# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Travel Planning

How to Use the RCI Timeshare Exchange System

If you have bought a timeshare, you are able to trade your week or points through a timeshare company such as Interval International or RCI. This step-by-step guide to RCI's trading system will allow you to book a week away with just a few clicks. RCI uses both a point and weeks system. If you use the week system, you will be able to trade your timeshare week for a room that is equal to the size of your current timeshare. For example, if you have a one-bedroom unit, you can trade for a studio or one-bedroom. In most cases, you will not be able to book a two- or three-bedroom unit, unless there is low demand for the resort. The RCI point system is more like a standard bank account. You gain points with transactions and membership levels, and can cash in points for days or weeks at a resort. The point system allows you to book long weekend or half-weeks, while the week system only allows full weeks.

Instructions

Preparing for the Trade
- 1
  Deposit your timeshare week into the RCI system. This will allow you to begin your trade. You can deposit it by calling an RCI representative or by going through the "Deposit Week" section of the RCI website.
- 2
  Plan when you want to travel. Keep your options open; having a wider availability will allow you to get your first choice of location.
- 3
  Look through the resort directory and make a list of top resorts you want to try to stay at. Rate them in preferential order.
Booking the Trade
- 4
  Log on to the RCI website or call an RCI representative. If you use the website and do not have a username and password, register and validate your account.
- 5
  Select the banked resort week you want to exchange, and ask the representative to book a resort.
- 6
  Provide your dates for available travel to the representative, or enter them on the website.
- 7
  Ask the representative to check availability on the resorts you preselected, or enter the resort codes online.
- 8
  Tell the representative you would like to book your chosen week, or book through the website.
- 9
  Choose whether you want travel insurance or a guest certificate, both of which are available for additional costs.
- 10
  Pay the exchange fee.
- 11
  Save the vacation confirmation and resort itinerary for your records after it is emailed to your account.