I read some of the old threads on AARP and if the discount is worth getting the membership - I recently turned 50
I would only use it for travel if it saves me money. Any thoughts?

I recently renewed my 3 year membership for $33.

So that comes to $11 per year.

I have saved fifty bucks or more on one hotel stay thru AARP discount.

If you belong the AAA, the hotel discounts are about the same.

They actually send out a really good magazine and a newsletter.

Donna, when a hotel offeres a non-refundable reservation, you can get the same price with AARP, but refundable up to 48 hours. Worked for me!

Plan the next travel, and if you see a saving with AARP as opposed to the best internet rates, get AARP membership on the internet, it's fast.

I agree with LindainOhio - AAA has about the same discounts (and I love the trip tickets and guide books)as AARP without the liberal agenda. I joined AARP too when I turned 50 but will not renew due to my distaste of their liberal propoganda which seems to fill all of their publications - and which they use their money (our dues) to support.

I usually use my AAA discount, but I have found from time to time that an AARP discount is available when an AAA discount is not.

Membership in AARP is a mixed bag--the organization has some conflicts of interest, and, as noted above, some disagree with its philosophy and politics.

However, there is no more forceful voice speaking on behalf of the elderly.

I've had better luck with my AARP discount than CAA (same as AAA). I've gotten some good discounts at hotels. It's so cheap that it only takes a couple of uses to make the money back. Anything after that is gravy.

SOmetimes AAA is better, sometimes AARP -- I use either one, check both.

As HKP said, sometimes AAA discount is better, sometimes AARP is better. I always check both. Sometimes one is available, and the other isn't.

I agree that the AARP hotel discounts are available quite often when AAA discounts are not. Especially ICHotels.

When we purchased a new vehicle in 2005, our saleswomen called to inquire if DH had AARP. He did not. If he joined, she did the paperwork, we would save an additional $500 on the price of the vehicle. Needless to say, he joined and we are light years ahead on the dues.

This is very helpful. I do not belong to AAA, I have a very strong liberal agenda, and my Mom is old (even if I am not), so I will go for it. Thanks everyone!

I use my AARP discount for a good rate with AVIS (and I prefer AVIS to other places like Dollar who nickle-dime you to death and don't end up much different than Avis). I like some of the articles in the publications, while others I just skip over. Their magazine seems to target the 50+ crowd the past few years, but topics like social security, retirement and health issues are always relevant. Yes, I get mailings from AARP for insurance and contributions, but I'm sure many people can benefit from those ...
I renew every 3 years. You could try it for one year.