I agree with PP about not buying DVC to trade via RCI. But, there are many excellent options to use DVC for a vacation via RCI, esp. if you dpon't want to bother with renting your points and then paying cash.
We have traded (with another RCI TS) into various villas at Hilton Head. This is a very good option, as it is very difficult to trade into DVC HHI. The quality ranges from almost equivalent to DVC to somewhat lower. But, for a week in the summer at the beach, does that really matter? Most resorts in RCI at HHI are not on the beach, but a short walk or bike ride away. In fact, DVC HHI is not on the beach either. HHI is an excellent family vacation. We liked it so much, after 3 RCI trades, we bought a summer fixed week TS @ HHI.
Williamsburg, VA is also an excellent choice. Again, quality of Greensprings and Governors Green is fine, maybe just a step down from DVC. There are many others, but from the others we stayed at, a big step down from DVC.
Smugglers Notch in VT is a fabulous family resort, both winter (info from friends) and summer (we loved it). The units range from older and definitely a step down from DVC to just as nice. We got the older unit. Large and well-maintained, with older furnishings, etc,. But, this was one of our top vacations. So much to do at the resort, as well as numerous day trips within 2 hours. Again, do granite countertop and newer sofas matter when your family says that was the best trip ever?
Welk Resort, CA, near SD. This resort is in a beautiful setting. Our unit looked liked it was out of a magazine. About 45 minute drive to SD, 30 minutes to Carlsbad, beaches. We had an excellent week, golfing at the resort, SD zoo, battleship, Carlbad, touring a mission, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are several RCI resorts in Carlsbad area, if you wanted to be closer to the beach.
Hawaii is another place for RCI trades. All of the HGVC on the Big Island are excellent, IMHO, and a fabulous "value" for DVC points. HGVC Big I is one of our fav destination.
We also got a RCI trade for Vincennes, France, outside of Paris, but decided we wanted to stay closer to
Disneyland Paris.
All of above are IMHO. I somewhat agree with the BMW for Chevy trades, but that Chevy was in a beautiful area with a very happy family. In terms of unit and resort (not factoring in the destination) the HGVC Big I and SD area trades were equivalent, with HHI, Wllbg, VT solid Chevys.
For RCI, you need to start a search MORE THAN 1 year out, as savvy RCI traders will be in the queue ahead of you. By 9 mths, most good stuff has been taken. Elaine