5 Little-Known Travel Discounts Available to AARP Members

Many people utilize paid memberships to save money on everyday expenses. Amazon Prime and Costco are some examples of paid memberships that can offer savings. But AARP is another membership that can help you save money -- and it's affordable to join. While many adults over 50 join AARP, anyone can pay to become a member.

Once you become a member, you can get entertainment, dining, shopping, and insurance deals. Members can also save money on travel costs. Whether you like road trips, international getaways, cruises, or domestic adventures, AARP travel discounts can probably help you keep more money in your bank account. I'll outline a few members-only travel deals below.

1. Save 10% or more on stays with IHG Hotels & Resorts

Need to book a hotel and don't want to overpay? AARP members can save 10% or more off the best available rate at over 6,000 IHG Hotels & Resorts properties worldwide. This discount is available when booking online or by phone with IHG Hotels & Resorts.

2. Get up to 35% off rental car rates with Budget

If you're planning an upcoming road trip, an AARP membership can help you save money on car rental expenses. Members can save up to 30% off base rates or up to 35% with Pay Now bookings. You can also get a free upgrade on compact through full-size car bookings, when available, and add an additional driver for no extra fee. These deals are available when making reservations online or by phone with Budget.

3. Get up to a $200 onboard credit with Holland America Line

Calling all cruise goers! Your AARP membership can unlock savings on your next cruise. When booking a cruise with Holland America Line, you can get up to $200 in onboard credit per stateroom. Total credit varies based on the length of the cruise and stateroom chosen. This deal is available to members when booking online or by phone with the cruise line.

4. Get a discount of up to $200 on select British Airways flights

Members can also save money on airfare costs. When booking flights on the British Airways website, AARP members can save $65 on World Traveller and World Traveller Plus fares and $200 off Club World fares when purchasing roundtrip transatlantic tickets.

5. Save 10% on hotel stays at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Here's another hotel discount you won't want to miss. When booking stays at eligible Wyndham Hotels & Resorts properties, you'll get 10% off the best available room rates. This deal is available to members who book online or by phone with the hotel chain.

Here's another way to save on travel expenses with AARP

The above travel discounts are only a sampling of deals available. Another way AARP members can spend less on travel is by booking reservations through the AARP Travel Center. You can easily book travel arrangements through this travel booking portal and take advantage of discounts that allow you to stretch your vacation budget further.

No matter how you book your travel arrangements, don't miss out on the opportunity to earn credit card rewards. By using a travel rewards credit card, you can earn points or miles and later redeem them for flights and hotel stays, making for more affordable vacations.

When using credit cards, make sure you only charge what you can afford so you don't get charged interest. Since credit card interest is high, credit card debt can quickly add up. You can avoid credit card interest charges by paying your entire credit card balance off every month.

Still unsure if it's worthwhile to join AARP? Check out these little-known perks of an AARP membership. It costs $16 per year to join, or $12 per year with auto-renew. Additional membership discounts are available if you sign up for a multi-year membership. Using the deals offered through AARP could be a major win for your personal finances.