Doing a Exchange for 1st time...Any help?

[justrelaxing Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close justrelaxing]

I go through Westgate. I have a even number year and its floating. I have already contacted Westgate and let them know I cant make my even year. They had me redeem it and this way I can use it in 11 as a odd year. I want to use my week over my son's spring break. I have looked on the exchange route and for the week I would like to do, there is nothing available in the carribean. So I want to put places down on a request. My question is, if I put all the premier (gold seal) or silver one....what are my chances that these will get selected? What has been others successes with doing a request. Any tips on this?

[chellej Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close chellej]

I am gathering you are exchanging through Interval international? It would help if you provided a little more information and then we can probably help to give you an idea. For instance, If you are looking for St John since there are only 2 timeshares on the island, It won't happen but if you are looking for St Martin that has many timeshares, it is more likely

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

I would add that it's on the late side to be looking for spring break 2011, so I would suggest you cast as a wide a net as possible, setting your request for as many locations/resorts as you can, assuming your dates are not as flexible.

Which Westgate will you be depositing? And have you booked a 2011 week yet? Your trading power will depend on what resort and week you are depositing.

I did notice some good exchanges into Sedona for our spring break both in II and RCI. If you would consider Mexico, there may be other exchange companies that would be able to do something for you, too.

[justrelaxing Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close justrelaxing]

Not sure what information is relevant to give. I am looking at St. Martin, Caymans, Aruba....and if there is a really great place that others have been to. Those are the 3 that I know of people who have vacationed in the carribean. If there is specific info I should include that is helpful, let me know and I will do my best to include.

Yes, I realize I am behind the curve here to setting up something for Spring Break 11, but my son just started school so we got the calendar of when he will be off and this past summer I was doing lots of military schools so that is why I have traded (if that is what the term is called) my even year from 2010. I basically told Westgate(have a Interval International) part of when I bought the timeshare. So not sure if they are the best to go with as membership will end soon or if people reccommend others. My week is a floating week, so I dont think I have a set week. My timeshare is at the Westgate Villa's in Orlando, FL. Is this what trading is considered or if not, can it be explained?

If anything else is needed to help, let me know.

Appreciate the guidance and help.

[chellej Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close chellej]

In order to exchange you will have to get a week assigned. (this may not apply to interval - not sure how westgate works with them) You can then deposit to one of the independents like :
www.platinuminterchange.com
Trading Places International - Timeshare Rentals, Exchange, Resales, and Travel Services
Timeshares & Time Share Exchange Service-DAELive.com

All three of these sites you can browse what is available. As already mentioned, it is a little late for this coming spring however the best way to exchange through interval is through an ongoing search. The more resorts you select the better your chances since you have a specific time.

The independents can do ongoing searches as well. I would recommend you browse the exchange companies websites and get an idea what each has available. Interval you can sometimes snag a great exchange during flexchange which is at 59 days prior to check-in.

[PigsDad Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close PigsDad]

Would you be willing to go to Mexico as a backup plan? Trading for a Carribean location this late might not pan out, but Mexico should be a bit easier for spring break 2011.

Kurt

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

Reserve the best week you can for 2011. Week 52 or spring break would have the strongest trading power, if Westgate will deposit the week you reserve. You need to find out if that's how it works, or if they just deposit a "generic" week if you are exchanging.

I would recommend requesting Mexico for this spring. There are some beautiful resorts there, and there is more inventory so your chances are better.

You might see if SFX would take your week, and ask them if they have anything for your dates. Some other independent exchange companies are already listed in this thread.

If you decide to deposit with II, place an ongoing search and cast as wide a net as possible. You will have 24 hours to cancel anything you decide you don't want.