Using interval international for external exchanges for your timeshare is a fantastic opportunity to maximize the value of your ownership. In this article, we aim to equip you with insider knowledge and practical strategies to help you get the maximum value when trading your timeshare stay for an Interval International exchange.
Whether you’re a seasoned member or new to the Interval International exchange program, these tips and tricks will empower you to leverage Interval’s exchange system effectively, ensuring you get the most value out of your exchanges. Let’s get started!
Deposit A Specific Week with High Trading Power Early
Depositing your week for exchange early will give your deposit a greater trading power. In turn, this means you will have access to better quality inventory. Some timeshare brands or resorts allow you to book a specific week to deposit. Often you can book and deposit a specific week as early as 12 months in advance.
Travel Demand Index
Start by consulting the travel demand index that Interval International publishes. You can find this index in the resort directory for the geographical area where your resort is located. Identify the most demanded weeks of the year on the travel demand index that fall within your ownership rights to book.
Let’s take a look at a few examples of a Travel Demand Index chart below:
Utah Interval International 2024 TDI Chart
Colorado Interval International 2024 TDI Chart
Each region is given a numerical index that reflects its inbound leisure travel demand during each week of the year. The index uses 100 as a baseline to represent average travel demand. If the travel demand index exceeds 100, it signifies an increased relative travel demand for that area during that week. Conversely, a travel demand index below 100 during a specific week indicates a time when the relative travel demand for that particular region is lower.
Depositing A Desirable Week
Units To Deposit – Interval International
Next, contact your home resort and secure the most desirable week. Do this as early as possible within your booking window. The next step is to deposit this week for maximum exchange power with Interval International.
If your resort does not allow you to select a specific week to deposit, then at least deposit the week early in advance of the usage. The early deposit will ensure you gain more trading power for your exchange.
Lock Off Your Unit To Take Multiple Vacations
If you own a larger size unit that has the ability to lock off into smaller units, you may consider locking off the ownership. By locking off, you can make multiple deposits instead of a single deposit.
Trading Power
Although the trading power of each individual smaller unit will be less than the trading power of the large unit, you may still benefit more by locking off. This is because you can secure multiple exchanges, one for each of your deposits.
Interval International Upgrade Fee
Interval international allows owners to trade a smaller unit for a larger unit by paying a unit size upgrade fee. The unit size upgrade fees are affordable and justify the investment for a larger unit.
For example, an owner could split a two-bedroom lock off unit into a one bedroom and a studio, and pay two exchange fees and two unit size upgrade fees. By doing so, the owner can secure two exchanges in a two-bedroom, turning their 7 days in a two bedroom into 14 days stay in a two bedroom.
2023 Interval International Exchange & Upgrade Fees – subject to change per interval policy
Waitlist, But Check Instant Availability Online Anyway
Interval International works based on a wait list system. Owners can place pending exchange requests by paying the exchange fee and selecting specific resorts and weeks of the year to wait list for. Then when inventory becomes available, requests will be matched and assigned. The matches are based on a combination of factors which include the trading power of the unit and the timestamp of the request.
Home Resort Preference
In addition, owners are often given a home resort preference. For example, for the first certain number of weeks when inventory is released for exchange by Marriott, only Marriott owners will have access to that inventory. Then, after the home resort preference elapses, left over inventory is released to owners of other brand properties.
Therefore, the inventory that is available online to book instantly is typically only “leftover” inventory. This is the pool of weeks that were not requested by any owner with a pending request. As such, this is less desirable inventory. Though, it is still worth to log in online and browse inventory instantly. This is because Interval International often adds new resorts and makes inventory available that may not be part of your existing pending request.
Search Online Quickly & Efficiently
A great option for quick searches is to use the search feature. This option allows to list the resorts by their three-letter unique identifier. List all your resort codes with a comma in between. You can save all of your favorite resorts in this format. Then, simply copy paste the string in the search box. For example, “MDS, MCV, MRD” will search for Marriott Des ert Springs villas, Marriott Canyon Villas, and Marriott Shadow Ridge, all at once.
Take Advantage of Getaways
Oftentimes Interval International provides a generous inventory of getaways. These are additional weeks that owners can purchase for one time travel without actually exchanging their home resort week. Simply having a membership with Interval allows owners to book getaways. You do not need to deposit a week for exchange to access and purchase getaways.
Once in a while there are special offers with reduced prices for getaways. This special pricing can make getaways more affordable than exchanging your home resort week. Browse this inventory in the getaways tab.
Consider Purchasing E-Plus for Your Exchange
Purchasing E-plus for your exchange is a great option to consider. It allows you to re-trade your confirmed exchange up to three times without repaying the exchange fee. This is a great option for example if a larger unit size becomes available before your travel date. In this case, you would be able to upgrade an already existing confirmed reservation without repaying the exchange fee.
E-Plus 2024 cost – subject to change per interval policy
Interval International tends to release great last minute deals in peak locations at peak resorts. So, if you have an E-plus feature add-on, you can re-trade last minute and upgrade without re-paying the exchange fee. It also comes in handy of course if your travel plans change and you would like to re-trade to a different resort or date. With the E-plus you can do so without the heavy penalty of a new exchange fee.
Do The Math to See If It’s Worth Purchasing an Upgraded Membership
Upgrading your membership to a gold or platinum package may or may not be financially beneficial. The math depends on how you plan to use the Interval International account. Upgraded memberships come with certain benefits.
The main perks include free guest certificates, reduced unit size upgrade fees, and discounts on getaways. If, for example, you know you will add a few guest certificates per year to your exchanges, and you will be using the unit size upgrade feature, you may be better off upgrading. In this scenario, savings from upgrading to a gold or platinum membership will justify the cost.
In conclusion, making the most out of your exchange with Interval International can be a breeze with the right strategies in place. By employing these expert tips and tricks, from understanding the system’s ins and outs to timely planning and leveraging upgrade options, you can significantly enhance your holiday experiences.
Remember, the key to a successful exchange lies in being proactive in your approach. So, start implementing these strategies today, and witness how your Interval International exchanges transform into unforgettable vacations!
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