AARP travel benefits and discounts are for everyone
An AARP membership may seem like something only relevant to people of “a certain age”; however, contrary to popular belief, the minimum AARP membership age is 18. AARP membership offers great discounts and benefits for travelers. Membership rate is $12/year. Search for deals around events like Black Friday - I bought a 5 year membership for $45. In addition, cashback deals from services like Rakuten and Chase Offers can further sweeten the deal.
One of the major advantages of joining AARP is access to many travel savings. This includes hotel discounts, airline deals, rental car discounts, and parking savings.
Hotel discounts
AARP offers its members a multitude of lodging discounts, making it an attractive option for any traveler. From the big chains like Wyndham, Hilton, IHG, and Radisson to more budget-friendly options like Super 8 or Travelodge, you can find discounts for all kinds of trips.
While Hyatt and Marriott may be absent from the roster, high-end hotels are also well represented with options like Conrad, Waldorf Astoria, and Intercontinental. For those considering a luxurious stay, say at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui, a 10% discount off a rate of over $1300 per night makes the membership well worth it in no time.
AARP airline discounts
AARP also helps members save on air travel, with notable discounts on transatlantic flights with British Airways. The savings can range from $65 to $200 on round-trip flights, a substantial reduction that can make your travel much more affordable.
Rental car discounts
Renting a car? AARP has you covered as well, with discounts up to 30% off with Avis and Budget, besides complimentary upgrades and including an additional driver at no extra cost.
Airport parking discounts
For airport parking, members can enjoy a 12% discount on off-airport parking reservations, adding yet another layer of savings to their travel.
Gift card discounts for travel
Apart from these travel-oriented savings, AARP members also have access to gift card discounts, one of the best AARP discounts available to members. This includes the opportunity to purchase up to 5 discounted gift cards per calendar month from a variety of brands, further enhancing travel deals available.
Gift card offerings in the travel area range from American Airlines and Amtrak to Hotels.com and Airbnb. Additional options include Mandarin Oriental, Raffles, Columbia, Groupon, Uber, REI, and Southwest, among others. Many of these discounts are in the 5% to 8% range. For instance, if you’re an REI shopper, especially during the members-only sales with up to 30% off, stacking an additional 8% off from the discounted gift card can lead to significant savings.
In conclusion, AARP membership benefits are outstanding for travelers. From saving on accommodations and flights to car rentals and parking, the membership provides a range of opportunities for members to cut down on their travel expenses. Whether you’re a budget traveler or someone who enjoys luxurious getaways, this membership might be just the ticket to your next affordable travel adventure.