They've tried several times to recruit me since I turned 50 last year. Questions for your over 50 fodorites- are the travel (and other) disocunts worth the membership? Most of the hotels I book also have AAA rates which are usually the same as AARP. Am I missing something on the travel perks w/AARP?
Thanks in advance.
"over the hill but still climbing, emd"

The dues are $12.50 a year. The discounts on travel perks have paid off for me since I don't use AAA. The monthly magazine is excellent. For me it was worth it.
I love your closing line....
Still Climbing in Pinnacle

This is not your parents AARP. The publications are more than worth the membership fee. IMO, it is geared more toward people in their 50's.

I get some great deals online from AARP, but haven't used them yet.

DH joined AARP last year when our car saleswoman pointed out a $500 discount for the vehicle we were purchasing. She even did all the paperwork for us. We haven't used the travel discounts yet because of AAA.

It's worth the money. I booked several several hotels through them on a trip from Virginia to San Diego and back. In some cases when I told them I found prices lower elsewhere, they offered prices less than the competition. Their discount percentage varies with the different chains.

I find that they have good car rental prices.

They also have terrific advice for 50+ on all aspects of your life at this stage.

And they have other good discounts as well. Check out their site www.aarp.org

Hope this helps...
Debi

Very often AARP's hotel rates are better than AAA. Sometimes a hotel doesn't has AAA rates but AARP rates are still available or could be the other way around. So having both has benefits too.

I refuse to join AARP because it has become little more than a PAC (Political Action Committee). The other benefits can be obtained elsewhere without the politics.

Curious

I agree with you, Curious.

I was recently disturbed when they came out against reforming the current Social Security welfare program, saying that investing 2% of your payroll taxes into the market was too risky, even though it was a voluntary program. Now, they are selling mutual funds to their seniors. Such blatant hypocricy.

Definately worth it. The magazone and newsletter are worth it alone. And regarding travel discounts, we have AAA and some chains like Motel6 only give AARP discounts, not AAA.

I joined AARP because of their politics. Glad to see them protecting us from the Bush administration.

But the discounts on travel have been a big help. I'm 52, so without the AARP I wouldn't qualify for the senior discount at motels or car rentals. I often save about 10%.

I also used the AARP discount when I had an eye exam and bought glasses earlier this year. The savings on that alone, would cover several years of membership fees.

Keith

It was a better travel benefit when I was under 65, but I remain a member to support lobbying AARP does.

Yes. Our savings on motels alone more than make up for the annual dues.

AARP also gives a discount on AOL membership which is worth more than the membership fee.

Thanks for that info, Judy! I've been an AARP member for three years now but didn't know about the AOL discount.

One of the major reasons I joined is because I like the PAC aspect. I'm glad to support an organization that's watching out for us.

But we've taken advantage of the hotel discounts many times. Because we're not AAA members, the AARP discount has been a big help.

The higher option AARP motoring plan is better and cheaper than AAA.

Wish I could get an AARP membership (I'm only 41). Everyone gets old and they need a nice powerful lobby to keep the elderly special interests in mind.

What's the higher option motoring plan?

We only used AARP hotel/motel discounts occasionally because we have also have AAA and generally the discounts are the same.

Their magazine offers great feature articles and useful advice, and I do appreciate their politics and their work on our behalf. Those are the main reasons that I have maintain my membership all of the years.

Nina

Curious and Budman,
Good for you!

emd,
Do you really want to join an organization of people who lobby for a policy that harms their grandkids just to allay their own irrational fears? Tell them your not that selfish.