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Re: RCI Exchange Experiences

[Q=ken1193] lanitap reports in part: >> I have booked over 100+ trips using RCI, and each and everytime have gotten what I wanted at quality locations.<< ================================================ That's certainly a minority viewpoint, but I am nonetheless glad for your reported satisfaction. It will be interesting to see if your view is still the same a year from now. Your contentment surely does not mirror the experiences of a whole lot of people consistently reporting (on several different timeshare sites) seeing their RCI exchange ability (and quality) steadily diminish in recent years. While I only rarely exchange, personally, I still find it very hard to believe that the lawsuit against RCI (filed over this very issue of decreasing exchange availability) is without merit. But that's ultimately for the courts to decide. With RCI having acquired SnapTravel and Leisure Link, both events occuring within about the past four months for the sole purpose of RCI RENTING OUT weeks directly to the general public, it seems clearly inevitable that quality exchange inventory will continue to shrink in availability. The same weeks can't be (and already aren't) simultaneously available to several different markets and direct rentals are obviously much more profitable for RCI than merely collecting exchange fees from RCI members. Notable exceptions for availability are places like Orlando / Kissimmee, where there is just such a glut of timeshare facilities that there is virtually always something available there. Try exchanging with RCI for places like coastal SW Florida in winter or Hawaii (almost anytime) however, and the availability results become markedly different..."nada".[/Q] My feelings are the same for next year as I have booked Vermont (Smuggler's), Massenutten (feb/Jan - President's week), Los Vegas, Hawaii (thankgiving Week), Wisconsin Dells for Christmas and of course Florida (Pompano). I did book these vacations on searches done last year, but when you do it that way you get what you want. All of my bookings are for holidays and they are 2-bedroom units that get good reviews. Oh, and I booked them with a studio/blue week. Like I said, all the vacations I plan a year or more ahead, I get what I want. When I want to book last minute, I don't usually get so lucky. Like I am booking for Memorial day weekend, then I will go for Mexico/Canada/Florida - places with a lot of timeshares or that are a bit off season. Also, I am not that picky, and plan way in advance. I do agree that sales people mislead you, but if you spend time learning to work what you had, then you won't be so unhappy with your purchase. I own several timeshares with different companies (sheraton, wyndam, presidential resort) and all of them have gotten me excellent trades when I book them in advance. I have also seen great locations and prices on RCI's Last Chance/Extra Vacation offerings. Also, just another tip. If you see something on Extra Vacation for under $450 than its likely that you can ask for that resort with your trade (ask for the specific date/resort id that you saw online for an Extra Vacation). I have done that sometimes when I want to travel last minute and want to save $250 on the weekly price.