As I prepare to head out on a solo trip this week, I am flipping through the cards in my wallet, refreshing my memory about organizations I belong to that will help me to cut travel costs with memberships I already use at home.
I'd be willing to bet that you have some memberships that could be of benefit to you on the road as well.
Membership in organizations like AAA or CAA or the National Parks present obvious opportunities for savings both at home and while traveling. But there are less common ones as well. In many cases, independent organizations have teamed up to offer reciprocal admission and other benefits for their members.
The memberships you purchased to enjoy at home–or that you've forgotten you have–just may have great value as you travel as well. They can save you money, lead you to interesting things to do in a new destination, and they might even connect you with locals.
Membership Benefits to Help Cut Travel Costs on the Road
Advocacy Organizations
Associations for Retired Individuals. While created to advocate for people over the age of 50, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) have no age requirements attached to membership. For about $20 a year, in addition to all of the other benefits you may have joined for, your membership will help you cut travel costs with discounts on car rentals, hotel accommodation, tours, airport parking, and more. While researching this post, I joined myself!
Business and Professional Memberships
Employer or Professional Association Perk Programs. Many employers or professional membership associations have benefit programs that include discounts on hotels, car rentals, theater tickets, attractions, sports games, day tours, and more. Most people forget they even have this perk, or think it's only for local attractions and don't realize they can take these membership benefits on the road. Check with your employer or association to see if there's something for you.
Business Networking Groups. Business Network International (BNI) is an international organization of networking groups for entrepreneurs and small business owners. If you’re a member of one, why not drop into a meeting, meet some locals, do a little business on your trip, and possibly write some of it off.
Save on Travel with Wholesale Club Memberships
Stores. Do you have a Costco card in your wallet? When was the last time you looked at your benefits, beyond saving on gorceries and housewares? You could save on car rentals, theater tickets, attractions, hotel accommodations, and more.
Sports and Hobby Memberships
Gyms. Do you belong to a gym at home? Some large chains have hundreds of locations in different cities. They have may have pools or spas as well as classes you can join when you're in the area. If you're on a road trip or camping, you can stop in for a hot shower. After a long day of sightseeing, maybe a little stretching, a swim, or a soak in the hot tub will hit the spot, especially if you've opted for budget accommodation that doesn't provide much in the way of amenities.
Science Centers. The Association of Science and Technology Centers. Become a member of one and your membership will likely include free general admission to centers in 13 different countries through their ASTC Travel Passport Program.
Ski Clubs. Reciprocal member benefits usually apply to the private ski clubs. Resorts like Whistler just north of Vancouver don't offer memberships. They offer season passes and don't typically offer reciprocal arrangements unless they are virtually on the same mountain. Then your lift ticket could apply to both hills. However, if you're a member of a private ski club that membership could get you on the hill at other private ski clubs. Take a look at your benefit package.
Tennis, Boating and Golf Clubs. What better way to meet locals than participating in your favorite sport? As with ski clubs, the reciprocal benefits are through private clubs, not public ones which are typically pay-for-use, not membership based. Ask your club for a list of reciprocating clubs at your destination.
Arts, Culture, and Nature
Museums and Art Galleries. ROAM, Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums and MARP, Museum Alliance Reciprocal Program have lists of museums that offer reciprocal free admission to museum members. If you're a member at one of the museums or galleries on the list you can get free or discounted entry to any of the others. Some, like the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto and New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art require a higher level of membership for reciprocal benefits to kick in.
Gardens. Join the American Horticultural Society for $35/year and get free admission to over 360 gardens throughout North America, plus you get their magazine six times a year and discounted entrance fees to garden shows. Find gardens here. If you're planning to tour gardens on your trip, why not cut your travel costs with the membership you already have?
Hiking and Nature Centers. The Association of Nature Center Administrators has a list of more than 150 centers in the United States that offer free or discounted admission and program purchases to one another's members. If you're a member of a nature center you may want to look at the list.
Cut Travel Costs with Club Memberships
Service Clubs. I know a family who traveled the world and, in many places, used their Rotary Club membership to make local contacts and save some money. I can't pretend to know the ins and outs of this program but, according to their website the “ITHF (International Travel and Hosting Service) exists to promote and facilitate regional, national and international “connections” between its members. ITHF members travel to all different parts of the world and host members from all other parts. Members' lives are enriched by these connections and cross cultural exchanges.” If you're a member of a service group it's worth checking on the international benefits.
University Clubs. If you're a member of your Alma Mater university club you likely have access to clubs around the world with restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, and even golf clubs and guest rooms. The University Club of Toronto, for instance has been running since 1906 and is affiliated with over 300 other clubs around the world. Check the membership benefits of your Alma Mater society.
Here are more ways to save money when you travel solo:
