(BPT) - The arrival of spring brings excitement and anticipation for the many milestone celebrations that will take place. And, it's not just the annual Mother's and Father's Day, but high school and college graduations, weddings and seasonal gatherings such as Memorial Day barbecues and summer pool parties. Whether hosting a gathering, visiting a new destination or heading out for a celebratory night on the town, curating a memorable experience for family and friends also means making an investment in what kind of celebration best suits you and your guests.
For AARP members, a wide range of benefits and discounts can help make planning a celebration easy while also staying affordable. Here are some tips and tricks on ways to save for this season of celebrations.
1. Plan an Affordable Trip
Witnessing life's biggest milestones in person sometimes requires getting there by plane, car or rail. Luckily, planning a celebratory family vacation or a solo trip to a destination wedding or college graduation is a breeze with AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia, a one-stop shop where you can book flights, hotels, rental cars and more. AARP members can also earn a $50 gift card of their choice when they book any flight vacation package, which can be redeemed at popular retailers like Amazon, Starbucks and others.
'Recent research from AARP's Travel Trends studies shows that multigenerational trips are almost at pre-pandemic levels, and folks are booking a range of different types of travel from weekend beach trips to big international adventures,' said AARP Director of Travel Matthew Phillips. 'Tapping into membership benefits can help you save when looking to book for a larger group.'
For road trips, rental cars are a great option when you want to save mileage on your personal car, or just need a bigger vehicle to fit the whole family. AARP members can take advantage of up to 30% off base rates with Avis and Budget and a 3% credit to use on other rentals within 12 months. Plus, you get an upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings (based on availability), and an additional driver at no cost and more. Driving one-way from the Southeast to Northeast? For a limited time, you can also enjoy great deals on daily and weekly rates with Budget!
Finding appropriate accommodations that suit your needs is just as important as choosing the destination and booking transportation. AARP members can save 10% or more off their stay by booking accommodations from one of the many IHG Hotels & Resorts, including Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express locations worldwide. Reservations can be booked online or by phone through IHG Hotels & Resorts.
2. Reserve Your Night Out to Celebrate
A foolproof way to make someone feel appreciated on their special day is dining out. When looking to take guests out to celebrate a special occasion, it's important to consider options that are both affordable and ones that appeal to your whole entourage. AARP members can save 10% off your check when you present your AARP membership card when dining on a Bloomin' Onion® or Bang Bang Shrimp® at all Outback Steakhouse® and Bonefish Grill locations. The discount is also available for curbside carry-out at select locations. With these deals, you can splurge on good eats without draining your wallet.
3. Entertain Your Entourage
Music, comedy and sporting events have an extraordinary way of bringing multiple generations together to create a core memory. Check out what Ticketmaster has to offer in your area and enjoy a perfectly entertaining day or night out on the town. AARP members can take advantage of discounts when purchasing tickets to select events through the platform. Offers include 2-for-1 tickets, 4-packs, and events with select tickets under $40 so you can save the most when planning an event for a group of friends or a family show.
4. Keep It Low-Key with a Gathering at Home
They say home is where the heart is - and sometimes all you want is to celebrate and show your appreciation for others where you are most comfortable. Whether you are hosting a party or attending one, AARP members can save both time and money by purchasing supplies or hostess gifts such as flowers, gourmet foods, gift baskets and more all through FTD, with 25% off each listed category and 30% off additional select items using promo code AARP30.
No matter what you're planning, don't forget to optimize your celebratory experiences by taking advantage of the benefits and savings available to AARP members. Learn more by visiting aarp.org/save.
