Say I know someone who buys or rents a ts in Hawaii and mine is in Tahiti, could we switch off and make an even trade? In that case, it would be a better deal since I wouldn't be so limited to just one area. I could go here and there, alls I'd have to do is meet someone who has one that I wanted. In addition, is there like a club or something where you could meet these people?

If you know someone with a timeshare to trade then you can definately do that. You might need a guest pass. My wife and I exchange our timeshare thru www.RCI.com. If we plan the trade or exchange in advance we usually can find a timeshare in the area we want to vacation in. It would be cheaper to trade directly with another owner. That way you avoid exchange club membership fees and actual exchange fees.

How can you find out about getting into a club, and if you do get into one, do they offer any other benefits besides trading? I'm sure you could prolly jus meet someone online like through Craig's list or something but if the club is fun with events and stuff that might not be such a bad idea .... if the people in it are cool and such.

Hmm, that sounds like a fun alternative!! Trading, huh! I've gotta go and network with some people in my circle and see if they know anyone whom they can trade with~it's good to know people who can help! I don't own one, but my friend does, so I can prolly pay him to use his timeshare to trade with another and use his place! Woohoo!

I'm happy to hear this option exists too. My sis is looking for a timeshare in Mexico right now, and I wouldn't mind seeing if there is some way I could just test drive hers (paying her of course for the time) until I figure out the details of where I want to be, whether I want to rent or buy, etc.

rambutan