AARP-Expedia Travel Services

They have these kind of online package deals (hotel + car + flight or some combination of the three) on several sites, including airline websites, Expedia, etc. (so one does not have to be an AARP member to take advantage). In your case, that seems like a "win", assuming the flight itinerary is satisfactory. In other cases, these packages include rental cars and put people in hotels out in the hinterlands (where you need a car just to access the hotel) but end up being more of a pain in the end because you're stuck with a car for the entire trip, even in areas best served by train. Basically, they push a certain itinerary on you which I wouldn't pick on my own, and you're stuck with it. Several people have posted to this Forum with exactly this dilemma because they didn't realize the logistics weren't a good as they first appeared. So there are two sides to these online package deals. In all cases, "buyer beware", especially regarding the cancellation policies.

Now that travel agents are greatly diminished, these online travel agent services continue to survive and they explicitly target certain groups of people (retirees are a good group for them due to disposable income and time availability for travel). They are good deals when one reads the small print and everything works out. It sounds like you got a decent deal....just beware that you're in tourist-central (by the Spanish Steps) so noise may be an issue. I hope you have a great trip to Rome - one of my favorite cities!

One impressive part of your report is that you were able to select the plane seats you wanted. I often reject similar big-website discounts because of past disappointments over lack of control of things like seating. (Worst experiences, British Air.) In order to get those prices, you usually have to make concessions. I would also carefully check the "terms and conditions". But I can't imagine the AARP allowing them, for example, to change the named hotel you are confirmed in.

I was able to choose from airlines and there was a huge selection of hotels to choose from. We travel in Italy every year and are very familiar with Roma. Generally, we stay in a gorgeous b&b in the Esquilino section near the opera house on Via Viminale. The name of the b&b is Armonio Al' Opera and we highly recommend it. This time we wanted to stay in a different section of the city. The owner is Paolo and he is a great host. Additionally, one of my favorite restaurants is located downstairs from this property and it's La Matriciana.

Since we always fly on Delta and could choose our seats, so far, it seems legit. I'll report back after October.

Buon viaggio,

You are right Kaleuku ; search all options you will be surprised. The only problem is that you can't move around you are stuck with staying with one city when you book flight hotel deals on Expedia and the like

We paid 1420 for two on American from SFO to Venice for June 17. We bought these tickets back in September. We booked through Expedia as well. Killer deal

The flight hotel package we bought will not lock us into one place. We have a two night stay and then we head south for Matera and then Calabria, where my family comes from. If this package would have locked us into one place we wouldn't have purchased it.

Buon viaggio,

great more encouraging news but how old do you have to be for AARP

I believe it is 55 in the US. Just signed up and looking forward to what AARP can save me. I avoided signing up at 55 'cause I didn't want to acknowledge the age. I am now older and will take any discount I can find!!

I'm pretty sure the age limit is 50.

Yep the age limit is 50 though they sent me an application when I was 47. :-). AARP also has a travel website and this is where you may have had the link with Expedia. TV commercials that reference the AARP travel services have been showing in the San Francisco area lately.

Yep, we joined at age 50. While we haven't used the benefits for flight/hotel packages yet, we have used the card for reductions on some U.S accommodations. Just ask if they have AARP rates when you book. My Other Half also scored a big discount on a pair for Rockport shoes once although discounts can change so that one may not be offered anymore.

I got substantial discounts on prescription glasses recently, based on the AARP card. A back-of-the envelope calculation indicated that I probably wouldn't have done much (if any) better if I had some sort of vision insurance, not after I paid for the insurance.

AARP membership is cheap enough that it's probably worth doing even if you're not sure you'll use the travel benefits every year. However, from other posts it sounds as if Costco sometimes has some very, very good travel deals, so if I had a car and a Costco in my area I'd consider it first.

I was getting mail from AARP in my late 20's. Been an "official " member for almost five years now.

I sometimes book through Expedia and only book one night in a hotel, usually the last one to be near departure airport..and it can be incredibly less money! I often stay with friends or relatives or book hotels on other sites that allow for more flexibility in cancellation or moving dates around. Just one night in hotel can lead to great savings! As always, cavat emptor and read the fine print!