5 travel discounts that can save you money
Editor's Note
As travel continues to get more expensive, our core goal at TPG remains the same: to introduce our readers to all the ways they can save money while traveling.
Our bread and butter is leading you to the right credit cards to maximize points and miles savings. However, we also love providing you with travel discounts — including some you may not have even realized you were eligible for.
AAA and AARP rates
Both AAA and AARP offer discounts at various travel companies, including popular hotel chains and rental car companies.
With varying discounts (5%-10%) available on standard nightly rates, be sure to indicate you are a member when searching for a hotel to reserve these special rates. Note that you have to book directly with the hotel to take advantage of these rates. Participating hotel brands include Hyatt, Hilton, IHG and Marriott.
In addition to a discounted rate, memberships may offer additional benefits, such as free parking.
Membership can also help you save on car rentals, up to 20% for AAA and 30% for AARP. Additionally, AAA Northeast members are eligible for preferred rates at Dollar, Hertz and Thrifty; they can also get the under-25 rental car fee waived at Hertz and get free car seats at some locations.
As with the hotel rates, discounted car rates vary based on location and when you rent.
For all AAA car rental discounts, see AAA's website.
Government and military rates
If you are a government employee (at the national, state or local level) or work for any other public employer (such as a school district or transportation agency), you may be eligible for government rates.
Like AAA and AARP rates, you can book government and military rates on the hotel site directly as a special rate. Federal government rates differ from state government rates and are set to a per diem the federal government selects, which you can view on the General Services Administration website.
Additionally, you might find military rates. On both the state and federal government rates, travel orders are required. Eligibility for the military rate is also outlined.
Per diem rates also vary among hotels. For example, a quick search of Hilton properties available in mid-March in Washington, D.C., yielded government and military rates starting at $258 per night.
Expect to present your federal government ID to get the government rate, and also know that some hotels require you to be traveling on business to reserve the government rate.
Government and military rates can be a great way to save on hotels, but you need to fully understand the terms before making your reservation. You don't want to be in a place where you cannot provide proper documentation when checking in to a hotel; this could void your reservation or could result in you paying the walk-up rate for your room.
Military rates are also available on most cruise lines, and you can use your military status for discounts at theme parks.
Check for resident rates
If you are taking a staycation, check for resident rates in your city or state.
For example, The Laylow, Autograph Collection in Honolulu offers a discounted rate to those with a valid Hawaiian ID, up to approximately 25% off the standard rate. This also includes a $20 valet parking discount.
Corporate rates
Your employer — especially if it's a Fortune 500 company — might offer travel discounts for its employees. This includes bookings with hotels, rental car companies and airlines.
Check your company's travel portal or benefits page for more information.
University rates
Many universities also offer discounts to students, alumni and their families, so consider reviewing your university's travel page to see if there are any discounts you can leverage.
For example, DePaul University offers preferred rates at a handful of Chicago hotels, like the Hyatt Place Chicago/Wicker Park. DePaul alumni, faculty, parents, retirees, staff members and students get up to 20% off the standard rate.
Only use corporate and education discount codes if you're eligible for them. Otherwise, as with government rates, you could be on the hook for a much larger travel bill if you can't produce proof of eligibility.
Bottom line
There are many ways to save on your trip using published discount policies. It's always worth the extra few moments to check other rate options when booking a hotel and renting a car. Depending on your employer, your school or the associations you belong to, you could save a fair amount on your next hotel stay.
Just be sure to follow the rules of these travel discounts, as the consequences of rate fraud can be severe.
Related reading:
- Valuable travel discounts and deals for college students and young adults
- How to use your AARP discount on travel
- Is AAA membership worth it?
- Best all-inclusive resorts for teens for spring break trips, family vacations and more
- Enjoy free national park visits — here's how to save
- How to save on cruises with AARP Travel
- The best military travel discounts and perks for service members
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