RCI Points vs. Traditional Timeshare Weeks

Table of Contents

Points vs. Weeks

Unit Size

Cost

Usage

Season

Exchange

Last Minute

Forced Vacation

Out of Pocket

Maintenance Fees

Bottom Line

RCI Points vs. Timeshare Weeks
Yes, we love RCI Points.  We think they make timeshare vacations accessible to everyone and yes, we think you'll love being an RCI Points member.  But we've put our skeptics hat on and tried to detail the real benefits and drawbacks of RCI Points.  If you think we're right on the mark or way off -- we want to hear from you!  Send us your feedback (we really do want to hear from you!).

Let's compare RCI Points to traditional timeshare weeks, shall we?

Unit size
RCI Points members may choose any unit size if they have enough points to book and there's availability.  Weeks owners typically have a set unit size to choose from when arranging their travel.

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Cost
In general, RCI Points memberships from Holiday Resales will be priced at least 50% off retail (often much more). It pays to explore your options with a friendly timeshare expert... Just a phone call away.

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Usage
99% of weeks owners must use an entire week each year (or bank the week with an exchange company).  RCI Points members can book a single night or a month, depending on the number of points available.  

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Season
As a weeks member, your week typically is reserved during a set season (or same week every year).  For some people, who must travel during holidays or peak seasons, having an assured reservation is a comfort (and necessity).  

RCI Points members can reserve any week in any season as long as they have enough points.  But, understand availability is on a first-come first-served basis.   If you travel during the peak holidays, you may be find less availability.

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Exchange
RCI and II exchanges can be done online and the process is sooo much easier than it used to be.  But, there's continuing frustration from some members -- it can take a long time to find out if your exchange will happen.  With RCI Points, if a unit is available when you want to travel, you can book it immediately.

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Last Minute
Bonus weeks are available to both RCI exchange members (weeks owners) and RCI Points members.  But, RCI Points members may use as little as 9500 points to book Points membership within the 45 day window.  If you are a flexible traveler, you'll love this feature.

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Forced Vacation:
You'd be surprised how many Holiday Resales owners rely on timeshares for a 'forced' vacation.  Our lives are more hectic by day and having a set vacation destination (a timeshare in paradise?). Scheduling the same date every year may be the only thing that prys you from your work-a-day grind.   If this sounds like you, fixed week timeshare week may be your salivation.  RCI Points are by nature more flexible -- for some folks this is a drawback.  Which is it for you?

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Out of Pocket
As a timeshare week owner, your annual maintenance fee equals one week's worth of vacation.  If you manage your points effectively you can often get a number of weeks' vacation for one maintenance fee.  

Talk to your vacationeer to discover ways to get the most from your Points membership.

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Maintenance fees
Weeks and RCI Points have comparable maintenance fees.  Why?  RCI Points are no different from weeks -- your RCI Points membership is tied to a given unit in your home resort (which by the way -- you never have to visit if you don't want!).  Your home resort must maintain your unit to ensure the best valuation for your RCI Points -- and your maintenance fee is paid into the upkeep and maintenance fund (just like weeks and similar to a condo association fee).

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Bottom Line? 
As you can see, RCI Points are a wonderful way to travel -- but not necessarily the perfect fit for all our customers.  Give us a call today to discuss RCI Points, timeshare weeks and your goals for better vacations.  We're just a free phone call away.

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