What AARP's Travel Center is and how to use it
AARP's Travel Center, powered by Expedia, is a booking website where AARP members can search and reserve hotels, flights, rental cars, and vacation packages. You access it through AARP.com — there is no separate login or membership verification beyond your existing AARP account. The site shows the same inventory as regular Expedia, but AARP members often see discounted rates on hotels and some car rentals that non-members do not.
The discounts are not automatic. You must book through the AARP Travel Center link to receive them. If you book the same hotel on Expedia's main site or directly with the hotel, you will not get the AARP rate. The discount amount varies by property, location, and travel dates — some hotels offer 10 percent off, others offer less, and some offer none at all.
You do not need to enter a discount code or provide proof of AARP membership at checkout. The system recognizes you as an AARP member through your logged-in account and applies the discount automatically if one is available for that property on those dates.
Key Takeaways
- AARP members access the Travel Center through AARP.com and see discounted hotel rates that are not available to non-members booking on regular Expedia.
- The discount applies only when you book through the AARP Travel Center link — booking the same hotel elsewhere will not include the AARP rate.
- Discounts vary by hotel, location, and dates; some properties offer significant savings while others offer little or none.
- You do not need to enter a code or verify membership — the system applies discounts automatically if available for your search.
- The Travel Center also books flights, rental cars, and vacation packages, though AARP discounts on these are less common than on hotels.
How to find the AARP Travel Center
Log into your AARP account on AARP.com. Look for the "Travel" section in the main navigation menu or search for "Travel Center" in the site search box. Click the link to the Travel Center powered by Expedia. You will be taken to a booking page that looks similar to Expedia's main site but is branded with AARP messaging.
If you do not have an AARP account, you will need to create one first. You must be 50 or older to join AARP, and membership costs $16 per year for a single membership or $27 per year for a household membership. Once your account is active, you can access the Travel Center when ready.
You can also reach the Travel Center by going directly to the Expedia URL that AARP provides, but logging in through AARP.com first ensures your membership status is recognized.
What discounts look like and when they appear
When you search for a hotel on the AARP Travel Center, the results page shows the nightly rate. If an AARP discount is available, it will be labeled as such — you may see language like "AARP Member Rate" or a percentage off the standard price. The discount is already factored into the price shown; you do not calculate it yourself.
Not every hotel on every date will have an AARP discount. Discounts depend on the hotel's agreement with Expedia and AARP, the time of year, how far in advance you book, and how full the hotel is. A five-star resort in a popular destination during peak season may have no AARP discount, while a mid-range hotel in an off-season period may offer 15 to 20 percent off.
The best way to see what is available is to search your destination and dates. Compare the AARP Travel Center price to what you see on the hotel's own website or on other booking sites. If the AARP rate is lower, book through the Travel Center. If it is the same or higher, you may find a better deal elsewhere.
Booking flights, cars, and packages through the Travel Center
The AARP Travel Center also lets you book flights and rental cars alongside your hotel. You can search for flights the same way you would on any booking site — enter your departure and arrival cities, dates, and number of passengers. Rental car searches work the same way: location, pickup date, return date, and car type.
AARP discounts on flights and rental cars are less common than on hotels. Some rental car companies offer small discounts to AARP members, but you may find better rates by booking directly with the airline or car rental company, especially if you have a loyalty account with them. Always compare prices across sites before booking.
The Travel Center also offers vacation packages that bundle hotel, flight, and sometimes activities or tours. These packages may include AARP discounts on the hotel portion, but again, compare the total package price to booking each component separately.
How payment and cancellation work
Payment on the AARP Travel Center works the same as on regular Expedia. You enter your credit card or other payment method at checkout, and the charge appears on your statement under Expedia. You do not pay AARP directly for travel bookings.
Cancellation policies depend on the specific hotel, flight, or car rental you book. Most hotels on Expedia offer a free cancellation window — often up to 24 or 48 hours before your arrival date — but some charge a penalty if you cancel within that window. The cancellation policy is shown before you complete your booking, so read it carefully. The same applies to flights and rental cars: policies vary by provider and fare type.
If you need to cancel or modify your booking, you can do so through your Expedia account (which is linked to your AARP login) or by contacting Expedia customer service. AARP does not handle cancellations or refunds for Travel Center bookings.
Comparing AARP Travel Center rates to other booking sites
The AARP Travel Center is one option, but it is not always the cheapest. Before you book, spend five minutes checking the hotel's own website, Google Hotels, Booking.com, and Hotels.com. Enter the same dates and location on each site and note the prices. Sometimes a hotel's direct website offers a rate match may provide or a loyalty discount that beats the AARP rate.
For flights, compare the AARP Travel Center to Google Flights, Kayak, and the airline's own website. For rental cars, check AutoSlash, Kayak, and the rental company's site directly. The AARP discount is valuable when it is available, but it is not a may provide of the lowest price.
One advantage of booking through the AARP Travel Center is that your reservation is managed through Expedia, which has a large customer service operation. If something goes wrong with your booking, Expedia can often help resolve it faster than a smaller booking site.
Travel insurance and other protections
Expedia offers optional travel insurance at checkout — this covers trip cancellation, trip delay, baggage loss, and emergency medical expenses. The cost varies based on your total trip cost and the coverage level you choose. Travel insurance is not included in the AARP discount; you pay extra if you want it.
Whether to buy travel insurance depends on your situation. If you are booking a short, inexpensive trip and can afford to lose the money if something goes wrong, you may not need it. If you are booking an expensive international trip or traveling during flu season or hurricane season, insurance may be worth the cost. Read the policy details before you buy to understand what is and is not covered.
Your credit card may also offer travel protections — some cards cover trip cancellation or provide emergency information abroad. Check your card's benefits before buying Expedia's insurance to avoid paying for duplicate coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be an AARP member to use the Travel Center?
Yes. You must have an active AARP membership and be logged into your AARP account to access the Travel Center and see AARP member rates. Non-members can book through regular Expedia, but they will not see the discounted rates.
Can I use my AARP Travel Center booking if I travel with someone who is not an AARP member?
Yes. The AARP discount applies to the hotel room or flight you book, not to the people in it. If you book a hotel room at the AARP rate, anyone can stay in that room with you. The same applies to rental cars and flights.
What if I find a lower price on another website after I book?
Expedia offers a price match may provide on some bookings — if you find a lower rate for the same hotel on another site within 24 hours of booking, Expedia may refund the difference. Check the terms of your specific booking or contact Expedia customer service to ask whether your reservation qualifies.
Are there any hidden fees or extra charges when I book through the AARP Travel Center?
No. The price shown at checkout is the price you pay, minus any optional add-ons like travel insurance or resort fees (which are set by the hotel, not Expedia). Expedia does not charge booking fees on top of the room rate.
Can I earn airline miles or hotel loyalty points when I book through the AARP Travel Center?
Yes, in most cases. If you are a member of a hotel loyalty program or airline frequent flyer program, you can usually enter your account number during checkout and earn points or miles on your booking. The AARP discount and your loyalty rewards are separate — you get both.