Are you saving on travel with your AARP Membership? I left AARP Life@50+ in Boston this spring AMAZED at the travel discounts and added value AARP Members receive. I mean, for 16 bucks a year, the thing pays for itself over and over. Being older, err, “more seasoned” means more time and income for traveling, right? Here are just a few of the sweet travel discounts and advantages AARP Membership offers:
British Airways Savings Between $65 – $400 – Book by Oct. 14, 2014
Planning a trip across the pond this year? Maybe you’re heading to Europe to trace some of your family history? Consider booking with British Airways because AARP members can save between $65 and $400 with any flight that hubs through London. This includes discounts on BA’s codeshare partners, too.
When traveling on the World Traveller fare (economy class) save $65 an when traveling in First and Club World (business class) save $400! Book via the AARP.org/travel.
Zipcar – Save 33% When Joining by Dec. 31, 2014
Need to get from the airport to your hotel but don’t need a rental car? Or, maybe you have a few hours to kill at an airport and want to get out into the city to explore. Zipcar is the solution!
Join the sharing economy by driving a shared car. Now in 31 airports and recently acquired by Avis Budget Group, Zipcar is an economical and easy solution for using a car for an hour or two or a little longer. It’s also great for picking up a vehicle when you need to run a quick errand.
Unlike other car rental companies, the vehicles are insured and not the individuals. In addition to Zipcar membership, a drivers license and debit or credit card is needed. What also makes it easy is your Zipcar membership is your key to entry. Bookings can be made online or with a smartphone app.
For AARP members, save 33% when joining by Dec. 31, 2014. The application fee is $25 and the membership fee is $40 (typically $60) plus receive a $40 credit, all for being an AARP member.
Liberty Travel Offers Value and Savings
In business for more than 60 years Liberty Travel knows a little something about travel. When I was a young(er) sales director I remember making calls on these travel agencies and what impressed me was the consistency in service from one Liberty Travel agency to another. I could tell they really cared for delivering the best value to their clients.
Yeah, I know, we have the Internet to book travel but in reality, everyone should work with a travel agent. Why? It’s about the people-to-people connections and knowledge travel agents have to access perks other travelers don’t have. Plus, a travel agent has your back when trouble arises on the road.
New this year, Liberty Travel has come on board with AARP and when you book select Liberty Travel Vacations, save up to $100 for two travelers. Liberty Travel will find you the best pricing, agents will get to know you, they have knowledge and someone is available to speak with 24/7.
Smart Travelers Know Prevention is the Best Roadside Protection
Before any road trip it’s so important to ensure your car is up for the journey. Make sure everything is in good working order and if you find a need to take it into the shop for repairs, consider using RepairPal to avoid getting ripped off.
Boy, I sure wish I knew about this organization before getting my car air conditioning replaced last summer. Repair Pal is a consumer advocacy organization allowing users to find out what repairs would typically cost. More than 700 repair shops in 46 states are in their database. This allows users to connect with a local shop and avoid getting ripped off. With AARP membership, save 10% up to $50 on auto repairs every time. Some restrictions apply.
And what happens once you get on the road and you need assistance? AARP’s Roadside Assistance from AllState is an affordable and reliable solution by offering benefits such as 24-hour emergency roadside service hotline; towing, battery jumpstart and flat tire change; emergency lockout service and more.
Even better is the Roadside Assistance smartphone app that uses GPS location to pinpoint where you are and assistance in diagnosing the issue so the appropriate service is dispatched. As an added safety feature, a picture of the driver being dispatched is sent along with an estimated time of arrival.
AARP Member Advantages offers additional tips for preparing for your roadtrip.
Fuel Your Body at a Discount During Your Travels
You have to eat when traveling, right? Several restaurants offer discounts to AARP members including Denny’s. Now celebrating more than 60 years, AARP members save 15% off the entire check, 24/7. If you’re watching what you eat, look for Denny’s Fit Fare meals which will indicate if an entrée is lean, light, high in protein and/or high in fiber.
This is just a small sampling of travel discounts AARP members receive. Visit aarp.org/travel for a complete list.
If you’re an AARP member, what do you like most about membership?
Disclosure: I attended Life@50+ as a guest of AARP Member Advantages. They have not reviewed this post and opinions are my own.
Note: Information was correct at the time of this post.
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