Hi, I’m Matt.
As a member and consultant with over 13 years of experience, I combine my first-hand membership knowledge into my consultations to provide the highest level of professionalism.
As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Global membership, it’s an ideal time to recognize just how much it has evolved. With decades of enhancements to our platform, many long-standing memberships don’t fit neatly into the categories outlined below.
Whether you’re new to the membership or have been a member for years, it’s worthwhile to ensure you fully understand and are taking advantage of everything available to you today. A brief review can often uncover features, flexibility, and opportunities that may not be immediately apparent.
As a Senior Membership Consultant, I specialize in helping members-both new and long-standing-align their benefits with the expanded capabilities now available. I’d welcome the opportunity to walk through your membership with you and make sure you’re positioned to get the most value from it.
You can reach me directly at (616) 949-2727.
Photo from my trip to Kauai, Hawaii
Membership: Your All-Access Pass
What does it mean to be a member? It means travel without the strings. It’s exclusive access to Star Credit Stays, the ability to turn credits into cash, and the power to decide exactly when and how you vacation. Simply put: it’s the best value in the industry, built for the way you live today.
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Membership: The Overview
Experience the smartest way to see the world. As a member, you get exclusive access to our Star Credit Condo Stays, the gold standard for value in the vacation industry.
Global Reach: Stay across the U.S. or venture abroad.
Price Stability: Enjoy predictable, fixed weekly rates with our Star Credit Stays.
Ultimate Flexibility: Use it every year or take a break; there’s no mandatory renewal. If you’re looking for a world of variety without long-term 'lock-in,’ you’ve found your home.
The Value of Sharing: Extend the benefits of your membership beyond yourself. Whether you're gifting a week to a friend or relative for a special occasion or transferring your entire membership to a loved one, your vacation savings are built to provide value for a lifetime and beyond.
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Star Credits: The Core of Your Membership
The total number of Star Credits you have access to each year is based on the membership level you have enrolled in. This will be listed in your Membership Agreement and is also on the membership portal in the Account section.
When your membership is active, this gives you the ability to do the following:
#1- Star Credit Condos-
Maximizing Your Star Credits Your annual Star Credit balance is tailored to your membership level, which you can easily find in your Membership Agreement or under the Account tab in your portal.
When your membership is active, you gain access to our signature Star Credit Condo stays. Depending on how far in advance you like to plan, you can choose from four distinct categories:
Vacation Weeks (VW): Traditional 7-night stays, bookable from 60 days to a full year in advance.
Expressway Weeks (EW): Perfect for spontaneous travel. These 7-night stays are available for booking within a 60-day window.
Special Buys (SB): Premium 7-night opportunities available up to a year in advance.
Partial Weeks (PW):Exclusive to GDV Elite. Flexible 3, 4, or 5-night escapes bookable up to a year in advance.
Current rates for each category are always available in your portal under Account > Membership Fees.
#2- Star Credit Cruises (SC)-
Available on select cruise offerings to get even more savings using your Star Credits. To see current offerings, log in to your membership portal. These must be booked through GCI’s Travel Agency.
#3- Star Credit Tours (CT)-
Available on select tour offerings to get even more savings using your Star Credits. To see current offerings, log in to your membership portal.
#4- Hotel Weekly Stays Cashback-
Maximize Your Membership: The Annual Cash Back Perk Once per year, you have the unique option to exchange a single Star Credit for $250 cash back through the Hotels Weekly Stays section.
VIP Advantage: VIP members can double down on this benefit, redeeming a second credit for an additional $125 cash back each active year.
Pro Tip for Weekly Stays: Don’t let the name fool you, this section offers far more than just hotels! Use the "Property Type" filter to discover hidden gems like all-inclusive resorts and private vacation rentals. It’s the best way to tailor your stay to your exact style.
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Important: Membership must be Active and in good standing to take advantage of any membership benefits. All bookings are final using Star Credits, so make sure you look at the vacation insurance option to see if that is a good fit for you- this is available to you at the time of booking star credit condo stays (VW, EW, & SB).
WANT MORE STAR CREDITS? Call us at 616-949-2727. We are your locally owned & operated Authorized GDV Sales Center in Michigan.
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Your Annual Activation: Travel on Your Terms
Ultimate Flexibility with On-Demand Activation. We believe you should only pay for the value you use. Our Annual Activity Fee is entirely optional:
Pay as You Go: Only activate your membership in the years you plan to travel.
Late Activation: Changed your mind? You can activate at any point during the year to unlock your benefits until your next anniversary date.
Tailored Access: GDV Plus and Elite members enjoy "Partial Activity" options, allowing you to activate specific portions of your Star Credits for maximum control.
VIP Status: To enjoy full VIP perks, simply activate all Star Credits on your account for the year.
Find your personalized renewal options under Account > Renewals in the portal.
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Important: Once paid, the Activity Fee (Renewal) is non-refundable. Please make sure to pay attention to what year you are choosing to renew.
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Travel Agency
Expert Planning, Effortless Travel When you're ready to set sail or explore the world on a guided tour, our Full-Service Travel Agency is here to guide you. Active members have direct access to professional planners who specialize in maximizing your Star Credit Cruises and Tours.
Beyond the Credits: Sometimes a vacation needs a professional’s touch. From anniversary trips to group reunions, our agents are available to help you plan any getaway, even those outside of your Star Credit usage. Just have your membership number ready, and let us take the stress out of the "what-ifs."
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Important: Star Credits cannot be used on any services offered through the Travel Agency other than Star Credit Cruises (SC) and Star Credit Tours (CT).
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Additional Benefits
Maximize Every Moment Great memberships are built on the details. While Star Credits are the foundation, our additional benefits add the "wow" factor to your travel.
Experience More for Less: Use the Things to Do section to book day tours and activities, and we’ll reward you with 5% cash back. It’s our way of helping you see more of the world for less.
Celebrate with a Registry: Our Honeymoon Registry allows you to build a beautiful, custom wedding site where loved ones can help fund your adventure as a married couple. Whether it’s for you or a family member, it’s a gift that lasts a lifetime.
Discover these and more under the Benefits tab on your membership website. The savings are there, all you have to do is choose your favorites.
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The secret to getting the most out of your membership is simple: explore. Our portal is packed with ways to save that go far beyond the basics. Take a moment to browse the full list of benefits today, once you see how the savings stack up, you’ll be glad you did.
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Membership Review/Updates
Pro Tip: Managing Your Membership Reviews & Updates- While traveling on a Star Credit Stay, if you are staying near a city that has another Authorized GDV Distributor, then you’ll likely be contacted by that office and invited to a Membership Review or Update. These are optional; if you'd rather stay on the beach than in a meeting, feel free to decline!
If you live in Michigan , you don't have to wait for a vacation to get an update. You can schedule a personalized review with the Vista Travel Company team. We offer flexible in-person and virtual sessions to fit your busy life.
Reach out today:
call 616-949-2727 or email us at vacation@vistatravelcompany.com.
Star Credit Condos: A Closer Look
To get the most out of your membership, it helps to know how to navigate your options. Here is everything you need to know to master your Star Credit Condo stays and start planning your next getaway.
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Vacation Weeks (VW)
Vacation Weeks (VW): Your Signature Stay
Often called "Planned Weeks," these are the foundation of your membership. Available to book 24/7, they allow you to secure your dream getaway up to a full year in advance.
Finding Your Perfect Match Use the Star Credit Condos section of the portal to filter by location, amenities, or even distance from your home. If you don't see exactly what you’re looking for, use the Request a Condo feature to let us find it for you.
The Star Credit Formula Redeeming your credits is simple and predictable. One Star Credit and a processing fee covers a studio or one-bedroom during Value season. From there, you can customize your stay:
Peak Season: +1 Star
International Travel (Outside the 48 states): +1 Star
Upgraded Space: +1 Star per additional bedroom
Occupancy at a Glance:
Studio: Sleeps 2 | 1BR: Sleeps 4 | 2BR: Sleeps 6 | 3BR: Sleeps 8 (Always check the specific unit details to ensure a perfect fit for your entire party!)
Pro Tip: Because these are our most popular stays, they move quickly. When you find the perfect week, lock it in! Since all bookings are final, we highly recommend adding Vacation Insurance during checkout for total peace of mind.
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Important: All bookings are final, please make sure you look at the vacation insurance option to see if that is a good fit for you- this is available to purchase at the time of booking the star credit condo week.
Tip: Book when you see the one you want, they go fast!
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Expressways (EW)
Expressway Weeks: The Smart Way to Travel
Experience the freedom of spontaneous travel with our Expressway Weeks. Designed for bookings within 60 days of departure, these 7-night stays offer incredible value for the flexible traveler.
Maximizing Your Value:
Fixed-Fee Travel: Processing Fee and one star credit and your on your way!
Local Discoveries: Many of our best Expressway options are within driving distance, making it easier than ever to escape for a week without the hassle of airports.
Occupancy Matters: Ensure your unit fits your entire party (all ages count!), as these bookings are final.
Pro Tip: Because these are high-value, "ready-to-go" weeks, they are snapped up quickly. Be sure to explore the Vacation Insurance option during booking to protect your spontaneous plans.
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Special Buys (SB)
Special Buys (SB): Unique Opportunities
Think of Special Buys (SB) as our "limited edition" travel offerings. These stays provide a variety of locations and dates that offer a unique alternative to our traditional VWs.
What You Need to Know:
Tailored Pricing: Unlike fixed-rate stays, Special Buys feature variable pricing and credit usage, giving you a wider range of ways to save.
Check Your Level: These exclusive deals are available based on your membership tier, log in to see what’s waiting for you today.
Perfect Fit: Ensure your unit accommodates your entire party (all ages included!), as all Special Buy bookings are final.
The Golden Rule: When you see a Special Buy you love, grab it. These high-demand weeks are first-come, first-served. Don't forget to select the Vacation Insurance option during checkout for worry-free travel.
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