The holidays and how we celebrate them are different for everyone. Many people 50+ are happily decorating trees, baking pies, and wrapping presents for their grandchildren. Others use the winter months for holiday travel. I’m a big fan of winter vacations because I love to experience holiday traditions, markets, and festivals outside my hometown. If you decide to travel during the winter season, making smart decisions will maximize your trip experience.
AARP has partnered with a list of companies its members can use for holiday travel. Below are a few of my favorites.
When you take time to plan your holiday travel it pays off
GoCollette offers AARP discounts on river cruises that include The Danube, Holland and Belgium tulip cruise, Christmas Markets, China, Egypt and more. Make sure to ask for your AARP discount when you book your cruise.
Going on a road trip? Save wear and tear on your car by renting one
Renting a car on a road trip, especially if you own an older car, is a good idea because there will be less chance of it breaking down. Two companies that AARP Members may want to choose are Budget-Rent-a-Car and Avis. And, remember, wintertime means you should be extra careful driving.
Budget-Rent-a-Car stands out because of its nationwide locations and is a top-rated company. If you’re at an airport, you can bet there will be a Budget-Rent-a-Car kiosk. AARP members receive exclusive rental car benefits and can save 10-25% on all vehicles (domestic and international) Your car rental includes a free upgrade for a Garmin GPS at $6.99/day and unlimited mileage on most rentals.
Avis is another top-rated car rental company. AARP members receive $10 off $100+. Rentals include a free upgrade to a Garmin GPS at $6.99/day and unlimited mileage for most rentals. Avis car rental locations can be found throughout the U.S. and all over the world. Loyal customers of Avis love their Rapid Return system because it takes less than a minute. Another plus is their Avis” Tripit Service. You can organize your trip all in one place using the Tripit app.
Zipcar is a car-sharing service and is an alternative if you prefer to drive rather than take a cab. It’s perfect for short jaunts in town. You can rent a Zipcar for a quick one-hour trip or as long as 7 hours.
We have a Zipcar sitting at our apartment complex and it’s so easy to use the service. The first thing you do is join Zipcar either for sporatic driving or on a monthly basis. (they have several plans depending on your needs) Once you reserve your car, you will be given a location to pick it up. Unlock the car using a Zipcard and the keys will be inside. When you’re done, return it to its parking place and lock it using the Zipcar mobile app. You can also use the app or text message to extend your time.
If you don’t own a car, and only need to drive occasionally, you’ll save bigtime using Zipcar because you can drive it on demand without worrying about a car payment, insurance, gas, license, taxes, maintenance, or parking. AARP members save 43% off on membership for Zipcar.
Sleep in comfort at an affordable or luxurious hotel
If you’re on a long road trip during the holidays you need a reliable place to sleep when you get tired. AARP Members can choose from a list of hotels that have multiple locations all over the U.S. and around the world. Here are some of my favorites for holiday travel lodging that you can find in almost any town or city.
Best Western Hotels – AARP members receive 10% off and earn 10% bonus points. I’ve stayed at many Best Western Hotels through the years and have always found them to be clean and comfy.
Choice Hotels – AARP members receive up to 10% off the best available rates. Hotels include Comfort Inn, Roadway, Clarion, Quality Inns and more.
Hilton– AARP members receive 5% off their room. Their brands include Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, Canopy, Curio, Doubletree, Tapestry, Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden, Hampton, Homewood Suites, Home2 Suites, Hilton Grand Vacations, and Tru.
Wyndham – AARP members receive 10% off the best available room rate. Their brands include La Quinta, Days Inn, Super 8, Trademark, Dolce, Ramada, Baymont, Tryp, Howard Johnson, Travelodge, Microtel, Hawthorn, Wingate, AmericInn, Wyndham Grand, Wyndham Garden, Dazzler, and Esplendor.
Radisson – Includes Radisson Red, and Radisson Blu – Members save 10% off the best available rate. Plus, when you join Radisson Rewards, you can earn Gold Elite status in as little as four stays.
If you’re driving where the wind takes you rather than making reservations in advance, I suggest you keep a list of AARP member hotels in your car for easy reference. That way, you’ll always be able to find a reliable place to stay.
To see all the AARP Member discounts click here.
For more senior discounts click here.
Do you enjoy holiday travel and where do you like to go? Please leave a comment below.
I took full command of our vacation this past summer and it was great. I think I found the right balance between planning and spontaneity. And we worked in how to vacation successfully with our daughter and her hubby. Next year we hope to add my step-daughter and her hubby and kids. I’ve used some of the companies you mention and been pleased with them. The AARP and/or AAA discounts are a must. I count on them.
So glad you are using your AARP and other discounts. Hey, why not? Sounds like your summer vacation was fabulous!
I LOVE the idea of renting a car to take road trip instead of using your own car. That’s brilliant.. Holiday travel does not have to be a hassle if you plan and prepare in advance. These are great holiday travel tips for anyone, but especially for 50-plussers!
Thanks, Darlene, Glad you agree. I have to get better at the planning part but the AARP perks certainly help.
When my friends and I take a road trip, we always rent a car! Great suggestion!
Great, Cathy! And it’s fun to try out new cars to see how they drive! LOL
I never took many road trips until my younger son went to college 700 miles away. What a good idea to rent a car rather than put the wear and mileage on our own.
It’s so worth it in the long run, especially when you are using your AARP Services benefits. That way you know you’ll have a car in working condition when you get back.
Good suggestion about renting a car for a road trip. I hadn’t thought of that. My dream is to visit the Christmas markets in Europe. I think it would be so magical. Thanks for some handy advice, Rebecca.