“You have a WHAT card?!”
An AARP card! Aren’t I a little young, you ask? Yep, I just turned 25. So why do I have a membership in the American Association of Retired Persons? And how do I use it to travel on a budget?
Let me tell you why AARP membership is the budget travel hack they every traveler should know.
Seriously, Isn’t it Only for Senior Citizens?
AARP stands for “The American Association of Retired Persons” so you’d think so, right?
But no! Despite common misconceptions, an AARP membership isn’t only available to those ages 50 and older. But nope—membership is open to everyone!
These benefits are great to have at any age and pass to another with the 2-for-1 deal included.
Straight from the AARP website… it’s confirmed!
Young people, this is our chance. Times are harder than ever and every penny counts. You have your student discount. But let's take it to the next step—AARP membership. Trust me. Click To Tweet
What exactly is an AARP Membership? Is it a rewards program? A credit card?
AARP membership is like any other membership program—think Costco, or BJ’s. You’ll have exclusive access to many discounts services and brands, from Health to Finances to, yep, travel!
The cost of an annual membership is $16/year. If you sign up for three years, you can save 10% off the annual rate or 21% off for enrolling in a five-year deal.
The membership includes a second member at no additional cost so you can get a free partner-membership for your spouse, sibling, parent, or roommate!
So, how will it help me save on my travel? Does it help with international travel?
GIRL. Let me count the ways.
AARP membership comes with a lot of travel-related discounts including discounts on:
- Car rentals
- Cruises
- Flights & vacation packages
- Hotels & resorts
- Rails & tours
- Travel planning
And these deals aren’t annoying $5 off coupons. I’m talking 30% off rental cars for that upcoming road trip you’re planning. 10-15% discount in select restaurants like Denny’s, Outback, Bonefish Grill, Carrabbas. At home or on the road, you should be saving money!
Yep, my AARP card would have helped me save on this rental for my road trip.
For hotels, AARP membership gives you access to 2-for-1 deals or 10 to 15% discounts in participating hotels in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Caribbean, and Mexico. So yes, while a bulk of the savings are for domestic U.S. travel, there are some international savings too.
If you’re interested in cheap flights, your membership even gets you $200 off every British Airways flight!
The Real Travel Deal Plug: The AARP Now App
The app makes it ridiculously easy to see your travel benefits for any location. Input the city/state you’ll be traveling too, and the app will show you all of the AARP discounts on services and events in the area.
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If that hasn’t sold you, the benefits extend far beyond travel
Of course, travel is just a small part of the AARP membership. I joined for the travel perks, but I’m staying for the money savings in…
- Gas & Auto services
- Work & PTOs
- Insurance
- Health & Wellness
- Finances
- Shopping & groceries
- Restaurants
- Technology & Wireless
- Home & Real Estate
- Family Caregiving
- Entertainment
- Community Advocacy
I’ve had my resume reviewed by their professional career services, and got discounted pet insurance for my dog. I whip my card out for every restaurant, shop, and purchase possible!
10% to 15% off hotels, car rentals, airport parking, activities, restaurants... And you don't have to be 50 to get a membership. Can you say travel plug? Click To Tweet
And finally, a questioned that I double and triple checked before I got my membership:
Does Getting A Membership Take Away from Seniors?
I’m all for a discount or deal, but I’d never want an opportunity that takes away valuable resources from those who need it.
But it is all good!
The AARP is funded in part by its members, so by paying annual membership, you save money on your travel. You can help AARP provide retirement planning, investment, and insurance services to members in need.
So, I guess the only question is… how fast can you get yours?!
Share this hack with a friend and share the budget travel blessings!
And drop a comment if you’d NEVER heard of this travel hack before.
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Her mission is to empower young people to seek risk, seize opportunity, and see the world.
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