Has anyone had any experience with any RCI Time Shares in the Carribbean or elsewhere? We are owner's at Smuggler's Nothch in Vt and looking for some great resorts elsewhere (anywhere) to request for future exchanges.Any experience with gold Crown vs. other (non-crown or Inn of distinction) Resorts? We'd love to hear from you.

PS. We are a family with 3 young boys 5-9 years old.

My parents are RCI members with their timeshare located in Hilton Head. A GREAT vacation place, especially with kids.

They live in upstate NY and are skiers (maybe you would want to swap a week between Smugglers and Hilton Head)?

We own at a gold crown resort in southern Florida, on the beach, etc., and have been trying to trade to the Caribbean for 2 years. Nothing yet! We got a couple offers this year, but with only 7-10 days advance notice. For the first 18 months of trying to trade there, we were told not to worry, that something would come up (told this by the RCI exchange people). Now we have been told that it is very difficult to trade in, that they get 1000 requests for every 1 available property. We are trying again for next year... Last year we ended up staying at Pueblo Bonito in Mazatlan. It is gold crown and we liked it a lot, had a great time, etc. This year we JUST accepted a trade to Villa del Palmar, Universal Vacation Club, in Puerto Vallarta. We are going March 14-21. It is also a gold crown. I'm sure we will enjoy our time there as we have gotten good reports, but again, it isn't the Caribbean. I was in Cozumel and Playa del Carmen in January (paid for, not traded) and had a very nice trip. My husband dives, I do not. For me, I don't know if it is all that necessary to be in the Caribbean. Beach, surf, interesting people, great food, etc., make me happy! Anyway, the impression I am getting from RCI lately is that if youdon't own in the Caribbean, you can't expect to trade in there. They tell me that you have to have a "like" property, and gold crown beachfront in southern Florida is not "like" the Caribbean. Not quite what they tell you when you buy your timeshare, is it? For the hours and hours I spend on the phone trying to book vacations, plus the exchange fee, maintenance fee, etc., I am beginning to think it would be cheaper to just get rid of the timeshare and pay for vacations. At least then we could go where we want to go each year! But we have seen some great places that we might not have to chosen to go, but enjoyed immensely so there is something to be said for that. Good luck on your search... we have no horror stories to tell about places we stayed. All places with RCI have been very acceptable so far. Happy vacationing, and feel free to write me if you have any other questions.

You must not be flexible on dates or are not requesting early enough. We own at a gold crown resort in south Florida also but have enjoyed many exchanges to the Bahamas and the Carribean. The key is deposit early and make your request now for two years away. Summer weather is great in both areas and demand is low so you shouldn't have too much trouble getting an exchange. We just confirmed our second week on Freeport in June at the Princess (it is supposed to be great!) and are going to Bluebeard's Castle on St. Thomas in August. Summer 98 we have already confirmed at Morrit's Tortuga Club on Grand Cayman Island.It is quite possible to go where you want, just plan ahead. We loved the Westwind 2 Club on Nassau. Abaco Towns by the Sea was kind of dumpy but the people were great and we loved the island(Abaco). Heard that the RCI resort on Treasure Cay is great. We went to the beach there and I believe them when they say it is one of the ten most beautiful! Good Luck with your exchanges.

Cancun, great all inclusive and child program. Hope this helps. Harriet

I have been a member of RCI for 4 years, and have had no problem with obtaining an exchange. I bank my week usually up to one year in advance. I own on a houseboat in British Columbia Canada, My first exchange was to the island of Saint Maarten, Pelican Resort & Casino, everything great. I have also been to Continental Resort Cancun, Orlando, Sun River, Oregon and my most recent trip was to Freeport, Grand Bahama. Stayed at the Princess Resort. All of these resort have been wonderful. There is nothing like the caribbean. Each place, except for Cancun has had a program for kids.

Me again! Thanks for the input! I think you are right about needing more flexibility. We live in northern Minnesota, so when we think Caribbean vacation, we think of doing it in the winter to get away from the cold. We have never tried requesting during the off-season; as a fairly new RCI member (2 years) I thought I WAS being flexible by saying we would go anytime, January-March! I'm still learning... And when we started requesting, we were told that 6-8 months was plenty of time. Today, RCI also told me to deposit/request 2 years in advance to get to the Caribbean during the winter months. Wish us luck, and thanks again for the advice!