Dear Scott & Sandra,
I wanted to share with you a few of our recent trades for our South Africa timeshares. Last June, my wife and I traded our one bedroom time share for a 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 1,500 square foot villa on the grounds of a castle in Scotland. According to them, it was the ancestral home of Robert The Bruce, the first King of Scotland. The unit was amazing. It was actually a single family home on the grounds of the castle. The location was great for golfers...7 miles from St. Andrews. We aren't golfers, but the sightseeing in Scotland was incredible. We drove all over the country as well as throughout England. We spent 6 days in Scotland and 5 days in England. The four nights that we spent in England, 2 at bed and breakfasts and 2 at a hotel, cost about 3 times what the week at the timeshare cost. What a bargain it was. I would highly recommend a trip like we took to anyone that likes to travel.
I've attached a few pictures that I took while we were there. The first is of Stonehenge, the second is the view over Edinburgh from Edinburgh Castle and the third is of Big Ben & Parliament, taken from the London Eye, a 150 meter high ferris wheel in London. I still look at the pictures and can't believe that we made that trip.
5 weeks later, we took our kids to Utah & Las Vegas. In Utah, we went to Bryce Canyon and Zion National parks, as well as making the drive down to Arizona to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It never ceases to amaze me when I look at the natural beauty this world has to offer. Again, I would recommend that everyone go see these amazing parks. The scenery was magnificent. I've attached a few pictures from this trip as well. The first is from Bryce, the second is from Zion and the third is from the Grand Canyon. This now brings to 5 the number of times we've traded our timeshares. We've now been to Spain, Mexico, Scotland, Utah & Las Vegas. We currently have searches on for Ireland and Italy.
I have to say, that the timeshares that we bought were probably the best purchases I've ever made. I can say without question, that had we not bought them, we would not have taken the trips that we did. Thanks again for all of your help, and I look forward to telling you about our next vacation.
Take care,
Scott Kramer and the Kramer Family Their Photo Journey
Dear Scott,
I would just like to take the time to tell you what a wonderful purchase this has been for me. When I first purchased a time share in South Africa I thought I was out of my mind. But the price was such that I had to take a chance. I had no intention of ever going to South Africa. I only wanted to ski and play golf and not in that order. It has been three years now and I have gone to Hilton Head, Kauai, Colorado, and this year I am again planning to go to Kauai in January, Dillion, Colorado in February, the World Golf Village in St Augustine in March, Hilton Head in October. and Palm Springs in November. This has been wonderful for my wife and I and sometimes family and friends to get away. Only in St Augustine did I trade for only a one bedroom. In all other cases I was able to get a two bedroom or more and invite my best friend and his wife and in other cases my grown kids. My friend has purchased a timeshare in the same place where we stayed last time in Kauai, Hawaii and paid $22,000 and has maintenance fees of over $1200 per year and we went there for the cost of the timeshare in Africa. As you know I was so excited about these that I have purchased on for each of my three kids and gave them for Christmas presents. They are overjoyed!!! The only downside is that you have to plan ahead. To me that was never a problem but this would not work for the last minute traveler. There are even other ways to save on golf. If you ever take up the game give me a call. Thanks again. This has been a dream that I should have gotten into a long time ago.
Thanks again,
Don Poppleton
Dear Scott,
Ok so you were right!! You know I was hesitant about these timeshares however, I thought I would have nothing to lose so I took a shot. It's totally unbelievable to me that my husband and I can travel for weeks at a time at such a low cost. Even though I work in the travel industry and get pretty good discounts, it still was so worthwhile to invest in South Africa. We just returned from Puerto Vallarta in January and had a fabulous time. We are now scheduled for Turks and Caicos in October and we can't wait! You have been such a help to me in learning how to trade our properties. It is so easy. I don't know how I could have let this intimidate me in the beginning.
My husband is planning a golf outing next and I will be probably sending my sister and her future husband on their honeymoon. She is going to be so surprised.
I just wanted to say thanks for all your help and patience! Speak with you soon.
Regards
Doreen Altieri
update
Hi Scott –
John and I thought we would give you our annual update! We are so thankful that we met you and purchased our South African timeshares. They have more than paid for themselves with all the travel we have done.
The Alexandra Resort in Turks and Caicos was unbelievable. We brought along another couple, who of course once they settle in their new home, want to speak to you about a purchase. We were able to secure adjoining rooms for both of us, overlooking the ocean. It was the most beautiful water we have ever seen and you know, we travel alot. Next on the list is St. Maarten in September. The purchase of our timeshares has given us the opportunity to travel every six months and more. Thank you so much for always being there to answer questions and offer assistance.
Speak with you soon,
Doreen and John Altieri
1998
Dear Scott,
We wanted to let you know how happy we've been with our So. Africa weeks.
We have traded for several great places on the Oregon coast, Reno, Las Vegas, and Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. In fact we sold our weeks at Pueblo Bonito in Mazatlan, because:
l) when we trade So. Africa time there, we usually get a bigger room than when we owned there.
2) when we were unable to trade our Pueblo Bonito time (a Gold Crown resort) for Cabo, there was no problem trading the So. Africa time.
3) even after the RCI exchange, we pay about 2/3 price at our old resort (P. B.) maintenance fees.
4) the initial cost per week was 1/7 the cost of Pueblo Bonito.
5) we've never been unable to trade into an area we were interested in.
As you know, we have recommended So. Africa (and you, especially) to many people and will continue to do so.
As you know, we have recommended So. Africa (and you, especially) to many people and will continue to do so.
Thanks, Scott!
Bob and Jill Ford
Portland, Oregon
letter from SA:
Hi Scott,
This is our fifth week in So. Africa. Umdloti and Umhlanga Rocks were terrific. Right on the Indian Ocean, so we didn't get out and about like we should have. Did get in to Durban a few days, to the BAT Centre for jazz, to the Victoria (Indian) Market, Joe Cools ("the worst restaurant in the world.) Wasn't bad!
We have been at here for 2 1/2 weeks now- many animals and birds right at our door and in the bushveld. 10 different antelope, zebra, gnu, giraffes all close enough to touch. We've driven around the resort area and 3 times in the bush, and once on a guided trip. Very nice. They've added TVs to each room, which is nice. The electricity was out one day, for major repairs. We have our own patio with braii and they clean it every day, in addition to cleaning our rooms. We have one bedroom with loft- sleeps four. Have 4 weeks scheduled here, but think we'll leave a week early so we can see a bit of Pretoria and Joburg. (Took Greyhound from Durban, taking the train to Cape Town).
Thanks so much for selling us South Africa. Without that incentive, we would never have had the experience of visiting So. Africa. In our 65-68 yrs. we've never been out of No. America, visiting only Mexico and Canada. Our purchase with you broadened our horizons. Now plan to travel to Europe, Greece, Australia, etc.
Thank you again, Scott. Bob and Jill Ford
2005
Hi Scott,
Just wanted to let you know Bob died March 29th. He had 1 year from the time of diagnosis of esophageal cancer. His wish was to travel as much as he was up to, so after our 2 months in So. Africa (a trip of a lifetime!), this year we spent 2 wks. in Sun Valley, ID, a wk. on Alaskan cruise, a wk in Las Vegas, a month on the Washington coast, a month in Mazatlan -just before he died, actually. He was very weak, but did really well. He had such a great attitude and sense of humor throughout the year- even his drs. were very impressed. I thank you for all the good trips/exchanges we made with our 9 weeks of South Africa!! I will keep in touch.
Yours, Jill Ford
---------------------------------------
Hello Jill,
We were in Colorado when I heard. I am sorry for Bobs passing. I considered him a fried and enjoyed our talks. It pleases me that you got some much from your SA weeks. I hope it has given you comfort and many memories. Your testimonials and Bob’s picture with the giraffe will live on to tell the story at our website, click > http://www.tradingtime.net/default.asp?DocumentID=126 I am tempted to post this e-mail to encourage everybody to enjoy life now. Let me know if you think that is a good idea. Let me know what I can do for you as I appreciate the support you have given me over the years.
Much Regards, Scott
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Hi Scott, Thanks for your "note." I think it'd be fine to post this e-mail, and yes, that is my new e address. I LOVED the testimonial/pictures of SA! I really do appreciate what you've "given" us. Thanks so much! Glad you're getting some traveling in too. Jill
Dear Scott,
I wanted to drop you a note of thanks for all of your help in acquiring and using our South Africa timeshares! We have owned two 2-bedroom weeks now for almost 4 years. We have traded through RCI into beautiful units in Vail, San Diego, Ft. Lauderdale, Cabo San Lucas and others. Just this past March we traded into two 2-bedroom 4.5 star units on the doorstep to DisneyWorld (we took extended family and had a blast)! The amazing thing about this is that many of our trades have been done on short notice (less than 3 months), and still we can trade into great units in great locations! When we are finally able to start making our vacation plans further in advance, look out!
You and Sandy have always been there for advice on trading, or with help on any questions we may have on paying annual dues, banking the weeks into RCI, whatever it may be. And the value is truly unbelievable. I really was one of those people that thought that things that sounded too good to be true were just that. But this experience proved me wrong, and thankfully so. Total cost of ownership is so low, we know that we have already paid for the up front cost of purchase many times over already. Annual dues are less than ½ what is typical in the United States.
We feel blessed to have been able to participate! Thank again for all of your help.
Thank you - Title & Escrow Company, Inc.
Robert A. Rosenblad
President/Attorney
Dear Scott -
We would like to thank you for introducing us to the
benefits of owning timeshare in South African
projects. We have enjoyed two wonderful vacations so
far and are currently planning our third. Our first
two trips were to two different Gold Crown projects
located on the beach in Carlsbad, California. Our
family enjoyed wonderful weather, time at the beach,
Sea World, Lego Land and many of the other attractions
in the San Diego area.
While neither of these trips was available during high
tourist season in San Diego (June - August), we
checked for the lowest weekly rate in each project
during the time of our stays (October - November). We
would have had to pay at least $200 per night for each
two-bedroom, ocean view room without our South Africa
timeshare exchange. With just these two trips, we
have recouped the entire cost of our timeshare
purchase plus our first two years of maintenance fees.
Our accommodations cost for annual trips going
forward will now be only our low South Africa
maintenance fee.
Thank you for showing us the many benefits of owning
timeshare in South Africa and for your expertise in
managing the trading process with RCI.
The Danko Family
Hi Scott,
I greatly appreciate your helping to make my vacation dreams come true! You were very patient with me, as I initially asked many questions before I purchased, and you provided excellent direction to help me pick out the timeshare that best fit the needs of my family. Since we first purchased our 2 bedroom/2 bath South African timeshare in December 2003, we have stayed in Orlando (Grand Beach I #3664 – 3 bedroom/3 bath unit off Lake Bryan-Memorial Day Week 2004), Hilton Head (Waterside by Spinnaker #5366 – 2 bedroom/2 bath unit-Labor Day week 2005), Hilton Head (Egret Point by Spinnaker #4223 – 2 bedroom/2 bath unit – 7/29/06), Orlando (Summer Bay Resorts #3175 – 3 bedroom/3 bath unit-Memorial Day week 2007), and we’ve just booked Hilton Head (Coral Sands Resort #6736 – 3 bedroom/3 bath unit for July 2008). I greatly appreciate all the information supplied on your website and the training on how to best utilize RCI’s system. It has helped us immensely. I feel so incredibly blessed to be able to vacation with my family and my only annual expense is roughly $164 for the RCI exchange fee & my resort levies of approx. Purchasing my South African timeshare is one of the best moves our family has ever made and I greatly appreciate all of your help in making it possible.
God Bless!
Michele Scott – Charlotte, NC
Scott, Just wanted to tell you what I wonderful time we had in Eilat using our timeshare. The location was perfect and the ammenties were great. Several large pools, gym, spa, beauty salon and small supermarket were all on the premise. We also had a wonderful Shabbat dinner as well as a Purim service.
We are very much looking forward to our next trip which is in Jan. at the Hacienda del Mar in Cabos.
Booking early is the only way to do this. Thanks again for making all this possible. Suzanne and Norman
To Whom It May Concern:
Scott Riddle is an easy, honest person to work with. I bought 8 South African timeshare units from him November 11, 2001. My family of 6 went to the Big Island of Hawaii and stayed at The Bay Club at Waikoloa Beach Resort for a week and then moved to the other side of the island for scuba lessons and stayed at The Kona Coast Resort. We then went to Kauai where we stayed one week at the Embassy Vacation Resort Poipu Point and one week at PAHIO at Ka'Eo Kai. All these resorts are gold crown and we traded into all two-bedroom units. We were in Hawaii for the Christmas and New Year's. We have since gotten the Manhattan Club in New York City, the Powell Place City/Share in San Francisco, The Capri by the Sea in San Diego, The Imperial in Honolulu, the San Luis Condominiums in Galveston, a week in Cancun, a week in Puerto Vallarta, a week in Orlando (a 3 bedroom), 2 units in Mazatlan, a week in Phoenix, etc. We love to travel and Scott was wonderful in helping me understand how to use the RCI system.
I refer anyone interested in timeshares to him. We have never met face to face, but he has proven to be a valuable resource.
RCI seems overwhelming at first, but Scott will walk you through the learning process.
I only wish that we had purchased years earlier.
Good luck and many happy travels.
Vickie Kibler
Lake Oswego, Oregon
Business Owner and 8 Unit Timeshare Owner
Dear Scott:
Your recent recommendations for our two week stay in Cabo San Lucas were just great. Each of the two properties was beautiful and certainly well chosen. We have you to thank you for this grand beach vacation.
From the inception of our timeshare relationship you have been most professional, knowledgeable and a pleasure to deal with.
Our continued Thanks for all your help. We continue to recommend you to anyone who mentions timeshare. We keep saying that no one is better to deal with than you. Best wishes for a Happy Holiday Season
Sincerely:
Sandy and Sheldon Brod
P.S. We just now exchanged our South Africa weeks for back to back, two bedrooms units at the Mayan Palace Nuevo Vallarta for 2004.
We are excited!
update...........
Dear Scott Riddle:
We will forever be saying "THANK YOU” for your guidance and professional know how in securing our wonderful vacations over the past two years.
We have been to luxurious properties in Puerto Vallarta (twice), Cabo San Lucas, Mexico as well as St. Maarten,- each resort and property was just gorgeous and wonderful on all levels. The purchase of our two weeks timeshare in South Africa has in retrospect, truly worked out to be a non brainer, in that the investment has been so NOMINAL for so great an enjoyable RETURN. We continue to appreciate your patience and help each time we call upon you. You make each experience a pleasure.
Best wishes to you, Sandra and your family for a HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON.
Sincerely,
Sandra and Sheldon Brod
* * Booked Cabo again for 2008
Scott, you saved my life.
I am someone who loves to travel, has a wife and THREE kids, and a limited budget.
One year ago I almost bought a one week timeshare in Hawaii for $34,000 and a $1200 annual maintenance fee. I "Googled" the word "timeshare" to find out more before I jumped in and there you were just waiting to rescue me. I wanted someone to show me the ropes and I clicked on your website link. You took me under wing, and showed me the rest of the story.
Only $10,000 COMBINED purchase price / $1000 annual COMBINED fees and one year later I own four properties! Plus I am a RCI Weeks & Points member.
Here is what we have done with our timeshares so far;
Summer of 2004 I traded into a Hilton three bedroom next door to Sea World Orlando. (Hilton wanted $25,000/$500 for a two-bedroom they were building next door.). Spring of 2005 I traded into a Gold Crown two bedroom on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale. Thanksgiving 2005 I traded into a Westin Resort two bedroom in Puerto Vallarta, Mex. Spring of 2006 I'm already booked into another Hilton 2-bedroom on Marco Island, Fla.
Consider the annual fees alone and I'm in these four-star, two-bedroom resorts for $40 per night. I was skeptical, now I'm amazed. What's equally amazing is that you held my hand for as long as it took me to walk and are still there teaching me how to run! I can't wait until we attack the mysterious Hawaiian Islands. I want to wait until my kids get a little older, and I'm sure you'll still be there to help. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Very Sincerely,
Eric R. Deckman
Baltimore, MD
update
You're still the best. Here are my recent trips and plans.
Orange Lake Country Club - RCI # (0670)
June 2007 - Awesome Gold Crown, did I mention three bed, three bath?
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at South Beach (#4865)
Thanksgiving 2008 - Can't wait for the only Gold Crown on South Beach, Miami.
Sea Villas ( #2628 )
June 2008 - Silver Crown on a quiet family beach in sunny Florida, 1960's style.
Plus I'll be trading my SA for a two-bedroom Gold Crown in Massanutten Ski Resort this coming January 2008. They want 60,500 points in RCI Points!
In June 2009 we have a two-bedroom Lake Condominiums at Big Sky Montana, (#0175). You recommended this one and we always have wanted to see Yellowstone Nat'l Park with the kids.
For August 2009 we have exchanged for two bedroom at Gatlinburg Town Square, (#2342), a little closer to home.
For 2010 we are saving and planning on Hawaii!
I'm having a great time getting over on the "system" all thanks to you Scott.
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