How do you tend to use RCI / II?

[jp10558]

I've used an RCI exchange once (direct) from HGVC, and I've used a lot of RCI Extra Vacations. I just got into II and so far their Getaways are less than inspiring, so I figure most people are doing exchanges. The exchanges look more promising, but IDK, it's hard to use II like I have RCI, there's less slice and dice for what's out there.

I see many people say they do an ongoing search / request. When you do that, do you basically set parameters for the search? Like weeks that work for you, a specific location, and unit size? How fancy can you get? I.e. I might take anywhere in Hilton Head, but I might not take anywhere in Miami, Florida, depending on the specifics...

 

[rickandcindy23]

What do you own that trades in II?

We own Marriott and Sheraton and trade using II almost exclusively. I love II and don't mind paying $1,200 or so for a full week of vacation with MF/ exchange fees.

 

[geist1223]

When I have done an ongoing search/request I start 12+ months in advance. I try and be as broad as possible for example: 7 (or whatever number you want) consecutive days in May 2025, 2 bedrooms or larger, at __________ Resort or in _________ Region. I have always gotten a match. Sometimes within a few days. Sometimes 9 to 10 months in advance. Sometimes only 60 days in advance.

 

[Hindsite]

If you are finding getaways less than inspiring you are probably missing a load, so download the app and set up alerts, that way you'll see what goes in and sometimes you might beat someone else to it. There's a lag of up to an hour between inventory going in and the alert going out so if you get a white screen when you select the link in the notification and log in, then you've missed it.

 

[jp10558]

What do you own that trades in II?

We own Marriott and Sheraton and trade using II almost exclusively. I love II and don't mind paying $1,200 or so for a full week of vacation with MF/ exchange fees.

The Foxrun in Lake Lure NC. I need to update my profile.

 

[jules54]

IMO Interval International has better quality resorts. They also have short stays on the getaway side that can be very inexpensive. I had a regular II account and a points accounts and used them often. The search features are fantastic. I try to narrow it down to make It more specific. Example if your looking for Breckenridge, CO for a date range and then I pick all the gold crown and executive resorts. You can always change dates and delete resorts.

I use RCI mainly with my Wyndham points for exchanges in Mexico.

 

[easyrider]

I've used an RCI exchange once (direct) from HGVC, and I've used a lot of RCI Extra Vacations. I just got into II and so far their Getaways are less than inspiring, so I figure most people are doing exchanges. The exchanges look more promising, but IDK, it's hard to use II like I have RCI, there's less slice and dice for what's out there.

I see many people say they do an ongoing search / request. When you do that, do you basically set parameters for the search? Like weeks that work for you, a specific location, and unit size? How fancy can you get? I.e. I might take anywhere in Hilton Head, but I might not take anywhere in Miami, Florida, depending on the specifics...

The best exchange we had with RCI using Worldmark was the Manhatten Club. It didn't take too long , like maybe a month. We use RCI mostly for extra vactions and last call.

We used a II exchange for Villa del Palmar Loreto using RCI. It was an instant exchange. We use II mostly for getaways. Recently we took a two bed getaway to the Quarter House in New Orleans.

My favorite exchange company is SFX at Diamond level.

Bill

 

[sue1947]

When you do that, do you basically set parameters for the search? Like weeks that work for you, a specific location, and unit size?

Absolutely. Ongoing searches are where you find the good stuff. I never set up a search by geographical location. I list the specific resorts I'll accept. I research those options to make sure they are something I want. If something matches, it is something I want. You have 24 hours to decline and I don't want to hassle with that time limit.
If you really want a 2 BR, ask for it. Otherwise, you'll get a bunch of matches for 1 BR when you might have had the larger unit if you set that limit. You can always redo the request later to include more unit sizes or locations.
Follow the sightings threads to educate yourself on what is a reasonable expectation with your trade power.

 

[claraj]

I've had II for a year and I've picked up 3 getaways (Orlando in October and May) and Vail in December. The really good Getaways usually appear very last minute.

 

[dioxide45]

I see many people say they do an ongoing search / request. When you do that, do you basically set parameters for the search? Like weeks that work for you, a specific location, and unit size? How fancy can you get? I.e. I might take anywhere in Hilton Head, but I might not take anywhere in Miami, Florida, depending on the specifics...

You can set up an exchange ongoing search at the resort level. So you can list one or more resorts to search for. You can also search for multiple dates. Ongoing search in II is pretty robust. The search in gateways is fairly limited but I have searched Last Calls in RCI and so far I am not that impressed myself. I guess in many cases we prefer what we first start out with and are most used to. There are often reasons someone is with the same financial institution they got their first bank account with.