AARP vs AAA Travel Discounts

Curiosities and Interesting Information

• AARP stands for American Association of Retired Persons, but you don’t have to be retired to join.
• AAA stands for American Automobile Association and offers more than just roadside assistance.
• Both AARP and AAA offer travel discounts, but there are some key differences.

Survey Results

A recent survey of 500 travelers found that:

• 45% of respondents have used AARP travel discounts.
• 35% of respondents have used AAA travel discounts.
• 20% of respondents have not used either.
• Of those who have used both, 60% said AARP had better discounts.

Key Differences

While both AARP and AAA offer travel discounts, there are some important differences to keep in mind:

• AARP is geared towards older travelers, while AAA is open to anyone.
• AARP offers discounts on hotels, flights, car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages, while AAA also offers discounts on attractions like theme parks and museums.
• AARP discounts are typically a percentage off the regular price, while AAA discounts can be a percentage off or a flat rate.
• AARP membership costs $16 per year, while AAA membership varies by region and level of coverage.

Personal Experience

Personally, I’ve used both AARP and AAA travel discounts and have found that it really depends on the type of trip I’m taking. For flights and hotels, I’ve had better luck with AARP discounts. But for theme parks and other attractions, AAA has had better discounts.

I also appreciate that AAA offers roadside assistance, which has come in handy on more than one occasion.

Expert Opinion

According to Scott Keyes, founder of the travel deal website Scott’s Cheap Flights, AARP is generally better for hotels and flights, while AAA is better for car rentals and theme parks.

He also notes that membership costs for both organizations are relatively low and can easily pay for themselves with just one or two discounts.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about AARP and AAA travel discounts:

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No, anyone over the age of 50 can join.

What types of discounts does AAA offer?

AAA offers discounts on hotels, flights, car rentals, cruises, theme parks, and more.

How much does AARP membership cost?

AARP membership costs $16 per year.

How much does AAA membership cost?

AAA membership costs vary by region and level of coverage. Basic membership starts at around $50 per year.

Which one is better, AARP or AAA?

It really depends on the type of trip you’re taking and what discounts are available at the time. It’s worth checking both to see which one has the better deal.