Travel expert reveals major hack for getting discounts on flights and hotels

Can you join AARP at any age?

It’s a question younger people probably never thought they’d be asking. Now, a new viral TikTok has them realizing just how many discounts they could get by joining “early.”

That’s all thanks to TikTok-famous travel expert Zachary Abel (@zacharyburrabel). In a recent clip, Abel shared how he joined AARP in his 30s and has since saved thousands of dollars on flights and hotels.

It’s just the latest travel hack to go viral on TikTok. Lately, users have also shared their tips for avoiding “gross” in-flight beverages, booking five-star hotels and bringing “extra” carry-on items on a plane.

Abel, who recently spoke with In The Know about his biggest tips for saving money during the post-quarantine travel boom, has shared plenty of his own tips in the past. This one, however, seemed to really resonate.

“I wish they’d taught me that you don’t have to be over 50 to join AARP,” Abel says in his video. “Say what? I know! I would’ve saved so much money.”

@zacharyburrabel

##stitch with @holterman I eat deals for breakfast, lunch, and a very early bird 4pm dinner ##travel ##travelhacks ##traveldeals ##aarp

♬ original sound – zacharyburrabel

AARP describes itself as a nonprofit “dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older.” However, as Abel explains, you can actually join AARP at any age — and save plenty of cash in the process.

Abel says he became a member at age 34. Since then, he’s used his membership info to get discounts on flights, hotels, rental cars and more. In his clip, which now has more than 6 million views, he shares some of the biggest ways he’s saved.

For one, Abel points out that British Airways offers between $65 and $200 off on flights for AARP members. Additionally, there are several major restaurant chains that offer discounts of up to 25% off — including the now TikTok-famous Rainforest Cafe.

TikTok users were blown away by the advice, with many claiming they were rushing to sign up.

“Not me going to the AARP website at 28,” one user wrote.

“TikTok changes my life daily,” another added.

You can find a full list of AARP benefits and discounts on the group’s website.

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