6 AARP Benefits That Will Help Retirees Save on Summer Travel
Written by
Karen Doyle
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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Summer is almost here and that means travel planning is in full swing. Retirees have plenty of time to travel but may be concerned about spending too much money. Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime European tour or your annual visit to see the grandchildren, your AARP membership can help you save some money on your summer travel.
Here are common ways to save on travel this summer if you have an AARP card.
Travel Guides
From planning a group vacation to traveling solo, whether you’re going by plane, train, automobile or cruise ship, AARP has a travel guide for you. Each one has time- and money-saving tips, planning guides and checklists so you don’t forget anything before you leave. Seasoned travelers and novices alike will find helpful tips in these handy guides.
Hotels and Resorts
Nearly every major hotel chain offers an AARP rate, so be sure to check that, no matter how you book. But AARP discounts go beyond Best Western and Hilton. For instance, you can save 10% off an all-inclusive stay at a Karisma Hotel & Resort in Mexico or the Caribbean or save on Preferred Hotels and Resorts in Paris, London, Tokyo, Cabo San Lucas and more.
Car Rentals
AARP members can save on car rentals from Avis, Budget, ZipCar and more. You can book your rental online and save up to 35%, plus you know the car you want will be waiting for you at your destination.
Cruises
If your idea of a dream vacation is unpacking once, relaxing at the pool one day and going on a city excursion the next and myriad dining options, a cruise may be the ideal getaway. AARP offers discounts on Holland America Lines, Hurtigruten Expeditions, Collette Cruise Tours and more. Save on cruises to the Caribbean, Europe. Alaska, Mexico and more. You can book through the cruise line or your travel agent but be sure to mention your AARP membership to get the discount.
You can also get special pricing, onboard credit and other benefits through the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia. Choose from Holland America, Princess and Celebrity Cruises vacations.
Tours
If a cruise doesn’t appeal but you still want a group travel experience, you can save on tours with your AARP membership. Collette offers $50 to $100 off some tours, including rail tours and land tours or up to $250 off single-city tours. Grand European Travel will take up to $100 off the cost of your guided tour vacation if you tell them you’re an AARP member.
Travel Insurance
You can spend months planning the perfect vacation and hopefully, everything will go off without a hitch. But there’s always the possibility that something goes wrong — someone gets sick or injured, flights are cancelled or bags are lost. Travel insurance can help when the unexpected happens. Retirees in particular shouldn’t travel without it, since many policies cover medical costs abroad, which Medicare does not, as well as medical evacuation if necessary.
AARP offers a variety of travel insurance policies from several different carriers. You can choose the best policy for your particular situation, get a quote and purchase your policy online with an AARP member discount.
Retirees know that the less they spend on each trip, the more trips they can take. Using your AARP membership to its fullest is a great way to maximize your travel dollars.
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Sources
- AARP, “Travel Membership & Benefits.”
