Most timeshare owners do not use their timeshare to its full advantage. Almost ninety percent of owners go to the same place, same time year after year.The most effective way if you are a member of RCI is to bank your week/s and exchange it for an international holiday.

Not only is it cost effective but to experiance different cultures and meet different people will give you a totally new outlook on life. Most likely you too get bitten by the travel bug.

OK you may say what about the airfare costs but  if you shop around for specials or use airline reward miles for your tickets and you could find that your trip to Europe costing no more than your normal annual holiday.

Tips on how to plan your trip.

a) Decide on where to go, what to see and best time of the year to visit.

I have found that the best time in Europe is normally October. - December as this normally a low season period and timeshare exchanges are available. Africa normally in May - November etc.

b) Do your costing .

Airfares, carhire and Insurance, timeshare exchange fees,entrance fees into sights and game parks etc and of course daily expenses such as meals etc. Always remember that these even on a local trip you will have daily expenses.

c) Book early as timeshare does not always have last minute availability.

Also always remember that some international timeshare exchanges may not equal the same quality as back at home so my advise is to make the best of it and enjoy your holiday. The last thing is that you want to do is get upset over something that will not be changed no matter how much you complain.

d)Lastly read all information provided on your selected exchange that you request. You may find that you have been allocated a unit on the 2 nd floor of a complex (Spain) and with  most complexes having no elevator, means that your bad leg or back has the rest of the family carrying you up and down the stairs 3 times a day. Even the daily shopping or getting your luggage up to your apartment can be a fitness test.

Great places to visit are Italy, Spain, Scotland, Cyprus and Crete. The cost of each trip has always been on "average" the same as it would have cost me at home for the same period of time.

Bank your timeshare weeks. They may just be the complex and suitable time I'm looking for.