(BPT) - One of the most beautiful aspects of growing older is how gracefully we navigate the changing roles that accompany each new phase of life. An exciting phase that brings an abundance of joy - and can also require some pro tips and preparation - is grandparenthood.

"As a new chapter of your family story begins, there are a lot of things to keep in mind as a grandparent," said Elvira Christiansen, Director of Retail & Loyalty for AARP Services. "AARP member benefits can help you every step of the way, from saving money on the visit to meet your grandchildren to sending thoughtful gifts to let your family know you're thinking of them."

Below are five easy ways an AARP membership can help you save money as you enter your grandparent era.

Finding Steals, Avoiding Travel Ordeals

If the newest member of your family has just arrived and you have to travel to meet them, AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia can help AARP members save on flights and car rentals. Expedia vacation packages can make the booking process easier, and you get a $50 gift card of your choice when you book any flight package. For car rentals, members save up to 30% on car rentals from Avis, Budget and Payless.

If you prefer to take the scenic route and drive for your visit, make sure you're prepared for any hiccups you may encounter along the way. AARP members save up to 20% on annual membership fees for Allstate Roadside plans, including Roadside Advantage, Roadside Assist and Roadside Elite, including access to assistance for towing, jump-starts, tire changes, lockout assistance, fuel delivery and more.

If you're lucky enough to live close by, then helping with carpools, running errands or taking the kids out are a few ways you can give your adult children a deserved break. Before you head out, fuel up at Shell and link your Fuel Rewards^® account to your AARP membership to start enjoying Complimentary Gold Status, which saves at least 5¢ off per gallon at participating Shell stations. If you're new to the Fuel Rewards^® program, you can also receive a one-time savings of 50¢/gallon on your first fill-up (up to 20 gallons).

Moving Made Easy

A recent survey from the National Association of Realtors shows that 25% of Baby Boomers now explicitly plan their retirement location based on the proximity of their children or grandchildren.

"It's become quite popular for people to re-locate to where their children and grandchildren live, which allows them to spend more time with their family and stay active with the next generation," said Christiansen. "Because major moves can be expensive, reviewing and utilizing available discounts through your membership with AARP can be critical to a fixed income."

Vehicles happen to be one of the necessary items you need to bring with you when you move and can be a hassle when you're planning relocation logistics. With Montway Auto Transport, AARP members save $100 off car shipping over 500 miles and $50 on car shipping up to 500 miles. Montway offers free quotes, door-to-door service, guaranteed pickup dates, and a TruePrice Guarantee that locks in your booked price for 30 days.

A Full Plate, Not an Empty Wallet

The last thing a new parent wants to worry about is making dinner, which is why one of the best ways to help a growing family is by providing meals. Take the cooking off their plate (and yours) by ordering easy and appetizing meals from a variety of restaurants using your AARP member benefits.

In the mood for something quick and comforting? AARP members save 15% at Denny's - including diner classics and breakfast items. Hankering for a classic steak dinner and a bloomin' onion? AARP members save 10% at Outback Steakhouse on food and nonalcoholic beverages.

Meaningful Giving, Mindful Spending

Holiday and birthday treats or care packages when you can't be with your grandkids is a sweet way to show them you are thinking of them. Whether you're sending them a surprise for St. Patrick's Day or chocolate for their Easter baskets, you can't go wrong with FTD. AARP members automatically save 25% sitewide or 30% off select items with promo code AARP30. In addition, you can get $15 off an FTD Plus membership which includes free delivery for one year. FTD offers fresh floral bouquets, plants for every occasion and a wide assortment of gifts. No minimum purchase amount is required. Same-day delivery is available in most areas.

Staying Healthy Physically and Financially

Prioritizing your own health isn't just an act of love; it's an important step that can help you thrive in your later years so you can spend as much time with your grandchildren as possible. Taking advantage of AARP member benefits can help make it even easier.

As hearing loss tends to happen gradually, you can explore hearing care options to check your hearing. AARP members can access savings on hearing aids and hearing care with AARP^® Hearing Solutions™ provided by UnitedHealthcare^® Hearing. Members may save up to 50% on prescription hearing aids and up to $200 off over-the-counter hearing aids. Members can also receive a hearing exam and consultation at no cost, as well as personalized support through a large nationwide network of hearing providers.

Members can also save on routine vision care. Learn more about vision insurance options, as part of your AARP member benefits, with plans that offer a large, nationwide network of eye doctors, generous allowance for glasses or contacts, savings on lens enhancements (like progressives and anti-reflective coatings) and more.

If you need new glasses or lenses, AARP members can receive exclusive savings through Visionworks. Discounts include $200 off a complete pair of glasses when you buy single vision lenses or $250 off with multifocal lenses.

Many people also don't realize how important it is to prioritize dental health. Problems that start in the mouth can lead to more complicated health issues and impact overall health. To help keep your teeth in check, explore information on dental insurance options for AARP members that offer access to individual or family coverage for the most common dental procedures, with the option to enroll at any time during the year. Dental insurance encourages and generally pays for regular check-ups, so many people who purchase protection start to benefit immediately.

To learn more about the benefits and discounts for AARP members, please visit aarp.org/save.

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AARP and its affiliates are not insurers, agents, brokers or producers. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.