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Newly retired? Checking off destinations on your bucket list? Traveling with your children or grandkids? If you're planning an upcoming vacation, you could be saving money on everything from flights and car rentals to hotels and cruises with an AARP membership.
AARP (formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons) offers all kinds of discounts and perks both locally and while traveling. The best part is, that there is no age minimum required for membership. Here are our favorite AARP travel discounts you don't want to miss.
Pair this with a travel rewards credit card to stack even more savings.
AARP Flight Discounts
AARP-specific discounts on flights are currently limited to one airline, but you may still be able to find a deal using the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia.
British Airways
British Airways is the only airline currently offering an AARP discount. Members receive $65 off economy or premium economy flights or $200 off business class seats when booking a round-trip transatlantic flight.
AARP Car Rental Discounts
Here are some popular car rental companies that offer AARP-specific deals.
Budget
Budget offers a discount on Budget Pay Now rates when you rent at a participating location in the contiguous United States and Canada. As an AARP member, you also receive a free one car class upgrade on compact through full-size, four-door vehicles and can add an extra driver at no extra cost.
Avis
Avis provides savings opportunities of up to 30% off when renting at participating locations in the United States. Receive a free one car class upgrade, discounted GPS services, a second driver free of charge, and unlimited mileage.
Payless
Payless offers 5% off car rentals to AARP members in the United States and Canada. Occasional perks also include the ability to add an extra driver free of charge and free car upgrades.
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AARP Hotel Discounts
Several hotel chains across the country and globe offer AARP discounts to members. Take advantage of a cheaper night's stay by booking with one of these companies.
Best Western Hotels & Resorts
Best Western offers 5%-15% off your stay at more than 4,000 Best Western hotels. Simply reserve a room online and show your AARP membership card at check-in to receive your discount.
If you sign up for Best Western Rewards, you can also receive 10% more bonus points per stay as an AARP member.
Wyndham Hotel & Resorts
Wyndham provides a 10% discount on hotel stays for AARP members. If you're also a Wyndham Rewards member, you can also join or renew your AARP membership with your rewards.
Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels offers up to 10% discount at participating locations. Choice-brand hotels are available across the United States and a great option for affordable stays.
Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Hilton provides up to 10% discount to AARP members on hotels around the world. You can also receive late check-out when it's available.
Red Roof Inn
Red Roof Inn offers up to 10% savings on the best available room rates all year round for AARP members.
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Other AARP Travel Discounts
Not only can you save money as an AARP member on flights, hotels, and car rentals, but you can save money on guided tours and cruises, too.
Collette Tours
Collette offers discounts on single-city tours, seven-day, multi-continent tours, and specific cruises. Take a cruise through Europe or enjoy a cultural immersion tour all for a discounted price.
Vacations by Rail
Vacations by Rail offers member discounts on all excursions, including tours, train tickets, cruises and more.
Grand European Travel
Grand European Travel also offers member discounts on guided tours and cruises that can span six continents.
Travel Planning Services
Not a fan of planning every detail of your trip on your own? No worries! AARP offers travel tips and vacation ideas to help get the ball rolling.
Medjet Travel Protection
It's best to be safe when traveling. A Medjet membership helps you receive medical care when you're traveling and AARP members receive 20% off a membership.
MedjetAssist, one of the coverage plans, covers medical transfers to a hospital of your choice, including all transportation costs, when you're more than 150 miles from home.
MedjectHorizon includes the benefits of MedjetAssist plus travel security around the world, evacuation services, and crisis response.
Park Ride Fly USA
Arranging a ride to and from airports can be challenging, but Park Ride Fly USA makes it easier. Park Ride Fly USA offers off-airport parking locations nationwide and, as an AARP member, you'll receive 12% off your reservation. Reservations include luggage assistance and airport shuttle service.
AARP Membership FAQs
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Many people associate AARP with seniors. Although AARP is dedicated to people ages 50 and older, there is no minimum age requirement necessary to become an AARP member. Please note that some AARP benefits, such as age-restricted insurance perks, may not apply to members under age 50.
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Regular annual membership will cost $16 per year. If you choose automatic renewal, your membership will cost $12 a year. Special discounts are offered to those who commit to three- or five-year memberships, costing $43 or $63 respectively.
AARP will occasionally offer deals on memberships, so check out their current membership deals.
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Once you register to join AARP, you’ll receive a membership card with a member number on it. Use that membership number or simply show your card to receive benefits at restaurants, while shopping, dining purchases, prescriptions and travel.
Is an AARP membership worth it?
If you're 50 years or older, an AARP membership is a great deal. The membership essentially pays for itself after just one dinner at a restaurant or one night at a hotel.
Perks of an AARP membership include:
- Discounts at participating restaurants
- Discounts on flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and tours
- Discounts on prescription medications and eyeglasses
- Financial planning services and fraud prevention
Even if you are not over 50 years old, you can still extract a lot of value from joining AARP due to the discounts for travel, dining, entertainment and more. But do keep in mind that there are some products and services that only apply to seniors. Regardless, the low annual membership is absolutely worth it for those who plan to take advantage of the many discounts available to use every year.