European Exchanges (RCI)

[goofy6787]

We have just started considering DVC purchase. I was reading another thread where it was mentioned that vacationing in Europe with DVC points was nearly impossible. Thoughts? We are a military family who hopes to be stationed in Europe next year. Thank you.

 

[JimMIA]

Don't buy DVC for RCI exchanges -- in fact, don't even consider RCI exchanges in your decision process -- for a several reasons.

1. The ability to exchange is NOT guaranteed. It is a perk which could change or go away at any time. DVC initially exchanged through RCI, later II, and now RCI again. Not guaranteed that you'll always be able to exchange.
2. DVC does not give you full RCI membership. You only have access to about 600 of the more than 3,200 RCI resorts worldwide. I don't know how many of those are in Europe, but I suspect it's not many. You also will not have access to RCI's deep-discount cash reservations (Last Calls and Extra Vacations), or any other specials.
3. As with any other timeshare system, seeing an RCI resort on a list is not the same as actually getting a reservation there. Many exchanges are very difficult to get. RCI exchanges are often gotten using "ongoing searches" starting up to two years in advance of the intended stay.
4. DVC is a very expensive timeshare to use for very limited exchanging. If you want to buy a timeshare to exchange, research various systems on TUG and get one on eBay for $1, possibly with free closing.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Definitely not many. I played around with this last week. Very few Europe options and within those options there were just a few weeks available for next summer. No late booking options.

 

[Dean]

We have just started considering DVC purchase. I was reading another thread where it was mentioned that vacationing in Europe with DVC points was nearly impossible. Thoughts? We are a military family who hopes to be stationed in Europe next year. Thank you.

DVC is ONLY reasonable to buy for DVC resorts. For Europe you'll be better off with cash or possibly something like Diamond resorts. Since you'll likely only be there 3 or 4 years, I would not buy to use in Europe but plan for trips after Europe.