jdsturm

I'm hoping I can get some guidance here.

I have never been to Europe, and my daughter and I plan to travel there in August 2013. At the top of our list to see (if possible) are Spain, Italy and France. There's a lot to see obviously, and since we'll only have 10 days, I doubt we can see all three. I'd rather not rush anyway and if we can do two (2) of those, I'll be quite happy.

We have an RCI membership of course know the big cities of Barcelona, Madrid in Spain, Venice, Rome in Italy, and of course Paris, France. Unfortunately, it seems that RCI's resorts are in smaller cities...and it's rather overwhelming to try and figure out all these cities and where they're at, and how close they are to the larger cities we wish to visit., and of course how easily it would be to do.

If anyone has experience with RCI, especially in these cities or at least countries, it would be most helpful. Thank you

janisj

Unless you own at a premier property/have LOTS of points you can't really choose a resort. You <i>can</i> but the chances to get where you want when you want are pretty slim.

I've used RCI several times in Europe (mostly in the UK though) but it has usually been the case the I deposit my weeks and they start a search and I may not be successful for months if at all.

Not all but the majority of RCI resorts in Spain/France/Italy are not near the main touring areas (and not in cities) but are self contained resorts far from major sites.

IMO it would be better to plan a trip going where you want to visit and not rely on an RCI trade.

bobthenavigator

I agree--many of the options are in ski resorts that would be dead in August and nowhere close ot major cities. In Italy,there are a ton in the Dolomites, which is a good place to visit in August. I would not let RCI determine my vacation plans.

nytraveler

Staying at one of these time shares is usually a rally bad idea unless you are a family wanting a rural holiday. They are typically at the end of hell and gone - with very limited access - even if you rent a car.

For what you want to do - and in the time you have you can do 2 cities - quickly - any more than that is going to be a waste of your time you need to be in city centers.

I would pick your 2 must do cities, get inexpensive hotels in the center, and then get discount flights in between.

jdsturm

Thank you. I sensed that..and you all have confirmed that RCI is not the best way to go for this trip.

janisj

"<i>Staying at one of these time shares is usually a rally bad idea unless you are a family wanting a rural holiday. They are typically at the end of hell and gone - with very limited access - even if you rent a car.</i>"

That does apply to most properties in the countries jdsturm wants to visit . . . But that is not the case everywhere. In the UK for instance there are many in truly wonderful areas to base for a family Holiday. Near St Andrews, in Hampshire, on Loch Lomond, on the Dee, in Stratford upon Avon, in North Yorkshire, Devon/Cornwall, lots of great places . . . and then there are some others at the end of Hell and gone.

One needs to be very careful because the resort descriptions can be misleading re accessibility/convenience.