chance to explore the second-largest barrier reef in the world, with thrilling opportunities to snorkel alongside nurse sharks and a kaleidoscope of other marine creatures.
The moral of the story? Sometimes, the best vacations are the ones that surprise you. By keeping an open mind and exploring alternative options, you can stumble upon extraordinary experiences that you never knew existed.
The World of Infinite Possibilities
Here’s the thing – the world is brimming with exciting destinations, and RCI and Interval International have a treasure trove of fascinating properties scattered across the globe. These organizations are constantly expanding their resort collections, and that means fresh, exciting opportunities for timeshare exchangers.
You never know when a brand-new resort might emerge, aiming to attract more traffic and exchanges. This could lead to unexpected deals and thrilling vacation prospects. So, why limit yourself to one dream when the world offers a kaleidoscope of possibilities?
In the world of timeshare exchange, adaptability is your greatest ally. When one door seems to close, another one swings wide open, inviting you to explore a new world of adventure. The only question is, are you ready to embrace the unknown and let the thrill of discovery guide your next getaway?