This is our first time dealing with a timeshare.
We bought a timeshare in Grand Cayman - we were there on a very inexpensive trip to get us to buy and we did! We bought so we could TRADE -

Am I naive, or will it be possible to trade my timeshare for a week in Aruba in February? We deposited our timeshare (2 bedroom which we are splitting to a one bedroom and studio) looking for a studio during week 7 in Aruba - I know - a very popular week, but I have to travel that week for the next two years...then we will have more flexibility.

We are in the Interval system. Any information, suggestions, will be very welcome!

Hopefully someone here can answer, but if not you may want to ask this same question on the Timeshare Users Group or Timeshare Forums.

Those folks seem to know the ins and outs of all things timeshare as well as anybody. It's actually a little scary how much they know!

Chip
Aruba - March 2008 Gallery

This is what I have been told with regards to the Marriott timeshares. Aruba has one of the highest return rate so if you want to come to Aruba it is better to buy in Aruba. Many people purchase timeshares all over at various price points and then hope to get to use them in more desirable locations (certainly Grand Cayman is a desirable location too). You have to be somewhat flexible if you own elsewhere and want to get a room at the Marriott Aruba. Not impossible but it can be difficult especially if you only want a certain week.

Randi

We exhanged my in-laws St Martin 3 times for Aruba, however we had to be extremely FLEXIBLE in both dates and resorts.

Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba
Back to paradise Trip #18
Christmas & New Years Aboard the Queen Mary 2

I have traded our timeshare in Aruba for Hawaii and had no problems. I deal with Interval International and had to pick 3 choices out of the catalog, but got my first pick within 1 month. Confirmed and all. Have called them several times for other things and have been satisfied each time. You should know however there is a trade fee over and above your yearly maintanence fee and depending on whether it is considered domestic or international depends on how much the fee is. You of course have to be a member and that will also cost you about 120 per year....I love my timeshares, but to do anything more than just use them at your home ownership usually costs a bit extra.

Aruba, my home away from home !!

Owning in Aruba gives you great trade power. In the Marriott chain, Aruba is their second most popular resort so if you give that one up you go higher up the "gravy" train. As long as your flexible you should be able to trade to Aruba but not in the usual high season weeks like Presidents week, Spring break, etc.

Randi

I use to sell timeshare for a living and I always told people, 'buy where everyone else wants to be and you'll have no problem trading'. That being said, Aruba is the highest demand location and very few people trade out. Our rental rate is higher than Hawaii, so if you can't use it most people will rent their weeks.

You will probably get into Aruba, but not in February or other high demand times unless you can wait until two weeks ahead of check in.

And then the airfare is $1000+ .

Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba
Back to paradise Trip #18
Christmas & New Years Aboard the Queen Mary 2