Time-share owners who get tired of visiting the same resort every year can use an exchange company to arrange a one-time swap with another time-share owner. Exchanges open up a new opportunity for travel without requiring owners to purchase additional time-shares. If you don't want to exchange, renting your time-share might be a better option.

There are currently two major players in the time-share exchange business, Resort Condominiums International (RCI) and Interval International (II). Each company charges an initiation fee, but sometimes it's waived when you join. Owners deposit their time-share week into an exchange pool, and when an exchange takes place, they pay the company a fee.

The exchange companies each have their own systems for ranking resorts and describing the desirability of units that are available. You might be restricted to exchanging your time-share for one of equal or lesser value in their ranking system.

The management company at your resort might help you obtain a renter if you don't plan to use your time. User groups offer classified ads that might bring you a renter. Some owners try to recover at least the amount of their maintenance fee from the rent. One way you can make the rental more attractive is to price it below area hotel costs.