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Timeshares vs. Vacation Clubs vs. Travel Clubs

10 Min Read | Apr 4, 2023

These days, most people have heard enough horror stories about timeshares to know you should run for the hills whenever someone tries to sell you one.

When it comes to vacation clubs and travel clubs, though, things are a little different. Those programs have started popping up a lot over the last few years, and they’re billed as the way to achieve R and R. Resorts, airlines and other companies in the travel industry advertise these members-only clubs as great alternatives to timeshares and play up their discounted travel options .

But here’s the truth: Vacation clubs and travel clubs are, by definition, timeshares. There are some differences between them—but nothing that makes them any better. And in some ways, they’re even worse. You’ll get all the restrictions, money traps and sneaky fees of a regular timeshare —but wait! There’s more! You’ll get some extra ones too—including creative new ones you’ve probably never heard of. 

Now, all that might surprise you if you’ve heard only good things about these clubs or you’re thinking of buying a membership. So let’s dig into the details. We’ll show you how these clubs work, how they waste a ton of your money, and why you’re better off keeping your distance.

How Timeshares and Clubs Work

A timeshare is a single property you visit year after year. You purchase a time-sharing agreement, then pay maintenance fees. After all that, you own the right to vacation at the property during preset times, usually a week or two each year.

Not only does the insane cost of owning a timeshare make it a complete rip-off (thanks to a boatload of hidden fees and restrictions), but the timeshare industry is also full of fraud and often uses unethical sales practices. Stay far away.

Vacation Clubs

A vacation club is a type of timeshare. But instead of paying to use a single property, like a traditional timeshare, you get access to multiple properties in multiple locations. Don’t be fooled though: Vacation clubs stink just as badly as timeshares since they also come with a ton of fees and restrictions.

Travel Clubs

Travel clubs are a type of vacation club. They have a lot of the same expenses and destinations, but members of a travel club vacation together. The company gets them group rates, so they usually pay less for memberships and fees than vacation club members.

The Risks of Vacation Clubs and Travel Clubs

Timeshares, vacation clubs and travel clubs all sell people the idea of a fairy-tale vacation at a bargain price, but these “dream” vacations come with nightmarish problems. Here are some of the biggest:

• They limit where you can travel. A lot of vacation club companies make it sound like you can travel anywhere in the world using their plan, but it’s just not true. Sure, vacation clubs give you more options than a traditional timeshare, but you can only travel to locations where the vacation club company has a property. And even the biggest companies don’t have properties everywhere.
• They’ve got restricted travel dates. Even though you technically “own” a timeshare or club membership after you buy it, you can’t use it whenever you want. That’s because you have to work around the other owners’ schedules and any blackout dates set in place by the timeshare company. No thanks.
• They don’t always let you bring your family. Here’s an area where vacation and travel clubs are worse than timeshares. Did you know many clubs only give the membership to the person who paid for it? That means, unlike with a timeshare, you can’t bring anyone you want along for a trip to some club destinations. And depending on the club, these restrictions can also apply to your immediate family! 
• They’re hard to get out of. This one’s the kicker. It can be really difficult to get out of a timeshare or club membership if you decide you don’t like it. There’s a reason one of the first things you’ll see if you search the internet for “timeshares” is a list of companies dedicated to helping folks get out of them.

Vacation Club Costs

Not only do timeshares, vacation clubs and travel clubs have a bunch of confusing risks and restrictions, but they also charge a ton of fees! Let’s take a look at all the costs involved in owning a timeshare or club membership, many of which are totally ridiculous. They include:

• Initial purchase price
• Financing costs
• Closing costs
• Maintenance fees
• Point redemption fees

Initial Purchase Price

This is the actual cost of purchasing ownership in a timeshare, vacation club or travel club. It’s the biggest expense in owning a timeshare, but once you pay it, the timeshare is yours. Of course, there are plenty of other fees you’ll still have to pay even after dropping cash on the initial purchase price—more on those fees in a moment.

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The average initial purchase price of a seven-day timeshare is $24,140. 1 With vacation and travel clubs, the price depends on the company you’re buying from. For example, Disney Vacation Club’s typical initial purchase price starts around $32,000. 2 A Hilton Grand Vacations membership averages $22,000. 3 And some vacation clubs also charge an annual membership fee on top of the initial purchase price.

Financing Costs

Now, most folks who buy timeshares don’t have $20,000 just lying around, so they wind up financing the initial purchase price. That means they make a down payment and turn the remaining amount into debt that they pay off in monthly installments. It’s just like a car loan or a student loan —but way worse.

Why? Because timeshare financing usually carries a ridiculous interest rate. Take Disney Vacation Club as an example. While they advertise interest rates that start at 10% (which is still terrible, by the way), the fine print will tell you that some members could get slapped with an 18% interest rate! 4 That’s almost as bad as credit cards —which, for comparison, have a 20.4% average interest rate. 5

So, while a monthly payment of $400–500 may not sound like a big deal, you’ll be racking up interest the whole time. That’s a huge part of how these companies make money.

Closing Costs

Are you ready to pay your initial purchase fee and jump into vacationing? Hold your horses, partner. There’s still more money to fork over.

Next, you’ll pay closing costs to finalize the sale of the club membership or timeshare. And closing costs aren’t cheap—close to $1,000 in some cases. For example, Disney Vacation Club sometimes charges over $850 for closing costs. 6

There aren’t even this many hoops to jump through at the National Dog Show!

Maintenance Fees

One of the “perks” of owning a timeshare or club membership is that, even though you technically own part of the property, you don’t have to worry about cleaning or other maintenance when you’re not using it. It seems like a great benefit, but don’t think for a second you won’t pay for it.

Maintenance fees are timeshare and vacation club companies’ way of charging you for the upkeep of their properties, and these suckers are expensive. The average timeshare annual maintenance fee is a whopping $1,000. 7

Here’s the kicker with maintenance fees: You have to pay them as long as you own the timeshare. That’s right—even if you pay cash for your timeshare or membership, or pay off your loan, you’ll still owe annual maintenance fees.

Alicia, a member of our Ramsey Baby Steps Community on Facebook, found that out when she paid off her vacation club membership in 2021. She called the club company after making her final payment and asked if she’d still owe her $875 maintenance fee. Spoiler: She did.

“I paid it off two years early, then I asked, ‘Do I still have to pay the maintenance fees?’ And they said yes,” Alicia said. “I get irritated when we have to hit ‘submit’ on the payment.”

Point Redemption Fees

Somehow, there’s still another fee left to go over, and this one is the most ridiculous of them all. A lot of vacation clubs operate based on a points system. Each year, members are awarded a set number of points. Then, when a member wants to take a vacation, they redeem those points to book time at a property.

Here’s the problem: Sometimes, vacation clubs charge their members a fee to redeem their points. That’s right—you have to pay even more money just to use the points that you already paid for! It’s complete nonsense, right? And yet, plenty of people sign up for these plans year after year. 

This is just dumb, folks. Don’t fall for this garbage.

Are Vacation Clubs Worth It?

No! One more time for the people in the back: No! One more time for everyone else who still didn’t hear: No!

Even if you stumble onto a timeshare or club that isn’t a scam, it’s still a horrible financial decision. Let’s take a look at why.

For this example, we’ll say you bought a vacation club membership and agreed to pay a $400 monthly payment over 15 years with a $1,000 annual maintenance fee. Over the course of a year, that comes out to $5,800.

What if, instead of sending $5,800 to the vacation club company, you just bought a $3,000 vacation yourself and kept the remaining $2,800? That $3,000 would probably buy you a pretty nice vacation, and you’d have a ton of extra money to put toward other important financial goals like getting out of debt or saving for retirement .

In fact, $2,800 invested annually for 15 years in good mutual funds with a 10% rate of return comes out to nearly $100,000, according to our investment calculator . So, if you bought a vacation club, you’d be wasting almost $100,000 of investment potential on nothing.

Do you see how the math just doesn’t make any sense here? Especially when you consider that those numbers didn’t include membership fees, point redemption fees, closing costs, or interest. And don’t forget, clubs and timeshares almost always cover only your lodging—your costs for food, travel and attractions will likely only be discounted (not free) with these programs.

At their worst, timeshares and vacation clubs are fraudulent scams. At their best, they’re complete rip-offs. This is a lose-lose scenario if we’ve ever seen one.

The Better Way to Pay for Vacations

Like we just talked about, saving up and paying cash for your vacations is a much better way to travel than buying a timeshare or club membership—and it’s not close. But saving money isn’t always easy, and it can be super difficult if you aren’t living on a budget by making a plan for your money at the beginning of every month.

If you’ve never made a budget before—or if you want a tool that makes it a whole lot easier—downloading the free EveryDollar app is a great place to start. EveryDollar lets you set up a budget in minutes so you can get a jump start on saving up for that next big trip. Plus, the premium version allows you to connect your bank account to the app so it automatically tracks your transactions.

So, instead of dealing with these timeshare and vacation club companies, give them the cold shoulder by getting on a budget and saving up to pay for vacations without them.

Download EveryDollar today!

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About the author

Ramsey Solutions has been committed to helping people regain control of their money, build wealth, grow their leadership skills, and enhance their lives through personal development since 1992. Millions of people have used our financial advice through 22 books (including 12 national bestsellers) published by Ramsey Press, as well as two syndicated radio shows and 10 podcasts, which have over 17 million weekly listeners. Learn More.

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10 travel memberships that are worth the money

November 11, 2021 // By Leila Najafi

By Leila Najafi November 11, 2021

We live in a subscription-obsessed world and there’s a subscription for everything you can imagine, from razors to clothing and even hot sauces. Travel memberships are on the rise, providing new ways to ease some of the stress that comes with traveling these days and help make the journey more seamless.

Whether you’re willing to pay a premium for exclusive travel experiences that provide a little more privacy or you're more budget-conscious and want to find the best travel deals, there’s a membership for every type of traveler. Here are 10 travel memberships that are worth considering.

Wheels Up offers private jet charter memberships so travelers can access a fleet of aircrafts, including a King Air 350i, an 8-passenger Citation Excel/XLS, and one of the fastest aircrafts, the Citation X. Wheels Up uses a dynamic pricing model offering competitive rates, so members can book flights on-demand with the flexibility to pay as they go.

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Additional m embership benefits include invites to signature events, President’s Circle status with Hertz, a complimentary trial of Inspirato Club subscription for 12 months (Core members only), certain perks at select Waldorf Astoria hotels across North America, a partnership with Delta SkyMiles, dedicated partnership rates with Porsche and more.

Membership cost: Three membership options are available – Connect, Core and Business. The Connect membership requires a one-time initiation fee of $2,995 and annual dues of $2,495 which begin on year two. The Core membership has an initiation fee of $17,500 and annual dues of $8,500 which begin on year two. The Business membership requires an initiation fee of $29,500 and $14,500 for subsequent years and includes up to six lead passengers.

Getting through airport security lines can be a drag, especially during holiday weekends and a pandemic that has increased the demand for more seclusion when traveling. PS (formerly known as Private Suite) is designed for first and business class travelers who are seeking privacy and convenience, allowing them to bypass LAX altogether.

Travelers check into a private terminal where they can relax in a fully-stocked luxury private suite that includes complimentary in-suite meals catered by h.wood Group , as well as additional services upon request such as in-suite massages, manicures and detailing services for personal cars. PS also provides a designated on-site TSA and Customs agent for expedited screening.

Upon boarding, travelers are transported across the tarmac directly to their aircraft in a BMW 7 Series sedan. Earlier this year, the Salon at PS launched, which features a new full-service lounge at the terminal for travelers who want the same benefits of PS but seek a more social experience.

Membership cost: Annual membership costs $4,500, which gives members access to a preferred rate of $3,250 for a one-way Suite experience for up to four travelers. The Salon is available to members and non-members for $695 per use per person.

Inspirato is a subscription-based luxury travel service that gives members exclusive access to over 150,000 luxury vacation homes and resorts around the world that are staffed by Inspirato. There are two membership types: Inspirato Club and Inspirato Pass. The former gives you access to the luxury residences and hotels around the world, on-site concierge and daily housekeeping with additional benefits such as late check-in and check-out, room upgrades, spa credits and more. However, members also pay nightly room rates.

With the Inspirato Pass, you automatically get the benefits of Inspirato Club plus nightly rates are already factored into the price of membership, so you can book as many vacations as possible in one month with one active reservation at a time. There is also no long-term commitment, so you can cancel the membership at any time.

Membership cost: Inspirato Club membership is $600/month plus a $600 enrollment fee and you pay nightly rates as you go. Inspirato Pass is a flat rate of $2,500/month which includes all hotel stays.

Scott’s Cheap Flights

A membership to Scott’s Cheap Flights includes flight deals and “Mistake Fares” accidentally published by airlines sent straight to your inbox. The team scours the internet for the lowest published airfare rates to popular destinations and shares them with members.

Subscribers can also track deals from a specific airport close to home or destinations of interest. A membership to Scott’s Cheap Flights is best for travelers who have flexibility on the destination and dates and are willing to fly based on low airfare rates. Flight deals don’t last long so you’ll have to act fast.

Membership cost: There are three membership tiers including Limited which is free, Premium costs $49/year and Elite $199/year.

PRIOR was started by a former travel editor who saw a gap in the market for travelers wanting a more immersive experience during their vacation. A team of experienced travel editors and local tastemakers on the ground design itineraries for curious travelers.

A PRIOR WORLD membership includes access to curated destination guides, unique local experiences in cities around the world, pre-planned group trips led by experts and for an additional fee, the team can create a custom itinerary based on your interests.

If you're a frequent traveler, PRIOR BESPOKE might be the membership better suited for you. For a flat fee per year, members get unlimited trip planning by their expert team of travel editors and membership managers.

Membership cost: PRIOR WORLD membership costs $249 per annum. PRIOR BESPOKE is $5,000 per annum.

Priority Pass

Airport terminals may have come a long way in the last decade, but killing time for a three-hour layover in a crowded airport isn’t exactly on anyone’s list of things to do, especially on vacation. Trade the busy terminals for private lounge access with Priority Pass and enjoy guaranteed Wi-Fi and snacks.

Members of Priority Pass receive access to over 1,300 airport lounges globally, including several airline lounges such as Virgin Atlantic, Air France and Turkish Airlines. Several credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express offer free Priority Pass memberships as part of their member benefits.

Membership cost: Choose from three membership tiers which start at $99/year for the Standard membership plus $32 per visit and go up to $429/year for the Prestige membership which includes unlimited lounge visits.

TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry are services that allow travelers to expedite the security screening process upon departure and arrival. With CLEAR Plus, enrolled members get escorted to the front of the security line once they’ve been verified using facial recognition or fingerprint scans, so they no longer have to verify identification at security. However, for expedited clearance through security screenings, TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry are still required.

CLEAR uses biometric identifiers to create a unique ID assigned to each member that is used for verification at stations across airports, stadiums and other major venues nationwide.

Membership cost: A CLEAR Plus membership is $179 per year. American Express Platinum Card Members receive a $179 statement credit and United MileagePlus members receive a discounted membership rate.

Well Traveled

Well Traveled is a members-only social and booking platform that allows members to connect with friends to find and share travel recommendations. The community-driven platform is intended to make travel planning easier by allowing you to follow people in your network that you trust, in addition to other like-minded travelers who share similar budgets and travel preferences.

Members can also take advantage of the personalized booking service that includes perks like exclusive rates, room upgrades, food & beverage credits, complimentary breakfast and more. Currently, membership is invite-only but you can also apply to be considered.

Membership cost: $150 per year.

Travel + Leisure Club

Travel + Leisure Club is a new travel subscription service offered by Travel + Leisure Group. Members can pay a monthly fee for access to preferred pricing on curated itineraries and an average of 25% savings on hotels, resorts, car rentals and activities that are listed on Travel + Leisure GO, the online travel booking site. Plus, members get a subscription to the glossy print magazine.

Members also get access to a personal concierge that can assist with travel planning, scoring tickets to sold-out events, making dinner reservations and more.

Membership cost: Travel + Leisure Club is currently offering an introductory rate of $9.95/month.

Exclusive Resorts

Designed for families who value privacy, Exclusive Resorts is a small community of members (only 150 new members accepted each year) that get access to over 350 luxury residences around the world including the Amalfi Coast, Barcelona, Deer Valley, Kaua’i, Los Cabos, St. Barts and more.

Guests enjoy a more personalized experience with a dedicated on-site team who can assist with pre-trip planning details such as stocking the fridge with your favorite snacks, booking a massage or private chef, and housekeeping services.

Membership cost: There is a one-time, non-refundable initiation fee of $150,000 for a 10-year membership. Annual dues are $1,395/night and members travel 15-30 nights per year.

About Leila Najafi

Leila Najafi is a luxury travel writer based in LA who is a member of more subscription services than she'd like to admit.

Read more about Leila Najafi here.

Connect with Leila via: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

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These Private Travel Clubs Are Exclusive — and Affordable

If unrivaled access and seamless planning sound like your style, perhaps it’s time to sign up for a private travel group.

Andria Gutierrez is a marketing executive in Lake Tahoe, California, who loves to travel — but doesn't love the time suck of researching vacations. "When I was younger, I planned all my own trips," she says. "But now that I own a business, I just don't have the spare hours anymore."

That's why she recently joined Allcall , which offers personalized itineraries and exclusive deals to members. She's already taken three Allcall trips, including a multi-state ski trip and a vacation in Baja California, Mexico. "The team is incredibly helpful and responsive," Gutierrez says. "They make the planning process so efficient."

While some established outfits like Exclusive Resorts and Wheels Up have catered to the ultra-wealthy for years, a number of new clubs are opening their doors. One reason is, of course, a new obsession with safety.

"Health has become the paramount concern of our members," says Melissa Biggs Bradley, founder of Indagare , which plans and books trips for its members. "We have a ton of information on COVID protocols, and the team takes care of understanding those, even as they change all the time."

There are other factors at play. "I'd traveled independently for decades," says Suzy Kellems Dominik, an artist from New York City. But hearing about an opportunity to visit Modena, Italy, with acclaimed chef Massimo Bottura of Osteria Francescana was enough to convince her to join Prior , a company that started in 2019.

"What's so interesting is that they have this access," Kellems Dominik says. "It's intellectual and emotional travel — the imagination is just endless — and they curated a group of very interesting people who were all like-minded around food."

That ability to open doors is also drawing travelers who don't normally think of themselves as joiners. Around half of all millennials are now considering signing up for some form of travel club, according to one industry survey, outpacing the interest from Gen Xers and baby boomers. Even Exclusive Resorts, which charges an extra hefty fee per day for trips on top of the cost of membership, has seen a surge of interest from young families. In 2020, the company notched its best December in nine years, despite the pandemic.

So which of these clubs is right for you? It all depends on what you're looking for — and how much you're ready to invest.

For Upscale Private Stays

Exclusive Resorts has a portfolio of over 400 vacation homes, plus members-only cruises and expeditions. Inspirato has the keys to villas in over 180 locations; members can also jump aboard cruises arranged by the company. A more affordable choice is Koala , which allows travelers to book one-off stays in timeshares all over the globe.

For a Like-Minded Community

El Camino began as a small-group-trip operator focused on helping women to travel to new places, but has since unveiled El Camino Travel Clubhouse, a platform that allows members to participate in virtual events and chats about upcoming trips. Manifest , which debuted in August 2020, has chapters in cities across the United States. "We create a social aspect, with people getting to know each other outside of just traveling together," founder Jeff Potter says.

For Feel-good Trips

The upstart wellness website and app MyLifeWell went live in 2020 with virtual fitness classes and a selection of workout gear. Now it connects subscribers with travel advisors who specialize in booking wellness retreats at Canyon Ranch properties, among others.

For the Commitment-phobic

The high cost of clubs has historically been a barrier to signing up. But in the spring of 2020, Prior lowered its price tag in an effort to draw together a more diverse group of adventurers. "I don't want a club in the sense of shutting people out," founder David Prior says. Travel + Leisure Co. launched its own affordable subscription club, promising preferential rates and insider experiences around the world.

A version of this story first appeared in the June 2020 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline Join the Club.

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What Are Senior Travel Clubs? And Should You Join One?

What is a senior travel club, anyway? A scam? A great way to save on travel? A way to meet potential travel companions? Or something else entirely?

It turns out that senior travel clubs can be any of these things.

What Are Senior Travel Clubs?

Many travel clubs charge an annual membership fee. Typically, the membership fee is modest, and provides you with access to members-only publications, information, discounts or online travel content. A few travel clubs charge an initiation fee and annual dues.

Before you decide to join a senior travel club, take a few minutes to find out which type of travel club you are considering.

Travel Groups

For seniors who are not interested in solo travel, joining a travel club can help them find interesting trips to take.  Some senior travel clubs exist for the sole purpose of organizing trips for members. Trip lengths and destinations vary.

Travel Information and Social Gathering

Other senior travel clubs are social in nature. Members are invited to attend monthly or quarterly meetings, which may involve social time and, possibly, a presentation from a member or a travel professional. This type of senior travel club would be a good fit for someone who is looking for inspiration, new friends or potential travel companions.

Transportation or Activity-Specific Travel

RV owners will be familiar with this type of travel club; in addition to clubs for owners of all types of RVs, you can also join a travel club for owners of your make or class of RV. Train enthusiasts can also join travel clubs just for them.

If your interests lie elsewhere, you will probably be able to find a travel club with like-minded members, such as a travel club for seniors who enjoy outdoor adventure.

Women-Only Travel

While there are many travel providers that organize women-only trips, it can be a bit more difficult to find a travel club created just for women. Thelma & Louise is one of the best-known online women-only travel clubs. Members share travel stories, plan trips and meetups and look for travel companions via Thelma & Louise’s website.

Money-Saving Club

Some travel clubs are formed to help members save money. Boondockers Welcome and The Affordable Travel Club , for example, help travelers arrange free RV parking (Boondockers Welcome) or lodging (The Affordable Travel Club) at members’ homes.

Travel Club Scams

Some so-called travel clubs are scams designed to part you from your hard-earned money. In some cases, scammers offer free airfare or hotel stays, often by postcard or at a “travel seminar,” but require you to pay a reservation fee in advance. When you try to book a trip, your dates are never available, and the scammer keeps your fee payment. Another version of this scam involves restrictive terms and conditions that prevent you from ever actually booking a trip.

Other travel clubs run by scammers charge thousands of dollars in upfront membership fees, promising travel discounts or free travel. Instead, the scammers disappear with your money and you are left with nothing.

To protect yourself against scammers, never agree to join a travel club if a salesperson is pressuring you to do so.

Get all the information about the club in writing and take it home.  A reputable travel club will willingly give you the information you request, without pressuring you to join.

Read every word. Do an online search for the name of the club and the names of its owners. If possible, have an attorney read the contract; in the absence of an attorney, ask a family member or friend to read the document.

Never give your credit card number or other financial information to a travel club representative unless you are joining the club. Pay dues, fees and travel costs by credit card so that you can dispute them if problems occur.

Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it is.

Where to Find Senior Travel Clubs

Start your search for a senior travel club in your own community. Senior centers and recreation departments often sponsor senior travel clubs or organize outings for local seniors. You can also do an online search; this approach is particularly helpful if you are looking for an activity-specific travel club.

Alternatives to Senior Travel Clubs

If you are reluctant to pay annual dues or a membership fee to belong to a travel club, perhaps a well-organized tour is a better choice. You can find women-only, high adventure and other themed tours quite easily, either through a travel agent or online.

You may be able to find travel meetups and presentations in your local community, perhaps through a church or community center. If you are mainly interested in meeting people who enjoy travel or getting travel information, you may be able to do so without paying money to join a club.

Other places to learn about vacation destinations and meet people who love to travel include colleges – look for noncredit courses – as well as libraries and travel shows.

Have you ever joined a senior travel club? Why did you join? How did things work out? Share your experiences in the comments section below.

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Sixty and Me is a community of over 500,000 women over 60 founded by Margaret Manning. Our editorial team publishes articles on lifestyle topics including fashion, dating, retirement and money.

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These are the travel memberships and subscriptions that are worth the money – CLEAR, Global Entry, and more

Not all travel programs are created equal.

From Netflix and smartphone apps to food delivery services , everyone is vying for your subscription dollars these days. Most aren’t worth the expense, in our opinion. There are a few, however, that make legitimate sense — and cents — for travelers. If you’re planning to travel in the upcoming year, here are the best travel memberships and subscription services that are worth the money in 2024.

TSA PreCheck

Global entry, expertflyer, priority pass standard plus.

• Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights)

Garmin Search and Rescue (SAR) Insurance

America the beautiful pass, air travel tips.

Let’s start with the most obvious travel membership: TSA PreCheck. Even for U.S.-based travelers who only fly a handful of times per year, the recurring cost is worth the time and money. A five-year membership costs $78 (less than $16 annually). It’s guaranteed to save you hours at the airport because PreCheck passengers needn’t remove their shoes, belts, or light jackets, and can leave laptops and liquids in their carry-on luggage.

Add to that the privilege of passing through a separate, often much shorter, security line, and it can pay for itself on your very first trip. The TSA reports that, in 2020, 100% of PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes in line. New applicants can start the process online, and some credit cards and loyalty programs even include the fee as a perk for cardholders.

If your travel takes you out of the country — frequently or not — Global Entry is even better than a TSA PreCheck travel membership. This flagship federal program includes the same benefits of PreCheck, plus expedited screening at international borders and customs checkpoints. A five-year subscription is $100 — just $15 more than TSA PreCheck.

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The approval process is a bit more time-consuming, as it requires a passport and an in-person interview. But that time will likely pay for itself on your first trip or two abroad . Plus, like PreCheck, some popular travel credit card programs pay the annual program fee for their cardholders.

Booking air travel is complicated these days. Travelers who want the utmost comfort and convenience are expected to wade through mountains of airfares, seat charts, connecting flight schedules, airline policy disclosures, and more. ExpertFlyer is a monthly travel membership that takes the guesswork out of all of it.

The site keeps tabs on basic things like flight availability, flight status, and other details. But, most importantly, it can also provide useful alerts for things that make your trips more comfortable. That includes letting you know when your preferred seats become available, what frequent flyer awards and upgrades are available, and aircraft change alerts (so you can avoid unexpected seat reassignments). The free version is enough for most infrequent travelers, while the Pro version opens up every feature for one low monthly price.

CLEAR works similarly to TSA PreCheck. But, while the latter focuses on expediting the entire screening process (from document checking to baggage screening), CLEAR is designed to speed up the first part. TSA PreCheck is great, but it still requires most passengers to wait in a line — albeit usually a shorter one — to verify their personal ID.

With CLEAR, members use a dedicated line (often with no other passengers) to scan their fingerprint or iris at a kiosk and are then personally escorted immediately to baggage screening. The service is available in almost 50 U.S. cities, and more are added regularly. It’s pricey at around $189 annually, but for frequent air travelers, every second counts. Plus, it also works at stadiums and other event venues around the country.

Digital boarding passes, itineraries, and hotel reservations have mostly made travel easier (not to mention better for the environment). However, trying to keep all those emails, confirmation numbers, and departure times straight while en route can be a hassle. TripIt streamlines everything about travel.

Subscribers provide TripIt with their email account information. Then the app automatically scans their inbox for travel-related emails. It organizes and files them all in a single, easy-to-read mobile itinerary within the TripIt app. It might sound like a lofty promise, but the app delivers. It also tracks important updates to upcoming flights and is often better and faster at sending alerts to changes than the official airline apps. There’s a free option, but the features are limited, which is why we recommend spending the extra $49 for the TripIt Pro version. You can also go Pro free for five days to see if it’s right for you.

Most air travelers who only fly a handful of times each year don’t bother with airline lounges. Unless you’re staring down a very long layover , dropping $50 for a day pass to score cold finger foods and “free” domestic beer hardly seems worth it. Priority Pass is an annual travel membership program that makes the cost of lounge admission a little more palatable.

For as little as $329, the upgraded Priority Pass Standard Plus membership provides ten lounge visits in a calendar year. Depending on the airline, that’s roughly 50% off the fees you’d expect to pay to check in to most lounges. It’s valid at more than 1,300 airport lounges around the world. Again, some of the best travel credit cards and loyalty programs also provide free Priority Pass membership as a perk.

Going ( formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights )

Countless newsletters and subscription services promise to help travelers save big on their next vacation. In our experience, none delivers like Going (formerly called Scott’s Cheap Flights). Simply sign up, pick your preferred departure airport, and wait for the best flight deals to roll into your inbox.

In some cases, we’ve seen so-called “mistake fares” and rare deals of up to 90% off — legitimately.  The basic Limited membership is free, but we recommend splurging for the $49-per-year Premium subscription for earlier access to the best deals. It’ll more than pay for itself on your very first trip.

Travel safety and insurance are hardly sexy topics; compared to breezing through airport security and free booze during your next layover. Still, for adventurous travelers, insurance is essential. In many countries, anyone needing search and rescue is required to pay for the service themselves, sometimes in advance. Depending on the location, these services could be in the tens — or even hundreds — of thousands of dollars.

A travel membership to Garmin’s Search and Rescue (SAR) Insurance plans, also referred to as IERRC (International Response Coordination Center), will reimburse you in the event of a life-threatening rescue scenario. The entry-level membership is just $39.95 annually, which covers expenses of up to $100,000 per year. Hardcore travelers might want to consider add-ons like medical evacuation insurance, all of which are incredibly affordable, especially compared to the alternative.

Since the pandemic, more of us are camping and taking road trips now than ever before. That has meant that Americans are exploring our National Parks in record numbers. If you count yourself among them or are planning to in 2024, consider an annual park pass. The National Park Service’s America the Beautiful Pass is just $80 a year.

That covers entrance fees, standard amenity fees, and day-use fees at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. Considering that entrance to some of the country’s most popular parks can cost $25 or more, the pass will more than pay for itself if you plan to visit even a handful of sites in a single year.

Yup, a travel membership to AAA is still worth the money in 2024. The entry-level Basic plan costs about $5 per month and provides access to essential road trip emergency services like fuel delivery, flat tire repair, battery jumpstarting, and limited towing, to name a few. These alone are worth the price of admission. But travelers also score deals on everything from hotel stays and rental cars to flights and upgrades.

For a few extra dollars monthly (to its upgraded Plus membership), AAA throws in extras like a free set of passport photos, enhanced vehicle lockout services, and even better towing and recovery in case your road trip goes seriously sideways. Plus, if you book travel through one of its agents, you’ll have access to AAA’s deep suite of traveler assistance services.

Since many of these travel memberships are for air travel, we’ll give you some air travel tips to make life easier, as air travel can be stressful.

Before your flight

• Plan ahead: Book your flight in advance for better deals and seat selection. Check visa requirements for your destination.
• Pack smart: Pack light and efficient: You may be able to avoid baggage fees with some of the above memberships, but it’s helpful to pack efficiently. Use packing cubes, roll clothes instead of folding, and double-check for liquids and toiletries restrictions. Pack essentials like medications, a change of clothes, and entertainment in your carry-on.
• Stay informed: Download your airline’s app for flight updates, boarding pass access, and digital baggage tags. Check the weather forecast at your destination and pack accordingly.

At the airport

• Stay connected: Charge your phone and laptop beforehand. Consider purchasing airport Wi-Fi access or invest in a portable hotspot.
• Stay hydrated and comfortable: Pack a water bottle and snacks, as airport food can be expensive. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for sitting for extended periods and walking through large airports.

Editors' Recommendations

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• Do you need a passport to go to Mexico? The requirements vary depending on your mode of travel
• Advice and how-tos
• Advice and insights

With spring nearly upon us, many of us are thinking about our spring break and even summer vacation plans. Maybe you're eyeing something close to home (staycation, anyone?) or perhaps a road trip to explore your home state. But if you're looking to venture farther afield on a trip that involves hotel stays, you might be wondering how to go about comparing one hotel to another.

Anyone who’s spent five minutes researching hotels knows comparison shopping isn’t easy. In theory, the hotel star rating system was designed to help customers compare apples to apples, so to speak. But what makes a four-star hotel any better than a three-and-a-half-star alternative? And how much better? How does a "luxury hotel" compare to an "upscale resort?" What do terms like "luxury" and "upscale" even mean? The short answer is: It’s complicated. Here’s the lowdown on how hotel star ratings work -- sort of.

Are you planning an upcoming trip? Whether you're road-tripping across the country, backpacking through Europe, or simply heading to a family member’s house for the holidays, having access to accurate maps and navigation is essential when traveling. 

Google Maps has become one of the most widely used navigation apps for travelers worldwide. But before you fully put your trust in Google Maps to get you from point A to point B, there's an important calibration step you should take first. 

• Food & Drink

If you're a craft beer aficionado or ardent wine lover, chances are that, at some point, you'll find yourself in a predicament when packing for a flight. You've gone a little overboard at the breweries and wineries and couldn't resist splurging on several of those delicious bottles. Don't worry; we've all been there. From a souvenir perspective, locally produced beer and wine make for refreshing mementos from any journey, as well as great gifts to bring back from your travels. Here's the big question though. Can you bring alcohol on a plane?

The short answer is yes. Like with anything else in life, there are rules and it's important to know them before you head to the airport including how much and what you can bring. It's also essential to know how to pack the alcohol for the flight. There’s nothing worse than a bottle of red wine breaking in your suitcase and staining everything or a broken beer bottle making your luggage smell like yeast right before a long-haul flight. With a few smart packing decisions, your beer or wine will be safely waiting for you at the baggage carousel, wherever your final destination may be.

Travel Subscription Services Are on the Rise—But Do They Really Save You Money?

By Shannon McMahon

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Have you ever wished you had an assistant to research and book the best travel deals for you? From plane tickets to hotel stays, it can take many hours to comb through booking options for the right offer, especially in the new world of fast-disappearing travel deals . Enter travel subscription services, also known as travel clubs, which make it possible to offload that task for a set monthly or annual fee. Such online travel subscriptions have been rising in popularity—with several new services launched in recent weeks—but not all are created equal.

Companies including Tripadvisor and airfare alert site Scott's Cheap Flights have rolled out new travel club subscription services that offer deals exclusively for paying members. The new Tripadvisor Plus offers reduced hotel and activity bookings (as well as perks like free rental car upgrades and a Dollar Flight Club membership) for $99 per year. Scott's Cheap Flights' new Premium and Elite subscription tiers alert members to either economy or business-class fares for $49 or $200 per year, respectively. And then there are the top-dollar travel membership providers, like Inspirato , which offers luxury travel experiences for $600 to $2,500 per month, the latter of which includes all nightly rates, taxes, and fees in your monthly dues.

The main appeal of membership-structured deal clubs, experts say, is that they afford you deals that can't be listed for the general public online—rates that are typically better than any deal website's. “There are rates that are not to be promoted or distributed in a mass-market situation," says Mike Putman, CEO of Custom Travel Solutions , a business-travel provider that works with dozens of existing travel clubs. The services that provide those deals, Putman says, “require they only be distributed to membership organizations, which are paying for the right to them.” So it's clear you're paying for exclusive travel prices that often can't be found elsewhere.

But can you make your membership money back in order to actually save money, and quickly? For memberships that charge modest fees (about $200 or less per year), the answer seems to be yes. Willis Orlando, a member operations specialist for Scott's Cheap Flights' paid services, says it's his job to find the mistake fares that make a Premium or Elite membership worthwhile. “Many people don't have the time or energy to look for great airfare deals, but I'm fortunate enough to be paid to do exactly that,” Orlando says. He's part of a three-person team that hunts for flight deals, the best ones of which are a fraction of their usual price: Long-haul economy fares found for the service's Premium tier membership are typically around $500 or below as opposed to the normal average of about $800 dollars, Orlando says. Business- or first-class fare deals are usually around $1,200 to $1,700 instead of the typical $2,500 premium ticket.

While Scott's Cheap Flights is an airfare-only subscription, there are hotel and experience-geared subscriptions for those who fly less often. Abigail A., a Connecticut-based frequent traveler and blogger who signed up for Tripadvisor Plus this June, says she already made her $99 annual fee back in savings. Her first booking, a domestic work trip to New York , saved her about $200 on a weekend-long hotel stay, compared with prices listed elsewhere on the internet. Abigail says she chose Tripadvisor Plus because it offers cancellation (for a full refund ) within 90 days of signing up if you're not happy with the deals offered, but she's sticking with her membership thanks to the hotel savings she's found. Tripadvisor said in a statement that its Plus offering saves members an average of $350 per hotel stay, and that “most members recover the annual fee on their very first trip.”

“I'd recommend people [enroll in Tripadvisor Plus] around a time that they already have a trip they're planning, so that if you don't get your money back within those 90 days that you're planning something, you won't feel jipped,” she says.

And in the time of coronavirus, it's also important to consider losses you could see due to unexpected cancellations or illness, which Abigail says she is protected from separately of Tripadvisor Plus, through travel insurance that comes with her credit card . Putman, of Custom Travel Solutions, says that travel insurance and flexible booking options will typically depend on the service, and that some travel clubs or subscriptions do offer add-on insurance for an extra fee. For now Tripadvisor Plus recommends users acquire their own travel insurance, and most flight-deal subscriptions, including Scott's Cheap Flights, leave booking the actual reservation up to the member, which means cancellation terms vary depending on the airline. 

But the major added bonus of enrolling in a travel club across-the-board, Putman says, is having someone to talk to should you need help with a booking as you return to travel, whether it's a flight cancellation the service can remedy for you or a hotel upgrade you're hoping to snag. 

“Right now people really appreciate, when something goes wrong, if there's someone you can call,” Putman says. “Especially during a time when there's so much uncertainty in the marketplace and in travel overall.”

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Table of Contents

How does Marriott Vacation Club work?

Marriott vacation club cost, marriott vacation club properties, marriott vacation club locations, marriott bonvoy points. vs. marriott vacation club points, other ways to use marriott vacation club points, different marriott timeshare programs, should i join marriott vacation club.

Marriott Bonvoy is well known for its 30 hotel brands around the world, plus a popular Homes and Villas by Marriott International collection of vacation rentals. But it also has a few vacation timeshare programs, one of which is the Marriott Vacation Club .

Marriott Vacation Club includes more than 60 resorts and 13,000 villas. In addition, the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse operates urban hotels designed for those looking for a big-city experience.

But is the Marriott Vacation Club worth it? Depending on your travel needs and patterns, being a part of the Marriott Vacation Club might be a worthwhile option.

Timeshare programs may vary, but they typically provide members (referred to as owners) the opportunity to spend time at a vacation property each year. Timeshares can sell chunks of time (typically a week) or a number of points to be redeemed toward a stay. The Marriott Vacation Club works the same way.

Marriott Vacation Club sells owners a one-time allotment of annual Vacation Club points that can be redeemed at various properties within the network. You aren't limited to a specific time of year or location with this system since you redeem points for whatever suits your particular need each year.

If you want to be an owner in Marriott’s timeshare program, you’ll have to pay several different fees.

First, you’ll need to purchase an ownership package, which starts at roughly $25,000. The price varies depending on how many Vacation Club Points you’d like to buy. A stay at an ultra-luxurious property with every amenity will likely cost more points than a more basic one.

You’ll also need to pay annual maintenance fees and club dues. Maintenance fees include any anticipated operating expenses, including repairs, insurance premiums and real estate taxes.

If you don’t use your points in a given year, you can roll them over to the following year. You can also borrow points from next year if you don’t have enough points in the current year.

Marriott Vacation Clubs include hotels and resorts. Rooms range from studios to three bedroom villas providing up to 2,100 square feet of space.

Timeshare resorts often feature more spacious accommodations than traditional hotel rooms, commonly including separate living areas or kitchens. When staying at these resort locations, you can often expect some of the same amenities offered at large resorts such as golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, gyms, kids clubs and more.

In addition to resorts and hotels, owners can also participate in the Explorer Collection and Exchange Partner Resorts. The Explorer Collection is a selection of travel packages provided by tour operators in Marriott’s network. You can find cruises, guided tours, adventure travel and more.

Exchange Partner Resorts give members access to unique accomodations. Some example properties include a 13th-century stone abbey in Ireland or a beachfront palace in Rio de Janeiro.

If you’re worried about booking the same timeshare over and over again, it's nice to know that there’s a wide variety to choose from within the Marriott Vacation Club portfolio.

Marriott Vacation Club offers many locations throughout the world. You can find Marriott Vacation Clubs in the U.S., Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Australia and Asia.

Marriott Vacation Club Pulse

Marriott Vacation Club Pulse is a collection of six properties in big cities including Boston, Miami, New York City, San Francisco, San Diego and Washington, D.C.

Sometimes the hotels themselves are landmarks. For example, the location in Washington, D.C., is at the historic Mayflower Hotel, which opened in 1925.

Marriott Bonvoy points , which can be earned and redeemed at Marriott hotels , are different from Marriott Vacation Club points. The latter are purchased as part of an annual contract. When you become a Marriott Vacation Club owner, you buy Vacation Club points that you can redeem at different vacation properties.

The Vacation Club points system allows owners to have flexibility with when and where they want to travel. Even if you buy a set number of points, you can purchase or bank more if you need it for longer trips or for more expensive locations.

Plus, if you would rather stay at a traditional Marriott Bonvoy hotel or resort , you can convert Vacation Club points to Marriott Bonvoy points to redeem for a hotel stay.

» Learn more: Are timeshare sales presentations worth the time?

Joining the Marriott Vacation Club comes with supplementary benefits worth considering.

One surprising perk is access to Interval International, which is a vacation exchange network that covers a variety of resorts including those from other brands. These include places like the Harborside Resort at Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas and the Four Seasons Country Club in the Quinta do Lago Resort in Portugal.

Also, depending on the number of points you have, vacation options can include cruises, tours, traditional hotels and sporting events. Known as The Explorer Collection, it includes things such as U.S. national park guided tours, European cruises and a Kenyan safari.

A sliding scale on the Vacation Club website helps to understand how many points each vacation experience costs.

» Learn more: Who owns what? Hotel chains and their brands

In addition to the Marriott Vacation Club, there are other timeshare programs offered by Marriott Vacations Worldwide. Other programs include:

Sheraton Vacation Club.

Westin Vacation Club.

Grand Residences by Marriott.

Ritz-Carlton Destination Club.

St. Regis Residence Club.

Hyatt Residence Club.

Each of these vacation clubs provide different accommodations ranging from family-oriented experiences (Sheraton Vacation Club) to super luxurious stays (St. Regis Residence Club).

Although Hyatt and Marriott are competitors in the hotel space, interestingly, the Hyatt Residence Club is part of Marriott Vacations Worldwide.

Timeshares have evolved so that buyers have more flexibility and options, but they are not for everyone . If you are looking to buy vacation real estate, this is an easier pathway since you don’t have to worry about the logistics of upkeep and maintenance (although you pay annual fees to cover the cost of it). Plus, you aren't locked into one specific unit or property, though many people do return to the same place year after year.

For those seeking variety, you have a network of hotels, villas and experiences around the world where you can use your Vacation Club points.

If you like to experience different places around the world and don’t mind staying connected to one network of properties, then the Marriott Vacation Club is probably worth it. But if you prefer to decide on new places or different types of vacation experiences at the last minute, then maybe it’s not the best program for you.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

2x-17x Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card. 2X points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

150,000 Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card!

1x-14x Earn up to 14X total points for every $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® and 2X points on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains). 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

30,000 Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card.

The 4 Best Luxury Travel Memberships

As the world becomes more connected, people are increasingly looking for ways to travel in style and comfort. For the discerning traveler, a luxury travel club membership can provide access to exclusive experiences and VIP treatment at some of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

While many different luxury travel club memberships are available, they all offer unique benefits and perks that can make traveling more enjoyable, convenient, and affordable. To help you choose the best luxury travel club membership for your needs, we’ve compiled a list of the top options currently available.

What Are The Best Luxury Vacation Club Memberships?

Accessible properties range from exclusive resorts, apartment suites in upscale urban areas, to amazing vacation homes. We looked at many luxury vacation club memberships and travel club choices and narrowed it down to our top four choices to complement your luxury vacation.

1. PS At LAX

PS is a private luxury terminal. If you’re looking for a luxury travel experience, look no further than PS at LAX. This exclusive membership club offers its members access to some of the world’s best airport lounges and VIP services. PS at LAX has everything you need to make your travel experience, from complimentary drinks and snacks to private concierge service.

Located at the far end of the runway on a separate terminal, members are whisked across the airfield to their planes after going through private security, customs clearance, luxury spaces, and white-glove service.

PS at LAX has three main exclusive travel services:

The Salon is designed for people traveling alone or in small groups. It has all the benefits of PS, but it’s also a social setting where you can meet new people. The Salon is reminiscent of a private members club, and it’s perfect for relaxing before or after your flight. You can also use The Salon as a workspace if you need to get some work done while you’re waiting for your next flight.

Transportation is shared to and from aircraft.

Private Suite

This may be the right option for those seeking the most luxury, privacy, and comfort. With dedicated workers, chef-prepared meals, limitless services, and a spa available on request, you can unwind in your own haven. A day bed, entertainment center, fully-stocked pantry, and private restrooms are included in your Private Suite.

Private ground transportation to and from the airport is provided.

Imagine being picked up from your flight by a personal chauffeur who takes you directly to your desired Los Angeles destination. This is the type of experience that PS Direct offers its members. Your luggage will be taken care of and brought straight to the car so that you can have the quickest, most seamless transition possible.

PS Direct is available for domestic arrivals only.

Membership Cost: Annual Membership is not required to book the PS experience, but it is suggested for frequent travelers through LAX. Annual Membership holders get special pricing on usage fees, preferred reservations, and complimentary services such as valet.

See the published pricing schedule below as of September 2022:

2. Inspirato

Inspirato Club is a membership-based extravagance travel administration that gives individuals selective admittance to more than 150,000 extravagant Luxury Travel Memberships homes and resorts all over the world.

There are three main subscriptions to with Inspirato:

The Inspirato Club

When you subscribed to the Inspirato Club, you immediately gain access to their entire list of luxurious homes, hotels, resorts, and experiences – paying members-only nightly rates. Furthermore, their highly qualified team of hospitality experts will be there for you every step of the way– from pre-trip planning to on-site concierge needs.

With the Inspirato Pass, you consequently get the advantages of the Inspirato Club. In addition, daily rates are now calculated into the cost of participation, so you can book however many excursions as expected each month with one dynamic reservation in turn.

Membership Cost:

• $600 / month in addition to a $600 enrollment fee
• Add Family Sharing ($300/month) or Premium Sharing ($500/month), so family, friends, and colleagues can take trips of their own.

Inspirato Pass

The world’s first luxury travel subscription. All the features of Club, plus the option to customise the number of Pass Trips that you and your family will use. Monthly membership includes nightly rates, taxes, and fees for all Pass Trips.

You’ll have access to 1.5 million Pass trips in 100+ world destination.

• $2,500 / month with a $2,500 enrollment fee
• No long term commitment and you can cancel any time.

Inspirato Select

The most versatile method to go on luxurious holidays. Includes all the privileges of Club, as well as three Inspirato Select Trips for you or to give to friends and coworkers. The annual membership includes daily rates, taxes, and excursions’ fees.

• 3 trips: $24,000 / 8 trips: $44,000
• $2,000 enrollment fee

Inspirato Cancellation Policy

Inspirato’s standard cancellation policy states you’ll get a full refund of the taxes and fees paid for the reservation. In addition, the vacation subtotal will be refunded in the form of cash and Inspirato Travel Credits based on the table below as of this writing.

If you cancel your reservation and are eligible for a cash refund, that refund will only come in the form of ACH or credit card. If you paid for your reservation using  Inspirato Travel Credits or Travel Perks, then you will be refunded through those methods respectively. Lastly, if Inspirato Travel Credits are issued to you as a cancellation refund, they must be used within three years from the date of issuance.

PRIOR is all about custom travel planning. Unlike other travel planning companies, PRIOIR specializes in ensuring each of their member’s trips are one-of-a-kind. They don’t simply book your reservations at a nice hotel or villa and then arrange for some form of transportation to get you there. Instead, they tap into their global network of tastemakers in order to curate experiences, perks, surprises and details that will make your vacation truly unique.

Travelers can join each other for retreats and trips in extraordinary places. An not only does PRIOR provide half and full-day tours, but they also offer workshops and encounters with chefs, artisans & historians in global destinations.

The company has a premium membership called PRIOR BESPOKE. Only a limited number of people can join BESPOKE, and you can only get in by applying or being referred. PRIOR Bespoke is like having your own team of editors who make your travel magazine come to life.

Whether you’re planning your annual travel calendar or celebrating a special occasion at home or abroad, your dedicated team of PRIOR membership managers, editors and support staff will make each experience and trip even better, delivering the seamless convenience of a well-planned travel life.

Annual Dues:

• PRIOR WORLD – $849 / per year (includes one customized trip)
• PRIOR BESPOKE – $2,750 / year (unlimited custom travel planning)

4. Well Traveled Club

Well Traveled Club is an exclusive social platform that allows individuals to

discover, plan and book experiences by using the power of community and networking.

The platform allows members to connect and share tips on places to stay, restaurants, and things to do. With their personalized booking service, you’re guaranteed amazing benefits and privileges that other platforms don’t offer. Well Traveled was designed with the modern explorer in mind–someone who wants reliable suggestions from a community of people they can trust.

Well Traveled Club’s platform allows members to connect and share recommendations on accommodations, restaurants and activities; and their personalized booking service provides unmatched benefits and exclusive perks. Designed for a new generation of travelers, foodies and adventure seekers, Well Traveled makes it easier to uncover places you actually want to go, vetted by a community you can trust. 

• $150 per year
• There’s currently a waitlist, but you can skip the line if a current member invites you.

What Are Luxury Travel Memberships?

Luxury travel memberships are club memberships that offer access to exclusive benefits and privileges, usually at a high price point. These memberships typically offer things like access to luxury accommodations, private transportation, personalized planning services, and other VIP perks.

Some luxury travel memberships also offer access to exclusive events and experiences that you can’t find anywhere else. If you’re looking for a truly unique and luxurious travel experience, a membership with one of these clubs may be right for you.

Of course, with any high-end purchase, it’s important to do your research before committing to anything. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the membership, as well as the cost.

What Are The Benefits Of Luxury Travel Memberships?

Luxury travel memberships are the best decision for those hoping to venture to the far corners of the world in style. Besides the fact that it gives a different perspective, you’ll get the best one-on-one assistance that travelers can get.

Comfort and Convenience

Often, people choose luxury travel memberships for their increased comfort and convenience. If you’re someone who hates dealing with the hassle of planning every detail of your trip, a membership with a luxury travel club can take a lot of the work off your plate.

When you become a member of a luxury travel club, you’ll have access to a team of experts who can help you plan and customize your trip to perfection. From booking flights and accommodations to arranging transportation and activity reservations, they can take care of everything for you so that all you have to worry about is packing your bags and enjoying your vacation.

Access To The Best

Luxury travel memberships also offer exclusive access to the best that the world has to offer. If you’re looking for five-star accommodations, private transportation, and VIP treatment, a membership with a luxury travel club is the way to go.

You’ll also have access to exclusive events and experiences you can’t find anywhere else. From black-tie galas to private tours of iconic landmarks, luxury travel memberships give you access to unique experiences.

Personalized Service

When you become a member of a luxury travel club, you’ll receive personalized service from start to finish. Your dedicated team of trip planners will work with you one-on-one to create a custom travel experience explicitly tailored to luxury travelers.

Traveling more on a budget?  Check out these other travel club memberships ?

How Do I Choose The Right Luxury Travel Membership For Me?

1. Determine Your Travel Goals

Before you start shopping for a luxury travel membership, you must clearly know what you’re looking for. What are your travel goals? Where do you want to go? What kind of experiences are you interested in?

Answering these questions will help you narrow down your options and find a club that best fits your specific travel needs.

2. Do Your Research

Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to start doing your research. Read reviews of different clubs and compare features to find the one that’s right for you.

Be sure to pay attention to the cost of membership as well as any restrictions or blackout dates that may apply.

3. Ask For Recommendations

If you know someone who’s a member of a luxury travel club, ask for their recommendations. They can give you first-hand insights into the benefits and drawbacks of different clubs and help you decide which one is right for you.

4. Compare Costs

Luxury travel memberships can be expensive, so comparing costs is essential before making a decision. Some clubs require an initiation fee, while others charge an annual membership fee. Be sure to factor these costs into your budget when considering different options.

5. Read The Fine Print

Before signing up for any club, read the terms and conditions carefully. Pay attention to things like cancellation policies, blackout dates, and restrictions. You don’t want to be surprised by hidden fees or terms that are unfavorable to you.

Final Thoughts

Luxury travel membership can be a great way to make your travel dreams a reality. With the help of a dedicated team of experts, you can plan and customize your trip to perfection. And with access to exclusive events and experiences, you’re sure to have an unforgettable vacation.

If you’re considering joining a club, be sure to do your research and compare costs before making a decision. And don’t forget to read the fine print!

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next luxury getaway today!

And be sure to check out our list of Best Travel Club Memberships for those who travel more traditionally.

Privacy Overview

The ultimate guide to United Club access

Airport lounges can be an oasis from a busy, crowded or outdated terminal.

Some lounges belong to a membership network, like Priority Pass . Others are airline-specific, like the United Club.

If you're a loyal United flyer or frequent one of the carrier's largest hubs, here's what you need to know about accessing the United Club.

Same-day boarding pass requirement

The "Big Three" U.S. airlines — American, Delta and United — all require a same-day boarding pass to access their lounges. That means you can't use a United Club when you're flying with American.

Related: The best credit cards for flying United

For starters, you'll need a same-day boarding pass on United or a Star Alliance partner airline to gain entry to a United Club.

Credit cards

The United Club Infinite Card is the newest (and potentially most affordable) way to access United Clubs for frequent travelers. The card comes with a lounge membership that allows the primary cardholder and two adult companions (or one adult and any dependent children under the age of 21) access to United Clubs for as long as you hold the card.

The United Club Infinite Card carries a $525 annual fee, which is lower than a discounted lounge membership with Premier elite status (see below). The card currently offers a sign-up bonus of 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Business owners can open the United Club Business Card which offers the same United Club access as the United Club Infinite Card. However, this card has slightly different auxiliary benefits and a lower $450 annual fee.

The information for the United Club Business Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

If you'd prefer to avoid the hefty annual fee, you can opt for the entry-level United Explorer Card , which includes two single-use United Club passes each year. Note that these day passes don't include guest access.

Paid membership

You can pay for a United Club membership with either cash or miles, though the price varies depending on your United Premier elite status , with rates as follows:

While top-tier elite members (Premier Platinum and Premier 1K) enjoy a discount, the prices are still quite high. TPG values United MileagePlus miles at 1.4 cents each, so your best bet is to pay the annual membership fee with cash, as opposed to miles. (Of course, opening the United Club Infinite Card is an even better deal.)

If you don't travel enough to commit to an annual membership, you can also purchase day passes for $59 at United Club locations or through the United mobile app. Just note that day passes don't guarantee entry during peak crowding periods.

Since Jan. 1, 2021, United's invite-only Global Services members can enjoy lounge access on all United-operated flights, including those operating exclusively within the United States. Note that this new perk only covers the Global Services member — you'll only be able to bring a guest into the lounge with a separate membership or when flying internationally.

Elite status

Select Premier members can use the United Club at any time during their travel journey.

United Premier Gold (and higher) members have access to the carrier's lounges when traveling internationally on any Star Alliance carrier, regardless of their class of service. They can also bring along one guest departing on a Star Alliance carrier from the same airport. Note that since May 3, 2021, the guest must be traveling on the same flight.

Star Alliance Gold members who hold status with another partner airline can use the United Club with any same-day Star Alliance boarding pass, including during domestic United travel. The same guest rules apply. Since May 3, 2021, the Star Alliance requires guests to be traveling on the same flight as the elite member.

(Note that Premier elites can't use the carrier's Polaris lounges , as those locations have separate entry requirements that we'll discuss in a moment.)

Ticket type

Premium-cabin Star Alliance travelers can also use United Clubs, though the exact terms and guest privileges vary by ticket type, as seen below.

Other United Club access

United's lounges are open to a few other travelers, including:

• Active U.S. military personnel. You'll need to travel with a valid military ID, a same-day United boarding pass and be dressed in uniform or bring your leave orders or rest and recuperation papers.
• If you're an Air Canada Maple Leaf Club member, you can access the United Club as before any same-day Star Alliance member flight.
• Maple Leaf Club North America members can use any domestic United Club location, while Maple Leaf Club Worldwide members can use all locations worldwide and bring a guest for each visit.
• Virgin Australia Velocity Gold, Platinum and VIP elite members may visit United Clubs by presenting a same-day boarding pass for an international United or Virgin Australia flight departing from the same airport. You can bring one guest if you're traveling with United.

United Polaris Lounge access

Of course, Star Alliance premium-cabin passengers also have access to United's Polaris lounges, which offer modern furnishings, private spa-like shower suites and elevated culinary experiences.

Three types of passengers are eligible for Polaris lounge access:

• Travelers in United Polaris business class: available at departure, connecting and/or arrival airports (no guests).
• Travelers in Star Alliance first class: only available at the departure airport for a long-haul first-class flight (one guest).
• Travelers in Star Alliance business class: only available at the departure airport for a long-haul business-class flight (no guests).

United Club Fly Access

In addition to United Clubs and Polaris Lounges, the carrier operates a new lounge concept called "Club Fly."

The first such space opened in Denver in November, based on a grab-and-go concept . Eligible travelers can enter Club Fly by scanning their boarding pass at the self-serve entry gate.

Once you get inside, you can raid the snack bar that's stocked with packaged and prepared foods, and you can also order a coffee from the barista.

Given Club Fly's focus on efficiency, the access policies are a bit different. All travelers eligible to enter a United Club or Polaris Lounge can visit Club Fly, but they cannot bring any guests. (This excludes active U.S. military personnel and Air Canada Maple Leaf Club members.)

You'll find a plethora of United Clubs in the carrier's main hubs, including:

• Chicago O'Hare (ORD) — Four locations: three in Terminal 1 (near gates B6, B18 and C10) plus another in Terminal 2 across from Gate F9.
• Denver (DEN) — Two locations: one near Gate B32 and the other near Gate B44. United Club Fly can be found near Gate B60, and there's a temporary pop-up club near Gate B59. Two new and renovated clubs are expected to open in Denver in 2023.
• Houston (IAH) — Five locations: one in Terminal A (across from Gate A9), one in Terminal B (south mezzanine), two in Terminal C (near Gate C1 and toward Gate C33) and one in Terminal E (between gates E11 and E12).
• Los Angeles (LAX) — one location adjacent to Gate 71A.
• Newark (EWR) — Three locations: one is a "pop-up" in Terminal C (near Gate C93), plus a full club in Terminal C (upper level, near Gate C123). Two new and renovated clubs are expected to open in Newark in 2023.
• San Francisco (SFO) — Three locations: two in Terminal 3 (near Gate E4 and Gate F11) and one in the international terminal (between gates G6 and G9).
• Washington Dulles (IAD) — Four locations in the Midfield Terminal (near gates C4, C7, C17 and D8).

Except for Denver, all of these airports ( Chicago O'Hare , Houston , Los Angeles , Newark , San Francisco and Washington, D.C. ) have Polaris lounges.

Most of the other clubs are scattered across the U.S., including in airports such as Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), among others.

For complete details on all of these locations, including hours of operation, you can visit this page .

Bottom line

United offers a variety of ways to access its United Clubs, both for premium-cabin frequent flyers and for those with a membership.

If you frequently travel with United, it's worth analyzing which options offer the best bang for your buck to unlock a relaxing lounge experience.

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Travel club memberships.

Occasions travel club memberships concierge premiere services offers exclusive travel club benefits.  Your member travel benefits are included in the vacation clubs member portal. As an Occasions Travel Club Member you’ll have access to more than 30,000 Cruise itineraries across all categories, 700 global airlines in all commercial markets, One Million worldwide hotels and vacation homes, 30,000 global pick-up locations at major airports, 200,000 plus resorts & hotels from major suppliers and 150,000 Activities to experience unique and sought out tours with trusted providers.  Join now to get access the travelers club.

We provide dedicated support teams that speak 22 languages and support teams around the clock that provide high standards for our brands like American Express.

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• Save Up to 70% or More on All Vacation Travel Worldwide
• Vacation Condos Start as low as $155.00 Per Week
• One Vacation Membership for Family & Friends
• No Black Out Dates
• Air, Hotels, Condos, Luxury Resorts, Cruises, Car Rentals, Tours & More

Travel Membership Clubs

Travel membership clubs are organizations that offer members exclusive access to discounts, upgrades, and other benefits when they book travel services such as flights, hotels, and rental cars. Members typically pay an annual fee for access to these benefits, and in exchange, they are able to save money on their travel expenses. Some of the most popular travel membership clubs include:

• AAA (American Automobile Association)
• Costco Travel
• Sam’s Club Travel
• BJ’s Travel
• AARP Travel Center
• Travelocity Rewards
• Expedia Rewards

It’s important to carefully consider the cost and benefits of a travel membership club before joining, as the savings offered may not always outweigh the cost of the annual membership fee.  But for those who love to travel it definitely is worth it and it allows for families and friends to create wonderful experiences.

Travel Services

Enjoy the benefits of our full service travel club by contacting the travel concierge 24/7.  We look forward to welcoming you to the premiere travelers club.

Travel Club Best Rate Guarantee

As a member of the Occasion Travel Club you are guaranteed the best price or will refund your money and pay you 110% refund.  Our travel club members love our member travel benefits because rates are often saving our members up to 70% off or more depending on the dates of travel.  Our travel club rates beat Expedia, Hotels.com, Cheap Tickets, Priceline, Travelocity, Orbitz, Hotwire and Trivago. Start enjoying your member travel privileges by becoming our next travel vacation club member. We believe your going to love your travelers club and travel more often with the discount savings.

Concierge Travel

One of the member traveler priviledges from the travel concierge is that we provide a personal touch to all of your experiences with the Occasion Travelers Club by offering you White Glove Travel Concierge service every step of the way.  We take your satisfaction very seriously – we know you’ll notice the difference each time you use your membership travel club.  Listed below are just some of the member travel privileges:

Member Travel Services

• Travel Expert Recommendations
• Reservation Management
• Transportation Assistance
• Booking Modifications
• Always a friendly Conversation
• Never Any Unnecessary Pressure to Book or Buy

We look forward to helping you plan and book your next adventure from you in the member travel services department. After becoming a member we’re just one call away from giving you the service you deserve.

Vacation Clubs

Vacation clubs were created originally for members who love to vacation and travel without many of the restrictions of the traditional timeshare community.  Vacation membership clubs or travel membership clubs gives access to a variety of benefits for resorts and vacation properties at discounted rates to it’s travelers or it’s members.  To get access to vacation clubs, you usually have to pay an upfront initial membership fee and you have a very small annual fee to maintain access to all the travel membership club benefits.  What vacation clubs realized unlike “Timeshares”, is that vacationers love freedom and flexibility along with a numerous other benefits.  As a travel club member, these vacation clubs offered not only access to beautiful resorts and 5 Star hotels, without maintenance fees, but they offered discounts on Airline Flights, Cruises, Car Rentals and so much more depending the the vacation club and the level of your membership. But I believe the most important aspect that these vacation membership clubs offered was the ability to allow family and friends to have basically full access to all the privileges that the original member has or very close to it without any restrictions or blackout dates.  So this way some family and friends could go in together on the membership fees or with all the travel options, it makes it a no brainer to join if you take at least one vacation per year.

Travel vacation clubs are membership programs designed to enhance the travel experiences of their members. These clubs work by providing exclusive access to a wide range of travel opportunities, accommodations, and services. Travel membership sites serve as platforms where individuals can join these clubs and gain access to their benefits. By becoming vacation club members, individuals can enjoy the perks of ownership without the hassles and commitments associated with owning a property outright. Vacation club membership offers a convenient and flexible way to plan and enjoy vacations, providing members with the opportunity to explore various destinations and stay in luxury accommodations at their preferred travel dates. Whether it’s a beachfront resort, a mountain retreat, or a city getaway, travel vacation clubs offer a world of possibilities for their members to indulge in unforgettable experiences.

Experience the pinnacle of luxury travel with TRVL Club in the stunning Caicos Islands. This exclusive travel club offers discerning travelers access to unparalleled opulence amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Caicos Islands. Indulge in lavish accommodations, pristine beaches, and world-class amenities. TRVL Club curates bespoke experiences, ensuring every moment is steeped in luxury and sophistication. Whether it’s unwinding in lavish resorts or exploring the island’s natural wonders, the Caicos Islands become a haven for those seeking the epitome of luxury travel. TRVL Club unveils a world of exclusivity, offering a transcendent experience in the exquisite Caicos Islands.

What Do Vacation Clubs or Travel Clubs Cost?

Most of us already know that buying a vacation home can be very expensive, however according the the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), the average cost of a timeshare for the year 2022 is approximately $22,000.  With that in mind travel clubs can cost you anywhere from $2,500 to over $20,000 annually.

What are the different Vacation Clubs that offer travel memberships?  The most advance exclusive vacation club on the market is the Occasions Travel Club.  It offers all the contemporary benefits that travelers and vacationers love with the top priority being flexibility.  At the Occasions Travel Club they realize that people love the freedom to travel when they want to and with whom they want to.  With Occasions Vacation Club you can share all or some of your benefits with family and friends and be rewarded for it. Not only will you save up to 70% on hotel and resort bookings, but you get access to travel membership benefits for Airlines, Cruises, Car Rentals, Condos, All-Inclusive  and so much more for your money.  On top of that you’re going to save time and money over the traditional vacation clubs such as Club Wyndham, Disney Vacation Club, Hilton Grand Vacation Club and many others.  Why pay over $20,000 to start with and get restrictions, when you can get so much more for about 90% less.

Vacation Travel Club

Vacation travel clubs are organizations that offer members access to exclusive travel packages, discounts, and other benefits for taking vacations. At Occasions we share with you the top Vacation Travel Clubs in the world because we know that we’re the best.  We offer you access to all the vacation resorts in the clubs listed below and so much more but for a fraction of the price that they offer it to you.  Some of popular vacation travel clubs include:

• Marriott Vacation Club
• Hilton Grand Vacations
• Wyndham Vacation Clubs
• Diamond Resorts

Disney Vacation Club

• RCI (Resort Condominiums International)

Members typically pay an annual fee or a one-time fee to join a vacation travel club, and in exchange, they are able to take advantage of discounts and special offers on vacation packages, including hotels, flights, and activities. Before joining a vacation travel club, it’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions, including any restrictions or blackout dates, to ensure that it’s a good fit for your vacation needs.

What are the Pros and Cons of a Vacation Club?

Pros of a vacation travel club:

Discounts: Members of a vacation travel club often receive exclusive discounts on vacation packages, including hotels, flights, and activities.

Convenience: Vacation travel clubs often offer pre-packaged vacations, making it easy for members to plan and book their trips.

Access to exclusive properties: Members may have access to exclusive resorts and vacation properties that are not available to the general public.

Flexibility: Some vacation travel clubs offer flexible vacation options, such as the ability to exchange vacation time at one property for time at another property.

It’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons of a vacation travel club before joining, to ensure that it’s a good fit for your vacation needs and budget.

Cons of a vacation travel club:

Cost: Joining a vacation travel club can be expensive, as members typically pay an annual fee or a one-time fee, as well as fees for each vacation they book.

Restrictions: Vacation travel clubs may have restrictions on the type of vacations available, the dates when vacations can be taken, and the properties that are available.

Maintenance fees: Members may be required to pay annual maintenance fees to cover the cost of maintaining the vacation properties.

Limited availability: Popular vacation properties may be in high demand, making it difficult for members to book the properties they want during peak travel periods.

Complexity: The terms and conditions of vacation travel clubs can be complex, making it difficult for some people to fully understand the benefits and restrictions associated with membership.

Occasions Travel Club

Bluegreen Vacations

Breeze Private Residence Club Registry Collection

El Cid Resorts

Fiesta American Vacation Club

Hilton Grand Vacation

Holiday Inn Club Vacations

Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club

Anantara Vacation Club

Palmera Vacation Club

Paradise Vacation Club

Royal Holiday Vacation Club

Star Island Resort & Club

Unlimited Vacation Club

Vida Vacations

Westgate Resorts

Club Wyndham

Yachtvibes Vacation Club

Diamond Resorts & Hotels Club

Luxury Travel Club

A luxury travel club is an organization that offers its members exclusive access to high-end travel experiences, including luxury hotels, private jets, and other premium travel services. Some popular luxury travel clubs include:

• Five Star Alliance
• Luxury Travel Advisor
• The Leading Hotels of the World
• Signature Travel Network

Members of a luxury travel club typically pay an annual fee or a one-time fee to join, and in exchange, they receive access to exclusive deals and discounts on luxury travel experiences, as well as personalized service from dedicated travel advisors. Some luxury travel clubs may also offer additional benefits, such as complimentary upgrades and private tours.

Before joining a luxury travel club, it’s important to consider the cost and the types of travel experiences offered, as well as your own travel needs and preferences. It’s also a good idea to compare the benefits and costs of different luxury travel clubs to find the one that is the best fit for you.

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Executive Travel Clubs: Elevating the Experience of Exclusive Travelers

Executive travel clubs, often referred to as exclusive traveler clubs or simply traveler clubs, epitomize a new dimension in luxurious and refined travel experiences. These specialized travel clubs, commonly known as travel clubs, redefine the traditional approach to exploration and accommodation, providing a comprehensive suite of services that cater to the discerning needs of executive travelers.

At the heart of these clubs lies a commitment to personalized service and exclusive access. Members of an executive travel club enjoy an unparalleled range of privileges, including access to elite accommodations and preferred car rentals, all meticulously curated to meet the highest standards of luxury travel.

These clubs offer a distinguished level of exclusivity, granting members access to a meticulously curated selection of elite hotels, resorts, and private accommodations across the globe. Furthermore, they often extend special rates and privileges to ensure members secure the most advantageous deals for their travel, including preferred access to luxury car rentals.

Moreover, executive travel clubs prioritize personalized attention and service excellence. With dedicated concierge services, members benefit from tailored itineraries, streamlined booking processes for car rentals, and bespoke travel experiences, ensuring that every aspect of their journey is optimized to meet their exacting requirements.

The convenience factor of these clubs is equally notable. Members enjoy expedited processes, priority access, and customized recommendations that encompass not only accommodations and transportation but also extend to services like car rentals. This streamlined approach ensures members save valuable time while experiencing an elevated level of service.

The allure of exclusivity associated with executive travel clubs cannot be overstated. Being part of such a club offers access to a community of like-minded individuals who value luxury and efficiency in their travel experiences. It often fosters networking opportunities with influential individuals, opening doors to potential business collaborations or fostering enriching personal relationships.

In summary, executive travel clubs epitomize the pinnacle of luxury travel experiences. These exclusive traveler clubs redefine travel, offering a harmonious blend of bespoke services, exclusive access to luxurious accommodations, and streamlined processes, including top-tier car rental options. For the modern executive traveler seeking a seamless fusion of luxury, convenience, and exclusivity, these clubs stand as the epitome of curated travel experiences.

The definition of Occasion is a particular time or instance of an event. We believe that life is meant to be an enjoyable experience to celebrate time here with one another.  We created the Occasion Travel Club for people to create special memories that they will treasure a lifetime.  So often we get distracted in life and forget to celebrate more often with one another.  When was the last time you traveled to see someone just because you missed them and made it a special occasion? Can you imagine the joy you both will experience that is priceless. Get started by becoming our next member of the Travelers Club.

Exploring the World of Vacation Clubs: Unveiling the Perks of Travel Memberships

For those seeking luxurious and hassle-free travel experiences, vacation clubs have emerged as a game-changer. By joining a travel membership, you gain access to a world of exclusive benefits, personalized services, and a dedicated team of professionals ensuring your trip is nothing short of extraordinary. In this article, we will delve into the realm of vacation clubs, highlighting the advantages of travel memberships and why they are the preferred choice for frequent travelers and discerning adventurers.

Unparalleled Benefits of Travel Memberships

Dedicated on-site team.

One of the standout features of vacation clubs is the presence of dedicated on-site professionals, including medical and security personnel. These experts are available to provide assistance, support, and peace of mind during your travels. Whether it’s coordinating medical services or ensuring your safety and security, the on-site team is there to cater to your needs and ensure a worry-free vacation.

Exclusive Access to Luxury Residences

Travel memberships grant you access to a portfolio of luxury residences, ranging from chic apartments to lavish villas and top-rated hotels. Each accommodation is carefully curated to offer the utmost comfort, style, and convenience, providing a home away from home experience that surpasses traditional hotel stays

Same Benefits, Anywhere in the World

One of the most significant advantages of travel memberships is the ability to enjoy the same benefits regardless of your destination. Whether you’re traveling to Lake Tahoe, exploring exotic locales, or venturing around the world, your membership ensures consistent high-end services, impeccable accommodations, and unparalleled experiences.

On-Site Concierge Services

Vacation clubs often provide on-site concierge services, offering personalized assistance and trip planning support. From securing coveted reservations at top restaurants to arranging unique excursions and activities, the on-site concierge team is dedicated to fulfilling your every desire, making your vacation truly unforgettable.

Access to Exclusive Flight Deals

As a frequent traveler and member of a travel club, you can take advantage of exclusive flight deals and discounts. These partnerships and connections in the industry enable you to access competitive rates, ensuring significant savings on airfare, whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally.

Expedited Travel with Global Entry and Priority Pass

Many travel memberships include perks such as Global Entry and Priority Pass memberships. Global Entry expedites your entry into the United States, bypassing long immigration queues, while Priority Pass grants access to airport lounges worldwide, allowing you to relax in comfort before your flight and enjoy a seamless travel experience.

Roadside Assistance

Travel memberships often provide roadside assistance, ensuring that you have peace of mind while on the road. Whether it’s a flat tire, battery jump-start, or other minor vehicle issues, roadside assistance is just a phone call away, ensuring you can continue your journey with minimal interruptions.

Competitive Nightly Rates and Extra Benefits

By joining a vacation club, you gain access to highly competitive nightly rates at luxury accommodations. Additionally, many clubs offer extra benefits such as daily housekeeping, exclusive amenities, and preferred reservations at top-rated restaurants, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Choosing the Right Travel Membership

When selecting a travel membership, consider the following factors, initiation fee and membership costs.

Evaluate the one-time initiation fee and annual membership costs. Compare these fees with the benefits and services offered to ensure you’re getting the best value for your investment.

Flexibility and Travel Planning Support

Assess the level of flexibility provided by the club, such as the ability to change travel dates or destinations. Additionally, consider the quality of trip planning support offered, including access to expert advice and tailored itineraries.

Accommodation Portfolio

Explore the club’s portfolio of luxury residences and top hotels. Ensure that their offerings align with your travel preferences and desired destinations.

Additional Perks and Fine Prin

Review the fine print to understand any restrictions or limitations. Look for additional perks like discounts on activities, curated experiences, and access to exclusive events.

Travel memberships and vacation clubs are revolutionizing the way we experience the world, offering unparalleled benefits, personalized services, and peace of mind during our travels. By joining a travel membership, you unlock access to luxurious accommodations, exclusive flight deals, on-site concierge services, and a global network of support. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, travel memberships are a must-have for anyone looking to explore new places, indulge in extraordinary experiences, and make unforgettable memories. So, embark on your next journey with the assurance of a clear plus membership, and let the world become your playground with the guidance of dedicated professionals and impeccable trip planning.

What are the Pros and Cons of a Travel Membership?

Pros of a travel membership club:

Discounts: The main benefit of a travel membership club is access to exclusive discounts and promotions on travel services such as flights, hotels, and rental cars.

Convenience: Members can often book travel services through the club’s website or customer service center, making it easier to compare prices and make reservations.

Upgrades: Some travel membership clubs offer their members the opportunity to upgrade their travel accommodations, such as hotel rooms or airline seats, for a lower cost than what is available to non-members.

Customer service: Many travel membership clubs have dedicated customer service teams to assist members with their travel plans and resolve any issues that may arise.

Cons of a travel membership club:

Cost: Joining a travel membership club typically requires an annual fee, which can be a significant cost for some people.

Limited options: The discounts and promotions offered by a travel membership club may only be available for a limited number of travel providers, so it’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions before joining.

Blackout dates: Some travel membership clubs may have blackout dates when discounts are not available, which can be a drawback for travelers who are looking to travel during peak periods.

Restrictions: Travel membership clubs may have restrictions on the type of travel services that are eligible for discounts, such as flights to certain destinations or specific hotel brands.

Complexity: The terms and conditions of travel membership clubs can be complex, making it difficult for some people to understand the full range of benefits and restrictions associated with membership.

Traveling Clubs: Exploring the Benefits of the Ultimate Travel Club

Traveling clubs like the Occasions Ultimate Travel Club have gained popularity among adventurers seeking discounted and exclusive travel experiences. With its range of offerings and perks, the Ultimate Travel Club stands out as a go-to destination for savvy travelers.

The Occasions Ultimate Travel Club provides access to a myriad of discounts and deals through its website and membership program. By utilizing an Ultimate Travel Club code or coupon, members can unlock remarkable discounts on flights, accommodations, tours, and various travel-related services. These exclusive discounts are often tailored to suit different travel preferences and budgets, enabling members to save significantly on their trips. These are great for last minute deals without having to do with the timeshare industry.  Today’s travelers want very little if any to do with the timeshare industry and maintenance fees, but want a club membership with access to luxury resorts that won’t penalize them as a frequent traveler.

The Occasions Ultimate Travel Club website serves as a central hub for members to explore available discounts, access promotional offers, and plan their dream getaways. It’s user-friendly, offering an intuitive interface where members can easily navigate through the available deals and make reservations hassle-free.

One of the standout features of the Occasions Ultimate Travel Club is its commitment to providing genuine value to its members. Whether it’s obtaining a code for a discount on hotel bookings or accessing exclusive travel packages, the club aims to make travel more affordable and accessible.

By joining the Occasions Ultimate Travel Club, travelers gain access to a community that shares a passion for exploring the world while saving money. The club’s array of discounts and deals cater to various travel preferences, ensuring that members can find offers that align with their interests.

In conclusion, traveling clubs like the Occasions Ultimate Travel Club offer an excellent avenue for individuals seeking discounted travel experiences. With its user-friendly website, exclusive discounts, and commitment to providing value to its members, the Ultimate Travel Club stands as a valuable resource for adventurers looking to explore the world without breaking the bank.

Traveling clubs and vacation clubs have evolved, exemplified by MyTRVLClub, which offers not just exclusive travel memberships but also an avenue to earn income from traveling. Through a well-structured compensation plan, MyTRVLClub empowers members to explore the globe while simultaneously generating income. The allure of ultimate travel club coupons and discounts intertwines seamlessly with the potential to earn through this innovative vacation club. When conducting a vacation club comparison, MyTRVLClub stands out among traveling clubs, offering a unique blend of exclusive travel opportunities and the chance to earn income—a distinctive feature within the realm of vacation clubs and travel memberships

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Perfect holiday travel club, go & discover, breathtaking cities.

What is a travel membership club?  A travel membership club are travel clubs that offer exclusive membership benefits for travel and vacations.  These types of memberships offer usually discounts to it’s members and these discounts are not readily available to the public outside of it’s members.  Some membership clubs offer traveling privileges such as airport lounges and high end luxury.  Travel club memberships are designed for individuals and families who put a premium of spending time together and traveling to explore the world and create memories that last a lifetime.  The purpose of a travel club is to offer a plethora of benefits under a single membership for a member.  These traveling clubs fulfill the varying needs of travelers with a customized membership plan to suit each member.  These memberships are not based on any specific location like timeshares but they enable members to enjoy the benefits or make use of loyalty points from anywhere in the world.

Many travelers would be surprised to find out how many timeshare developers have converted or offer as an option travel membership clubs.  Just to name a few are the following Hyatt Resident club, Wyndham Destinations, Marriott Vacation Club and the Hilton Grand Vacation Club.  However, you don’t have to pay over $22,000 to get access to a personal concierge with vacation club offers and experience vacation ownership with no maintenance fees with world class service by becoming the Vacation Club Member with Occasions Travel Club.

Unlocking a World of Adventures: Travel Clubs and Their Member Benefits

In a world where frequent travelers are always on the lookout for ways to save money while enjoying their journeys, travel clubs have emerged as a popular choice. These clubs offer a range of member benefits, making travel more accessible and enjoyable. From Disney Vacation Club to Scott’s Cheap Flights, travel enthusiasts are finding innovative ways to explore the globe without breaking the bank.

One of the most well-known travel clubs is the Disney Vacation Club (DVC). DVC members gain access to Disney’s top-notch resorts and vacation experiences, allowing them to create unforgettable family memories. The best part? There are no maintenance fees, unlike the typical timeshare industry, which often comes with hefty ongoing costs. DVC members also enjoy priority booking for Disney accommodations, room upgrades, and exclusive events, ensuring a magical vacation every time.

Scott’s Cheap Flights is another travel club that has taken the world by storm. With a focus on finding the best flight deals, this club scours the internet to uncover hidden gems for its members. Subscribers receive daily email alerts for discounted flights, allowing them to save money on airfare and spend it on memorable experiences instead.

Travel clubs often offer more than just flight deals. Many provide exclusive perks like Priority Pass and Global Entry, which can help travelers breeze through airport security lines and access airport lounges. These benefits not only save time but also enhance the overall travel experience.

Moreover, some travel clubs extend their offerings to booking hotels and accommodations. They secure discounted rates and room upgrades for their members, ensuring a comfortable stay wherever they go. Some clubs even partner with credit card companies, offering unique credit card perks like cashback on travel expenses, airline miles, and travel insurance.

Joining a travel club can be an excellent investment for frequent travelers and their families. Traveling Clubs and Vacation Clubs offer member benefits, such as exclusive access to Disney Vacation Club, Scott’s Cheap Flights, Priority Pass, and Global Entry, are invaluable for those looking to save money and enhance their travel experiences. By taking advantage of these perks, travelers can unlock a world of adventures while enjoying the convenience and cost savings that travel clubs provide. So why wait? Join a travel club today and start exploring the world like never before!

How to Join a Travel Club?

Joining a travel club or traveling clubs typically involves the following steps:

Research: Research different travel clubs to find the one that best fits your travel needs and budget. Consider the types of travel benefits offered, the cost of membership, and the terms and conditions.

Compare options: Compare the benefits and costs of different travel clubs to find the one that is the best fit for you.

Apply: Complete the online application or download and fill out a paper application. Provide the required information, such as your name, address, and payment information.

Pay the fee: Pay the annual fee or one-time fee required to join the travel club.

Activate your membership: Once your membership is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email or letter with information on how to activate your membership and start taking advantage of the benefits.

Use the benefits: Book your travel services through the travel club to take advantage of exclusive discounts and benefits.

It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of each travel club before joining, to ensure that you understand the benefits and restrictions associated with membership.

Travel Clubs To Join

Here are some popular travel clubs to consider joining:

AAA (American Automobile Association) – Offers discounts on travel services such as flights, hotels, and rental cars, as well as roadside assistance and travel insurance.

Costco Travel – Offers members discounts on travel packages, rental cars, and theme park tickets.

Sam’s Club Travel – Offers members discounts on travel services such as flights, hotels, and rental cars.

BJ’s Travel – Offers members discounts on travel services such as flights, hotels, and rental cars.

AARP Travel Center – Offers members discounts on travel services such as flights, hotels, and rental cars, as well as travel insurance.

Travelocity Rewards – Offers members discounts and special offers on travel services such as flights, hotels, and rental cars.

Expedia Rewards – Offers members access to exclusive discounts and promotions on travel services such as flights, hotels, and rental cars.

Before joining a travel club, it’s important to compare the benefits and costs of each club and determine which one is the best fit for your travel needs and budget.

At the Occasions Travel Club, we aren’t afraid for you to compare our club with others because we know we offer the best travel club membership and are second to none.  Welcome to Occasions!

Unlocking the Benefits of Vacation Clubs: Your Gateway to Unforgettable Trips

Are you tired of the same old vacation routines? Do you dream of exploring new destinations and enjoying luxurious experiences without breaking the bank? Look no further than the Occasions vacation clubs. By joining a vacation club membership, you gain access to exclusive perks, incredible travel opportunities, and a world of unforgettable adventures. In this article, we will delve into the concept of vacation clubs, the advantages of membership, and why it’s a must-have for any avid traveler.

What is a Vacation Club Membership?

A vacation club membership is a unique program that offers individuals the opportunity to enjoy exceptional travel experiences at a fraction of the cost. Unlike traditional timeshare models, vacation clubs provide flexibility, allowing members to choose from a wide range of travel options, destinations, and accommodation types. By paying an annual membership fee, individuals gain access to a vast network of properties, travel services, and exclusive benefits.

Endless Benefits of Membership

Greater Flexibility: Travel memberships offer the freedom to explore various destinations and accommodations, allowing you to design your dream vacation without the limitations of a fixed timeshare. With access to a global network of properties, you can choose from luxurious resorts, boutique hotels, vacation homes, and even premium economy tickets, ensuring that every trip is tailored to your preferences.

Cost Savings: By joining a vacation club, you can save a significant amount of money on future vacations. Many clubs negotiate discounted rates and secure exclusive deals on accommodation, flights, car rentals, and more. The savings gained through membership can be allocated towards upgrading your experiences or embarking on additional trips throughout the year.

Access to Premium Benefits: Vacation clubs often offer perks such as priority pass memberships, which provide access to airport lounges worldwide, making your travel experiences more comfortable and enjoyable. Additionally, some clubs provide access to expedited security lines, global entry programs, and even insider opportunities such as mistake fares that can lead to heavily discounted flights.

Personalized Service: Vacation clubs prioritize their members’ satisfaction, ensuring that every trip exceeds expectations. Dedicated travel consultants assist with itinerary planning, offering expert advice and curated itineraries tailored to your preferences. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, vacation clubs are designed to fulfill your desires and create unforgettable memories.

Additional Membership Benefits: Many clubs offer additional benefits beyond travel, such as roadside assistance programs, discounted entertainment tickets, and exclusive access to events and experiences. These added perks enhance your overall membership experience and provide value even when you’re not on a vacation.

How to Choose the Right Vacation Club

With numerous vacation clubs in the market, selecting the right one for your needs is essential. Consider the following factors before making a decision:

Membership Costs: Evaluate the annual membership fees and any initiation fees associated with joining the club. Compare the costs against the benefits offered to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your investment.

Travel Preferences: Assess the club’s portfolio of destinations, properties, and travel options to ensure they align with your preferences. If you have a particular destination in mind, ensure that it is covered by the club’s offerings.

Club Reputation: Research the club’s reputation within the travel industry. Look for reviews and testimonials from current and former members to gauge their satisfaction levels and experiences.

Additional Services: Consider the club’s additional services, such as travel planning assistance, room upgrades, and the availability of unique experiences. These value-added services can greatly enhance your vacation experience.

Vacation clubs have revolutionized the way people travel, offering an array of benefits that cater to the needs of frequent travelers and those seeking exceptional vacation experiences. With a vacation club membership, you gain access to a vast network of properties, discounted rates, personalized service, and exclusive perks that make each trip a memorable one. Whether you desire a beachfront escape in Lake Tahoe or a cultural expedition in a far-flung location, vacation clubs provide the keys to unlocking a world of travel opportunities while saving you money and ensuring your peace of mind. So, don’t miss out on the countless benefits offered by vacation clubs; start searching for the right club that aligns with your travel aspirations and embark on a journey filled with incredible adventures, unforgettable memories, and the assurance that you’ll always arrive home safely with a clear plus membership.

We provide full-scale planning and concierge services. Our travel adventurers get private, unique, authentic, and luxurious travel experiences hand-picked by our travel advisors. It’s an unparalleled service that makes traveling fun and worthwhile.

Occasions travel concierge is  for the discerning lifestyle traveler. Luxury travel concierge services have grown the last two decades and are pushing the travel agents to the brink of the travel industry. Our travel agents and travel concierge service have representatives that speak in 22 different languages.

The concierge industry works round the clock 24/7 for customer convenience. Concierges take the time to understand their customers at a deeper level. Customer knowledge guides services to be given creatively for positive experiences, value for money, and in accordance with the lifestyle of the customer. Join now to start enjoying your member travel privileges.

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Best offers.

As a travel club member we can help relieve some of the stress of planning your travel with our professional travel concierge services.  Our experts will share ideas and tours that most people don’t even know exist.  You can have confidence that you’re getting the best offers on price and services as a travel club member. Start using your member travel privileges.

We love to serve our members

Why join & book with us.

Occasion Travel Concierge Club members have access to appointed Travel Concierge. Your Concierge is a destination expert who is available to you & always ready to help you make the most of each vacation. Working closely with you and your family or guests, your Concierge will help you plan your vacation, creating your individualized itinerary for each Travel Club experience so all your arrangements are in place before you even arrive. Creating moments that matter, within every members budget, while delivering a world class experience is what separates the Occasion Travel Club from others in the industry. Join today and start using your member travel priviledges.

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Beyond premium lounges, explore a world of exclusive advantages. Refuel, relax and unwind with a variety of additional benefits to enhance your experience both within and beyond the airport.

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Important changes to Delta Comfort+™

Delta Comfort+ is an option for booking along with Main Cabin and First Class for travel within the U.S. 50 and Canada. Effective May 21,2016 for travel departing on or after September 19, 2016, Delta Comfort+ will also be available in booking for select flights to and from the Asia Pacific and Latin America/Caribbean regions.This means now it's even easier to secure a seat in Delta Comfort+™. For award travel reservations, please make sure to select Delta Comfort+™ directly from Flight Results as you will be unable to select it in the seat map.

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Delta Comfort+ is an option for booking along with Main Cabin and First Class for travel within the U.S. 50 and Canada. Effective May 21,2016 for travel departing on or after September 19, 2016, Delta Comfort+ will also be available in booking for select flights to and from the Asia Pacific and Latin America/Caribbean regions. To enjoy extra legroom, Sky Priority® boarding access and complimentary beer, wine, & spirits, select the upgrade banner below and continue with your purchase.

Important Changes to Delta Comfort+™

Because Delta Comfort+™ is now a separate fare, the upgrade policy has changed. Similar to First Class, Medallion members are eligible for complimentary upgrades if they opt in. Upgrade preferences can be managed in My Trips.

Based on availability, Diamond and Platinum members are eligible to receive a complimentary upgrade at any point after they have opted in. Gold Medallion members may receive an upgrade within 72 hours of departure, and within 24 hours for Silver Medallion members. Upgrades are automatic, and customers will be notified via email.

Delta Comfort+ is an option for booking along with Main Cabin and First Class for travel within the U.S. 50 and Canada. Effective May 21,2016 for travel departing on or after September 19, 2016, Delta Comfort+ will also be available in booking for select flights to and from the Asia Pacific and Latin America/Caribbean regions.Complimentary upgrades to Delta Comfort+™ are still available for eligible customers. To ensure that you are placed in the queue for a complimentary Delta Comfort+™ or First Class upgrade, please check the box(es) in the Request Upgrade section below.

Delta Comfort+ is an option for booking along with Main Cabin and First Class for travel within the U.S. 50 and Canada. Effective May 21,2016 for travel departing on or after September 19, 2016, Delta Comfort+ will also be available in booking for select flights to and from the Asia Pacific and Latin America/Caribbean regions. To book a seat in Delta Comfort+™ please return to the Flight Results page. You may also complete your purchase and upgrade your itinerary in My Trips at a later date.

Delta Comfort+ is an option for booking along with Main Cabin and First Class for travel within the U.S. 50 and Canada. Effective May 21,2016 for travel departing on or after September 19, 2016, Delta Comfort+ will also be available in booking for select flights to and from the Asia Pacific and Latin America/Caribbean regions.To enjoy extra legroom, Sky Priority® boarding access and complimentary beer, wine, & spirits, select the upgrade banner below to upgrade your itinerary.

Delta Comfort+ is an option for booking along with Main Cabin and First Class for travel within the U.S. 50 and Canada. Effective May 21,2016 for travel departing on or after September 19, 2016, Delta Comfort+ will also be available in booking for select flights to and from the Asia Pacific and Latin America/Caribbean regions. The option to purchase Delta Comfort+™ may not be available on all flights.

Delta Comfort+ is an option for booking along with Main Cabin and First Class for travel within the U.S. 50 and Canada. Effective May 21,2016 for travel departing on or after September 19, 2016, Delta Comfort+ will also be available in booking for select flights to and from the Asia Pacific and Latin America/Caribbean regions. This means it's now even easier to secure a seat in Delta Comfort+™. For award travel reservations, please select Delta Comfort+™ directly from Flight Results.

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Join or renew

Memberships include access to nearly 50 Admirals Club ® lounges and more than 60 partner lounges worldwide.

You must have an AAdvantage ® account to get an Admirals Club ® membership.

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2 ways to get a membership

Buy an annual membership.

With an annual membership, you (and up to 2 guests) get access to more than 100 Admirals Club ® lounges and partner lounges worldwide.

Where to buy:

• In any Admirals Club ® location

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Enjoy a complimentary Admirals Club® membership

Earn 70,000 bonus miles. Plus, enjoy a complimentary Admirals Club ® membership (a value of up to $850) and get a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit with the Citi ® / AAdvantage ® Executive World Elite Mastercard ® . Terms apply.

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One-Day Pass

Experience the Admirals Club ® lounge for the first time or come back and visit with a One-Day Pass.

• Buy online and at select locations for $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage ® miles
• Domestic and international Admirals Club ® locations (based on lounge capacity)
• Excludes clubs that are currently closed

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If you’re an AAdvantage ® member buying a pass for yourself, log in with your AAdvantage ® account number and password.

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• One-Day Passes may be activated by entering an Admirals Club ® within 12 months of purchase. Once activated, the pass may be used for 24 hours.
• One-Day Pass holder must show a boarding pass for same-day travel on any departing or arriving flight that is marketed or operated by American or marketed and operated by any one world ® airline.
• One-Day Passes purchased online are currently non-transferable and must contain the name of the guest intending to use the pass for entry into the Admirals Club ® lounge.
• Up to 3 children under 18 are included with each purchase (children must be accompanied by an adult).

Admirals Club ® terms and conditions

Membership rates are based on your AAdvantage ® status when you buy. Members can renew up to 90 days before or up to 30 days after expiration. You’ll still pay the renewal rate, and your original expiration date will stay the same.

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If you check the ‘Automatic renewal’ box just before you pay, your membership will automatically renew, and you agree to be charged the applicable renewal rate annually until you opt out.

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You can add your spouse or domestic partner to your membership, or upgrade your individual membership to a household membership anytime. Here’s how:

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Westgate Cruise & Travel Collection

Your Westgate Cruise & Travel Collection membership includes enrollment in the Westgate Cruise and Travel Collection which allows special access to thousands of low-cost, high-quality resorts and hotels worldwide, all-inclusive cruises and extraordinary vacation packages that can be customized to suit your needs.

So whether your travel plans have you dreaming of a romantic getaway to a fabulous beachfront resort, or an all-inclusive family cruise with your favorite Luxury Cruise Line – your membership in the Westgate Travel Club and the Westgate Cruise & Travel Collection can easily make these vacations a reality.

Call to Learn More!

US: 1-800-875-1817 INT'L: 1-407-355-1215

How to Increase your Travel Savings Credits:

When you first purchased your Travel Club Membership, Travel Savings Credits were automatically added to your account as a form of payment towards vacation travel. Learn more at WestgateCruiseandTravel.com

Earn even more credits when you:

Pay your annual membership fee on time.

Book a flight or car rental- (Earn: $100 in Savings Credits with each reservation)

Deposit any portion of your non-Westgate timeshare week- (Earning: up to $1,750)

Surprise Promos - Open your emails for a chance to earn up to $500 annually as surprise gifts

Need more Travel Savings Credits, no worries, purchase additional Travel Savings Credits at our discounted rate. Simply call us at 1-800-875-1817 .

How can Family & Friends use Travel Club Benefits?

Grant them access to the same great savings and benefits you enjoy. You will also earn Travel Savings Credits when THEY book flights and car rentals while they enjoy the same great savings!

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With an initiation fee starting at $20k, private wine and travel club The Vines takes members around the globe to sip rare vintages, learn the art of blending and even create a personal barrel complete with 25 cases and bespoke labels.

By Elycia Rubin

Elycia Rubin

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Pulling a prized bottle of, say, a 2018 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon out of the cellar to relish with friends can be thrilling. But think about the bragging rights of pouring your own blend, which you personally crafted at a famed winery in the heart of Tuscany or in the hills of Argentina.

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Over three or four days you’ll stroll vineyards, gain inside knowledge about the craft, inhale the enchanting aromas inside renowned barrel rooms and sip treasured wines. Members also have the option of creating their own personal barrel (25 cases, priced from $6,000-$40,000), which will be bottled, adorned with a bespoke label and shipped to your home after maturation. Intimate and masterfully executed, these “Blending Escapes” are the pinnacle of wine-tasting bliss for any oenophile.

“Through The Vines, we share winemaking experiences with others who are passionate about wine and the cultural and travel experiences that accompany it,” founder and CEO Michael Evans tells THR . “Drinking wines from a region, with the people who make them, and enjoying the unique foods of each locale is an unparalleled experience.”

Studded with culturally rich activities designed to deeply connect members with each region thanks to the meaningful relationships Evans and his team have cultivated, excursions are carefully curated. In addition to the deep dive with winemakers, expect dinners at off-the-beaten path cafés and trattorias, bountiful lunches set on sprawling vineyards, cooking classes with revered chefs, and gatherings with resident authors and artists.

Current destinations where members can globetrot and vine hop include: Priorat, Spain; Mosel, Germany; the Champagne and Burgundy regions of France; Mendoza, Argentina; Oregon’s Willamette Valley; Duoro Valley, Portugal; Napa Valley; Sicily; and Piemonte, Italy.

South Africa, Bordeaux and Georgia in Eastern Europe are currently being plotted for 2025. Plenty of scintillating activities are forthcoming as well, to include truffle hunting in Tuscany, clamming on the Oregon coast, and making one’s own perfume in Spain.

Those who are yearning to delve further into the terroir and grow their own grapes, literally, have the option to purchase an acre of mature vineyards in Argentina at The Vines of Mendoza for $120,000, plus additional farming fees. “Winemaking is a la carte and starts at $4 per bottle,” says Evans, who also owns The Vines Resort & Spa , the private vineyard’s sleek retreat delivering majestic views of the Andes Mountains and surrounding vines.

A version of this story first appeared in the April 10 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe .

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THE 10 BEST Moscow Health/Fitness Clubs & Gyms

Health/fitness clubs & gyms in moscow.

• Health/Fitness Clubs & Gyms
• Yoga & Pilates
• Hammams & Turkish Baths
• Roman Baths
• Thermal Spas
• Hair & Nail Salons
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• District Central (TsAO)
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• Garden Ring
• District Northern (SAO)
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. ThaiBeautySpa

2. Limestone

3. Royal Thai Pokrovka

4. Swimming Pool Chaika

5. Lay Back Massage Club

6. Wai Thai Michurino

7. Cosmos Spa

8. Fitness Club Miltronic

9. Pride Club Fitness

10. Usadba Bannaya

11. Spa Algotherm

12. Grand Fitness

13. Galotsentr Solyanaya Peshhera

14. VITASPORT Wellness Club

15. Usadba Bannaya

16. I N T U ' T I O N 2/05

17. city fitness.

18. Novorizhskiye Baths

19. Vital Practice University

20. Rock The Cycle

21. Fresh Stretching

22. Massage and Health Center Il de Provane

23. Encore City

24. Fitness Center Mark Avreliy

25. LifeCity Venecia

26. Boxing Academy

27. salt cave salegrotte.

29. Art of Pilates

Districts [ edit ]

Central Moscow districts [ edit ]

Outlying districts [ edit ], understand [ edit ].

Moscow is the financial and political centre of Russia and the countries formerly comprising the Soviet Union. It has a population of around 13 million and an area of 2,511 square kilometres (970 sq mi) after an expansion in 2012. One-tenth of all Russian citizens live in the Moscow metropolitan area. Moscow is the second most populous city in Europe, after Istanbul , and has the most populous metropolitan area in Europe, with some 21 million residents. Moscow is in the UTC+3 time zone; there is no daylight saving time.

Many years since the break up of the Soviet Union, the economy has improved, and the modern era has brought upon a wide variety of construction projects, modern architecture and newer transport systems replacing the derelict ones during Soviet times.

Geography [ edit ]

Moscow is a large metropolis on the Moskva River, which bends its way through the city. The historical center is on the northern bank of the river. The other major waterway is the Yauza River, which flows into the Moskva east of the Kremlin.

Much of Moscow's geography is defined by the 3 'Ring Roads' that circle the city at various distances from the centre, roughly following the outline of the walls that used to surround Moscow. With Red Square and the Kremlin forming the very centre, the innermost ring road is the Boulevard Ring ( Bulvarnoye Koltso ), built in the 1820s where the 16th century walls used to be. It runs from the Christ the Savior Cathedral in south-west central Moscow, to the mouth of the Yauza in south-east central Moscow.

The next ring road, the Garden Ring ( Sadovoe Koltso ), derives its name from the fact that landowners near the road in Tsarist times were obligated to maintain gardens to make the road attractive. In Soviet times, the road was widened, and there are now no gardens there.

The Third Ring Road, completed in 2004, is not much use for tourists but is a heavily used motorway which absorbs a bit of Moscow's traffic. It roughly follows the outline of Kamer-Kollezhsky val , the customs boundary of Moscow in the 18th – early 20th century. The outer edge of Moscow is largely defined by the Moscow Ring Road (widely known by its abbreviation: MKAD-Moskovskaya kolcevaya avto doroga), a motorway which is 108 km (67 mi) long and encircles the entire city (similar to London's M25 and Paris' Périphérique ).

Climate [ edit ]

The climate of Moscow features warm summers and long, cold winters.

Get in [ edit ]

See Russia#Get in for visa requirements to Russia.

By train [ edit ]

Moscow is a railway hub, with connections to all parts of Russia and far into Europe and Asia. Due to its hub status, Moscow's train stations are often crowded; trains are the usual form of intercity transport for most Russians. The stations have a reputation for being unsafe but paradoxically the threat of terrorism has improved things: security gates, policing and surveillance deter the casual thugs and villains. Guard your valuables and yourself as you would in any big city.

All long-distance trains are operated by Russian Railways and its subsidiaries, except for a few international trains with other operators. Tickets can be bought at stations or online . For domestic trains, you can show the ticket officer your online boarding pass; however, international trains require a printed ticket. There are usually ticket counters with English-speaking personnel - they may be marked as such, or the clerk may direct you to another counter if they can't cope with your English. See Russia#By train 2 for more details on travelling in Russia by train.

From Europe [ edit ]

All trains from Europe halted since 2020

Train stations in Moscow [ edit ]

Moscow has 10 train stations, 9 of which are near metro stations close to the center of Moscow. Be sure to note the station from which your train is departing, which will be indicated on the ticket, or online . Three stations ( Leningradsky , Yaroslavsky , and Kazansky ) are on one huge square, informally known as the "Three Stations' Square". A running joke among Moscow taxi drivers since the Soviet times is to be able to pick up a fare from one of them to the other, taking the unwary tourist on an elaborate ride in circles. Be prepared for enormous queues trying to enter or exit the Metro at peak times, as people are getting off or on the commuter trains.

By car [ edit ]

Many entry points to Moscow over the Ring Road and into the city feature rotating roadblocks, where teams of traffic police may stop a vehicle, especially if it is not featuring Moscow plates. You may be stopped and questioned but you'll be allowed to proceed if you have all the proper documents.

Foreign cars, especially expensive cars, might attract unwelcome attention, and there is cumbersome paperwork involved to enter Russia by car.

By boat [ edit ]

There is no scheduled passenger service to Moscow by boat; however, cruise ships do provide service to the Northern River Terminal, on the Moscow Canal near the Khimki Reservoir. The pier is not convenient to the city and it can take over 2 hours to reach the city centre by car.

A system of navigable channels and locks connects the Moskva River with the Volga River, which is further connected to the Baltic Sea , White Sea, the Azov, the Black Sea, and the Caspian Sea. In the Soviet times this allowed the official propaganda to refer to Moscow as "a port on the five seas".

By bicycle [ edit ]

Moscow is the easternmost destination of the EuroVelo cycling routes . Eurovelo Route 2 , the Capitals Route, is a 5,500 km (3,400 mi) route starting in Galway , Ireland , passing through Dublin , London , Berlin , Warsaw and Minsk before terminating in Moscow.

By metro [ edit ]

The Metro is open from 05:30-01:00. Station entrances are closed at 01:00, and at this time the last trains depart from all of the termini stations. After 01:00, many locals will enter the train station using the exits, which are still open. Service on the ring line runs until 01:30, although entrances are closed at 01:00. The down escalators are also shut off at 01:00.

There is signage in the Metro stations in English and the Latin alphabet, but these signs are not everywhere. Each train carriage has a map in Latin script and there is one near the entrance to each station. Note the direction of the train before you alight. It is worth printing a map of the metro system in both Cyrillic and Latin letters to take with you.

All trains in the system have free WiFi onboard, but you will need to have a Russian phone number to get the authorization code to access the WiFi. Some of the older train cars are not climate controlled.

2 or 3 stations may be connected as transfer points but will each have a different name. There are 2 stations called Smolenskaya and 2 stations called Arbatskaya , but the station pairs are not connected to each other despite having the same name. Some of the stations are very deep underground, and transfer times between certain metro lines can take a lot of time. In the city centre, it can save time to go directly to the above-ground entrance of the line you want to take rather than to enter at a connecting station and transfer underground. On the escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left except for peak hours, when standing on the left side is also allowed.

Some of the train stations include beautiful architecture and it is worth taking a guided tour of the metro system. The most interesting stations in terms of decor are Komsomolskaya (ring line), Novoslobodskaya (ring line), Kievskaya (ring line), Kropotkinskaya (Line #1 - red), Kievskaya (Line #3 - dark blue), Arbatskaya (Line #3 - dark blue), Ploschad' Revolyutsii (Line #3 - dark blue), Mayakovskaya (Line #2 - dark green). Also look at the architecture of the ground entrance building of Arbatskaya (Line #4 - light blue) and Krasnye Vorota (Line #1 - red). History buffs may appreciate that Metro Line #1 (red) has the oldest stations, opened in 1935.

The Vorobyovy Gory Metro Station on Line #1 (red) is unique in that it is on a bridge crossing the Moscow River. This bridge also carries auto traffic road on another level. There is a beautiful view through the transparent sides of the station. A great observing point around Moscow is located nearby on Vorobyovy hills, next to the main building of Lomonosov Moscow State University.

There are a couple of unique trains operating through the system and you will be lucky if you get to ride them. Aquarelle (Watercolor) is a train that includes an art gallery. The train operates daily on Line #3 (dark blue). The Sokolniki Retro Train is a train modeled after the original 1930s trains and it occasionally is placed into service, usually around a major anniversary of the metro system.

The metro is relatively safe, although pickpockets are a problem, as they are in any environment where a lot of people are pressed together. Opportunistic petty crime, such as snatching someone's mobile phone and jumping out just as the doors are closing, is also commonplace. Take the usual precautions at night when gangs of inebriated teenagers may look for an excuse to beat someone up. There is no train guard or conductor, so the first car near the driver may be the safest. Every car is equipped with an intercom to the driver's cabin; they are beige boxes with a grill and a black button near doors, and mostly work, unless visibly vandalized.

By tram [ edit ]

There are several tram routes, although trams are not common in the city centre.

By monorail [ edit ]

Moscow Monorail is a 4.7 km (2.9 mi) monorail line with 6 stations. It is slower, less frequent, and has shorter operating hours when compared with the metro (every 30 min, 08:00-20:00). However, the view is picturesque. It is useful to get to the Ostankino Tower, or to get to the VDNKh exhibition centre from Metro Line #9 (silver). Interchanges between Moscow Metro and Monorail is free, no additional fee will be charged.

By hop-on-hop-off bus [ edit ]

The hop-on-hop-off bus is a convenient way for tourists to see the major sights quickly and efficiently. The buses feature English-speaking guides to answer any questions. A 1 day pass costs $24 for adults and $15 for children.

See [ edit ]

Do [ edit ].

Moscow has many attractions, but many of them are not friendly to a non-Russian-speaker. English-language newspapers like The Moscow Times , Element [dead link] , Moscow News and others can help to navigate towards English-language friendly attractions and services.

Circuses [ edit ]

Theatres [ edit ].

• Bolshoi Theatre , one of the oldest and best known ballet and opera companies in the world.

Learn [ edit ]

Moscow remains the educational center of Russia and the former USSR. There are 222 institutes of higher education, including 60 state universities & 90 colleges. Some of these offer a wide-spectrum of programs, but most are centered around a specific field. This is a hold-over from the days of the USSR, when Sovietwide there were only a handful of wide-spectrum "universities" and a large number of narrow-specialization "institutes" (mostly in Moscow & St.Petersburg). Moscow offers some of the best business/management, science, & arts schools in the world. Moscow is also a popular destination for foreign students to learn Russian.

Work [ edit ]

You will need a work visa which is not an easy process. The visa needs to be arranged well in advance of traveling. It is possible to work in Moscow, you just need to find a good company to support you. The main obstacle for many foreigners will be a mandatory Russian language exam required to obtain a work permit.

Shopping malls [ edit ]

Large shopping malls are common near metro stations.

Tipping [ edit ]

For information on tipping in restaurants, see Russia#Eat .

Ethnic food [ edit ]

Authentic ethnic food from countries of the nearby Caucasus ( Azerbaijan , Georgia , Armenia ) is common in Moscow. Japanese food, including sushi, rolls, tempura, and steakhouses are very popular in Moscow. Other Asian cuisines including Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese are becoming increasingly more common.

Budget [ edit ]

Street food [ edit ].

Free-standing kiosks serving sausages, meat pies, or kebobs are plentiful, although the origins of the meat served is questionable and the food has been known to occasionally make people sick.

Muscovites are also fond of their ice cream, consumed in any weather, even in the dead of winter, cheap and usually of superior quality; kiosks can be found all over the center and near all Metro stations.

Foodcourts 2.0 [ edit ]

This term is used in articles by local food critics: since 2016, several special food courts were opened with independent and small food chains, for those people who get bored of McDonald's-like food. They offer a wider choice of cuisines.

Clubs [ edit ]

Nightlife in Moscow is bustling, intense and exciting. It starts quite late; it's common for the headliners to start at 02:00-02:00. Most noticeable are areas near Solyanka street and Krasniy Oktyabr' place. At summer time a lot of clubs opening open-air terraces called "verandas". Most of clubs in Moscow are very picky of who they let in, so make sure you have a positive attitude and dress up if you are going to a fancy club.

Gazgolder [dead link] (not far from Kremlin) is among the best.

Cafes [ edit ]

Moscow has several café chains with great coffee including Coffeemania and Coffee Bean [dead link] . Moscow also has a good selection of tea saloons. High-quality infusion teas such as Newby, are widely available in cafes, both in packets and loose.

Asking to add boiling water to the tea you ordered earlier is a practice that some cafes don't welcome, but normally it's acceptable.

Sleep [ edit ]

Stay safe [ edit ].

Moscow enjoys a relatively low crime rate.

Drunk people are the most likely sources of problems. In the past years, lots of policemen were corrupt, and it was best to avoid them. Nowadays Moscow has a Tourist Police force, whose officers are able to speak foreign languages and help tourists. Police officers are equipped with body-cameras.

It is preferable to avoid some parts of the outer districts of Moscow, especially in the south. Some of those areas are notorious for gopniks (drunkards notorious for muggings and starting fights with strangers, and will do so seemingly unprovoked), who normally hang out in sparse residential areas and in industrial zones. The same problems can be witnessed in the surrounding regions and in other Russian cities as well.

While traveling in Moscow, as in the rest of Russia, you should always have your passport with you. If you look non-white, your papers may get checked more often than otherwise. The police may demand to see your papers to check if you have been registered within 7 business days of your arrival into Moscow. Always remember that if you stay in a hotel then you are automatically registered and will be handed a confirmation paper at a time of check-in, so don't worry in this case. The police are usually looking for migrants from Central Asia and unless you fit this profile, you are unlikely to be questioned.

Women should take caution walking alone late at night since they may receive unwanted attention from drunk men. Women should also stay clear of large companies of men in front of bars, restaurants, etc. It is best to walk with a friend if possible.

Streets can become very slippery in winter. Wear shoes or, even better, boots with decent grip to prevent twisted ankles. Ice patches can be hard to spot. A waterproof raincoat is also sensible.

Traffic is poorly handled, and vehicle accident rates are very high.

If you need help with translation, ask students or pupils: younger people are more likely to be able to help you than the older generations.

Connect [ edit ]

For information on using telephones and buying SIM cards in Russia, see Russia#Connect .

Mobile Internet is quite affordable in Russia, but you have to buy Russian SIM-card first.

Wireless Internet [ edit ]

Moscow Metro has Wi-Fi in all trains. It is ad-supported.

Mosgortrans has Wi-Fi spots on every bus, trolleybus and tram. Also sometimes you can find Wi-Fi spot on a public transport stop.

Beeline Wi-Fi [dead link] operates the largest network of both paid and free Wi-Fi access points. If there is a charge, you can pay online via credit card.

There is a large network of free Wi-Fi hotspots in the city centre; check your device in the middle of a busy area and you may find one.

Many cafes and restaurants offer Wi-Fi - ask for password. Most bookstores offer free Wi-Fi, including "Dom Knigi" on New Arbat Street or "Respublika" bookstore on Tverskaya near Mayakovskaya Metro Station.

Some establishments that offer free Wi-Fi may require you to verify an authorization code sent to a Russian phone number before gaining access, but for the most part, foreign numbers also work as of 2016.

Cope [ edit ]

Embassies [ edit ].

Moscow is one of the global diplomatic capitals, competing with Berlin , Brussels , Beijing , Paris , London , Tokyo and Washington D.C. . Most of the world's countries have their embassies in the city.

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