Current RCI Member - options to get out

I currently own at Vacation Villages in Parkway and I am an RCI Points member. I've learned the hard way that RCI sucks. My wife and I don't travel too much right now. So I want to stop paying for the 'benefits' of RCI, since we aren't really using them. I'm not ready to walk away from my timeshare yet.. So I'm trying to understand my options. Can anyone offer some advice on any of the following?

1. I'd like to be able to rent on Redweek - is there an exchange company that is "pretty good" that Redweek accepts? - We don't need access to the most or best resorts. Just seeking an exchange company that is less expensive, low maintenance and people have good experience with.

2. If I stop renewing with RCI - what are the drawbacks/penalties? - We get a 'bonus week' (doesn't cost points) through RCI. Do we lose that completely if we go with another exchange company? - Is there anything I should do before canceling with RCI to avoid drawbacks?

3. Is it possible to travel to other resorts without being part of an exchange company? - for example: without an exchange company, we can only travel to other resorts in the Vacation Villages network?

Any advice would be most appreciated.

erichb13 wrote:

1. I'd like to be able to rent on Redweek - is there an exchange company that is "pretty good" that Redweek accepts? - We don't need access to the most or best resorts. Just seeking an exchange company that is less expensive, low maintenance and people have good experience with.

3. Is it possible to travel to other resorts without being part of an exchange company? - for example: without an exchange company, we can only travel to other resorts in the Vacation Villages network?

Here is a link to Timeshare Users Group (aka "TUG");

https://tugbbs.com/forums/threads/timeshare-exchange-company-information-and-faqs.108095/

It has information about all the main exchange companies. Some of them will also rent out weeks. You can also look at its free timeshare exchange thread that allows members to make free direct exchanges with other owners.

The other possibility you could consider would be to rent out your week and then use that money towards renting a week for yourself where you want to stay.