Benefits of II?

[dna]

I'm recently purchased a Marriott timeshare and understand that if I want to trade my week I need to join Interval International.
My question is twofold:
1. What are the benefits of II aside from acting as a broker for my trade?
2. Is there any reason (aside from saving a few bucks) to get a 5 year membership instead of a 1 year? Mainly, I'm wondering if I can just pay to join II for the years that I want to exchange? Would this actually work or be more hassle than its worth?

Thanks!

 

[gmarine]

II also has Getaways, generally inexpensive rental weeks available for purchase. Most are off season but some there are some very good buys depending on when you can travel.

You must be an II member at the time your exchange is made and at the time you travel on your exchange so trying to just be a member occasionally usually wont work.

 

[Dave M]

The primary benefit is the exchanges. The low-cost Getaway weeks available to all members are also a useful benefit.

There are some travel benefits/discounts associated with the slightly more expensive Gold membership, but most TUGgers seem to believe the extra benefits are not worth the extra cost.

There is no need to join until you want to deposit a week or request an exchange using "Request-First". After that, you'll probably want to have continuous membership. Why? Because you must be a member to deposit a week, to request an exchange, to keep your deposited week active and to get a confirmed exchange. You should generally deposit a full year in advance of occupancy dates and you should request your exchanges at least a year in advance. A single exchange - from the time you deposit a week until your exchange is confirmed - might take almost three years, depending on your timing.