posted 01-06-2005 14:15            

For many years it has been possible for non-timeshare owners to subscribe to EV magazine only by paying the regular subscription fee. This excluded any exchange privileges, including Extra Vacations (formerly Bonus Vacations).

However, we instituted a policy a few years ago, allowing existing members who sell their timeshares, or whose resorts discontinue with RCI, etc. to retain their subscriptions and use Extra Vacations.

In order to be more consistent, we also allow non-timeshare owners to submit enrollment applications and specifically indicate "EV Only". This type of account provides EV Magazine, as well as the option to purchase Extra Vacations. It is not commonly requested, and we do not advertise it. If you would prefer not to pay the subscription fee, you can also go to Holiday Network to check for available vacations.

posted 01-09-2005 22:29            

It would be the same as for members who are exchanging their weeks. In the U.S. that's $89 per year.

posted 03-21-2005 15:27            

The Last Call program is accessible only to RCI subscribing members. However, since the availability is based on surplus, you might find what you need by visiting Holiday Network. This website offers RCI surplus availability as well as rentals to the general public.

The lower priced vacations are most likely the ones that would be part of the Last Call inventory. It is designed for off-season and very close-date space.

posted 03-21-2005 16:03               

I will reword the original question.

I do not now own a timeshare but I can join RCI and would have access to the 45 day vacations??????

A quick look on the network did not give anywhere near the same price. So I can assume that rci would have the same inventory just cheaper???

Thanks you are a great help
Wayne

posted 03-22-2005 15:55            

If you enroll with RCI as a non-timeshare owner, you will have access to Last Call inventory and pricing. This inventory is not identical to that of Holiday Network, because Holiday Network offers vacations from several different sources. Last Call is RCI surplus inventory only.

To enroll as a member, print the Enrollment Application from our website, and write "EV Only" in the section asking about your timeshare. You may send that to us at RCI, attn: New Subscriptions, PO Box 80229, Indianapolis IN 46209-8097 or fax it to 317/805-9335.

posted 03-24-2005 12:38            

Thanks for your help and clarificaton.

posted 03-24-2005 15:05            

It would create enormous confusion to enroll as a non-owner in the midst of your member enrollment processing.

However, since Guest Certificates added online for Last Call and Extra Vacations are free, you may wish to ask a friend to check availability for you.

posted 03-25-2005 09:16               

I am a Club Intrawest owner. What do I need to do to join RCI?

I had a look at the Application Form, but I am not sure how to fill in the information on the units.

posted 03-25-2005 11:27               

Email me if you want a "test-drive".

posted 03-28-2005 15:07            

Please call 800-767-2166 to speak with a Club Intrawest Guide. This is a specialized program, and the folks at that number should be able to help you enroll.

posted 03-28-2005 15:14               

I've been busy.

I believe you owe me a Bud Lite.

posted 03-29-2005 09:39               

Thanks for replying re: Club Intrawest and RCI membership.

I have contacted Club Intrawest at the number you provided and they told me that the RCI membership (ie. access to the EV and LC's) is not available. The Extraordinary Escapes membership is the only option and I have not found the EE membership to be very user-friendly (ie. no web access and they have only found me one exchange in the last two years).

Should I consider joining RCI as a non-timeshare owner or is there another avenue you would recommend?

posted 03-29-2005 13:53               

------------------
16 years timesharing/80 exchanges/Branson-Table Rock Lake boat rides

Interests: Buying/Selling/Renting/Donating/Exchanging/Searching
Florida/Kauai/SOCAL/Colorado/Missouri/Arkansas/Iowa/Ohio
Consumer Advocacy/Estate Planning/Priceline/Hotwire/Sports/Boating/Fishing/Golf/Lake-living

posted 03-30-2005 14:28            

RCI has put a new policy in place regarding non-owner memberships. These are offered only by a select team at RCI now, and only in situations where an existing RCI member no longer owns their timeshare. This may be the result of a sale, divorce, or right-to-use years being exhausted.

RCI has always believed that timeshare ownership is a key element to participation in the RCI exchange program. It is important that we protect the exclusivity of RCI membership and the use of exchange products like Extra Vacations.

This will not be an option in your situation. Again, I recommend using a Guest Certificate on a friend's RCI account and waiting for your RCI membership through Intrawest to become active.

------------------
~ Madge

posted 03-30-2005 14:31            

Please state your question, and I'll be glad to respond.

posted 03-31-2005 09:07               

quote:

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By marge
This will not be an option in your situation. Again, I recommend using a Guest Certificate on a friend's RCI account and waiting for your RCI membership through Intrawest to become active.

---

Club Intrawest members don't have an RCI membership option. CI has a deal with RCI, to give their members travel using RCI inventory but you must access that inventory through the clubs own exchange company "Extraordinary Escapes". So searching for last minute vacations or searching the RCI inventory from your own computer isn't possible as a CI member.

I'm also a CI owner and I have been thinking of using my father-inlaw's RCI member info to search, then call CI to make reservations. But I'm not sure how well that would work. The biggest problem I see is that, my FIL's WM account may not see everthing that CI would see.

Good Luck

posted 03-31-2005 14:29            

You are correct. RCI membership is dependent upon owning a timeshare, or continuing an existing membership.

posted 03-31-2005 14:32            

Thanks for the clarification. This is very helpful information.

posted 04-01-2005 05:46               

Thanks so much for the info on Club Intrawest and RCI. Excellent info!

I spoke with someone at CI yesterday and I was told that if we did know of any EV or LC units we could call CI and get them to book them as a "cash only" option. I was also told that maybe I could write the Board of Directors about this issue.

I would like to be able to do my own search, so that I could decide if I'd prefer to pay for last minute weeks vs. using my points. I'm concerned because I've found that the same places that I've booked using my points are available at low prices through EV/LC (and on Sky Auction!!). Does this make sense?

Like you, I also wonder if using someone else's account might not give us the same results as a CI search. JLB's thread on this topic suggests to me that this might be the case (Thanks, JLB -- great info!)

I think it would make sense for CI to look into this because as it stands now it would make more sense for CI owners to buy at another resort where we could get access to RCI vs. buying more points. Right?

I'm still trying to figure this all out and I really appreciate all the help that you and other Tugger's have provided. This is a great space!

posted 04-01-2005 15:19            

quote:

---

Originally posted by smithdewan:
Madge, would the "EV only" option be appropriate for a newbie who wants to "test drive" various options with 2-3 night visits or is this strictly for a weekly stays?

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smithdewan,

RCI does not offer a trial membership program. Over the years, some resorts have sponsored programs like this, and RCI served them. However, I am not aware of any trial memberships currently being offered.