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Re: What is the value of an RCI point? (by Mack F.):

Well, from what I've read on this forum and others, I am learning that the best thing to do when considering the purchase of a timeshare is to beat yourself over the head with a blunt object until you regain your senses, then run like hell ... if you still can.

The thing is, bad idea or not, I want to play the game. I think I can win it.

I've been corresponding with Elise, a very kind and helpful RCI Customer Communications Specialist (yes, they do exist!). She looked up some specific dates/resorts/units for me so I could get a rough idea of how many points I will need to get my 'money's worth' after paying my annual dues.

Next, I did one better and found a username/password so I can log into the RCI member area myself! I've found all sorts of great point deals/availability there, both in the next few months and in the distant future. It's a fun site to play around on.

I can see how availability through RCI could be a problem for people who have very specific travel needs. Naturally, I could not find any accommodations for my Hawaii trip in December or my Europe vacation in May of 2008 (unless I visit different cities then I originally planned, which is a workable possibility). Even when I looked for Points Resorts bookings exactly ten months out (the maximum allowed), my options were limited. I had better luck with Weeks Resorts searches.

End result is, I think RCI will work out for me because:

1. I am willing to design my vacations around whatever is available.

2. I can travel at short notice, which means using less of my points each time.

3. I really don't care which resort I crash in at night, as long as they give me a blanket.

4. RCI's website seems to be fully automated so I should never need to call the annoying customer service center (fingers crossed).

I can see how dealing with RCI could be very frustrating for someone whose travel plans are inflexible, and the fees are very expensive if a person is trading 1 single week for another single week ($124 RCI dues + $124 transaction fee + Annual maintenance and taxes, all for just one vacation).