Interval International (II) is a renowned timeshare exchange company, allowing members to exchange their owned timeshare week or points for stays at other locations within the II network. But what are the costs involved, and is an Interval International membership truly worth it? In this guide, we’ll delve into the membership options, associated costs, and benefits to help you decide if joining II is a good investment for your travel and timeshare needs.
Overview of Interval International Membership Options
Interval International offers three primary membership levels: Basic, Gold, and Platinum. Each level comes with its own unique set of perks, allowing members to customize their experience and choose the benefits that suit their travel and exchange needs.
- Basic Membership: Provides fundamental access to Interval International’s network of exchange properties.
- Gold Membership: Adds benefits such as discounts on rental cars, cruises, and additional accommodations.
- Platinum Membership: The premium level with exclusive services like airport lounge access and free guest certificates.
By understanding the perks at each level, you can decide which membership option aligns best with your lifestyle and travel plans.
Basic Interval International Membership: Cost and Benefits
The Basic Interval International membership grants access to the company’s extensive network of resorts worldwide, enabling members to trade their timeshare weeks or points for stays at various locations.
- Annual Cost: Generally ranges from $89 to $99 per year.
- Primary Benefits:
- Access to over 3,200 resorts in more than 80 countries.
- Flexibility to exchange timeshare weeks or points within the II network.
- Member-exclusive discounts on vacation rentals.
- Ideal For: Timeshare owners who prioritize basic exchange options without extra perks.
This level provides a cost-effective way to diversify vacation options without requiring an upgraded plan.
Interval Gold Membership: Additional Fees and Perks
The Interval Gold membership adds several additional features and benefits on top of the Basic membership, appealing to members who desire added convenience and value.
- Annual Cost: Typically ranges from $64 to $89 in addition to the Basic membership fee.
- Added Benefits:
- Hotel Discounts: Special rates at select hotel chains.
- Car Rental Discounts: Savings with popular car rental agencies.
- VIP Concierge: Access to a concierge service for travel assistance and recommendations.
- ShortStay Exchange: Exchange your timeshare for shorter stays of 1 to 6 nights.
- Best For: Travelers who want to save on hotel stays and car rentals and appreciate the flexibility of shorter exchanges.
With additional savings and conveniences, the Interval Gold membership is a popular choice for frequent travelers.
Interval Platinum Membership: Premium Features and Pricing
The Platinum level is Interval International’s most comprehensive membership, offering exclusive perks and elevated travel experiences.
- Annual Cost: Generally an additional $99 on top of the Basic and Gold fees.
- Premium Benefits:
- Priority Exchange: Access to popular destinations during peak seasons.
- Airport Lounge Access: Complimentary entry to select lounges worldwide.
- Free Guest Certificates: Ability to gift vacation stays to family or friends.
- Getaway Discounts: Deeper discounts on Interval Getaways for additional savings.
- Companion Airline Discounts: Savings on airline tickets for a companion.
- Ideal For: Members who want a high-end travel experience with unique privileges.
Interval Platinum membership is designed for those who want to make the most of every vacation, offering a range of exclusive travel perks.
Comparing Membership Levels: Basic vs. Gold vs. Platinum
Choosing the right membership level depends on your travel habits, desired benefits, and willingness to invest in additional perks.
Membership Level | Cost (Annual) | Key Benefits | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Basic | $89 – $99 | Standard exchange access, discount rentals | Casual travelers |
Gold | +$64 – $89 | Discounts on hotels, rentals, ShortStay exchange | Frequent travelers |
Platinum | +$99 | Priority booking, lounge access, guest passes | Premium travel experiences seekers |
Tip: For travelers who prioritize flexibility and premium experiences, Gold and Platinum provide additional benefits that enhance convenience and enjoyment.
Additional Fees for Interval International Exchange Services
Beyond the membership fees, Interval International also charges additional fees for specific services and exchanges.
- Exchange Fee: $179 – $209 per exchange, depending on destination and season.
- Guest Certificates: Fee typically applies if guests other than the primary owner use the accommodation.
- ShortStay Exchange Fee: Additional fee for members using ShortStay exchange options.
- Renewal Fees: Interval International offers multi-year renewal options with discounts for members committing to longer terms.
Understanding these additional fees helps members budget for their timeshare exchanges and manage expenses effectively.
Discounts and Multi-Year Membership Options
For those looking to save on membership costs, Interval International provides discounts for multi-year memberships.
- Multi-Year Membership Discounts: Lower rates when committing to 3-, 5-, or 10-year memberships, with potential savings up to 20%.
- Promotional Offers: Interval occasionally offers promotions, especially around holiday seasons, allowing new and renewing members to secure membership at reduced rates.
- Vacation Savings Programs: Members can also access seasonal vacation packages and promotional deals on select accommodations.
Opting for multi-year memberships is beneficial for long-term planners who expect to use the service regularly and prefer securing a lower annual rate.
Is Interval International Membership Worth the Cost?
Whether or not an Interval International membership will be worth your time and money boils down to how you plan to travel.
- Frequent Travelers: If you happen to travel many times a year, particularly to various locations, the discounts on exchanges, rentals and other benefits make it worth the membership dues.
- Incident & Occasional Travelers: If you plan on only one or two exchanges per year, then less may be more – the Basic membership gives you more flexibility without the higher fees.
- Beneficial additions are meant for Gold and Platinum Members: Especially those who travel often and make good use of premium amenities such as priority booking and lounge access.
Every membership level caters to a different kind of traveler, meaning picking one authentic to your travel frequency and style allows for optimal savings.