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In the mailing, travelers don’t learn their final destination until the last of five envelopes. Although there are small differences between companies, the general concept of mystery travel is similar. You choose how to travel (by plane, train or car) and provide a financial budget based on how many people will travel for how many days. Then you fill out a minute survey about past trips (so you aren’t sent somewhere you’ve been), interests, preferences (Do you like the beach or the mountains?) and any dietary or mobility restrictions. Signing up for email offers from your preferred cruise line and checking its "deals" or "offers" tab on a regular basis might be your best bet for scoring a top deal. However, there's no doubt that AARP's $9 to $16 annual membership fee quickly pays for itself with even a one-time onboard credit — and there is a potential for additional savings.
What are the options?
These are aboard luxury river cruise ships in Europe operated by Uniworld, and the $100 discount per person is off prices comparable to those listed when booking directly with Uniworld. AARP members booking vacation packages with flights and hotels or rental cars on the Expedia portal receive the bonus of a $50 prepaid Visa card. AARP's car rental partnership with Avis and Budget gives members discounts of up to 30% on base-rate rentals when you pay in advance. Other perks from the Avis and Budget brands include an upgrade on a booking for a compact through full-size car, based on availability, and you can add an additional driver at no cost. A few cruise lines and tour companies offer AARP cruise deals on every sailing.
AARP Travel Center has offers from 4 major river cruise lines
To avoid this — without skimping on the joy of travel cuisine — Luna suggests hitting the grocery for small meals and snacks. “If we’re staying somewhere multiple days in a row, the grocery store will be our first stop. We stock up on yogurt, fruit, other breakfast items, coffee and beverages,” Luna says. This way, you can save by having lunches at home, then splurge on restaurants for dinner.
Up to $100 Onboard Credit on Select Cruises
“Any opportunity to use your miles to keep cash in your pocket is a good redemption,” he says. “I often see people who are new to the world of loyalty programs, points and miles, and they’re afflicted with analysis paralysis.” Instead of using their perks, they sit on them — but doing so could be costing you. “Points and miles are terrible long-term investments; they only lose value over time,” Ewen says.
(Note that while there’s not a set fee for this tour, you should pay or tip what you think is appropriate.) Additionally, consider alternative tours that won’t break the bank but will help you authentically experience the culture. “These are experiences run by locals who are an expert in one area,” she says. “We learned to play Japanese card games in Nara, Japan, and dyed silk scarves in a marbled pattern in Florence, Italy.” Other locally led options include Tours by Locals and With Locals. That’s why Holden recommends going into your trip armed with connectivity options. For example, apps like WhatsApp, Viber and Signal will help you text or call via Wi-Fi. “Internationally, many businesses will have an option to contact them via WhatsApp,” says Holden.
Card Issuer
AARP members traveling to Europe for a sailing can get a discount of $200 on British Airways business class flights, and $65 for economy, as long as they're flying round trip to and from the same destination. The organization also offers a wide range of discounts with hotel chains, which can help with lodging before or after a cruise. While there's no simple way to see all the current discounts, once you start searching, the booking engine does a good job showing which trips have promotions. Keep in mind, cruise prices and specials aren't necessarily more generous than what you can find elsewhere.
AARP Tips and Deals For Travel - Kiplinger's Personal Finance
AARP Tips and Deals For Travel.
Posted: Sat, 04 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
In some cases, you will need to show your membership card at check-in at the hotel. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Inventory varies, but every few weeks you can usually find $100 and $500 Carnival cards at a 10 percent discount. Usually there's a posting on Cruise Critic's Carnival discussion board noting the availability. You can use these cards to buy a cruise or for expenses on board.
“In some countries it even includes detailed instructions on which [station] exit to use.” To help with comparison, Google Maps will often provide an estimate of what a rideshare price would be for the same trip. Other public transit map options to consider include Moovit and Transit. Additionally, in places with robust train infrastructure, like Europe, you can save (and reduce your carbon emissions) by opting to train between destinations instead of flying.
AARP provides access to 200-plus benefits, according to the company. While most are available to any member, products that are age-restricted by vendors, such as certain insurance products, are only available to members who are at least 50 years old. At some point during the booking process, you may be asked for your AARP membership number.
Take your pick from hundreds of good-for-you activities like health quizzes and savings tools to help you prepare for your life ahead. Cruises can be purchased online or by phone through Holland America, or via a travel agency. With similar pricing, it probably depends on whether the onboard credit is a better bonus than perks offered elsewhere. Three escorted and guided tour companies — Collette, Grand European Travel and Vacations By Rail — also offer discounts to AARP members. With the offer, you can collect British Airways Executive Club Avios based on the fare booked.
See more Alaska glaciers with us than with other cruise lines, enjoy more time in iconic European cities, and behold Canada & New England’s picturesque ports. The AARP Travel Center also allows you to search and compare river cruises by searching the destination "Europe" and a specific date range. That seemed like a terrific deal, but when I checked Oceania's website, I found the same price with all the included bonuses. The only difference was the "up to $100" onboard credit available with AARP membership. In this case, the credit was the full $100 because the cruise fare was more than $2,000. More than a decade later I'm still not retired, but this assignment gave me an excuse to finally join AARP.
Because Guess Where Trips’ and One California Day’s “itineraries to go” don’t include bookings, travelers can use them whenever it suits them. The cost varies — from $30 for a road trip itinerary to tens of thousands of dollars for a multi-week, survival-type adventure overseas. Most trips don’t include food unless they’re billed as all-inclusive. At least 15 web-based companies offer mystery travel packages either in the U.S. or internationally.
AARP members also save 10% on stays with budget brands Motel 6 and Red Roof Inn. However, most AARP cruise discounts are tied to specific sailings. They must be booked through the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia.
For more adventure, some companies offer mystery mixed with physical challenges similar to The Amazing Race television show. One California Day provides day trip itineraries in that state mapped with four surprise stops. Booking can be completed online or by phone through Grand European Travel. Find AARP offices in your State and News, Events and Programs affecting retirement, health care and more. You'll leave AARP.org and go to the website of a trusted provider. AARP membership runs $16 per year, with price breaks for a multiyear commitment.
Featured cruise companies include Princess Cruises and Holland America Line. The AARP cruise promotions are limited, with deals offered only on certain trips. The company also reduces trip deposits required from AARP members.
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