Vacation Internationale’s Vacation Time Share (VTS) Program

Vacation Internationale’s timeshare program is actually called Vacation Time Share (VTS), but is most often referred to as either Vacation Internationale or simply VI.

The VTS program is one of the oldest timeshare programs in the United States.  Opening in 1974 as a floating week timeshare in Hawaii, they soon added additional resorts.  By 1976, there were a total of four resorts.  Bob Ringenburg (one of the two founding owners) decided there had to be an easier and more flexible way for the members to use their week.  Thus, the ex-Boeing engineer went to work on developing the very first timeshare point system. Today, there are 34 resorts in the VTS program and the original point system is still in effect.  The point system allows members to stay as little as one day (in most cases) or up to several weeks at any one resort OR island hop in Hawaii, by staying a few days at several different resorts (this however will result in maid fees).

Point System
Each year your allocation of points is deposited into your account.  You have 12 months in which to use your points or they will be forfeited.  You can avoid this by having this problem by having your account(s) in the automatic “Time Bank”.  The Time Bank allows you to use your points in a three-year window rather than the standard 12-month window. You may also borrow ahead from your next year (as long as you time bank)

Point Usage
Reservations may be made from 2 days –365 days months in advance.  There are always at least 3 seasons used at each of the 34 resorts, Prime, Choice and Quiet.   Most VI resorts have studio, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom units. The amount of points one could use at the different resorts is almost as varied as the number of resorts in the VTS system, but typically, the studios average 59-77 points per week, the 1 bedrooms 77-105  points per week and the 2 bedrooms 94-133 points per week.  

Membership Costs
Operating Fund: More commonly referred to as a maintenance fee, it includes on site management and check in; maid and linen service; interior maintenance and repairs; HOA fees; utilities; property taxes, insurance; land leases; reservation services; off site resort administration management fee; and refurbishment reserves to refurbish and upgrade every unit every five years.  The 2007-2008 operating fund is $6.56 per point.

Maid Points: Each unit has a maid point fee based upon size, a studio is 70 points, a 1 bedroom is 91 points and a 2 bedroom is 112. These point cover from 1 to 8 night stays. Each use of a suite will incur maid points. (except bonus time rentals) Your annual points will have a corresponding number of maid points. If for example you choose to use you points during a low season, you may use more maid points than regular points. i.e. The Hololani on Maui during the Quiet Season a 2 bedroom unit for 7 nights would be 94.5 annual points , but the maid points will be 112. You will need to rent any maid points over your annual allowance.

Time Bank: As mentioned earlier, it allows you to use your allocated points in a three-year window rather than a one-year window.  You must bank your points at least 10 months prior to the start date of your allocated points, but once done can be banked automatically each year (if requested). 

Bonus Time: Within 15 days of check in, rentals of excess units are available on a 1^st come 1^st served basis at very affordable rates.

Direct Owner Exchanges ( DOE program)

VI accepts any red or white week in the US, Canada, Mexico, or Europe for deposit. You will receive 

In order to make a deposit you will need to use the on line form, pay the $125 fee and agree to add any exchanger as your guest and furnish updated check in confirmations.  These deposits are available to VI owners as exchanges for the same point values, plus $125 per week exchange fee.  There have been some daily exchanges available from some of the World Mark resorts. The costs vary.

Resorts in the VTS System

# Blackbird Lodge   WA

# The Clock Tower  BC

# The Cove at Yarmouth  MA

# Cypress Pointe  FL

# Elkhorn Village / Indian Springs  ID

# Embarcadero OR

# Fairway Villa  HI

# Hololani          HI

# Kapaa Shore   HI

# Kihei Kai Nani  HI

# Kingsbury of Tahoe  CA

# The Lodge at Lake Tahoe  CA

# Marina Inn  CA

# The Oasis  CA

# Papakea      HI

# The Pines / Kittyhawk  OR

# Point Brown  WA

# Pono Kai       HI

# Riverview     MA

# Royal Kuhio  HI

# Sand Pebble  FL

# Sea Mountain HI

# Sea Village     HI

# Sedona Springs  AZ

# Tahoe Beach & Ski Club  CA

# Torres Mazatlan  MX

# Vacation Internationale at Terrell Creek  WA

# Vallarta Torre  MX

# Valley Isle   HA

# The Village at Steamboat  CO

# The Village of Loon Mountain  NH

# Villas at Poco Diablo  AZ

# Villas de Santa Fe  NM

# Villas of Sedona    AZ

 There are several types of ownerships in the resale market. The originals were sold as a right to use, many of them were for 30 years.  In recent years they have been selling perpetual RTU’s.  Be aware when purchasing, of the time left to use.  VRI (Vacation Resorts International) was hired as the management company in 2004 andThey have done a great job of upgrading the units/resorts.  There is talk that somehow the VI resorts and the VRI (alsoORE/MROP) may be combines in an internal exchange company. This has yet to materialize. At the present time RCI or any of the independent trade companies are how you can make external trades.

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You can find more information and discussion about Vacation Internationale's system along with all other timeshare systems on the TUGBBS online Timeshare community forums where it is always free to join and get questions from owners and experts on any timeshare related issue!