AARP Membership: Why You Should Get One And All The Ways It Can Help You Can Save

Truth be told, if you ask most people what AARP is, it’s unlikely they’ll have a clear answer or have much knowledge past it being a program for senior citizens. While that much is true, there’s actually no age requirement to join. In fact, AARP offers its members a plethora of discounts that can be enjoyed by all ages — and its particularly great for AARP members who like to travel. If you’ve never considered joining AARP, it’s likely because you were unaware of just how much savings are available. After learning about all the AARP discounts and savings that are hiding in plain sight, it’s safe to say you’ll want to become their newest member.

The American Association of Retired Persons, or AARP, is an interest based group formed to empower Americans over the age of 50. The AARP is known for sending out communications to members through magazine and bulletins, which serves to keep members informed and empowered about current events and special interest topics. While AARP is founded for the interest of those over 50 years of age, there is currently no age requirement to join AARP and enjoy some of the same benefits. This being said, there are several benefits, such as insurance, that are age restricted.

Signing up to become an AARP member is very easy. Joining AARP typically costs $16, however there is currently a special bringing the price of an annual membership down to just $12. Prospective members can join online here. Once you’ve completed your membership registration, you’ll receive your physical AARP membership card that you can present for discounts at partnering locations.

AARP offers an array of beneficial services and discounts to members. From travel expenses and trip planning assistance to health and wellness discounts, AARP has a lot to offer its members. Here are a few of the major benefits of joining the organization.

If there’s no other reason to join AARP, it’s for the numerous travel discounts. From car rentals to cruise lines and hotel savings, members can enjoy reduced prices for every aspect of their trip, plus, they'll have access to free travel materials like guides and itineraries.

Here are a few featured AARP car rental discounts:

• Avis - members save up to 30% off base prices plus free upgrades, and you can add additional drivers at no extra cost
• Budget - members save up to 30% off base prices plus free upgrades and you can add additional drivers at no extra cost
• Budget Truck Rentals - members can save between 10-20% on local one-way rentals
• Zipcar Car Sharing - members can save up to 43% on the price of annual membership plus receive $40 in credit

AARP members receive discounts at some of the most popular hotels around the world. Here are a few of the places that feature discounted rates and exclusive promotions to members:

• AmericInn by Wyndham
• Ascend Hotel Collection
• Avid Hotels
• Best Western Hotels & Resorts
• BW Premier Collection by Best Western
• Cambria Hotels
• Candlewood Sweets
• Canopy by Hilton
• Clairon
• Comfort Inn
• Conrad Hotels & Resorts
• Days Inn
• DoubleTree by Hilton
• Econo Lodge
• Embassy Suites
• Hampton by Hilton
• Hilton Hotels & Resorts
• Hilton Garden Inn
• Holiday Inn
• Howard Johnson
• Home2Suites by Hilton
• IHG Hotels & Resorts
• La Quinta Hotels
• MainStay Suites
• Radisson Hotels
• Waldorf Astoria hotels

To see a full list of hotels and resort accommodations, plus a break down of individual discounts, click here.

Another major benefit offered to AARP members are health and wellness discounts and savings opportunities. Featuring popular pharmacy and wellness retailers like CVS and Walgreens, it’s likely you could be saving the next time you pick up a prescription or grab allergy medicine.

Here are some of the health and wellness retailers partnered with AARP that offer discounts and savings:

• CVS Pharmacy
• Walgreens
• Walgreens Pharmacy
• Walmart
• Walmart Pharmacy
• LensCrafters
• HearUSA Hearing Shop
• Kroger Co. Pharmacy
• CareLinx In-Home Care
• WW (formally Weight Watchers)
• Target Optical

To view a complete list of health and wellness discounts available upon joining, click here.