The valuable AARP perks travelers can use at any age

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If you thought AARP was just for retirees, think again. You don’t need to be anywhere near your golden years to join and benefit from it. If you travel just a few times a year, the savings can outweigh the cost of membership.

You’ll find savings on hotels, car rentals, flights, cruises, restaurants, and even Disney tickets.

AARP membership is open to anyone 18 or older. Apart from some age-restricted insurance benefits, the travel, shopping, and lifestyle perks apply to all ages. So whether you’re a college student planning a budget trip to Europe, going on a cross-country road trip, or eyeing a family trip to Disney, AARP can help you save.

An AARP membership normally costs $20 per year, or $15 with automatic renewal as of publish time. There are also sales from time to time. Plus, your membership includes a free secondary card for another adult in your household.

But it gets better. AARP participates in online shopping portals like Rakuten. At the time of writing, Rakuten is up to $20 cash back (or up to 2,000 Amex points) when you sign up for a five-year membership. Or, if you’re a points junkie like me, you can link your Rakuten account to Bilt Rewards and Bilt points instead.

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The airline detail most travelers overlook

AARP partners with a long list of travel brands. Not every deal is worth getting excited about, but a few are strong enough to more than offset your membership fee.

Here are some of my favorites:

• British Airways: Save $65 off economy and premium economy, or $200 on business class when booking round-trip transatlantic tickets. This offer applies to select fare classes and booking channels, so read the fine print first.
• Hotels: Chains like Wyndham, Choice Hotels, and Radisson offer 10% off the best available rate.
• Car rentals: Avis and Budget offer up to 35% off rentals, along with extras like free upgrades. You can also get $40 off an annual Zipcar membership.
• Theme parks: Discounts of up to $60 on select Disney World tickets, $35 on select Disneyland tickets, and get discounts at Universal.

I never check a bag — here’s what I pack instead

Thinking of heading out this summer without checking a bag? Traveling light is easier with our curated list of space-saving essentials. From single-use wipes and mini deodorants to shampoo bars and sunscreen sticks, each item is designed to keep you fresh without overpacking. Our guide also covers smart extras like wrinkle-release spray, compact lint rollers, and bug-repellent tins — perfect for solving real travel problems without adding bulk. It’s a quick way to upgrade your toiletry kit and breeze through security with less stress.

Travel lighter without sacrificing the essentials

While the travel deals take the cake, the savings go much further. Members get discounts at certain restaurant chains (think Auntie Anne’s, Papa John’s, and Landry’s brands like Mastro’s Steakhouse), gas, auto services, entertainment, and more.

Joining AARP is easy, cheap, and surprisingly useful, no matter your age. If you travel, dine out, or rent cars even a few times a year, the savings can add up. And if you join during a sale or through a portal like Rakuten, you’ll likely make your money back before your next trip.

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