A travel club is a subscription-based membership that offers vacationers great discounts, curated experiences and benefits. And, unlike timeshares, where a payment locks you into a portion of a single shared property, travelers have the freedom to choose which vacation suits them.
Our guide breaks down what a travel club is, how it works and what kind of travel club is best for you. Then, learn about the benefits of a AAA membership so you can get exclusive savings, utilize our travel agents and, ultimately, plan your dream vacation through Trip Canvas.
How Travel Clubs Work: Common Features
Travel clubs utilize their access to thousands of members to secure discounted rates and experiences for pre-planned, group trips. And since the deals are behind a login and not visible to the public, people outside the travel club can’t access them.
What Is a Travel Club Membership?
A membership is simply a subscription agreement, similar to wholesale retail clubs like Costco. You buy the ability to book travel at a specific service level for a set period.
Most clubs structure these privileges using a tiered model, letting you choose how much service you actually need:
- The Digital Tier: The entry-level option typically grants access to the booking portal. You search for your own hotels and flights, and you get the negotiated rate.
- The Service Tier: A mid-range or premium option often adds the human element. You gain access to travel agents or concierges who handle the planning and logistics for you.
- The Property Tier: High-end clubs often restrict access to specific locations, such as private villas or resorts, exclusively for top-tier members.
You’ll also see clubs that advertise zero upfront costs. While appealing, these usually run on a commission model similar to standard travel agencies. The trade-off is almost always in the depth of the deal.
Characteristics of a Travel Club
While every travel club is different, there are a few core characteristics, such as discounts, rewards and curated experiences, that define what a travel club offers. Here’s a closer look at what you can get with a travel club membership:
- Exclusive Discounts: Lower rates on hotels, rental cars and cruises serve as the core benefit for most travelers.
- Rewards Systems: Many clubs let you earn points or credits on bookings that you can apply toward future trips.
- Concierge Services: Expert planning support saves you the time of researching every detail yourself.
- Curated Experiences: You can book pre-vetted group trips or itineraries where the logistics are already sorted.
Types of Travel Clubs
Travel clubs generally fall into three main models: destination-specific clubs, association-based travel clubs, and group travel clubs. The value and travel club membership fees depend entirely on the model, ranging from specific clubs for private luxury villas to ones that simply find you discount airfare.
Destination Clubs (AKA Vacation Clubs)
Best for: Luxury travelers who want the privacy of a home with the service of a hotel.
Destination clubs grant you access to a collection of fancy, privately-owned properties. Additionally, you enjoy the space and privacy of a multi-million-dollar home, along with the full service of a five-star hotel. You get the private chef, daily housekeeping and a pre-stocked fridge.
Destination clubs, like Exclusive Resorts, are the most expensive option. Members pay a hefty one-time initiation fee of $195,000 or more, plus substantial annual dues.
Members enjoy 15 to 30 nights per year, accessing over 400 fully staffed homes, including a ski-in/ski-out chalet in Vail and a beachfront villa in Los Cabos.
Inspirato has a unique model. Their Club membership has an initiation fee of $15,000 and a monthly fee of roughly $600, which grants you access to their exclusive property list. You can then book rentals, like the nine-bedroom estate “Il Campanile” in Tuscany, at special member-only rates.
Association-Based Travel Clubs
Best for: Everyday travelers who want reliable savings and exclusive travel deals.
An association-based club is a travel discount program that you receive as a member of a larger group, such as AAA. You don’t have to fork over extra cash for the travel perks. They’re just a built-in bonus that comes with your main membership.
The club itself may include a booking portal, like AAA Trip Canvas, where all the pre-negotiated deals on hotels, rental cars and cruises are gathered for you to book. Many also provide expert vacation planning assistance, such as through AAA Travel Advisors.
The value here is completely different from other types of travel clubs. A standard AAA Classic membership typically costs around $79 annually and includes the following benefits and travel perks:
- Hotel savings: 10-15 percent discount at partner hotels, such as Marriott or Hyatt.
- Rental car discounts: Up to 20 percent off with Hertz, 15 percent with Dollar, and 10 percent with Thrifty, plus complimentary additional driver and child seat.
- Cruise perks: Up to $100 onboard credit for booking with cruise partners like Royal Caribbean.
- Curated vacations: Members-only AAA Vacations with unique itineraries.
- Expert planning: Trip planning assistance from an AAA Travel Agent to help save time and money.
Group Travel Clubs
Best for: Solo travelers or social butterflies who want a curated, social experience without the planning stress.
Group travel clubs organize and sell pre-packaged, guided tours. You’re buying a spot on a group trip with a set itinerary and guide. People who go this route are often solo travelers who don’t want to go it alone, or just anyone who enjoys a social atmosphere and wants all the logistics handled.
The key is finding a group travel club with the right vibe for your travel style, which can vary from club to club.
For example, Intrepid offers affordable trips, such as a 10-day Morocco tour, where the price includes guides and hotels but not flights. In contrast, niche clubs like Flash Pack target solo travelers in their 30s and 40s with high-end experiences, such as glamping in Finland.
Benefits of Joining a Travel Club
The specific travel club membership benefits you unlock depend entirely on the membership model you choose. A basic AAA membership focuses on saving money for everyday trips, while a luxury destination club offers personalized service.
The most impressive benefits usually come from those top-tier clubs:
- Exclusive accommodations: Families can book large, private five-bedroom villas or ski chalets, thereby avoiding the logistical headache and risk associated with renting independently.
- Concierge planning: A dedicated planner handles the itinerary, books ski rentals and ensures the kitchen is pre-stocked with your groceries before you arrive.
- Priority access: High-end clubs hold inventory for their members, allowing you to secure a property during peak times, such as Christmas week in Vail, long after it sells out to the general public.
Top Travel Clubs
The best travel club depends on how much money you're willing to spend and what types of trips you enjoy taking. These clubs are all best-in-class for their specific category:
- AAA: For about $79 a year, AAA delivers comprehensive travel benefits and exclusive discounts. You might save 10 percent at partner hotels while still earning loyalty points, get up to 20 percent off car rentals or receive up to $100 onboard credit on your cruise. Plus, you get access to professional AAA Travel Advisors and curated vacation packages.
- Costco Travel: Costco Travel operates as a “retail warehouse” club. You pay the $60-$120 annual fee for bulk groceries and get access to the travel portal. The perk is usually a rebate. You might book a $3,000 cruise and receive a $250 Costco Shop Card as a bonus.
- Exclusive Resorts: Exclusive Resorts represents the top-tier “destination club” model. The “top” value isn’t just the private homes. It’s the dedicated Vacation Coordinator you’re assigned, who plans all your trips, books your private chef and secures your ski lift tickets before you even pack.
FAQ
Here are the answers to the most common questions about travel clubs.
What is the difference between a timeshare and a travel club?
The main difference between a timeshare and a travel club is ownership. A timeshare sells you a partial deed or a ‘right-to-use’ contract for a specific property or week. A travel club sells you access to a portfolio of benefits, like discounts or a collection of homes, without any ownership stake.
Are vacation clubs just timeshares under a different name?
No, travel clubs aren’t just timeshares under a different name. “Vacation club” is often a modern marketing term for a timeshare. But a high-end destination club is different. You never own the real estate in a destination club. You are a member with access rights, and you can leave the club.
Are travel clubs worth it?
A travel club is worth it if you value saving time or money. For a discount model like a standard AAA membership, the discount you get for just two or three nights often covers the entire annual fee. For a high-end destination club, the “worth” comes from saving time and access to quality luxury properties that are otherwise off-limits.
What travel club pitfalls should I be aware of?
The biggest travel club pitfall is cost-versus-use. Be very clear on the initiation fee, the high annual dues and any booking restrictions. The other major pitfall is availability. A club is useless if you can never book the high-demand property you want during the week you can actually travel.
Travel Smart with AAA
When choosing the right travel club, align its offerings with your travel style and how often you want to escape. For most people, the smart, low-risk and high-value choice is a club that saves you money on the travel you already do.
A AAA Membership can be the right choice for any traveler: It’s the immediate key that unlocks all the hotel, rental car and cruise discounts you can book through Trip Canvas. Explore AAA member benefits and start planning your next trip today.